The USB Implementers Forum introduces a faster USB variant and at the same time renames the latest existing standards.
As if the world of USB standards, especially after the introduction of USB-C, were not already complex enough, there is a retroactive name change. The reason is the introduction of the currently fastest standard USB 3.2 Gen 2×2, which achieves 20 Gbps and is thus on the level of Thunderbolt 2. However, the consortium thought that a further renaming of standards already on the market could make life even more interesting. Therefore the following names apply:
- USB 3.2 Gen 1 is a USB connection with 5 Gbps (previously called USB 3.1 Gen 1, previously USB 3.0)
- USB 3.2 Gen 2 is a USB connection with 10 Gbps (previously called USB 3.1 Gen 2, previously USB 3.1)
- USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 (formerly USB 3.2)
That makes the whole situation a bit confusing apart from the fact that only the nerd knew the difference between USB 3.1 Gen 1 and Gen 2 – sorry USB 3.2 Gen 1 and Gen 2 (you see, you just have to look at the generation information, works with 2×2 too).
Just remember Gen 1, Gen 2, 2×2.
The consortium proposes to use the marketing names SuperSpeed USB 5 Gpbs, SuperSpeed USB 10 Gpbs and SuperSpeed USB 20 Gpbs. It would have been easier to use USB 5, USB 10 and USB 20, or just the simple numbering like Thunderbolt. Anyway. Our tip: just pay attention to the latest generation information, it will clarify everything without having to remember the whole name. Since we are in the USB 3 universe anyway, the specifications Gen 1, Gen 2 and 2×2 (whereby 3 would have made more sense here too :D) are sufficient in principle.
