USB4

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USB4, also called Universal Serial Bus 4, is the most recent technical specification of the USB data communication standard. The USB Implementers Forum originally announced USB4 several years ago.

USB4 enables multiple devices to share a single high-speed data link dynamically. USB4 defines bit rates of 20 Gbit/s, 40 Gbit/s and 80 Gbit/s. USB4 is only defined for USB-C connectors, and its Type-C specification regulates the connector, cables and also power delivery features across all uses of USB-C cables.

The USB4 standard is backward compatible with USB 3 and USB 2.0. USB4 is based on the Thunderbolt 3 protocol; however, it is different enough that backward compatibility with Thunderbolt 3 is optional for many device types. Compared to USB4, Thunderbolt provided a way to share bandwidth between multiple DP and PCIe connections over a single cable. Thunderbolt was originally only backward compatible with DP connections and did not support power transfer.

The introduction of the Type-C connector provided a connector that could support USB data connectivity and power transfer as well as DP connections. It also allowed the static sharing of bandwidth between DP and USB connections over the same cable. Thunderbolt 3 adopted the new Type-C connector and also added backward compatibility for USB connections and power transfer features.

USB4 Version 1.0, titled USB4, was announced in 2019 by the USB Promoter Group. The USB Promoter Group mentions that USB4 is based on the Thunderbolt™ protocol specification recently contributed by Intel Corporation. The goals stated in the USB4 specification are increasing bandwidth, helping to converge the USB-C connector ecosystem, and minimizing end-user confusion. Some of the key areas to achieve this are using a single USB-C connector type to offer display and data transfer features while remaining adaptable to Thunderbolt products.

USB4 Version 1.0 defined 20 Gbit/s and 40 Gbit/s connections, the required support of USB 2.0 and USB 3.x connections at up to 10 Gbit/s with support for tunneling connections according to the PCIe 4.0, USB 3.2 and DP 1.4a specifications. Optional backward compatibility to Thunderbolt 3, as well as Host-to-Host networking, was also defined.

Compared to Thunderbolt 3, USB4 also added support for USB3 tunnels and use of the USB2 wires for improved backwards compatibility with previous USB standards and to allow for simpler USB4 devices without support for PCIe. USB4 also added support for hub topologies compared to Thunderbolt’s previous restriction to daisy-chaining topology.

In July 2020, Intel announced Thunderbolt 4 as an implementation of USB4 40 Gbit/s with additional requirements, such as mandatory backward compatibility to Thunderbolt 3 and the requirement for smaller notebooks to support being charged over Thunderbolt 4 ports. Publications such as Anandtech described Thunderbolt 4 as a “super-set of TB3&USB4” and able to accept TB4, TB3, USB4, and USB 3/2/1 connections. Intel itself describes Thunderbolt 4 as delivering increased minimum performance requirements, expanded capabilities and USB4 specification compliance and as building on the innovation of Thunderbolt 3.

In 2022, the USB4 Version 2.0 specification was released by the USB Promoter Group. It added a new transmission speed that allows 80 Gbit/s symmetric connections or asymmetric connections supporting 120 Gbit/s in one direction and 40 Gbit/s in the other. It also upgraded the support of DP tunnels to DP 2.1, allowing the tunneling of DP connections with up to 80 Gbit/s.

In 2023, Intel announced the launch of Thunderbolt 5 as an implementation of USB4, using the new abilities of 80 Gbit/s connections and updated DP support. Intel’s press release describes it as built on industry standards.

Similarly to USB3, the USB4 specification describes 2 different aspects. The first one is what type of existing connections and compatibility that a USB4 port guarantees. The USB4 specification speaks of downstream-facing ports and upstream-facing ports rather than host and peripheral ports. Downstream facing ports include host ports as well as any outputs of a USB4 hub. While upstream-facing ports include anything that can be connected to a downstream-facing port, like the ports of peripherals or the input port of a USB4 hub.

Every USB4 port must support the USB4 protocol, which is a distinct standard to establish USB4 links between USB4 devices that exist in parallel to previous USB protocols.

Accordingly, single-hop tunnels require specific support in each USB4 router to support even passing them through to further USB4 routers. End-to-end tunnels, however, only require specific support at the USB4 router where the data is ingested into the tunnel and at the target, the point where the tunnel ends.

A USB4 tunnel itself is virtual and need not conform to any fixed bandwidth or other limitations that stem from the Electric layer of the underlying connection standard. But since most tunnel types will eventually be converted back to a regular, physical connection again, most of those physical limitations, like the max bandwidth, are still likely to apply in the end.

MOKiN USB4 Cable

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Featuring the latest PD3.1 technology and 48V/5A fast charging capability, the MOKiN USB4 Cable for Thunderbolt 4 power up your devices faster than ever with 240W. Ideal for high-powered laptops like the MacBook Pro, ensuring you stay productive without interruptions. This cable supports 40Gbps data transfer and 8K video output. 

Your device will also need to support PD 3.1 to gain the full benefit, but it is backward compatible with PD 3.0, so it will also work with 100W and lower devices.

The cable supports dual 4K or 5K@60Hz display to enjoy ultra crystal clear visual and audio quality. Enjoying an unprecedented visual feast, smooth and delay-free video editing, design work and immersive gaming experience.

The 6ft USB4 cable adopts the latest technology standard, providing up to 40Gbps data transmission speed, instantly transferring large video or other files and massive pictures.

It is made of high-quality material outer layer, which is resistant to bending and abrasion and undergoes rigorous testing to ensure that it will not be deformed in long-term use. The USB4 cable works with MacBook Pro/ MacBook, I Mac, Surface Book 2, pixels, HP Envy 13, Galaxy Book, Chromebook and more.

Thunderbolt 4 vs USB4

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Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 are very similar. While devices with USB4 are cheaper because of the lower requirements, you won’t get all the features available in Thunderbolt 4. So with regard to which one you should buy, it comes down to what you prefer.

If performance is a priority and cost isn’t a concern for you, consider Thunderbolt 4 devices. However, the USB4 cable is a good option if you’re searching for a more affordable option and fast transfer speeds aren’t necessary. Keep in mind that there are USB4 devices with high bandwidth and power delivery; therefore, make sure to double-check the specs.

Conclusion

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MOKiN integrates cutting-edge technology into its products to improve users’ charging experience, prolong product life, and protect your gadgets.

Introducing MOKiN USB4 cable, featuring the latest USB technology. Experience speeds of up to 40Gbps, providing the necessary bandwidth for high-resolution video, Power Delivery, and rapid data transfer—all through a single cable. It is backward compatible, supporting previous USB Type-C cables, including USB 3.2, USB 2.0, and Thunderbolt 3. Additionally, the cable has been certified for fire resistance, ensuring a safe and secure connection.

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