[LINK] Now, USB v3.1 .. 10Gps also 100 watts

[stephen at melbpc.org.au]

http://www.arnnet.com.au/article/522634/usb_will_soon_catch_up_thunderbolt_
10gbps_speeds


After five years, the ubiquitous SuperSpeed Universal Serial Bus (USB) 
communications protocol got a huge upgrade this week with a new 
specification that more than doubles its speed.

This latest release of the specification, version 3.1, is available now for 
download by developers from the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) website.

USB 3.1 jumps I/O throughput (on paper) from 4.8Gbps to 10 Gbps, bringing 
it on par with another specification Intel developed, Thunderbolt.

The new USB 3.1 spec is fully backward compatible with USB 3.0 connectors 
and cables, software stacks and device class protocols, as well as with 
existing 5Gbps hubs and devices and USB 2.0 products.

Separately, the first USB Power Delivery specification -- it would boost 
from 10 watts to 100 watts the power across Power Delivery-certified USB 
cables -- is also being tested by equipment developers.

"The intention being that we want to extend the USB charging benefits that 
phones get today to notebook computers and higher power peripherals," an 
Intel spokesman said via email to Computerworld.

Both the SuperSpeed 3.1 and the USB Power Delivery specification 
initiatives are in the implementation enabling phase where the functional 
components for each are being developed and component suppliers are working 
with platform and peripheral manufacturers, the spokesman said.

"While some products sporting these latest technologies are potentially 
going to reach the market next year, 2015 is when both will likely gain a 
more measurable impact," he added.

Intel could not say which peripheral suppliers are actually developing 
products using the USB 3.1 specification. The spokesman said Intel has seen 
"very strong interest," with more than 100 companies involved in the spec 
development and review process.

"At the initiative level, we are working diligently toward having the 
associated certification process in place for products that could ship in 
late 2014," he said.

"We recognize this advancement in USB technology is an important 
development for our customers," said Tom Bonola, CTO for Hewlett-Packard's 
Business PC Solutions Group. 

"The USB 3.1 Specification enables us to meet the growing needs of our 
customers for faster data transfer while maintaining backwards 
compatibility with existing
devices."

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