When connectivity comes into the picture, no name other thanUniversal Serial Bus(USB) pops up! For 25 years, USB ruled over the digital world with connectivity solutions. Whether it is a camera, mouse, printer, flash drive, or an external hard drive, a seamless physical connection to transfer data between devices is done via a USB connector. However, with time, USB evolved and introduced manyversions, and one of its priced inventions is the USB 3.0 port.  

USB started with a low-speed transfer rate of 1.5 Mbps, and USB 3.0 is all about high-speed. But what is this buzz around USB 3.0? Let’s find out all about it with this blog.

Things you must know about USB 3.0

1.     Brief background

USB 2.0 was introduced in 2000, and it took 10 years to design USB 3.0, which was launched in 2010. Named SuperSpeed (SS), USB 3.0 port is the third major version of the USB. Besides, it resembles a USB-A connector.  

2.     USB 3.0 speed

There is a reason USB 3.0 is tagged as SuperSpeed because it exhibits exhilarating data transfer speed. It is faster and much better than its counterpart USB 2.0 port. Interestingly, when USB 2.0 sticks to 480Mbps, USB 3.0 data transfer rate goes up to 5Gbps, which is 10 times faster than USB 2.0.

3.     Indicators for distinguishing

It is extremely easy to distinguish USB 3.0 from its other fellow companions because it comes with a blue connector. Else you may also find initialsSSwritten on the plugs or ports to denote SuperSpeed aka USB 3.0.

4.     Bidirectional data transfer

A full-duplex data transfer is what USB 3.0 is all about! Out of five lanes, two lanes are reserved for data transmission, while the other pair overlooks the data receiving process. All in all, USB 3.0 contributes to undertaking both the tasks of reading and writing data at high speed and simultaneously.

5.     Power delivery

As compared with earlier versions, USB 3.0 offers power at 5 volts nominal. The unit load for USB 2.0 is 100 mA, but it has increased to 150 mA with the introduction of USB 3.0. When connected with power-hungry devices, the limit goes up to 6 unit loads or 900 mA (4.5 W). With power like this, fast charging is no more a distant dream. Most importantly, USB 3.0 is designed from an energy-saving point of view wherein the minimum device operating voltage has dropped to 4 V from 4.4 V.

6.     Cable

USB 2.0 supported 5m cable length, but USB 3.0 goes one notch higher. It supports up to 8m of passive cable, which is more or less like a camera cable. Not just this, but the cable ably delivers 4.5W of power, which is enough to fuel a device at an intriguing speed.

7.     CPU load

Technologies like Gigabit Ethernet take up immense CPU load. The reason behind this is the requirement of copy processing in Gigabit Ethernet. However, it is the other way around for USB 3.0 wherein, there is a low CPU load because it complies withDirect Memory Access(DMA).

8.     Backward compatibility

The best part about USB 3.0 is its backward compatibility. USB 2.0 works with finesse on version 3.0 ports and vice versa. USB 3.0 bandwidth is maximized when using a USB 3.0 cable with USB 3.0 devices and ports. However, plugging a USB 3.0 device into a 2.0 port or a 2.0 device will offer you standard USB 2.0 data rates.

9.     Devices

The devices offering USB 3.0 technology are on the rise. USB 3.0 port adapter, extension cable, display adapter, hub, and so much more are conquering the digital world. With abundant features in the kitty, this technology has become a de facto choice for all devices.

10.     Absolute protection standards

There is a boost in the USB 3.0 data transfer rate of 5Gbps. Due to this, there could be volatile voltage changes. However, USB 3.0 comes with solutions protecting sensitive data lines and curtailing signal distortion.

On a parting note

This was all about the USB 3.0 port and its amazing list of features. No doubt, USB 3.0 and all its advanced versions are the future. So, having a USB 3.0 port in a laptop is a boon because it is equipped with functionalities like never before! Therefore, if you get a USB 3.0 adapter for a PC, laptop, or any USB 3.0 equipped gadgets, grab it now. Besides, if you are looking for an expert to offer this range,contact Cadyce!