USB4 Is Here – USB-IF Ratifies USB4 specification

USB4 is the next generation of the Universal Serial Bus and a major update to the interface in speed and functionality. USB4 has incorporated Thunderbolt 3 capabilities, which extends support of USB interface to existing PCIE, and DisplayPort over the same USB Type-C connector. USB4 doubles the maximum overall throughput from 20Gbps to 40Gbps enabling optimized HD video and data transfer simultaneously. USB4 enables many applications using USB Type-C, which already supports power delivery, USB 3.2, USB 2.0 and other alternative protocols.

Posted in DisplayPort, SystemVerilog, Test Suites, USB

Latest Buzz on Next Generation Protocols – USB4, PCIe 5.0, LPDDR5, and DDR5

We recently published the VIP Newsletter for Apr 2019, containing trending topics, leading solutions, in depth technical articles, videos, webinars, and updates on next generation protocols. In case you missed the latest buzz on Verification IP, you can read it here.

Posted in Data Center, DDR, Debug, LPDDR, Memory, Mobile SoC, PCIe, Processor Subsystems, Test Suites, Type C, USB

USB4: Higher Performance and Combined Data, Display, and Power

The most awaited news of the year is officially here! USB Promoter Group has officially announced USB4 specification, which is an extensive upgrade over USB 3.2 specification. The new specification guarantees double the speed of USB 3.2 Gen 2×2, and has built in Thunderbolt™ 3 compatibility. The official specification release is expected by mid-2019.

Posted in Automotive, Mobile SoC, Type C, USB

Accelerate Debug Productivity of Complex Serial Protocols

Debugging the complex serial protocols is the biggest challenge verification engineers face. It’s one of the most time and effort consuming activity affecting the schedule of every project. Traditional debug methodologies use a combination of loosely connected waveforms, log files, messages, and documentation, which are insufficient for productive debugging. Debugging SoC and block level issues using log files is tedious and time consuming. Design problems that appear in the later phases of the development cycle can be extremely difficult to track down and debug, thus putting project schedules at risk.

Posted in Automotive, Debug, Display, Mobile SoC, Type C, USB

Overcoming USB Type-C Verification Challenges

In mid-2014, the USB Type-C standard was announced, which provided a thinner, reversible connector and ever evolving ecosystem of new platforms like MHL, DisplayPort, HDMI, and Thunderbolt over Type-C. USB Type-C is quickly being integrated into most high end and newly-released mid-range smart phones offering the reversible Type-C connector. It is also becoming the connector of choice for IoT, display, gaming, and other emerging applications. Synopsys’ Subsystem Verification Solution for USB Type-C™ is rapidly being adopted by customers. Read more about the adoption of Synopsys’ USB Type-C Subsystem Verification Solution by ASIX.

Posted in Automotive, Mobile SoC, Type C, Uncategorized, USB

USB Type-C Alternate Mode: The One for All

In our previous blog, “Ever Wonder How USB Type-C Works”, one of the paramount features we discussed was the Type-C connector being used with third party peripherals in-addition to USB. The mode in which the Type-C cable assembly facilitates operation of “Alternate” protocols is called Alternate Mode. USB Type-C Alternate Mode specification allows MHL, DisplayPort, HDMI, and Thunderbolt over Type-C. Alternate Mode is an option made available to the USB Hosts; however, USB should be the preeminent interface to be exposed over Type-C assembly, justifying the tag ‘Alternate’.

Posted in Automotive, Display, DisplayPort, HDMI, MHL, Mobile SoC, Type C, USB

Ever Wonder How USB Type-C Works?

In our previous Type-C blog – What’s New with USB TYPE-C, we looked at why Type-C is the next-generation adaptor, which is thinner with multipurpose capabilities, making it quite handy to the end consumer. Along with fulfilling the power/charging abilities, it intends to proxy several cable plugs like VGA, HDMI, beefy USB Type-A connector, etc. Predominant responsibility of Type-C connector is supplying/sourcing current and data transmission and reception. Ever wonder how does this dynamic connector work?

Posted in Display, DisplayPort, Mobile SoC, Type C, USB

What’s New with USB TYPE-C

The everlasting presence of the USB interface is evident with close to 5+ billion USB devices shipped each year. USB has always been the cornerstone of the consumer electronics market. USB Type-A and Type-B cables, interface and connectors have been ubiquitous on variety of devices – smartphones, PCs, video games, power backups, and automotive etc. With the technology always pushing towards better, thinner and power efficient devices, the native cable assemblies have been the bottleneck to innovation in this space. Limitations of native USB standard were so obvious that competitors like thunderbolt were always around the corner ready to get a slice of the massive USB market. In mid-2014, the USB Type-C standard was announced, which provided the ever evolving ecosystem of new platforms with existing benefits of USB standard (2.0, Gen1, Gen2).

Posted in Type C, USB