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USB 3.1 Specification Announced by USB 3.0 Promoter Group

By Wong Chung Wee - on 2 Aug 2013, 10:19am

USB 3.1 Specification Announced by USB 3.0 Promoter Group

The USB 3.0 Promoter Group has announced the completion of the USB 3.1 specification. In January this year, they made known the enhancement to existing USB 3.0 technology that will effectively double its data transfer rate to 10Gbps.

(Image Source: USB-IF)

The main features of the new USB 3.1 specification are as follows:

  • New 10Gbps USB data rate
  • Compatibility with existing cables and connectors
  • Improved data encoding for more efficient data transfer leading to higher throughput and improved I/O power efficiency
  • Compatible with existing USB 3.0 software stacks and device class protocols
  • Compatible with both existing 5Gbps hubs and devices, as well as USB 2.0 products

However, as noted by Ars Technica, it may be a while before USB 3.1 ports are available as hardware manufacturers will need some time to integrate the new USB 3.1 controllers into their devices. Drawing a comparison with the USB 3.0 standard, it may take as long as three to four years before the new USB 3.1 ports and their accompanying devices become commonly available. Details of its technical implementation will be released at the web site of the USB Implementers Forum. For the official press release, please click here.

(Source: USB-IF via Ars Technica)

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