The USB Implementers Forum (IF) is a non-profit organization in charge of standardizing and controlling the different USB types, interfaces, and performance thresholds, globally. They have now recently published new logos and criterions the OEMs can use to identify the different types of USB ports, cables, and connectors.
The new logos are more descriptive as compared to the older ones, and are therefore easier to understand by the layman.
For the OEMs to be able to use these new logos, they must first receive the certification from USB-IF.
Purpose of New USB Logos
The manufacturers and companies that meet the requirements for these new logos and sign a license agreement with USB-IF can then use these logos on their product packaging, ports, cables, and connectors.
With that done, this will allow the end users to be able to identify and purchase only the authentic and good-quality products as per their needs since it will be easier to identify the requirements with these descriptive logos.
Previously, the names of these USBs were confusing, especially for the end-users with no knowledge of this technology.
The “Superspeed” and “Superspeed Plus” codenames have now been dropped. Similarly, the conventional names have also been changed. For example, USB 3.2 Gen 2 will now be called USB 10Gbps, and USB 4 Gen 3×2 will now be called USB 40Gbps. This new naming convention is much more descriptive, and a person even without advanced knowledge can determine its performance based on its name.
Let us now move on to what these new logos look like.
Performance Logos for USBs
The table below shows the logos that will be printed on the packaging, connectivity ports, and device power ports according to their performances.
Charger Logos for USBs
Below are the new logos assigned by USB-IF for 100-watt and 240-watt chargers.
USB Type C Cable Logos
This table gives the packaging and cable logos for type-C cables of different performances and wattages.
Conclusion
Having thoroughly reviewed the new logos, we believe that this step by the USB-IF is in the right direction. Now, any person with minimum knowledge about the USB types and performances would immediately understand what they are about to purchase, and what is compatible with their existing ports/devices.
The end-user now no longer needs to search the specifications for their USB flash drives, or the ports on their laptops, to determine their maximum performance threshold.
