Difference between USB 3.1 gen 1 and gen 2

Multiple revisions of the USB standard protocol have occurred since USB 1.1’s inception in 1998. Transmission rates and output power increase with each new version of the standard.

There are many differences between the first generation (Gen 1) and second generation (Gen 2) of the USB 3.1 standard, which is the most recent revision of USB but is still widely used because of its widespread adoption.

figure 1 usb c cable gen 1 and gen 2
figure 1 usb c cable gen 1 and gen 2

In 2008, the USB 3.0 standard was released, providing users with increased power and faster data transfer rates (up to 5Gbps) (up to 20V,5A,100W). The release of USB 3.1 in 2013 brought a significant increase in transfer rates, up to 10Gbps.

figure 2 usb c cable gen 1 and gen 2
figure 2 usb c cable gen 1 and gen 2

After some time, the USB-IF group published an article stating that the USB 3.0 connector supporting 5Gbps (SuperSpeed) was classified as USB 3.1 Gen 1 and the USB 3.1 connector supporting 10Gbps (SuperSpeed +) was classified as USB 3.1 Gen 2.

figure 3 usb c cable gen 1 and gen 2
figure 3 usb c cable gen 1 and gen 2

The Type C interface is being adopted by a growing number of USB devices as newer versions of USB are released. Keep in mind that just because a new motherboard or laptop has a Type C connector does not mean it is capable of USB 3.1 Gen 2 speeds (up to 10Gbps). While most Type C connector devices now support at least USB 3.1 Gen 2, some do not (up to 5Gbps)

figure 4 usb c cable gen 1 and gen 2
figure 4 usb c cable gen 1 and gen 2

Actually. While the physical appearance of a USB 3.1 Gen 2 cable is similar to that of a USB 3.1 Gen 1 cable, the technical specifications for a Gen 2 cable are stricter. P-Shine pioneered the mass production of USB 3.1 Gen 2 cables in China. In recent years, it has become one of INTEL’s most trusted sources for USB 3.1 cables.

Make sure the USB 3.1 Gen 1 or Gen 2 designation is correct before you buy a new product with a type c cable. Transmission rates of 10Gbps, data rates of 800M/s, and frame rates of 4K@60Hz are only possible when using an input end, connection cable, and output end that are all compliant with the USB 3.1 Gen2 standard. Given that the maximum transfer rate of currently available products is below 5Gbps, selecting a Gen 1 standard is acceptable.