The USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) has said that the upcoming Intel 7-series and Intel C216 chipset families host silicon has achieved SuperSpeed USB certification by the USB-IF. The certified solution includes four SuperSpeed USB ports integrated into the chipset, enabling manufacturers to conveniently incorporate SuperSpeed USB into their systems.

“This is a tremendous milestone for the industry. With USB-IF certification of Intel’s integrated USB host silicon, host manufacturers will be able to bring SuperSpeed USB to the masses. Intel’s commitment to SuperSpeed USB will continue to provide peripheral device manufacturers a compelling incentive to develop a growing number of diverse SuperSpeed USB products," said Jeff Ravencraft, USB-IF president and chief operating officer.

Intel 7-series core-logic sets will support Intel's Core i-series 2000- and 3000-series central processing units (CPUs) code-named Sandy Bridge and Ivy Bridge. It is believed that the 7-series chipsets will be released in Q1 2012.

“SuperSpeed USB certification of our Intel 7-series chipset and Intel C216 chipset family helps ensure interoperability and backward compatibility within the broad USB ecosystem," said Ahmad Zaidi, general manager of Intel Corp.'s chipset and SoC IP group.

Tags: Intel, USB