USB Updates

 We talked with Jeff Ravencraft, president of the USB Implementers Forum at IDF to get an update on the latest version of USB. A year after its introduction, there are over 265 products certified to meet the new requirements, and will be native in the Ivy Bridge APU when it comes out next year.

USB 3.0, also called Super Speed USB, offers up to 10 times the performance of 2.0, has faster sync and go to minimize wait time, and uses one third of the power of 2.0. All of this is in an interface that is fully backwards with all previous versions of the specification. Currently, all devices are tested within the USB-IF internal labs, but third party test facilities will be coming on-line in the future. Microsoft in Windows 8 and Google Android will support 3.0 devices.

One of the newest iterations of the spec will be to add new power delivery capabilities. The new specification will enable delivery of more power via the familiar USB connectors and cables, and will coexist with the USB Battery Charging 1.2 specification and existing USB bus-powered applications. Key characteristics of the forthcoming USB Power Delivery solution include: Compatible with existing cables and connectors; Enables voltage and current values to be negotiated over the USB power
Pins; Enables higher voltage and current in order to deliver power up to 100W; Switchable source of power delivery without changing cable direction; Coexists with USB Battery Charging 1.2 and works equally well with both USB 2.0 and USB 3.0

The new spec will be open for review later this year, with final approvals and publications next year. Delivering 100 W will require new cables to handle the additional current. In the same vein, the EU has established a requirement that all portable electronics be rechargeable with a USB connector. Go to : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E07ReXG4ims to see how they are positioning this requirement.

Other changes and additions to the spec include the USB On-The-Go (OTG) 3.0 and Embedded Host supplement that enables chip-to-chip communications without a PC host processor. This allows mobile devices to use 3.0 peripherals. Other areas of interest include security issues and wireless USB. The organization is increasing its certification and branding activities to educate users and retailers on the benefits of the latest generation of devices. They have started ad campaigns in the Delta and United in-flight magazines to bring more attention to the 3.0 ecosystem.