This tiny chip is why you may need a new laptop soon

USB4 technology is already here

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Cypress has announced two new Type-C controllers able to support USB4 devices, destined to reach desktops and laptops soon.

Thunderbolt laptops are gradually becoming more affordable, but the arrival of these USB4-ready controllers - the first of their kind - could push prices down even further.

The USB4 protocol supports speeds of up to 40Gbps over compatible cables and should also allow up to 100W power delivery (with fault protection).

Note that these are not USB or Thunderbolt host controllers and, as such, are backward compatible with other protocols (e.g. DisplayPort) with the right firmware.

The technology, based onIntel’s Thunderbolt protocol, should over time be available on smartphones, IoT, servers and smart appliances, including TVs and more.

Thunderbolt 3 has been one of the most exciting developments in data transfer over the past decade and was the catalyst for a wide range ofTB3 docking stationsthat brought the concept of universal connectivity even closer.

How will these developments affect the end user? Expect more devices to embrace USB4 in 2020 and 2021, as it replaces all existing (legacy) ports and spawns a new generation of peripherals.

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ViaAnandTech

Désiré has been musing and writing about technology during a career spanning four decades. He dabbled inwebsite buildersandweb hostingwhen DHTML and frames were in vogue and started narrating about the impact of technology on society just before the start of the Y2K hysteria at the turn of the last millennium.

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