Not too long ago, I did an article about how development on new standards of USB devices and controllers had halted with the release of USB 2.0. With a capped speed between two USB 2.0 devices of 480 Mbps, this is hardly ideal for increasingly complex computer systems. As file transfers are becoming bulked up with music, movies, games, and pictures, this once-blazing speed is starting to show its age. Thankfully, since then, Intel and the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) have been hard at work with USB 3.0.
Leading the charge is Intel, who is largely responsible for the technical progress that has already taken place on the USB 3.0 specification. Interestingly enough, before HD-DVD was scrapped, Microsoft and HP also provided support for the new standard, which would have the speed to quickly transfer large files such as the video data found on a Dual-Layer HD-DVD disc or a single-layer Blu-Ray disc. While this plan has fallen through, the development of USB 3.0 is in full swing. Since then, AMD and nVidia have also hopped on board as their respective motherboards and chipsets will undoubtedly be using the USB 3.0 specification.
We still have a bit of time before USB 3.0 hits the consumer marketplace. The actual specification itself is due to be completed by the end of June, with which motherboard and peripheral manufacturers will be able to start designing hardware to work with USB 3.0. Optical communication technology is also rumored to be included in later specifications, but will probably not appear in the plans due out soon. Also, despite the speed and complexity the co-developers are seeking to implement, backwards compatibility with USB 1.1 and 2.0 will still be standard.
With initial product roll out set to start in 2009, there is still plenty of time for the new Firewire S3200 scheme to ready for the next-generation data transfer battle. With Wireless USB still on training wheels, it will be interesting to see how this new format war plays out.
Pictures courtesy of: USB Implementers Forum;
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what kind of speeds can we expect from 3.0 ?
USB 3.0 should operate at about 4.8Gb/s.