The good, the bad and the ugly about SuperSpeed USB 3.0

Released in 1995 by Intel, the USB revolutionized the way we connect, store and transfer data. Initially USB 1.0 operated at the speed of 12Mbps, but as technology advanced the need to operate at a higher speed emerged. This paved the way for USB 2.0 which operated theoretically at 480 Mbps. But as technology started changing at a faster rate and more sophisticated peripheral devices emerged, the users started demanding a better interactive experience. USB 3.0, which was introduced last year, is the latest device on the block to satisfy this need. It provides a higher transfer rate to match the latest devices and applications and is compatible to all USB enabled devices available in the market.

usb30 am bm

The Good

800px via vl810 superspeed hub demo board

Transfer Rate:

On usage, USB 3.0 provides a transfer rate of around 3,200 Mbits/s or 3.2Gbits/s. The maximum achievable theoretical rate is 4.8 Gbits/s.

Data Transfer

USB 3.0 supports bi-directional data transfer which was not available in the previous versions. Two out of five lanes are used for transmitting data and other two lanes are reserved for receiving data. Full duplex data transfer allows the interface to read and write data simultaneously at high speed.

Power

USB 3.0 can support a load of 150mA and, when configured, it can support around six unit loads i.e. 900mA. This allows a faster recharging and powering of more than four devices from a single hub. The operating voltage has also been reduced to 4V to conserve energy.

Power Management

Unlike USB 2.0, which experienced power drain even in idle state due to device polling, USB 3.0 uses interrupt-driven protocol. This allows the new interface to conserve power during idle, sleep or suspended mode as data transfer can take place only when a signal is given to the host. USB 3.0 allows power management at link, device and functional level.

Physical Appearance

USB 3.0 is similar to USB 2.0 in looks and thickness, though it contains four more wires. However, the plug contains an additional set of connectors unlike USB 2.0.

Compatibility

USB 3.0 is backwards compatible with USB 2.0 i.e. any old device can communicate with the new interface at the old devices’ speed; all you would require is a new cable to support the communication.

Sync-N-Go technology

This technology meets the demands posed by consumer electronics and mobile phones, which are high on digital content and media. Targeting fast PC sync-and-go transfer of applications, USB 3.0 reduces the waiting period for users.

The bad

usb cable

Cable

The maximum cable length has been reduced from five meters to three meters for USB 3.0. However, it can be increased to 18 meters using hubs.

Speed Limit

The high speed performance of USB 3.0 is limited when operated with older devices. Such devices which are limited by their rpm will not be able to run at SuperSpeed unless they are equipped with faster hardware.

Compatibility

The previous versions of USBs are completely electrically and mechanically attuned with USB 3.0 ports and connectors. However, as previously mentioned they will not achieve USB 3.0 speeds or take advantage of USB 3.0 features unless one uses USB 3.0 devices with USB 3.0 cables in a USB 3.0 port with USB 3.0 host controller.

The ugly

usb3 cable

Slowdown mainstream adoption

Intel’s decision of not supporting USB 3.0 until 2011 will slow down mainstream adoption. The decision could be due to various reasons ranging from problems in CMOS manufacturing process to strategically boosting its new Thunderbolt interface. These delays will however make the transition to USB 3.0 slow.

The verdict

The introduction of USB 3.0 is set to change the speed at which data is transferred and stored. With an 10X increase of bandwidth, SuperSpeed is definitely a step ahead of the other devices. In addition to this, the power saving and ability to prevent data loss makes it the best choice available to meet the ever-increasing user demand.