There was a time when USB simply meant Universal Serial Bus, and we watched as devices that had previously relied on serial and parallel (etc.) ports moved to the new, more convenient standard; and in the enthusiast community we watched with some trepidation as PS/2 became a legacy option for keyboards in favor of USB. Since then we have seen tremendous increases in speed for this interface with huge strides from USB 2.0 and then USB 3.0, but in the recent past there has been a proliferation of different generations of the technology with their own speed ratings, a new connector, and a lot of confusion.

Types of USB connectors (via conwire.com)

Now, in an apparent – yet misguided – effort to clarify the situation, the people making decisions about what to call these standards has released documentation for the re-naming of existing USB 3.x standards – which makes about as much sense as continuing to call the latest version of USB another three-point-anything, when we clearly should have moved on to USB 4.0 by now.

The organization calling the shots about the standard is called the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF), described from their about page as "a non-profit corporation founded by the group of companies that developed the Universal Serial Bus specification" which was "formed to provide a support organization and forum for the advancement and adoption of Universal Serial Bus technology".

So what did the USB-IF come up with? Truth is, as they say, stranger than fiction:

The USB 3.2 specification absorbed all prior 3.x specifications. USB 3.2 identifies three transfer rates, USB 3.2 Gen 1 at 5Gbps, USB 3.2 Gen 2 at 10Gbps and USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 at 20Gbps. It is important that vendors clearly communicate the performance signaling that a product delivers in the product’s packaging, advertising content, and any other marketing materials. USB 3.2 Gen 1 Product capability: product signals at 5Gbps Marketing name: SuperSpeed USB

USB 3.2 Gen 2 Product capability: product signals at 10Gbps Marketing name: SuperSpeed USB 10Gbps

USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Product capability: product signals at 20Gbps Marketing name: SuperSpeed USB 20Gbps



If this was not crystal clear already, the USB-IF goes on to emphasize the importance of clarifying the performance potential separately from the protocols when advertising one of these standards, itself suggesting that they have failed to clarify anything with these changes:

"It is critical for manufacturers to distinguish between USB 3.2 Gen 1, USB 3.2 Gen 2 and USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 products. USB-IF also strongly urges manufacturers to identify the performance capabilities of a product separately from other protocols or physical characteristics in product names and marketing materials."

Various USB-IF standards

For your edification I have added the entire release after the break, which is also available at this link (PDF) from their website.

USB 3.2 Specification

Language Usage Guidelines from USB-IF

USB-IF emphasizes the importance and value of consistent messaging on USB product packaging, marketing materials, and advertising. Inconsistent use of terminology creates confusion in the marketplace, can be misleading to consumers and potentially diminishes USB-IF’s trademark rights.

The USB usage model is evolving. The USB ecosystem has expanded to include multiple connectors, performance levels, and power capabilities to meet the needs of manufacturers and developers. When referring to a product that is based on and compliant with the USB 3.2 specification, it is critical for manufacturers to clearly identify the performance capabilities of that device separately from other product benefits and/or physical characteristics.

USB 3.2 Specification

The USB 3.2 specification defines multi-lane operation for new USB 3.2 hosts and devices, allowing for up to two lanes of 10Gbps operation to realize a 20Gbps data transfer rate. While USB hosts and devices were originally designed as single-lane solutions, USB Type-C™ cables were designed from the outset to support multi-lane operation to ensure a path for scalable performance.

The USB 3.2 specification absorbed all prior 3.x specifications. USB 3.2 identifies three transfer rates, USB 3.2 Gen 1 at 5Gbps, USB 3.2 Gen 2 at 10Gbps and USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 at 20Gbps. It is important that vendors clearly communicate the performance signaling that a product delivers in the product’s packaging, advertising content, and any other marketing materials.

USB 3.2 Gen 1 Product capability: product signals at 5Gbps Marketing name: SuperSpeed USB

USB 3.2 Gen 2 Product capability: product signals at 10Gbps Marketing name: SuperSpeed USB 10Gbps

USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Product capability: product signals at 20Gbps Marketing name: SuperSpeed USB 20Gbps



NOTE: SuperSpeed Plus, Enhanced SuperSpeed and SuperSpeed+ are defined in the USB specifications however these terms are not intended to be used in product names, messaging, packaging or any other consumer-facing content.

USB 3.2 Key Messages

Defines multi-lane operation for new USB 3.2 hosts and devices, allowing for up to two lanes of 10Gbps operation to realize a 20Gbps data transfer rate, without sacrificing cable length.

Delivers compelling performance boosts to meet requirements for demanding USB storage, display, and docking applications.

Enables end-users to move content across devices quickly, conveniently and without worrying about compatibility.

Backwards compatible with all existing USB products; will operate at lowest common speed capability.

Enables devices from different vendors to interoperate in an open architecture, while maintaining and leveraging the existing USB infrastructure.

Allows system OEMs and peripheral developers adequate room for product versatility and market differentiation without the burden of carrying obsolete interfaces or losing compatibility.

USB 3.2 Naming and Packaging Recommendations

To avoid consumer confusion, USB-IF’s recommended nomenclature for consumers is “SuperSpeed USB” for 5Gbps products, “SuperSpeed USB 10Gbps” for 10Gbps products and “SuperSpeed USB 20Gbps” for 20Gbps products.

In order to identify performance capabilities, USB-IF strongly recommends submitting products to the USB-IF Compliance Program and then, once successful, using the logos for consumer recognition. The USB-IF logo guidelines are available here: http://www.usb.org/developers/logo_license/.

The SuperSpeed USB 20Gbps Compliance and Logo Program is currently under development and will be announced once available.

It is critical for manufacturers to distinguish between USB 3.2 Gen 1, USB 3.2 Gen 2 and USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 products. USB-IF also strongly urges manufacturers to identify the performance capabilities of a product separately from other protocols or physical characteristics in product names and marketing materials.

Please note the following:

USB 3.2 only defines the transfer rate of a product. USB 3.2 is not USB Type-C™, USB Standard-A, Micro-USB, or any other USB cable or connector. USB 3.2 is not USB Power Delivery or USB Battery Charging.



There are separate Language and Packaging Usage Guidelines for the USB Type-C™ Cable and Connector Specification, found here: http://www.usb.org/developers/usbtypec/USB_Type-C_Language_Product_and_Packaging_Guidelines_FINAL.pdf.

USB Compliance Messages