USB 3.0: What You Need To Know About SuperSpeed USB

USB 1.0 and USB 2.0 are serial bus standards that connect devices to computer systems. Most users probably know USB from devices like external hard drives, keyboards, mice but also mobile devices which are usually connected via USB to computer systems these days. USB 2.0, also known as Hi-Speed USB, was the first upgrade to the USB standard in April 2000 which delivered faster transfer speeds. The transfer speed rose from 12 Mbit / s for USB 1.0 devices to 480 Mbit / s for USB 2.0 devices.

SuperSpeed USB, which was demonstrated for the first time in 2007 will advance the serial bus standard once again. Transfer speeds have been raised to a speed of 5 Gbit / s which improves data transfer speeds tremendously. To copy a 25 Gigabyte file USB 1.0 needed 9.03h, USB 2.0 13.09 minutes and USB 3.0 1.10 minutes. USB 3.0 receptacles are backwards compatible with USB 2.0 device plugs which basically means that computer users can still connect their USB 2.0 or USB 1.0 devices into a computer system supporting USB 3.0.

Another interesting addition to USB 3.0 are power saving features which were especially designed for mobile devices. Packet traffic is no longer being broadcasted to the USB device which reduces its power usage. Additional power saving features like idle, sleep and suspend states have been added to USB 3.0 as well. A device entering sleep mode will practically be left alone by USB 3.0 Hosts until itself initiates a device mode change. The power specs have been increased on the other hand to be able to provide devices (like external hard drives) with additional power for their operation.

First devices that make use of USB 3.0 are expected in 2009 but the main push towards USB 3.0 is expected to begin in 2010.

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Tags: computer, hi-speed usb, pc, superspeed usb, universal serial bus, usb, usb 2.0, usb 3.0
Categories: Hardware

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6 Responses to “USB 3.0: What You Need To Know About SuperSpeed USB”

1. Paulus says:

   May 1, 2009 at 4:28 pm

   Optimizing Your USB (3.0) Drive with http://www.zenosys.com/mirror/usb.html

   And even more than before you need protection from autorun.
   http://www.sputnik70.narod.ru/usb_en.html

   Reply
2. Taco says:

   May 2, 2009 at 6:22 am

   What will they call USB 4.0 “SuperDuperSpeed USB”

   Reply
3. smilingman says:

   May 2, 2009 at 8:58 am

   The naming is ridiculous, I just hope that they enforce the standard this time and make sure all devices support the spec’s fully.
   They messed up the release of USB 2 and add Hi-Speed to clarify the devices that fully supported the spec’s.

   Reply

Trackbacks/Pingbacks

1. USB 3.0 – What You Should Know ~ Revelations From An Unwashed Brain says:

   May 1, 2009 at 4:55 pm

   [...] ghacks.net USB 1.0 and USB 2.0 are serial bus standards that connect devices to computer systems. Most users [...]

   Reply
2. Tek Hype » USB 3.0 Super Speed says:

   May 2, 2009 at 5:58 am

   [...] USB 3.0 are expected in 2009 but the main push towards USB 3.0 is expected to begin in 2010.  Read More (No Ratings Yet)  Loading [...]

   Reply
3. Lo que hay que saber sobre el USB 3.0 says:

   May 22, 2009 at 12:04 am

   [...] Vía: Ghacks [...]

   Reply