First USB 3.0 controller announced

NEC has announced the world's first controller chip for USB 3.0. It is also known as SuperSpeed USB and it has a blistering peak data-transfer of 5 Gbps. The new technology will put a new generation of data transfer into the hands of consumers. Sample quantities are expected to arrive in June with volume production in Q3. It might be possible for USB 3.0 to make it into computers in time for the holiday season.

Of course, I would not expect to see too many USB 3.0 peripherals until sometime next year. With USB 3.0 literally within reach, what are some things we can expect from this new technology?

First of all, slim, unshielded USB cables reminiscent of USB 2.0 will not work with USB 3.0. The technologies required to pump 5 Gbps of throughput means that shielded cables are required to reduce electromagnetic interference to a minimum. Compared to USB 2.0, SuperSpeed USB also offers full duplex transfer, thanks to additional pins recessed within the slightly longer connector, according to Register Hardware.

In addition, USB-powered devices will be able to draw 900mA of power compared to the 500mA under USB 2.0. This works out at about 80 percent more, which is no trivial amount. Hopefully, this means I will be able to charge smartphones from a laptop faster.

What about operating system support? Well, Microsoft is certainly interested in supporting it, though Register Hardware suggests that it will probably appear in Service Pack 1 of Windows 7. It is unlikely that the venerable Windows XP will ever see support for USB 3.0.

For more on this story:
- check out this article at Register Hardware

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