USB Power Delivery vs. USB4
Comparing 2 standards across 8 specifications. 8 key differences identified.
USB Power Delivery (USB PD) is a separate negotiation protocol governing how much power flows over a USB-C cable -- independent of the cable's data speed. Standard Power Range tops out at 100W (20V/5A); PD 3.1's Extended Power Range (2021) raised that ceiling to 240W (48V/5A), requiring cables with a built-in identification chip.
USB4, released August 2019, is built on Intel's Thunderbolt 3 protocol, donated to USB-IF as the new foundation -- up to 40 Gbit/s, a mandatory USB-C connector, and tunneling that lets a single port carry USB, DisplayPort, and PCIe traffic at once. Thunderbolt 3 compatibility is required; Thunderbolt 4 compatibility is optional for device makers.
Specification Comparison Table
8 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
PD 1.0
|
2012 -- up to 60W | — |
|
PD 2.0
|
2013 -- up to 100W (Standard Power Range, 20V/5A) | — |
|
PD 3.1 (EPR)
|
2021 -- up to 240W (Extended Power Range, 48V/5A) | — |
|
EPR Cable Requirement
|
Built-in E-Marker identification chip | — |
|
Released
|
— | August 2019 |
|
Max Bandwidth / Data Rate
|
— | Up to 40 (Gen 3x2) or 20 (Gen 3x1) Gbit/s |
|
Connector Required
|
— | USB-C only |
|
Protocol Foundation
|
— | Intel Thunderbolt 3 (donated to USB-IF) |