A specification released in August 2019 by the USB Implementers Forum, USB4 is not a faster version of USB 3.x. Rather, USB4 tunnels USB 3.x, DisplayPort, PCIe®, and optional host-to-host traffic in one transport. USB4 docks and devices extract tunneled USB, PCIe, or DisplayPort traffic as needed.
Host-to-host tunneling enables 10Gbps network connection between two USB4 hosts. Tunneled PCIe enables “out-of-the-box” PCIe devices like NVMe storage, external graphic cards, AI accelerators, etc. to be easily connected to any USB4 host.
USB4 uses Type-C connector and cables, and allows power, data, video, and audio to co-exist, enabling a simple, one-cable docking station solution for laptops, etc. In addition, any legacy USB or DisplayPort product with a USB-C connector or the appropriate adapter cable will work with any USB4 port.
USB4 has its own protocol and error correction, and removes some of the legacy transport protocol overhead to increase available bandwidth. The USB4 host router manages bandwidth needs for the various tunneled traffic.
USB4 allows multiple tiers or layers for complex device trees. The USB4 device router routes tunneled traffic to the appropriate downstream ports and extracts tunneled traffic for its own use as needed.
Based on Thunderbolt technology that has been successfully deployed for more than a decade, USB4 has now become mainstream for most mid- and high-end laptops and desktops.
USB4 enables single cable, single connection for power, data, video, and audio. Here are some key benefits of the specification:
USB4 tunnels USB, DisplayPort, PCIe and optional host-to-host traffic.
Synopsys offers compliant USB4 PHY, USB4 host router, and USB4 device router IP along with USB4 Verification IP to ensure interoperability and successful adoption of the USB4 specification.
This white paper outlines the capabilities of USB4 Hosts, Hubs, Docks, and Devices with an emphasis on how end-user expectations drive the complexity of USB4 products.
Learn MoreThis white paper describes a flexible USB4-based IP solution for edge AI accelerators and SoCs.
Learn MoreAs the leading supplier of USB IP, Synopsys provides designers with a high-performance, low-power, and area-efficient IP solution, for cost-effective integration into system-on-chip designs.
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