USB4 Full – Function Cable Selection: Five Key Certifications for 40Gbps Speed

In today’s digital age, data transfer speed is crucial. USB4 full – function cables, with their impressive 40Gbps transfer rate, are becoming the preferred choice for many users. However, the market is flooded with a wide variety of cables of varying quality. Here are five key certifications for selecting a USB4 full – function cable.

1. Compatibility Matrix of Thunderbolt 3/Thunderbolt 4/USB4

• Compatibility Relationships : USB4, based on Thunderbolt 3, is fully compatible with USB 3.2, 3.1, and USB 2.0 devices. The performance is determined by the equipment vendor, and there’s a lack of standardization. Thunderbolt 4 is backward compatible with all Thunderbolt versions and USB standards. It has undergone Intel’s strict certification to ensure high performance and reliability. USB4 may not be compatible with Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4. Some vendors may have achieved compatibility but not advertised it. Specific situations need to be consulted with customer service.
• Matrix Example :

2. The Impact of EMI Shielding Coverage on Data Transfer Stability

• Shielding Layer Function : The EMI shielding layer prevents electromagnetic interference, ensuring stable data transfer.Common single – layer shielding, such as aluminum foil or copper mesh alone, has low cost but limited effectiveness. Dual – layer shielding, like a combination of aluminum foil and copper mesh, can enhance protection against a wide range of interference frequencies.
• Coverage Comparison : A shielding layer with 85% nylon Woven Wire Mesh density offers poor protection with significant signal interference. In contrast, a 95% coverage shielding layer effectively reduces interference, ensuring stable and reliable data transfer. USB4 cables with high – coverage shielding layers can avoid data loss and lag when transferring high – definition videos and large files.

3. Length Penalty: Why 1 – meter Cables Can Only Support up to 20Gbps?

• Signal Loss Principle : The longer the cable, the greater the signal loss. For USB4 cables, an increase in length leads to higher signal attenuation and interference, affecting transfer integrity and speed. High – speed signal transmission has stringent electrical performance requirements for cables. Longer cables have higher resistance, capacitance, and inductance, which significantly impact signal quality.
• Solutions and Comparison : Active cables (active cables) can partially address the length penalty issue. Their internal signal amplification and equalization circuits compensate for signal loss and improve long – cable transmission performance. Some 2 – meter active USB4 cables on the market can achieve full – speed 40Gbps transmission. In contrast, ordinary passive cables often only reach 20Gbps when exceeding 1 meter, failing to meet high – speed data transfer needs.

4. A Hotbed of Fakes: How to Use Thunderbolt Control Software to Verify Authenticity

• Common Fake – Production Methods : Some unscrupulous merchants use inferior chips and materials to produce USB4 cables but falsely claim they are full – blooded 40Gbps cables. These cables fall short of the promised transmission speed and stability.
• Verification Method : Intel’s Thunderbolt control software can detect a cable’s certification and performance. Connect the cable to your computer’s Thunderbolt port, and the software will display detailed cable information, including Intel certification status and transfer rate. If the information doesn’t match the seller’s claims, the cable may be fake. Additionally, check for clear certification marks on the cable, such as USB – IF certification and Intel chip certification, to distinguish genuine products.

5. Key Certifications: Ensuring Cable Quality and Performance

• USB – IF Certification : This is the most basic certification for USB4 cables. It ensures cables meet USB4 protocol standards for good compatibility and stability.The data transfer and charging functions of cables with this certification are guaranteed, making it an important reference for cable selection.
• Intel Chip Certification : Cables using Intel – certified chips offer better signal transfer quality and stability.Intel’s chip certification has strict requirements for chip performance and reliability. Certified chips better support the high – speed transfer of USB4 and Thunderbolt protocols, providing users with comprehensive protection.
• Intel Certification : Intel certification is a comprehensive endorsement of a cable’s performance and quality. It covers multiple aspects, including electrical performance, compatibility, and transfer speed. Intel – certified cables are full – blooded Thunderbolt cables. They can fully leverage the high – performance advantages of USB4 and Thunderbolt protocols, meeting users’ needs for high – speed data transfer and stable connections. However, they are usually more expensive.

When selecting USB4 full – function cables, paying attention to these key certifications helps you choose high – quality and high – performance cables for efficient 40Gbps data transfer.