Universal Serial Bus (USB) connections have been the primary way to connect devices for the past 27 years, and have continued to evolve in form factor and efficiency. With the introduction of USB4®, it incorporates some of the best features of the Intel Thunderbolt™ 4 standard to achieve a faster, better, and more standardized connection than any previous USB version.
Main Features of USB4
USB4 will be the connector of choice for a variety of needs, including faster data transfer, ultra-high-definition display connections, traditional USB device connections, and device charging. Its main features include:
. Built around the USB-C connector, it supports forward and reverse plugging, without the need to flip the cable like USB-A.
. USB4 V1 version has an upstream transfer speed of up to 40Gbps, and V2 version has a speed of up to 80Gbps.
. Supports up to 100W of power delivery to charge a laptop or power a monitor while ensuring maximum charging efficiency for all devices.
. A single display cable can handle dual 4K monitors or a single 8K monitor.
. Backward compatible with all previous USB versions (such as USB 3.2, USB 2.0) as well as Thunderbolt 3 and 4.
. Dynamic bandwidth sharing function, able to accommodate more devices without affecting latency, suitable for professionals such as gamers, video editors, etc.
How to make the most of USB4-enabled laptops
With the emergence of a new generation of USB4-powered docks and peripherals, more and more USB4-enabled laptops and devices can be better utilized. For example, Purplelec released its TU001 USB4 portable dock, which is powerful enough to maximize the potential of USB4:
. Supports single 8K @ 60Hz or dual 4K when DSC is enabled (may not be applicable to some devices).
. Upstream transfer speeds of up to 40Gbps (30Gbps for video, 10Gbps for data).
. Supports up to 100W of power pass-through, without the need for an additional power brick.
. Provides a variety of ports, without the need for additional adapters.
. Supports Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4, and USB-C 3.2 devices running multiple operating systems.
. Works perfectly with a wide range of devices such as MacBooks with Apple Silicon, USB-C-based iPads, and more.
Comparison of USB4 and Thunderbolt 4
USB4 and Thunderbolt 4 are quickly becoming connection standards, but there are some key differences between the two:
. In terms of speed, the minimum speed requirement for USB4 is 20Gbps, while Thunderbolt 4 is 40Gbps (Intel is developing Thunderbolt technology that supports 80Gbps). The speed of USB4 devices may vary depending on the manufacturer's choice.
. In terms of power, the minimum power requirement for USB4 is 7.5W, while Thunderbolt 4 is 15W.
. In terms of connection, USB4 currently does not support daisy chain connection, while Thunderbolt 4 does.
Conclusion
USB4, as the next generation of USB, can transfer data in seconds, support multiple devices, charge quickly, and requires fewer connections. As technology continues to develop, companies such as Purplelec will continue to support innovative technologies and launch docking stations that support the latest USB4 and Thunderbolt specifications, providing professionals with solutions to improve work efficiency.
