The USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) as the consortium behind the connector specification is introducing a number of new logos with the arrival of USB 4 to make it easier to buy suitable cables and power supplies. In the future, manufacturers will be able to label their cables with logos indicating specific transfer rates – in the case of USB 4, up to 40 Gbit / s (“40 Gbps”).
The cryptic designations such as Hi-Speed (USB 2.0) and SuperSpeed (from USB 3.0) are omitted. Specifying a transfer rate is important for USB 4, as the standard offers several speed levels from 10 to 40 Gbit / s. Means: USB 4 is not the same as USB 4.
Examples of new USB logos.
(Bild: USB-IF)
Fast charging with 240 watts
For the first time, manufacturers can also use logos that contain information on power transmission (USB Power Delivery). The According to the notification, the beginning is made in two stages: the new high-end specification with 240 watts and the more widespread one with 60 watts. There are combined logos for information on wattage and transmission rate. These may differ on the packaging and the cables themselves. In the future, logos for output power will also be found on power supply packaging – here too, initially with 240 and 60 watts.
Cables and power supplies with these logos are certified by the USB-IF. If manufacturers print such markings without official certification, the consortium can take legal action against it. As a result, it should be reliable identification features of high-quality products in the future. However, if a manufacturer only notes the supported transmission rate or the output power in the product description, the information is not binding.
(mmma)
