USB 3.0 - Fibre Optics Drive Super Fast Data Transfer

Posted by Rene LeMerle in September 19th, 2007

This is a bit techy, but a really important development in the pipeline. The team at Intel, and other leading technology companies, are working on a new version of the Universal Serial Bus technology that will see it able to transfer data 10 times faster than the current USB 2.0 version.

The USB 3.0 initiative will utilize fiber optics alongside the existing copper wires allowing it to transfer at rates of upto 5Gbps - now that’s some a serious transfer rate.

Intel is working with Microsoft, Texas Instruments, Hewlett-Packard and NXP Superconductors on creating the new USB 3.0 specification aimed for release in early 2008.

According to Pat Gelsinger, general manager of Intel’s Digital Enterprise Group, there’s up to a two-year wait between the finalization of the specifications and availability of the technology. Unfortunately that means we could be waiting until 2009 for USB 3.0 products, however a working prototype was shown during his speech, so hopefully it might not take that long.

USB 2.0, the current version of the Universal Serial Bus technology transfers at about 480 megabits per second, so as you can imagine, the increase to 5Gbps will be welcomed by computer users at all levels. With the proliferation of data intensive media and devices such as HD video/DVD, Blu-ray etc…these data transfer rates will become essential.

For those wanting to make the most of the new technology, computer USB ports will need to be upgraded, however Gelsinger, confirms the technology will backwards compatible, so no need to throw away the old USB 2.0 devices.