Otaku Gadgets

Also known as the super speed USB, USB 3.0 is the next major revision in the world of Universal serial bus’s which have led to simplify the connection between host computer and various peripheral devices. As of 2009 USB 2.0 has already sold about 6 million units and firmly entrenched itself as the de facto interface standard in the PC world. However as is predominantly found in the computer industry, there is need for faster computing hardware and even greater bandwidth demands which have necessitated the need for faster devices.

USB 3.0 or the super speed USB was demonstrated at the Intel developer forum in year 2007. USB 3.0 promises much higher transfer rates ranging up to 4.8 Gbps, provides increased maximum bus power and increased device current draw so as to better accommodate power-hungry devices. It also comes with new power management features and full duplex data transfers along with support for new transfer types. Provides new connectors and cables for high speed data transfer and the best part is they are backward compatible with USB 2.0 devices and computers.

USB 3.0 offers several other improvements over USB 2.0 apart from the higher data rates. Though it maintains most of the core architectural elements a number of arrangements have been made to support the arrangement for dual bus and many more.
It lets you the option to use more power or less power as per the requirements. You can make use of 50% more power for un-configured or suspended devices and in case of configured devices 80% more power is available. The bus helps in powering the power hungry bus powered devices and also helps charge battery powered devices previously charged using bus power somewhat quickly. One of the key objectives while moving to USB 3.0 was saving on power. It provides for Link level power management where in the host computer or the device when idle can initiate a power saving state. It eliminates the need for continuous device polling and packet transmission broadcast through hubs is eliminated.

Other features include streaming for bulk transfers assisting in faster performance and the isochronous transfers allows devices to enter between the service intervals, the low power link states. With USB 3.0 the devices can communicate newer information like latency tolerance to the host which helps allow better power performance.

To provide a comprehensive picture not everything in USB 3.0 is a clear improvement. One disadvantage is that the cable length could be a significant limitation in case of applications demanding the highest possible throughput. Some super speed USB hardware may dig a deeper hole in your pocket as compared to the USB 2.0 because by definition the super speed hub contain 2 hubs resulting in significant price difference. USB 3.0 will also inspire for further high speed USB devices.

USB 3.0 offer 5 Gbps is almost 80% faster than Hi-Speed USB 2.0 and 140% than normal USB 2.0. Technology is growing at very fast pace and we can expect new version of USB 3.0 soon