VESA makes DisplayPort 2.1 backwards compatible with 2.0 and vice versa

The Video Electronics Standards Association presents specifications for the updated DisplayPort 2.1. The updated standard is backwards compatible with DisplayPort 2.0 and all 2.0-compatible products are already officially certified for DisplayPort 2.1.

VESA DP40 and DP80 cables

The VESA has said itself with DisplayPort 2.1 aiming to “better conformance to USB Type-C and USB 4 PHY specifications.” As a result, tunneling through a USB-C port using the USB 4 standard should be more efficient. According to the organization, it is important that the specifications for DisplayPort and USB match as much as possible because there would be a significant overlap in user scenarios between the respective ecosystems.

In addition, the nonprofit has expanded the maximum length of DisplayPort and Mini DisplayPort cables. VESA-certified DP40 cables with a UHBR10 link rate and a maximum bandwidth of 40Gb/s over four lanes can now be longer than two meters. The DP80 cables with a UHBR20 link rate and a maximum of 80Gb/s over four lanes may be longer than one meter. In both cases, of course, all other specifications must be met, including the same requirement regarding signal strength. The cables in question already received updated bit rates and associated labels earlier this year.