Windows 10: Introducing the USB4 Switch

Brink · Sep 24, 2019

As part of the MUTT (Microsoft USB Test Tool) family and a follow-on to the USB Type-C Connection Exerciser, we are excited to introduce the USB4 Switch: a USB Type-C 1:2 programmable switch, compatible with USB4 as well as older protocols such as Thunderbolt™ 3, USB 3.2, USB Type-C Alternate Modes, and of course Power Delivery.

The USB4 Switch automates connect-disconnect of a USB Type-C port and will be used in stress testing, switching between peripherals (for example, a dock and a display), or any automated reconfiguration of a USB Type-C port. It is compatible with the Connection Exerciser tools and scripts and integrates with the Hardware Lab Kit (HLK) test content.

It will be a required test device for Windows Certification through the HLK but is highly recommended for use much earlier in your hardware development cycle as well. In our experience, long-run randomized switching on a USB Type-C port is highly effective in exposing bugs in the hardware-firmware-software stack, both in the USB Type-C controller as well as the underlying data protocols. We expect the USB4 Switch to have similar value in the development and validation of USB4 hardware and software.

The device will be available to purchase soon from our partners at MCCI, we will update this page with more information as it becomes available.

For UCSI based systems we recommended to perform testing with some additional settings to help discover firmware bugs. Please see “Converting firmware failures to bugchecks” in this blog post.
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Source: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/...ch/ba-p/859656

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Brink · Sep 24, 2019

Introducing the USB4 Switch

As part of the MUTT (Microsoft USB Test Tool) family and a follow-on to the USB Type-C Connection Exerciser, we are excited to introduce the USB4 Switch: a USB Type-C 1:2 programmable switch, compatible with USB4 as well as older protocols such as Thunderbolt™ 3, USB 3.2, USB Type-C Alternate Modes, and of course Power Delivery.

The USB4 Switch automates connect-disconnect of a USB Type-C port and will be used in stress testing, switching between peripherals (for example, a dock and a display), or any automated reconfiguration of a USB Type-C port. It is compatible with the Connection Exerciser tools and scripts and integrates with the Hardware Lab Kit (HLK) test content.

It will be a required test device for Windows Certification through the HLK but is highly recommended for use much earlier in your hardware development cycle as well. In our experience, long-run randomized switching on a USB Type-C port is highly effective in exposing bugs in the hardware-firmware-software stack, both in the USB Type-C controller as well as the underlying data protocols. We expect the USB4 Switch to have similar value in the development and validation of USB4 hardware and software.

The device will be available to purchase soon from our partners at MCCI, we will update this page with more information as it becomes available.

For UCSI based systems we recommended to perform testing with some additional settings to help discover firmware bugs. Please see “Converting firmware failures to bugchecks” in this blog post.
Click to expand...

Source: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/...ch/ba-p/859656

Brink · Sep 24, 2019

USB-IF Announces Publication of USB4 Specification

USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF), the support organization for the advancement and adoption of USB technology, today announced th epublication of the USB4™ specification, a major update to deliver the next-generation USB architecture that complements and builds upon the existing USB 3.2 and USB 2.0 architectures. The USB4 architecture is based on the Thunderbolt™ protocol specification recently contributed by Intel Corporation to the USB Promoter Group. It doubles the maximum aggregate bandwidth of USB and enables multiple simultaneous data and display protocols.

The development of the USB4 specification was first announced in March 2019 by the USB Promoter Group. It is now officially published by USB-IF and available for download at Front Page | USB-IF.

Key characteristics of the USB4 solution include:

Two-lane operation using existing USB Type-C® cables and up to 40Gbps operation over 40Gbps certified cables

Multiple data and display protocols that efficiently share the maximum aggregate bandwidth

Backward compatibility with USB 3.2, USB 2.0 and Thunderbolt 3

As the USB Type-C connector has evolved into the role as the external display port of many host products, the USB4 specification provides the host the ability to optimally scale allocations for display data flow. Even as the USB4 specification introduces a new underlying protocol, compatibility with existing USB 3.2, USB 2.0 and Thunderbolt 3 hosts and devices is supported; the resulting connection scales to the best mutual capability of the devices being connected. For more information, visit Front Page | USB-IF.

The upcoming USB Developer Days 2019 will include detailed technical training covering the USB4 specification and the latest for USB Type-C, USB Power Delivery, and new USB-IF branding strategies. Registration information for the following opportunities is available at Front Page | USB-IF.
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Source:

USB4™ Specification | USB-IF

(PDF) https://www.usb.org/sites/default/fi...ment_FINAL.pdf

Brink · Sep 24, 2019

USB Promoter Group Announces USB4 Specification

The USB Promoter Group today announced the pending release of the USB4 specification, a major update to deliver the next generation USB architecture that compliments and builds on the existing USB 3.2 and USB 2.0 architectures. The USB4 architecture is based on the Thunderbolt™ protocol specification recently contributed by Intel Corporation. It doubles the bandwidth of USB and enables multiple simultaneous data and display protocols.

The new USB4 architecture defines a method to share a single high-speed link with multiple end device types dynamically that best serves the transfer of data by type and application. As the USB Type-C™ connector has evolved into the role as the external display port of many host products, the USB4 specification provides the host the ability to optimally scale allocations for display data flow. Even as the USB4 specification introduces a new underlying protocol, compatibility with existing USB 3.2, USB2.0 and Thunderbolt 3 hosts and devices is supported; the resulting connection scales to the best mutual capability of the devices being connected.

“The primary goal of USB is to deliver the best user experience combining data, display and power delivery over a user-friendly and robust cable and connector solution,” said Brad Saunders, USB Promoter Group Chairman. “The USB4 solution specifically tailors bus operation to further enhance this experience by optimizing the blend of data and display over a single connection and enabling the further doubling of performance.”

Key characteristics of the USB4 solution include:

Two-lane operation using existing USB Type-C cables and up to 40 Gbps operation over 40 Gbps certified cables

Multiple data and display protocols to efficiently share the total available bandwidth over the bus

Backward compatibility with USB 3.2, USB 2.0 and Thunderbolt 3

With over 50 companies actively participating in the final stages of review of the draft specification, the USB4 specification is on track to be published around the middle of 2019. Coincident with the release of the USB4 specification, the release of an updated USB Type-C Specification will be made to comprehend USB4 bus discovery, configuration and performance requirements.

USB Developer Days 2019, in the second half of this year, will include detailed technical training covering the USB4 specification and the latest for USB Type-C, USB Power Delivery, and other exciting topics.

This update is part of the USB performance road map and is specifically targeted to developers at this time. Branding and marketing guidelines will be established after the final specification is published.

“Releasing the Thunderbolt protocol specification is a significant milestone for making today’s simple stand most versatile port available to everyone,” said Jason Ziller, General Manager, Client Connectivity Division at Intel. “By collaborating with the USB Promoter Group, we’re opening the doors for innovation across a wide range of devices and consumer experiences to maximize adoption of Thunderbolt compatible products.”

“USB4’s high throughput and advanced features enable new scenarios in consumer, enterprise, and intelligent edge markets, while maintaining interoperability with existing USB and Thunderbolt 3 devices,” said Roanne Sones, Corporate Vice President, Microsoft OS Platforms. “We are excited to work with our partners in the ecosystem to bring USB4 to market and showcase its benefits.”
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Source: Default USB Promoter Group Announces USB4 Specification (PDF)

See also: Intel releases Thunderbolt 3 protocol to USB Promoter Group - Windows 10 Forums

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