A BCS member’s story: the birth of USB

The humble Universal Serial Bus (USB) connector. So common, it’s easy to take for granted. Yet, if you think about it, USB has become such a regular fixture of life — as commonplace as kettles, toasters and taps (or faucets, if you prefer) — that it’s hard to name another technology that’s so successfully moved from being a tech industry solution to being a natural, nameable, essential and integral part of everyday life.

Turning the clock back to the days before phones were smart and data and power needed their own cables, Richard Petrie MBCS explains how he helped shape the founding vision and specification of the world’s most popular connector.

Why don’t you introduce yourself and tell us about your career?

I graduated from the University of Southampton in 1993 with a master’s in electronic engineering. I then started developing Windows APIs for ISDN Video Telephone systems. After a year of working with databases, I moved into development for local connectivity. Firstly, I spent four years working on Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT) and Bluetooth (in the early days), leading FW development for production test equipment at Rohde and Schwarz. This was followed by several years at Nokia, where I started developing USB, being responsible for the first in-house USB development for Series 40 phones.

Tell us about the USB-IF award. What does it mean to you?

I was shocked when USB Implementer’s Forum (USB-IF) informed me that I had been included in the list and very appreciative of the congratulations I received from my colleagues. I am proud to be included in this list with such illustrious people! To have been involved, at such a pivotal time, in the development of a critical technology such as USB is a real privilege. I got to collaborate with some highly talented individuals. Finally, seeing the results of our hard work is satisfying.

Where did your fascination with computers begin?

I started working with computers in the early 1980s when I got my first computer, a Sinclair ZX81. I started off typing in programs from magazines and eventually got to writing my own. I later upgraded to a ZX Spectrum, which I found you could use to control large MIDI keyboards, which was fun.

Working on ISDN video telephony systems in the 90s, I experienced the novelty of video calls, something we now take for granted. I then moved on to wireless systems such as DECT and Bluetooth, which are great for low-power audio. When I started on USB, I realised that, with the available bandwidth and wired connector, it was possible to do everything that anyone would need over a single connector; it was an opportunity to solve the issue of multiple cables, chargers and connectors by just having one option for everything.

Looking at USB’s early days, what problem were you looking to solve?

The problem that USB was trying to solve relates to the plethora of cables and connectors used to connect a PC to peripherals such as mice, keyboards, hard drives, printers and all the rest. For PCs, this was solved with the A-connector and the introduction of plug-and-play, a standard set of device classes and drivers integrated with the operating system. You should plug something in and it ‘just works’. For mobile devices, I remember looking at different manufacturers’ phones and seeing the size of the connectors and the fact that each one was different. Phones needed a connector that was robust, easy to connect and supported charging and data. We started that journey with the Micro USB connector, proving that a universal phone connector was possible. We have now come full circle with the USB Type-C, which also appears on laptops and PCs.

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Where did your involvement with USB begin?

I joined Nokia in 2000 as a SW Team Leader responsible for Nokia’s first in-house USB development for Series 40 phones. When we started developing support for USB communications device classes, I realised that the specifications weren’t quite right, so I went to a USB meeting to fix them. The rest is history!

At Nokia, I was involved in the USB-IF and drove the Micro USB connector activity. This, together with the USB battery charging standard, became the basis for the European charging standard, reducing waste by allowing people to use the same chargers and cables for different phones.

As a standard, how is USB organised? Is there a central USB body or foundation?

USB is an industry based organisation. A group of promoter companies drive the standards development, and then an implementer’s forum, USB-IF, is responsible for device classes and compliance. One of the significant successes of USB has been the focus on certification and the logo. These ensure that devices are interoperable. USB standards then get adopted by international standards bodies such as the IEC so that they can be referenced worldwide; for example, the USB charging requirements in the EU reference these.

We’re up to USB4 now. What do you see as the technology’s defining steps?

There were two standards: Thunderbolt, which offered high bit rates and multiplexing of PCIe and DisplayPort but with no native USB, and USB3, which had slightly lower rates and multiplexed DisplayPort onto the USB wires electrically, thus lowering the available bandwidth. USB4 combines the benefits of Thunderbolt time division multiplexing with native USB driver support, plus USB Power Delivery for up to 240W all over the single USB Type-C connector.

And USB4, what are its headline features and characteristics?

The key benefit is having all of the essential functions simultaneously over a single cable. USB4 multiplexes data (USB and PCIe) with video streaming (DisplayPort) at high bit rates and adds USB Power Delivery at up to 240W.

Do you foresee a world where cables are obsolete?

I have been hearing about the death of wired connectors since I started working on USB! In that time, they became more prevalent. I think that wireless solutions are convenient, and the bandwidth is increasing, making more applications like streaming possible, as well as wireless charging, adding to the solution's usability. However, there are a few things that make wired connectors desirable. Firstly, users can see the connection; it isn’t invisible. There is no pairing; you plug in the two ends, and you can see things are connected. Secondly, charging is more efficient, which is critical in this era of evolving energy efficiency standards. Thirdly, the bandwidth will always be faster than wireless due to the nature of the transmission medium and if you have to charge you may as well take advantage of this.

How has USB contributed to sustainability?

Lots of us have boxes of useless cables and chargers stored somewhere. In the past, vast amounts of cables and chargers were put into landfills when they became obsolete. With USB and Power Delivery we have not just converged the connector but created a protocol which allows all sorts of devices to charge from each other, which means more re-use.

Of all the uses and applications for USB — which makes you most proud?

It’s the thought that I have set something lasting in motion. I can point to a USB charger, cable, or connector on a phone, tablet, or laptop and say I was part of making that happen. In my lifetime, I have had a major impact on that part of our world.

Finally — tell us about BCS and your membership. How long have you been a member?

I joined BCS from university in 1993, so, over 30 years. As an engineer, I think it is important to be a member of a professional organisation that can support you throughout your career.