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Documentation

USB guide

A summary of USB generations, speeds, cable rules, and how to read logos on cables and ports.

Generations & speeds

USB-IF publishes speed tiers and branding. The same physical USB-C connector can carry USB 2.0, 3.2, 4, Thunderbolt 3/4, DisplayPort Alt Mode, and USB PD. The electronics on each end determine what actually runs.

GenerationMarketing / logoSignaling rateCommon connectorsPractical notes
USB4USB4 (based on Thunderbolt 3 protocol)20 / 40 Gbit/sType-CTunneling of USB3, DisplayPort, PCIe. Feature set depends on device tier and cable (passive vs active).
USB 3.2 Gen 2×2SuperSpeed USB 20 Gbit/s20 Gbit/sType-C onlyUses extra high-speed lanes. Both link partners must support 2×2.
USB 3.2 Gen 2SuperSpeed USB 10 Gbit/s (was “USB 3.1 Gen 2”)10 Gbit/sType-C, Type-ACommon external SSDs and docks. Cable quality matters.
USB 3.2 Gen 1SuperSpeed USB 5 Gbit/s (was “USB 3.0 / 3.1 Gen 1”)5 Gbit/sType-A (blue), Type-CRequires SuperSpeed pairs. Many “charge-only” C cables lack them.
USB 2.0Hi-Speed USB480 Mbit/sType-A, Type-B, Micro-B, Type-CStill the default for many keyboards and chargers. Type-C may be USB 2.0-only wiring (cheaper cables).
USB 1.1Full Speed / Low Speed12 Mbit/s / 1.5 Mbit/sType-A, Type-B, MiniLegacy. Rarely relevant except old peripherals.

Naming: old vs current USB-IF terms

Many retail boxes still mention the old names “USB 3.0” or “USB 3.1 Gen 2.” The USB-IF organization that manages USB standards prefers now “USB 3.2” plus the speed class (Gen 1 / Gen 2 / Gen 2×2) or “USB4.” Read the speed in Gbit/s printed in the spec sheet when in doubt.

What you often seeUSB-IF terminologySpeed
USB4 Version 2 / USB4 80GUSB4 2.0 (80 Gbit/s)80 Gbit/s
USB 3.2 Gen 2x2USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20 Gbit/s)20 Gbit/s
USB 3.1 Gen 2USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbit/s)10 Gbit/s
USB 3.1 Gen 1USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gbit/s)5 Gbit/s
USB 3.0USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gbit/s)5 Gbit/s

Logos & packaging cues

Certified cables and ports may show USB-IF logos. Trident icons historically indicated SuperSpeed. USB4 branding adds speed text (40 Gbit/s, 80 Gbit/s). Many quality cables print e-marker data electronically. If a cable is unmarked, assume the worst-case (USB 2.0 only) unless tested.

USB4™ with speed callout (20 / 40 / 80 Gbit/s)
USB-IF
SuperSpeed USB 20 Gbit/s (Gen 2×2)
USB-IF
SuperSpeed+ 10 Gbit/s
USB-IF
SuperSpeed USB trident (varies by era)
USB-IF
USB PD is separate from data speed. Look for wattage (e.g. 60 W, 100 W, 240 W) on chargers and cables.

Length & power basics

Higher speeds need shorter copper runs or active cables. USB PD negotiates power on Type-C. Wattage depends on e-markers, cable rating, and source. Thunderbolt cables are a distinct certified program but use the same connector.

USB-IF, Thunderbolt, and PD specifications change. Check the latest official documents for certification and cable derating.