Meet the new USB naming that eliminates SuperSpeed

You have probably come across several issues involving the connection USB but I didn't know exactly what they meant. But now we are one step closer to clarifying this information even further. Recently, the European Parliament regulated that USB Type-C (USB-C) should be standard on the continent, and along with that, the USB-IF — USB Implementers Forum, the body responsible for organizing USB standards — also introduced the new USB nomenclature with changes that will indicate more information about connections. Look that!

Better understanding of the new nomenclature

The brand SuperSpeed ​​USB no longer exists because of a new set of guidelines being implemented by the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF), the body that manages and maintains the USB standard. It is part of a rebranding initiative, which the organization began last year, with the introduction of a new series of packaging, port and cable logos.

But with his latest set of branding and logo guidelines, he goes even further, simplifying his legacy brand and signaling the end of branding. SuperSpeed that lasted a decade. If the name doesn't grab attention, it's probably because you — like most other people — simply referred to it by its version number: USB 3. Just like USB-IF is also abandoning USB 4 as a brand aimed at the consumer.

The name change is coming soon and could start appearing on products and packaging as early as late 2022, according to USB-IF President and COO, Jeff Ravencraft. But all products that were certified before the change will still be able to use the old brands.

What consumers want to know — and what we've learned — are basically two things: what is the highest level of data performance the product can achieve? And what is the highest power level I can get or drive with this product. That's all they want to know.

Jeff Ravencraft, President and COO of USB-IF on the new changes

how to refer now

With the implementation of this change, instead of calling USB devices by a version number or vague name like “SuperSpeed”, USB-IF wants companies to use brands that reflect these all-important specifications. Check out some examples:SuperSpeed ​​USB 5 Gbps"and "SuperSpeed ​​USB 10 Gbps” now are just “USB 5Gbps"and "USB 10Gbps”, respectively, while “USB4 40Gbps"and "USB4 20Gbps" are becoming "USB 40Gbps"and "USB 20Gbps”. Simple and easy to understand.

the brand for cables USB-C certificates is also being updated. Instead of simply listing their data transfer speeds, cables also — for the most part — need to list the charging power they are capable of carrying. So a cable can't just be classified as a 40GB cable as in last year's guidelines, it will now also have to list a charging speed like 60W or 240W.

understanding the information

Data transmission

Regarding data transmission, the four columns represent, respectively: the name of that USB, the certification image, the port image and the device's loading image. In the first column are information about the transmission capacity of that model, the rest are images that will appear on the packaging.

Loading

Another variation is that of loading, through which it will be possible to find USB connectors for normal charging or fast charging. The respective image will appear on the packaging, showing whether that cable will charge at 240 W (for normal charging) or 100 W (for fast charging).

USB Type-C (USB-C)

Similar to data transmission cases, the current most usual way of connection, the USB-C, also underwent changes in nomenclature. The first column refers to the transmission capacity, followed by the second and third columns that represent, via image, information on the product packaging, such as speed (in GBs) and power (in Watts).

The new branding guidelines also don't exactly cover everything a USB cable can do. No information on resolutions or refresh rates if you need a cable that carries a video signal DisplayPort, nor is there anything that says how a cable can handle a signal PCIe, for example.

The logos are focused on USB-IF's own standards, such as USB Power Delivery. It also means they don't offer the same guarantees if you need support for a competing fast charging standard like Qualcomm Quick Charge. In short, the changes affect USB users in a different way. widespread, without much attention to those cases that are considered a little more specific.

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