USB 3.1

USB 3.1 is an upgrade to the USB 3.0 standard (also known as SuperSpeed USB) that boosts maximum theoretical data transfer speeds from 5Gbps (Gigabits per second) in USB 3.0 to 10Gbps in USB 3.1.

There are actually two distinct USB 3.1 specifications at this time. USB 3.1 Generation 1 was an initial upgrade to USB 3.0, but it is limited to 5Gbps data transfer speeds, while the newer USB 3.1 Generation 2 is the spec that boosts data transfer speeds to the theoretical 10Gbps.

USB 3.1 Gen 1 and Gen 2 vs. USB-C

Both USB 3.1 Gen 1 and USB 3.1 Gen 2 are increasingly being implemented along with USB Type-C (USB-C) ports in newer models of smartphones, tablets and laptops. The USB Type-C standard applies only to the physical plug connection, though, and the USB 3.1 data transfer and power standard can be used on existing USB Type-A and USB Type-B plugs as well as the newer USB-C plugs.

As with USB 3.0, USB 3.1 ports and cables offer backward-compatibility with previous USB standards, including USB 2.0 and USB 3.0. USB 3.1 also shares USB 3.0’s support of the USB Power Delivery specification, enabling USB 3.1 cables and ports to charge and power devices at a maximum of 20 volts at 5 amps for a total of 100 watts of power.

USB 3.1 Development and Availability

The USB Implementers Forum, a consortium of companies that includes Intel, Microsoft, Apple and HP, is responsible for the development of the USB 3.1 standard, and the forum first released the standard in 2013 as USB 3.1 Gen 1.

USB 3.1 Gen 1 and USB 3.1 Gen 2-supported devices didn’t start appearing until 2015, with the 2015 release of Apple’s MacBook. Widespread adoption by hardware manufacturers, especially for USB 3.1 Gen 2, is expected to continue to pick up in 2016 and beyond.

Note: USB 3.1 cables and ports are also sometimes referred to as SuperSpeed+ or SuperSpeed USB 10 Gbit/s in product literature.

See also USB, USB 2.0 and USB 3.0.

Forrest Stroud
Forrest Stroud
Forrest is a writer for Webopedia. Experienced, entrepreneurial, and well-rounded, he has 15+ years covering technology, business software, website design, programming, and more.
Get the Free Newsletter
Subscribe to Daily Tech Insider for top news, trends & analysis
This email address is invalid.
Get the Free Newsletter
Subscribe to Daily Tech Insider for top news, trends & analysis
This email address is invalid.

Related Articles

Embedded Analytics

Embedded analytics brings self-service business intelligence to everyday application users.

HRIS

Human resources information system (HRIS) solutions help businesses manage multiple facets of their workforce operations. They provide a central platform for human resources professionals...

Complete List of Cybersecurity Acronyms

Cybersecurity news and best practices are full of acronyms and abbreviations. Without understanding what each one means, it's difficult to comprehend the significance of...

Human Resources Management System

A Human Resources Management System (HRMS) is a software application that supports many functions of a company's Human Resources department, including benefits administration, payroll,...

ScalaHosting

ScalaHosting is a leading managed hosting provider that offers secure, scalable, and affordable...

HRIS

Human resources information system (HRIS) solutions help businesses manage multiple facets of their...

Best Managed Service Providers...

In today's business world, managed services are more critical than ever. They can...