USB Type-C - what is it? Connector type, cable. What is USB Type-C: history, advantages and disadvantages of Type c, is micro usb suitable?
The fact that the connector is called USB Type-C makes you wonder how it differs from previous versions A and B. The first thing that catches your eye is that it is different appearance. Type-C is more like not a full-fledged USB cable, but the cord with which we charge mobile gadgets.
From left to right: USB Type-C, Lightning, microUSB
Type-C is symmetrical, it can be inserted on either side. Remember the situations when for some reason a flash drive or mouse is inserted only the third time? It's a thing of the past now. As the owner of an iPhone 5 and a Lightning cable, I will say that this is very convenient. For example, it is much easier to find and insert a wire in the dark.
Type-C bandwidth is 10 GB per second. Voltage - 20 V. Just six months ago, many IT resources wrote that in the future, using this connector, we will be able to charge laptops in the same way as tablets and smartphones. Apple has turned the future into the present. The new MacBook has only one connector - USB Type-C, which acts not only as a port for connecting peripherals, but also as a connector for charging the laptop.
At first it seems crazy cool. Then too. But there are also thoughts that we have not yet become so independent from gadgets with wires. Of course, the adapter that Apple quietly released with the MacBook release solves this problem. However, this turns the MacBook from a portable device into a laptop with which you need to carry an additional connector everywhere.
Also important is the fact that the adapter costs $79. But third-party manufacturers have already begun to produce their own solutions, so the range will soon become much wider.
Connector for USB Type-C The bandwidth of USB Type-C allows you to connect not only standard USB devices to the connector, but even HDMI and display the image from the monitor on a second screen. Given that Apple often leads the way in such engineering and technological innovations, it may not be long before Type-C becomes a ubiquitous solution.
And we need a bunch of adapters.
The new USB Type-C standard is still not widely developed on the market, but manufacturers are gradually adopting the new technology. In smartphones, USB-C can already be called a new trend, because it is not only an improved charging connector, but also a means to abandon the traditional 3.5 mm headphone port. Today we will talk in more detail about USB Type-C, and this article will tell you what it is.
Today almost everything electronic devices equipped with a USB connector. From desktop computers to smartphones and a variety of laptop storage devices. USB is a ubiquitous standard when it comes to connecting peripherals or transferring data between devices. The last major USB update came in 2013 with the release of USB 3.1, accompanied by the release of a new Type-C connector. As you can see, almost 4 years have passed since then, and Type-C has not taken root.
Currently, you can count on one hand the number of devices on the market that use USB Type-C technology. Among computers, these are the latest laptops from Apple, from Google, a line from Samsung and several more hybrid devices. Among the smartphones - mainly the flagships of the outgoing year:, and.
So why is USB Type-C better than its predecessors? Let's find out.
What is USB Type-C
USB Type-C is a new and currently actively developing industry data transfer standard for computers and mobile devices. The main and most significant innovation of Type-C is a modified connector - universal, symmetrical, capable of working on either side. The USB-C connector was invented by the USB Implementers Forum, a group of companies that developed and certified the new USB standard. It also includes the largest technology companies, namely Apple, Samsung, Dell, HP, Intel and Microsoft. By the way, this is important to know, because USB Type-C was easily accepted by most PC manufacturers.
USB-C is the new standard
First of all, you need to know that USB Type-C is a new industry standard. Just like they once were USB 1.1, USB 2.0, USB 3.0 or the latest USB 3.1. Only previous generations of USB were more focused on increasing data transfer speeds and various other improvements, while Type-C from a physical point of view changes the connector design in a similar way to modifications of the technology - MicroUSB and MiniUSB. However, the decisive difference in this case is that, unlike MicroUSB and MiniUSB, Type-C is aimed at replacing absolutely all standards, on both sides (example USB-MicroUSB).Key Features:
- 24 signal pins
- USB 3.1 support
- Alternate mode for implementing third-party interfaces
- Speed up to 10 Gbps
- Power transmission up to 100 W
- Dimensions: 8.34x2.56 mm
USB Type-C and USB 3.1
One of the possible questions for those who do not know about USB Type-C could be something like this: what does USB 3.1 have to do with USB Type-C? The fact is that USB 3.1 is the main data transfer protocol for Type-C. The speed of version 3.1 is 10 Gbps - in theory, this is 2 times faster than USB 3.0. USB 3.1 can also be presented in the original connector format - this port is called USB 3.1 Type-A. But today it is much easier to find USB 3.1 with a new Type-C universal connector.USB versions
To better understand why Type-C will become a replacement for traditional USB versions, it is first necessary to understand the difference between them. There are different versions of USB, and even different connectors - for example, Type-A and Type-B.USB versions belong to a common standard, but they differ in the maximum data transfer speed and operating power. Of course, there are many other factors.
USB 1.1
Although USB 1.0 is technically the first version of USB, it failed to fully reach the market. Instead, a new version of USB 1.1 was released - it became the first standard to which we are all accustomed. USB 1.1 can transfer data at 12 Mbps and consumes a maximum of 100 mA of current.
USB 2.0
The second version of USB was introduced in April 2000. It provided the standard with a significant increase in maximum data transfer speed - up to 480 Mbit per second. USB 2.0 has also become more powerful, consuming 1.8A at 2.5V.
USB 3.0
The release of USB 3.0 brought with it not only the expected improvements in data transfer speed and power, but also new types of connectors. Moreover, USB 3.0 even got its own color - new version The standard was marked blue to valiantly distinguish it from older generations of USB. USB 3.0 can operate at speeds of up to 5 Gbps, using 5V at 1.8A for its operation. By the way, this version was presented in November 2008.
USB 3.1
The newest and most best version USB was released in July 2013, although it is still not widely used. USB 3.1 can provide users with a throughput of up to 10 Gbps with a maximum power consumption of 5V/1A, or optionally 5A/12V (60 W) or 20V (100 W).
Type-A
Type-A is the classic USB interface. The short and rectangular plug became the original design for USB and remains the standard connector for use at the host end of a USB cable to this day. There are also some variations of Type-A - Mini Type-A and Micro Type-A, but these have never been widely accepted by the public due to the complex nature of the socket. Currently, both of these Type-A variations are considered obsolete.
Type-B
If Type-A has become one side of the USB cable we are used to, Type-B is the other. The original Type-B is a tall connector with beveled top corners. Commonly found on printers, although itself an extension of the USB 3.0 standard to introduce new connectivity options. The classic MiniUSB and MicroUSB are also available in Type-B versions, along with the absolutely clunky MicroUSB 3.0, which uses additional plugs.
Type-C
So, after Type-A and Type-B, we come, obviously, to the newest Type-C. Type-A and Type-B versions were supposed to work together with each other through backward compatibility, but the arrival of Type-C completely ruined these plans, since USB-C involves a complete replacement of outdated USB connection technologies. Also, Type-C was designed in a special way so that additional variants such as Mini or Micro would not need to be released at all. This, again, is due to the intentions to replace all current connectors with USB Type-C.
The main feature of the Type-C standard is the versatility or symmetry of the connector. USB-C can be used on both sides, similar to Apple's Lightning technology - no more special sides for connection, which are also difficult to find in the dark. Also, the Type-C version is based on USB 3.1, which means it supports all the benefits latest version, including the highest speed.
USB-C is still backwards compatible with existing options USB, but for this use case, of course, you will need adapters.
Disadvantages of USB Type-C
Naturally, the new USB Type-C standard also has problems. One of the main and most serious concerns of the latest version of the technology is the physical design of the connector - it is very fragile due to its symmetrical design. Apple, despite the same versatility of its Lightning, uses a durable metal plug that is much more resistant to external influences.An even more pressing and significant problem with USB Type-C is the unregulated operation of the connector, which has led to a number of dangerous accessories being marketed. Some of these accessories, by using unsupported voltage levels, can fry the connected device. For example, this was the case with the flagship, which was magnificent at the start, which subsequently began to first ignite and then completely explode in the hands, trousers, cars and apartments of its owners.
This problem led to an obvious and only solution - a massive ban on the production and sale of non-original accessories with USB support Type-C. Thus, if an accessory does not meet USB Implementers Forum Inc. standard specifications, the product will not be approved for sale. Also, to check the operating status and authenticity of various third-party accessories, USB-IF has introduced software protected by 128-bit encryption that will allow devices with this connector to automatically check the connected device or accessory with USB-C.
Cons:
- Design. The design of USB Type-C is good, but the design has suffered - it is quite fragile. Apple uses an all-metal plug in its Lightning, while Type-C uses an oval shape with the signal pins placed in the central part.
- Connector operation. Allowing USB Type-C to operate at unsupported voltage levels will likely cause the cable and/or device to catch fire.
- Compatibility. USB Type-C is an innovation in the USB world, but the newest generation leaves older devices in the past because it does not support working with them.
- Adapters. To fully work with USB Type-C on older devices, you will have to buy additional adapters. This is an additional waste of money.
Benefits of USB Type-C
Despite all of the above, USB Type-C can confidently be called a step forward for the industry. Installing this connector will allow manufacturers to do more thin computers And mobile devices with fewer ports, highest data transfer speeds and to headphones. In the future, if USB Type-C becomes popular, the connector will be able to replace not only the 3.5 mm headphone port, but also HDMI, the interface used for video transmission. Thus, USB Type-C will replace the connectors that are familiar today and will become a universal standard in any situation.
Pros:
- Symmetry. USB Type-C allows you to forget about situations where you have to remember which side to insert the cable into the connector. Also, from now on you don’t have to worry about not finding the right side of the USB in the dark.
- Compactness. The dimensions of USB Type-C are 8.4x2.6 mm - this allows manufacturers to make computers and mobile devices much thinner.
- Versatility. Thanks to the integration of a single connector, it will be possible to charge both a laptop and a tablet or smartphone with one cable.
Advantages of the USB 3.1 port:
★ fast
★ powerful
★ universal
Advantages of the Type-C connector:
★ durable
★ symmetrical
Now you are guaranteed to connect the USB cable to the device the first time.
⚠ It is necessary to distinguish between the concepts “ port" And " connector». Connector(socket) Type-C can be soldered to an old phone (instead of micro-USB), but port USB 2.0 will remain the old one - it will not increase charging and data transfer speeds. The only conveniences that will appear are the symmetry and reliability of the connector.
⚠ Thus, the presence of Type-C does not mean anything. Smartphone models with a new connector are sold, but with old port. The advantages listed in this article do not apply to such smartphones.
Assigning Contacts
The connector contacts in the diagrams are shown from the outside (working) side, unless otherwise specified.
The port contains 24 pins (12 pins on each side). The “upper” line is numbered A1…A12, the “lower” line is numbered B1…B12. For the most part, the lines are identical to each other, which makes this port indifferent to the orientation of the plug. The contacts of each line can be divided into 6 groups: USB 2.0, USB 3.1, Power, Ground, Matching channel And Additional channel. Now let's take a closer look.
Actually, USB 3.1. High-speed data lines: TX+, TX-, RX+, RX- ( pins 2, 3, 10, 11). Speed up to 10 Gb/s. In the cable, these pairs are recrossed, and what is RX for one device appears as TX for another. And vice versa. By special order, these pairs can be retrained for other tasks, for example, video transmission.
Good old. Low speed data lines: D+/D- ( pins 6, 7). This rarity was included in the port for the sake of compatibility with old low-speed devices up to 480 Mb/s.
Power supply plus - Vbus(pins 4, 9). Standard voltage is 5 volts. The current is set depending on the needs of the peripherals: 0.5A; 0.9A; 1.5A; 3A. In general, the specification of the port implies a transmitted power of up to 100W, and in case of war, the port is capable of powering a monitor or charging a laptop with a voltage of 20 volts!
GND - Mother Earth (pins 1, 12). Minus everything.
Matching channel(or configurator) - SS ( pin 5). This is the main feature USB type-C! Thanks to this channel, the system can determine:
— The fact of connecting/disconnecting a peripheral device;
— Orientation of the connected plug. Oddly enough, the connector is not completely symmetrical, and in some cases the device wants to know its orientation;
— Current and voltage that should be provided to the peripherals for power or charging;
— The need to work in an alternative mode, for example, to transmit an audio-video stream.
— In addition to monitoring functions, this channel, if necessary, supplies power to the active cable.
Additional channel - SBU (pin 8). The additional channel is usually not used and is provided only for some exotic cases. For example, when transmitting video over a cable, an audio channel is transmitted over the SBU.
USB 3.1 Type-C pinout
The “striped color” here shows the contacts of the bare wire.
A strange decision was to mark the D+ and D- wires not as in USB 2.0, but vice versa: D+ white, D- green.
Wires are marked with a gray outline, whose color, according to Wikipedia, is not regulated by the standard. The author did not find any indication of the colors of the wires in official documentation.
Wiring Type-C connectors ▼ 
Diagram of a typical USB-C male-to-male cable▼ 
USB PD Rev.2 (USB Power Delivery) power/charge technology
The USB-C cable does not have such concepts as “connector-A” or “connector-B” - the connectors are now the same in all cases.
Device roles are designated with new terms:
DFP- active, power supply device (like a USB port) A)
UFP- passive, receiving device (like a USB port) B)
DRP- a “two-faced” device that dynamically changes its status.
In addition, the charger is called Power Provider, charging - Power Consumer.
The distribution of roles is carried out by setting a certain potential on the CC contact using one or another resistor:
Active device ( DFP V bus.
The resistor value tells the consumer how much current he can expect:
56
±20% kOhm - 500 or 900 mA
22
±5% kOhm - 1.5 A
10
±5% kOhm - 3 A
▲ Adapters from USB 2.0 (3.0) to USB-C, used to connect new smartphones to old PCs or storage devices, are wired according to the DFP scheme, that is, they show themselves to the smartphone as an active device
Passive device ( UFP) is determined by the resistor between contacts CC and GND.
Resistor value: 5,1
kOhm
▲ Adapters from USB-C to USB-OTG are wired exactly according to the UFP scheme, that is, they imitate a consuming device.
⚠ USB PD Rev2 technology in which by contact CC agree current And voltage charge should not be confused with Quick Charge (QC) technology, where the contacts D− And D+ only consistent voltage charge. USB PD Rev2 is only supported in USB 3.1.
QC is supported without reference to the port version.
USB-micro-USB-C adapter
Wiring the Type-C to USB 3.0 OTG adapter board from different sides ▼
Analog audio via Type-C
The standard provides the ability to transmit analog audio through a digital port. This feature is implemented in HTC smartphones U series, HTC 10 Evo, Xiaomi Mi, LeTV. The author will be grateful if the reader adds to this list.
To work in this mode, use analog headsets with a Type-C plug. Adapters are provided to connect the classic one.
Analog audio is transmitted via Data−, Data+, SBU1 and SBU2 channels. The smartphone enters this mode if there is a headset or adapter in the plug between contacts A1-A5 and B1-B5 a resistance of less than0.8…1.2 kOhm. Instead of a resistor, I could see just a jumper.
Video over USB-C
To transmit video via USB 3.1, the “DisplayPort Alternate Mode” has been developed.
See the list of devices that support this mode. I think it will be very useful for many. I don’t know what kind of cord you had and whether it worked with QC3.0 before? How long did you live in it? “Normal USB” - what is it?
Apple's latest MacBook laptop is equipped with a single USB Type-C port. But this form factor is not the corporation's own standard. USB Type-C is a new type of universal port standardized by the international USB-IF consortium. And over time, it will spread to all devices that these days are equipped with a classic (if not “old”) larger USB connector.
With a variety of modern Apple MacBook can be found on Bayon's pages:
USB Type-C connector tightly intertwined with other new standards: high-speed USB 3.1 and “electric” USB Power Delivery, whose task is to supply sufficient current to power various devices.
In the article we will talk about the differences between USB Type-C and USB 3.1 and how the USB Power Delivery standard and the Type C port are similar.
Type-C is a new form of USB port
By its physical nature, the USB Type-C connector is a thinner port. The connector itself can support existing USB 3.1 and USB Power Delivery standards (USB PD for short). In fact, 3.1 and PD are “logical” varieties of USB, and Type-C is just the size, shape and type of port.
The most common USB connector belongs to the USB Type-A category. Even when moving from the “ancient” USB 1.1 standard to the long-lived 2.0 (and to the fast 3.0, which is usually marked in blue), the connector remained the same. At one time it seemed miniature, but after years of technological development it looks quite massive. Its other drawback is the ability to connect to the device only with one specific side. Therefore, before attaching the connector to the port, you must ensure that it is in the correct position.
But the USB bus is also attractive for other devices! And a large USB port of a classic form factor physically cannot be placed on the thin edges of smartphones, game controllers, digital cameras and all other gadgets where this data transfer standard begs to be used. This is how numerous connector standards were born, including the now widespread “micro” and “mini”.
A variety of connectors and connectors of the Universal Serial Bus class
“Zoo” of various sizes of USB ports is nearing closing. The reason for this is the new USB standard Type-C, which has a huge advantage: the miniature geometric dimensions of the port. Its dimensions are approximately one third of the “old” USB Type-A. The new form factor can be placed in any device. No more collections of wires: both for external hard drive, and you only need one cable to charge your smartphone. At the same time, the tiny port can both fit into the body of a mobile device and serve as a source of electricity even for the “gluttonous” peripheral devices. The cable ends on both sides with identical USB Type-C connectors.
The beautiful “chargers” of various shapes and colors will not go away, but the cable will be standard.
Unified Type-C standard
That’s right: a single standard, and so many “goodies” at once. There is something else: “Type C” (this is the English transcription of the name) is also attractive for its two-sided nature. You can insert the connector into this connector from either side. You no longer have to consider the direction of the “cord” in order to carefully insert it into the port.
While USB Type-C is just beginning its victorious march, data cables are an indispensable attribute of any computer household.
We recommend that you familiarize yourself with our products in this category: USB cables
USB class size Type-C can work in various “protocol” modes. In practice, this means that one and only The port can also connect HDMI, VGA, DisplayPort cables or other types of computer connections to peripherals. Digital USB-C multiport adapter from Apple is a great example of the above. This adapter allows you to connect HDMI or VGA video outputs and large USB connectors of the old standard to your computer. Type-A , and, of course, his family USB inputs Type-C . A bunch of all kinds of USB, HDMI, DisplayPort, VGA and other connectors that now decorate most laptops on all side edges can be replaced with just one type of port. Something similar has happened in recent years with mobile phones. computer speakers- they are increasingly connected to the computer via USB, rather than through specific ports.
USB Power Delivery standard
Closely related to Type-C consists of another fresh standard of the consortium - USB PD. What is USB Power Delivery?
Many mobile devices - smartphones, tablets, pocket computers - can be charged from a computer when connected to it via USB. The USB 2.0 class port provides current transmission of up to 2.5 Watts - enough for leisurely recharging, but there was no need to think about more demanding devices: the average laptop, for example, requires up to 60 Watts.
USB Power Delivery specifications allow current transmission up to 100 W. Moreover, the direction of current can be bidirectional, so both devices connected by a USB cable can both send and receive electricity. At the same time as power supply is provided, data transmission is also possible. AND new MacBook, and Google's Pixel Chromebook are capable of charging their batteries when connected via a USB Type-C port. The new USB PD standard will allow you to forget about the numerous types of cables and connectors for powering laptops. Any device can be powered from a standard USB port. The current source for the laptop can be any newfangled “external battery”. You can connect the laptop to an external screen - and this display will share its current with the computer, while simultaneously showing the image sent to it by the computer via a small USB Type-C port.
All you need is support for USB Power Delivery technology. A regular USB Type-C port is not a guarantee of such electrical omnipotence. As Bayon already noted at the beginning of the article, Type-C is just a new geometry for this connector; everything else will depend on the specific manufacturer of this device- whether developers will want to equip their devices with Type-C-sized ports with USB PD support.
Relationship between USB Type-C and USB 3.1
USB 3.1 is the next milestone in the development of the USB bus. The theoretical bandwidth of USB 3.0 is limited to 5 gigabits per second. The new iteration, USB 3.1, doubles this figure - up to 10 theoretical gigabits/sec. This beautiful figure matches the speed of the first generation Thunderbolt port.
What is the difference between USB Type-C and USB 3.1?
The first (USB Type-C) is just the geometric shape of the connector, nothing more. Inside this “geometry” you can embed the old man USB 2.0, and its descendant 3.0, and their successor 3.1. In principle, nothing prevents you from placing even the logic of a frankly “museum” USB 1.1 in Type-C.
A practical example of the difference between USB Type-C and USB 3.1 is the Nokia N1 Android tablet. It is equipped with a new USB Type-C connector, but inside there is 2.0 bus logic (yes, not even 3.0). It also has an appropriate data transfer speed. However, these two technologies are directly related to each other, even if they are not synonymous.
Backwards compatible USB and new standard technologies
From a physical and geometric point of view, the USB Type-C connector is not compatible with its predecessors. And from a logical point of view, the developers have maintained full backward compatibility. In other words, in a thin new Type-C connector It will not be possible to “shove in” the usual bulky connector from a printer or mouse. It will not be possible to connect a modern flash drive or external HDD equipped with a Type-C cable into the classic USB port of a computer format that everyone is familiar with.
Now let's get back to the good stuff. The USB 3.1 standard is fully compatible with previous ones USB versions, so to connect old peripherals to the USB Type-C port, you only need a simple adapter adapter. The devices will work, there will be no problems.
How to live in the era of USB Type-C?
In practice, most new computers will be equipped as new USB ports Type-C and the usual USB Type-A - at least in the foreseeable future. This process has already begun; let’s take the same Pixel Chromebook as an example. There is no need to change old peripherals (printers, scanners, flash drives with mice) to new devices with USB Type-C cables. And even if your future computer is orthodoxly equipped exclusively with USB Type-C ports (as is the case with the MacBook), inexpensive and increasingly common adapters will help solve the problem.
Bottom line: Bayona's thoughts on USB Type-C
A timely and long-awaited update, this new connector. The pioneers of USB Type-C are the MacBook developers, but this technology will soon spread far beyond the Apple universe. Over time, other ports will become a thing of the past, and the transition to a new era will be as painless as possible. Whatever the readers' opinion about Apple, this time they have given way to a new standard that will be useful to everyone.
Moreover, the USB Type-C port can replace the Lightning interface, which is used only by smartphones and tablets of this corporation. Lightning has no special advantages over USB Type-C - it is beneficial Apple only because it receives royalties for its use.
Rapid development computer technology affects not only the main components of systems. The possibilities are increasing, including various interfaces. As for the most common method of connecting peripheral devices - USB - here, in general, we can state a multiple increase in productivity in recent years. The throughput of the universal serial bus increases and functionality expands. The connectors used to connect various USB devices are also undergoing changes. Today, many people hear about USB, what are the advantages and disadvantages of the solution - the topic of this article.
Modern computer connectors
Looking around the body of almost any laptop, you can find a number of different ports located on the sides. Among them there is always USB, almost always HDMI and some others. Modern models are often equipped with the latest USB Type-C port. Many people don’t know what kind of connector this is, but it would be worthwhile to familiarize yourself with the capabilities of the port. Presumably, the connector will replace many other solutions in the future and become a truly universal standard. This is facilitated by the technical characteristics of the new method of pairing a computer and peripherals. The USB Type-C port offers users faster data transfer speeds, improved functionality, and new level ease of use. In short, the future of the standard looks very promising.
Multiple uses for one cable
Creators USB Type-C used a very simple idea when developing the standard. The user must have a single type of cable, and his computer equipment is equipped with one type of port. By using a unified interface, you can connect anything you want. For example, using a USB Type-C cable, you can connect inherently different devices, presented hard drives, monitors, audio interfaces, smartphones, tablet PCs. Among other things, it becomes possible to use the connector in question even to charge a laptop.
USB-A
Today, almost all peripheral devices are connected to a PC via the usual USB-A connector. This port has firmly entered the computer world, has a familiar rectangular shape, and its use has become almost a standard for pairing flash drives with PCs and laptops, external keyboards, mice, hard drives, printers and many other devices. This monopoly is likely to be broken soon - the USB Type-C cable already takes its rightful place among the solutions used to connect many devices.
Change of concept
To connect devices to what has long been a standard USB-A port Various cables are used. The main difference between them is the connector located on the opposite side of the cable connected to the computer. This is almost always a different type of connector. For example, micro-USB is used for smartphones, while mini-USB is often used for other gadgets. To connect the printer, you will need a USB-B cable, and to connect storage devices, you will need a micro-USB-B cable. This variety causes some inconvenience and difficulty, because a user who owns several devices always needs to have a whole set of cables on hand. Designed to be uniform for all devices, i.e., the universal USB Type-C cable greatly simplifies this situation.
New format
With the development of the standard, it became possible to install a single connector design for all devices, as well as the same connector at both ends of the cable. How can you tell when you pick up a USB Type-C cable that this is it? The solution is a thin connector, oval in shape and significantly smaller in size compared to previous cable and connector formats of this type. In addition, USB 3 Type-C received the most important characteristic, represented by symmetry and reversibility. In general, it is very similar to the Lightning solution from Apple - very convenient, because you don’t need to waste time manipulating the cable to find the right way to connect.
Future
Probably today we can say that after a certain time, the USB Type-C connector will turn into the only universal port for all peripheral devices. Thus, there will be a replacement for USB-A, B, micro-USB and mini, which make the lives of ordinary users so difficult today. All cables should become the same and be able to be used for any device. Of course, quick unification will not happen; too many functional devices with connectors other than USB Type-C are in use today and will be in use for several more years.
At the same time, we should not forget: the expansion of new solutions has already begun. For example, USB flash drive Type-C is no longer uncommon on the shelves of computer stores. In addition, the fact that flagship devices from the most famous brands are being released, equipped with the port in question, suggests that the situation described, i.e., the displacement of outdated connectors from the market will occur sooner or later. For compatibility with older solutions, you will have to use a USB Type-C adapter for now.
Compatibility
After reading the above, you can think about what to do with already purchased devices equipped with connector types other than USB Type-C. It must be said that this issue should not cause much concern. A wide variety of adapters have already been developed, produced and sold, allowing you to connect any device with a USB connector, regardless of its type. Adapters such as mini-USB - Type-C, micro-USB - Type-C and others are already widespread and perform their functions perfectly. The security principle, which has been used in computer technology for many years, no one is going to violate. If a new laptop or computer has a USB Type-C port, an adapter for other types of connector is a completely applicable and effective solution.
Learn more about the benefits of the connector
Of course, a simple revision of the design of the connector and port will not be a compelling reason to encourage the user to upgrade all of his existing peripherals, but performance is far from the only advantage of the new solution. The new format supports the most modern USB 3.1 protocol, which brings with it an increase in data transfer speed and greater versatility compared to previous versions that are used on devices equipped with USB-A.
Speed
More than two decades have passed since the presentation of the first version of the connector. At that time, the maximum speed at which data was transferred was 12 Mb/s. Today we can say, considering USBType-C, that this is the fastest interface for connecting peripheral devices from existing solutions. The USB 3.1 standard is capable of providing a data transfer rate of 10 Gb/s.
Performance
Additional advantages of the standard under consideration, of course, include performance, represented by the ability to provide power transmission of up to 100 W. This figure is enough to power almost any laptop, not to mention smartphones, tablets and other gadgets. In addition to energy, the new format supports the transfer of a huge amount of data per unit of time. For example, today video signals in 4K resolution are successfully transmitted via USB Type-C.
Versatility
The universal nature of the newest standard opens up a wide range of practical applications. Mass useful functions can be provided with a single cable. For example, you can connect a USB-C-equipped laptop to an externally powered monitor and charge the laptop's battery while watching video content. When storage devices are connected to the display, e.g. external drive, from a laptop you can access information stored on the media.
Disadvantages of USB Type-C
This connector is a brilliant new format that is sure to become a ubiquitous solution in the very near future. However, the initial stages of distribution and development, in which the standard is currently still in, do not provide a complete absence of dangers, as well as some confusion when using the connector.
Cheap accessories
The main problem that a user who decides to join modern trends may encounter is cheap, low-quality accessories and cables. Due to the large amount of power transferred through USB Type-C connectors, using cables of insufficient quality may damage the paired devices. This factor must be taken into account by users without fail. When purchasing cables and adapters, you should choose products from reliable, trusted brands.
Confusion about standards
Another unpleasant issue that USB Type-C users may encounter today is caused by the fact that the standard in question relates more to the type of connector used than to the specifications of the interface itself. Therefore, it is quite likely that a device connected to a new connector will not work as fast as the owner of the device expected. The first generation uses USB 3.0 technology, providing a maximum speed of 5 Gb/s. The second generation of USB-C supports the 3.1 standard, the data transfer speed through which reaches 10 Gb/s. Problems with each of the ports arise because they look the same, but when producing ready-made solutions, brands use different components, even in lines of similar models. In other words, before purchasing a device with a USB Type-C connector, you need to check whether it matches the actual technical characteristics port to the required parameters.
