Understanding USB

Imagine a world where all your devices connect through a single, universal port. Never again fumble through that chaotic drawer of tangled cables in your office – with USB-C this will be a thing of the past!

As more devices and accessories standardize on USB-C and the technology rapidly advances with new capabilities and compatibilities, it is important to understand the nuances between current versions of USB-C so you can make the most of your devices and your productivity. All USB-C cables are not alike – those on the newer standard have faster data transfer rates, support displays, and offer charging capabilities.

The table below illustrates the accelerating evolution of USB as it has become more ubiquitous:

USB Version

Date

Data Transfer Rate

Key Features and Compatibility

USB 1.0

1996

1.5 Mbps

Supports connections with basic accessories

USB 2.0

2001

480 Mbps

Supports external drives, printers, accessories

USB 3.0

2008

5 Gbps

Supports large file transfers

USB 3.1

2013

10 Gbps

Enhanced speed of large file transfers

USB 3.2

2017

20 Gbps

Additional speed enhancements, and compatible with USB-C and USB-A

USB4

2019

40 Gbps

Supports charging, display, combines USB 3.2 and Thunderbolt 3 USB-C

USB4 V2

2022

80 Gbps

Supports charging, display, only USB-C

Sources: USB-IF and Wikipedia

Why does USB-C seem to be gaining momentum? The EU Commission’s mandate that all new electronic devices must use USB-C for power by the end of 2024 is a key factor. As manufacturers race to meet this mandate, many are standardizing entire product lines on USB-C.

This transition toward standardization may not be smooth. While you may be able to use a previous gen USB-C cable with a new device operating on the current gen USB-C standard, the out-of-date connector could limit transfer speeds and other capabilities of your new device.

One of the reasons Microsoft established the Designed for Surface program was to ensure that customers experience the best of Surface through a selection of tested and certified accessories. When a new Surface device is released, products from Designed for Surface partners are tested with the new device to ensure compatibility and to support an optimal customer experience.

Two Designed for Surface partners offer accessories to support USB-C connections, Cable Matters and Kensington. Cable Matters offers a wide range of quality connectors and Kensington offers several docks with the latest USB technology.

Cable Matters USB-C to DisplayPort 1.4 Cable (6 feet)

Kensington SD5765T Thunderbolt™ 4 Dual 4K Docking Station

Cable Matters USB4 40Gbps Cable (3.3 feet)

Kensington MD125U4 USB4 Portable Docking Station

“USB-C is a versatile connector, seamlessly handling tasks like charging, data transfer, and video output. Its compatibility with USB4 and Thunderbolt future-proofs it, simplifying connections and reducing e-waste,” said Chelsea White, Director at Cable Matters. “With USB-C becoming the universal standard, users can expect improved compatibility and faster data transfer rates, allowing for more efficient connectivity experiences. Cable Matters’ Designed for Surface product line leverages the full technical capabilities of each USB-C enabled Surface device, enhancing and expanding their functionality.”

In September, Intel announced Thunderbolt 5 (Intel Introduces Thunderbolt 5 Connectivity Standard), which promises support for multiple 8K displays and 80 gigabits per second of bi-directional bandwidth. Thunderbolt 5 is compatible with USB-C, delivering high-performance certified wired connections in compliance with the USB4 standard. These exciting connectivity improvements will power our productivity, creativity, and entertainment at home, at work, and on the go.

View more USB-C related accessories on the Designed for Surface site and see Designed for Surface Certified accessories from Cable Matters and Kensington on their sites.

Imagine a world where all your devices connect through a single, universal port. Never again fumble through that chaotic drawer of tangled cables in your office – with USB-C this will be a thing of the past!

As more devices and accessories standardize on USB-C and the technology rapidly advances with new capabilities and compatibilities, it is important to understand the nuances between current versions of USB-C so you can make the most of your devices and your productivity. All USB-C cables are not alike – those on the newer standard have faster data transfer rates, support displays, and offer charging capabilities.