New type of charging connector. Everything you wanted to know about USB Type-C, but were afraid to ask

In 2015, Apple released its first gadget equipped with a new and, surprisingly, only USB Type-C port. , which has only one port, caused a storm of discontent among the company's fans.

And then it was tolerated, fell in love, and Apple to this day not only very successfully sells the 12-inch line of ultrabooks, but also equipped the MacBook Pro series with USB Type-C, completely abandoning the classic USB 2.0/3.0, and indeed any additional ports .

Almost three years have passed since the release of the MacBook, but users still have questions about using the newfangled USB Type-C port. I am especially concerned about the selection of cables and accessories.

In this material we will understand all the nuances of the new standard. I will try to present the material in such a way that after reading it no more questions will arise, and everything will become known about the USB Type-C ports in the MacBook and MacBook Pro.

Where did USB-C come from and where did the problem creep in?

The USB standard itself appeared in 1994. USB 1.0 was conceived as a universal port for connecting all kinds of equipment to a PC. They began to actively use it only in the 2000s.

USB 2.0. Then it was time for USB 2.0. USB 2.0 cables have a strict orientation and come in two types of connectors: USB Type-A and USB Type-B. With the growing popularity of mobile devices, two more types of connectors will later appear: USB Micro-B and USB Mini-B.

Data was transmitted over two cables, usually green and white, while black and red were responsible for power.

The maximum data transfer speed over USB 2.0 is 480 Mbit/s. The main disadvantage of the standard is that the currents are too low ( no more than 500 mA), which often caused problems when connecting external drives.

USB 3.0. Having decided to eliminate the shortcomings of USB 2.0, engineers are developing a new standard - USB 3.0. “Blue USB” became much faster and was able to transfer data at high speeds up to 5 Gbit/s.

Perhaps this was due to the appearance of four additional communication lines, and, as a result, an increase in the maximum current up to 900 mA.

In the fall of 2013, the specifications of the updated USB 3.1 Type-C standard were approved. Since then, life has ceased to be the same.

What exactly is USB Type-C?

Despite the fact that engineers had already released three iterations of the USB standard, the main question still remained open to them. It was necessary to provide normal nutrition.

A pathetic current of 900 mA is clearly not enough to recharge the same 8-10 thousand mAh laptop battery. In addition, more power-hungry accessories began to appear on the market, and the tendency of manufacturers to make devices thinner and more compact forced them to abandon ports such as HDMI, Thunderbolt, classic USB, and Ethernet.

Instead of 8-pin USB 3.0, 24-pin USB 3.1 Type C appears. Why are there so many of them? Judge for yourself:

The new USB Type-C specification has opened up a number of new opportunities for users.

Firstly, USB Type-C has a new USB PD standard, according to which this port and the corresponding cables must be able to transmit current power up to 100 W in both directions.

Secondly, the data transfer speeds are impressive. Thunderbolt 3 Alternate Mode can transfer data at speeds up to 40 Gbps. Of course, with certain “ifs”, but more on that below.

Thirdly, it can transmit video with a resolution of up to 5K. There is plenty of speed here and the need for HDMI simply disappears.

Finally, USB Type-C is convenient because no matter how you plug it in, it will work. It's two-sided. A logical continuation of the Lightning cable, but now not only for Apple devices.

What then is installed in the MacBook and MacBook Pro?

Before we figure out the choice of cables and USB Type-C accessories, we need to understand the USB Type-C ports that are installed in MacBooks.

Unfortunately, the USB Promoter Group made a lot of mistakes with the USB 3.1 specification, producing several generations of ports and completely confusing users.

Let's unravel this Gordian knot.

So, here are all generations of MacBooks and the corresponding USB Type-C ports installed in them.

That is, you should immediately understand that if you have a 12-inch MacBook, you can forget about Thunderbolt 3 support, which means it’s stupid to overpay for support for this specification when choosing a cable.

The MacBook 12″ supports video transmission via HDMI, VGA and DisplayPort (with appropriate adapters), but it cannot be connected to Thunderbolt devices.

With MacBook Pro 2016 and newer, everything is much more interesting. Until the recent update, the 13-inch MacBook Pro models only had Thunderbolt 3 support (those on the left).

In 2018, all four ports in models with TouchBar fully support data transfer at full speed. For the 12-inch MacBooks, everything remains unchanged.

Choosing the right cable for specific tasks

The choice of USB Type-C cable directly depends on the task you are pursuing. This specification is very extensive and has certain limitations.

1. For charging

USB Type-C supports charging power up to 100 W. MacBooks come with a corresponding charging cable with a built-in controller that limits the maximum charging power.

The 12-inch MacBook comes with a cable with a maximum charging power of up to 61 W. With MacBook Pro 13 and 15 inches 87 W respectively.

This means only one thing: if you connect a 61-watt cable to an 87-watt charger and try to charge a MacBook Pro 15" from, say, 2018, it will charge at 61 watts. That is, one and a half times slower.

This also applies to other certified charging cable manufacturers.

Is it possible connect your MacBook to a higher power charger? Can. Instead of the included 29 W power supply, you can power it with a charger from a 15-inch MacBook Pro at 87 W. This is not terrible, but there will be no miracle and the MacBook will not charge faster.

And yes, it's not harmful. The MacBook will take exactly as much as it can. By the way, the story is the same with the iPad.

To finally resolve issues with charging and get a cable “for all occasions,” you can opt for the original 2-meter USB-C cable for RUB 1,490.

2. For transmitting video signal like HDMI

You decide to connect an external monitor or TV to your MacBook or MacBook Pro. Let's figure out what to use to transmit a video stream in conjunction with USB Type-C.

First and foremost, determine which input port the external monitor or TV is equipped with.

For HDMI. There is a universal option that will not only add a standard USB 2.0/3.0 port and HDMI to MacBooks, but also duplicate USB Type-C. Costs 5,490 rubles.

For VGA. A similar, but more archaic solution for VGA for the same 5,490 rubles.

For Thunderbolt 3. There are already several Thunderbolt 3 display models on the market (12-inch MacBooks are passing by). 0.8 meters of such cable will cost 3,190 rubles.

The same option can be used for charging (up to 100 W). By overpaying 2 thousand rubles and buying this instead of a USB Type-C charging cable, you will get a truly universal cord that supports data transfer at speeds of up to 40 Gbps.

Important. Don't go for length. Two-meter and half-meter cables supporting Thunderbolt 3 are different things.

But, here it is worth bringing some clarity.

3. For connecting USB 2.0/USB 3.0 devices

Perhaps this is the only case when there are no problems with adapters. The same standard USB Type-C -> USB adapter for 1,490 rubles. capable of delivering up to 5 Gbit/s.

This is exactly what the USB Type-C port in the 12-inch MacBook family is designed to do.

4. For maximum data speed (5K and 4K 60Hz)

40 Gbps - this is the maximum USB Type-C gen 2 with Thunderbolt 3 support can transmit. But this is under ideal conditions.

To ensure this speed, the cable length must not exceed 18 inches or 45 centimeters. Otherwise, the speed drops sharply.

But even here everything is not so clear. Thunderbolt 3 cords fall into two categories: passive And active. And you should pay attention to this if speed is important to you.

The first, with a length of two meters, transmit data at half the speed, that is, at the level of 20 Gbit/s, or even less.

Active ones have a special transmitter that controls the transmission speed along the entire length of the cable. With such laces the speed is maintained.

Here is an example of a certified passive Plugable cable up to 2 meters long. The speed here is no more than 20 Gbit/s, but the price is much more pleasant.

As you can see, everything is very complicated

When choosing USB Type-C cables and accessories, no matter how you look at it, you will have to use your brain.

You must clearly understand for what purpose you are buying this or that lace and what speeds you expect from it. If you're happy with 20 Gbps, but need two meters of length, you don't have to shell out two hundred evergreen bills for an active Thunderbolt 3 cable.

If we're talking about something complicated, then:

• if you need a clean cable for charging- buys the original one on the Apple website
• if you need a cable to connect an external drive- choose high-quality USB 3.1
• if you need to connect 5K monitor or work with professional Thunderbolt 3 hubs- choose short passive or long active cables for a lot of money

And most importantly. (carefully read paragraph 2 of the article) and accessories produced by little-known handicraft Chinese brands. This is especially true when choosing cords that will be used to charge your MacBook. The risk of burning your device in the case of USB Type-C is higher than ever.

The first version of the Universal Serial Bus (USB) was introduced in 1995. It was USB that became the most successful interface in the history of computing systems. Tens of billions of devices communicate with each other via USB, so the importance of this data transfer channel is difficult to overestimate. It seems that with the advent of the connector USB Type-C, our understanding of the capabilities and role of a universal bus may change dramatically. Before talking about the prospects, let's look at what the new universal connector offers.

The advantages and disadvantages of the new format interface connector have been discussed on the Internet for some time. The USB Type-C specification was finally approved at the end of last summer, but the topic of a universal connector aroused active interest after the recent announcement of a laptop, as well as a new version equipped with USB Type-C.

Design. Convenient connection

The USB Type-C connector is slightly larger than the usual USB 2.0 Micro-B, but noticeably more compact than the dual USB 3.0 Micro-B, not to mention the classic USB Type-A.

The dimensions of the connector (8.34x2.56 mm) allow it to be used without any particular difficulties for devices of any class, including smartphones/tablets with a minimum reasonable case thickness.

Structurally, the connector has an oval shape. Signal and power terminals are located on a plastic stand in the central part. The USB Type-C contact group includes 24 pins. This is much more than the previous generation of USB connectors. Only 4 pins were allocated for the needs of USB 1.0/2.0, while USB 3.0 connectors have 9 pins.

The first obvious benefit of USB Type-C is the symmetrical connector, which allows you not to think about which side to connect the plug to the socket. The age-old problem of devices with USB connectors of any format has now finally been resolved. In this case, the solution to the problem is not achieved by simply duplicating all contact groups. A certain automatic negotiation and switching logic is used here.

Another nice thing is that there are identical connectors on both sides of the interface cable. Therefore, when using USB Type-C, you do not need to choose which side of the conductor to connect the master and slave devices.

The outer shell of the connector does not have any holes or cutouts. To secure it in the connector, internal side latches are used. The plug must be held securely in the connector. There should not be any backlashes similar to those that could be observed with USB 3.0 Micro-B.

Many people are probably concerned about the physical reliability of the new connector. According to the stated characteristics, the mechanical life of the USB Type-C connector is about 10,000 connections. Exactly the same indicator is typical for the USB 2.0 Micro-B port.

Separately, we note that USB Type-C is not a data transfer interface. This is a type of connector that allows you to tie together various signal and power lines. As you can see, the connector is elegant from an engineering point of view, and most importantly, it should be easy to use.

Data transfer rate. 10 Gb/s is not for everyone?

One of the advantages of USB Type-C is the ability to use the USB 3.1 interface for data transfer, which promises an increase in throughput up to 10 Gb/s. However, USB Type-C and USB 3.1 are not equivalent terms and are definitely not synonyms. The USB Type-C format can implement the capabilities of both USB 3.1 and USB 3.0 and even USB 2.0. Support for a particular specification is determined by the integrated controller. Of course, USB Type-C ports are more likely to appear on devices that support high data transfer rates, but this is not a dogma.

Let us remind you that even with the implementation of USB 3.1 capabilities, there may be differences in the maximum data transfer speed. For USB 3.1 Gen 1 it is 5 Gb/s, USB 3.1 Gen 2 is 10 Gb/s. By the way, the presented Apple Macbook and Chromebook Pixel have USB Type-C ports with a bandwidth of 5 Gb/s. Well, a clear example of the fact that the new interface connector is very variable is the Nokia N1 tablet. It is also equipped with a USB Type-C connector, but its capabilities are limited to USB 2.0 with a bandwidth of 480 Mb/s.

The designation “USB 3.1 Gen 1” can be called a kind of marketing ploy. Nominally, such a port has capabilities identical to those of USB 3.0. Moreover, for this version of “USB 3.1” the same controllers can be used as for the implementation of the previous generation bus. At the initial stage, this technique will probably be actively used by manufacturers, releasing new devices with USB Type-C that do not require maximum bandwidth. When offering a device with a new type of connector, many will want to present it in a favorable light, declaring the presence of not only a new connector, but also support for USB 3.1, even if only conditional.

It is important to understand that the USB Type-C port can nominally be used for maximum performance connectivity at speeds of up to 10 Gb/s, but in order to obtain such bandwidth, the connected devices must provide it. The presence of USB Type-C does not indicate the real speed capabilities of the port. They should be clarified in advance in the specifications of specific products.

Some restrictions also have cables for connecting devices. When using the USB 3.1 interface, for lossless data transfer at speeds up to 10 Gb/s (Gen 2), the length of the cable with USB Type-C connectors should not exceed 1 meter, for connection at speeds up to 5 Gb/s (Gen 1) – 2 meters.

Energy transfer. 100 W unit

Another important feature that USB Type-C brings is the ability to transmit power up to 100 W. This is enough not only to power/charge mobile devices, but also for the trouble-free operation of laptops, monitors or, for example, “large” external drives of 3.5” format.

When the USB bus was originally developed, power transfer was a secondary function. The USB 1.0 port provided only 0.75 W (0.15 A, 5 V). Enough for a mouse/keyboard to work, but nothing more. For USB 2.0, the nominal current was increased to 0.5 A, which made it possible to obtain 2.5 W. This was often enough to power, for example, external 2.5” hard drives. For USB 3.0, a nominal current of 0.9 A is provided, which, with a constant supply voltage of 5V, already guarantees a power of 4.5 W. Special reinforced connectors on motherboards or laptops were capable of delivering up to 1.5 A to speed up charging of connected mobile devices, but this is still 7.5 W. Against the background of these figures, the possibility of transmitting 100 W looks like something fantastic. However, in order for the USB Type-C port to be filled with the necessary power, support for the USB Power Delivery 2.0 (USB PD) specification is needed. If there is none, the USB Type-C port will normally be able to output 7.5 W (1.5 A, 5 V) or 15 W (3 A, 5 V) depending on the configuration.

To streamline the energy capabilities of USB PD ports, a system of power profiles was developed that provides possible combinations of voltages and currents. Compliance with Profile 1 guarantees the ability to transmit 10 W of energy, Profile 2 – 18 W, Profile 3 – 36 W, Profile 4 – 60 W, Profile 5 – 100 W. A port corresponding to a higher-level profile maintains all states of the previous ones downstream. 5V, 12V and 20V were selected as reference voltages. The use of 5V is necessary for compatibility with the huge fleet of available USB peripherals. 12V is the standard supply voltage for various system components. 20V was proposed taking into account the fact that external 19–20V power supplies are used to charge the batteries of most laptops.

Of course, it’s good when the device is equipped with USB Type-C, which supports the maximum USB PD energy profile. It is this connector that allows you to transmit up to 100 W of energy. Obviously, ports with similar potential may appear on some powerful laptops, special docking stations or motherboards, where separate phases of the internal power supply will be allocated for the needs of USB Type-C. The point is that the required power must be somehow generated and supplied to the USB Type-C contacts. And to transmit energy of such power, active cables will be required.

It is important to understand here that not every port of the new format will be able to provide the declared power of 100 W. There is a potential opportunity for this, but this issue must be resolved by the manufacturer at the circuit design level. Also, don’t be under any illusions that the above 100 W can be obtained from, say, a power supply the size of a matchbox, and now you can charge your gaming laptop and a 27-inch monitor connected to it using a smartphone charger. Still, the law of conservation of energy continues to work, and therefore a 100 W external power supply with a USB Type-C port will still be the same weighty block as before. In general, the very possibility of transmitting energy of such power using a universal compact connector is, of course, a plus. At a minimum, this is a great opportunity to get rid of the inconsistency of original power connectors, which laptop manufacturers especially often sin with.

Another useful feature of USB Type-C is the ability to change the direction of energy transfer. If the circuit design of the devices allows, the consumer can, for example, temporarily become a charge source. Moreover, for reverse energy exchange, you don’t even need to reconnect the connectors.

Alternative mode. Not USB alone

The USB Type-C port was originally designed as a universal solution. In addition to direct data transfer via USB, it can also be used in Alternate Mode to implement third-party interfaces. The VESA Association took advantage of this flexibility of USB Type-C by introducing the ability to transmit video streams via DisplayPort Alt Mode.

USB Type-C has four high-speed lines (pairs) of Super Speed ​​USB. If two of them are dedicated to DisplayPort needs, this is enough to get a picture with a resolution of 4 K (3840x2160). At the same time, the data transfer speed via USB does not suffer. At the peak it is still the same 10 Gb/s (for USB 3.1 Gen2). Also, the transmission of the video stream does not in any way affect the energy capacity of the port. Even 4 high-speed lines can be allocated for DisplayPort needs. In this case, modes up to 5K (5120×2880) will be available. In this mode, USB 2.0 lines remain unused, so USB Type-C will still be able to transfer data in parallel, although at a limited speed.

In alternative mode, the SBU1/SBU2 pins are used to transmit the audio stream, which are converted into AUX+/AUX- channels. For the USB protocol they are not used, so there are no additional functional losses here either.

When using the DisplayPort interface, the USB Type-C connector can still be connected to either side. The necessary signal coordination is provided initially.

Connecting devices using HDMI, DVI and even D-Sub (VGA) is also possible, but this will require separate adapters, but these must be active adapters, since DisplayPort Alt Mode does not support Dual-Mode Display Port (DP++) .

Alternative USB Type-C mode can be used not only for the DisplayPort protocol. Perhaps we will soon learn that this port has learned, for example, to transmit data using PCI Express or Ethernet.

Compatibility. Difficulties of the “transition” period

If we talk about the compatibility of USB Type-C with devices equipped with USB ports of the previous generation, then it is not possible to connect them directly due to fundamental differences in the design of the connectors. To do this you will need to use adapters. Their range promises to be very wide. Of course, we are not just talking about converting USB Type-C to other USB types. Adapters for displaying images on screens with traditional DisplayPort, HDMI, DVI and VGA ports will also be available.

Along with the announcement of the new MacBook, Apple offered several adapter options. Single USB Type-C to USB Type-A is priced at $19.

Considering the presence of only one USB Type-C, the owner of a MacBook probably cannot do without a universal, more functional converter. Apple introduced two such adapters. One output has USB Type-C, VGA and USB Type-A pass-through, the second option is equipped with HDMI instead of VGA. The cost of these boxes is $79. A 29 W power supply with native USB Type-C is priced at $49.

For the new Chromebook Pixel system, Google offers single adapters from USB Type-C to Type-A (plug/socket) priced at $13; for a converter to DisplayPort and HDMI you will have to pay $40. A 60 W power supply is priced at $60.

Traditionally, you should not expect humane price tags for additional accessories from equipment manufacturers. Adapter manufacturers are anticipating demand for their new products. Belkin is already ready to ship kilometers of conductors, but their cost also cannot be called low ($20–30). The company also announced, but has not yet introduced, an adapter from USB Type-C to a Gigabit Ethernet port. The price has not yet been announced; there is only information that it will be available in early summer. It's funny, but it seems that until this moment, in order to connect to a wired network, you will need to use two adapters at once. It is quite possible that someone will be more prompt than Belkin, offering an appropriate adapter earlier.

It will be possible to talk about a noticeable price reduction only after much lesser-known companies from the Middle Kingdom begin to work closely on accessories with USB Type-C. Considering the prospects that are opening up, we believe that this will not be the case.

Devices with USB Type-C. Someone has to be first

Nominally, the first device equipped with a USB Type-C port was a tablet. At least, it was this device that became the harbinger of the fact that ports of the new format left the developer’s laboratories and “went to the people.”

An interesting device, but, unfortunately, it is currently offered in a fairly limited edition. The tablet has a native USB Type-C port, although the USB 2.0 protocol is used for data transfer.

Perhaps the most significant product that will help increase the popularity of USB Type-C is the recently introduced . The 12-inch laptop is equipped with a single interface connector, so its owners will one way or another become pioneers who will adapt to life with USB Type-C.

On the one hand, Apple obviously supported the development of the new standard; moreover, the company's engineers were directly involved in the development of USB Type-C. On the other hand, updated versions of Macbook Air and MacBook Pro did not receive this connector. Does this mean that the manufacturer’s USB Type-C will not be included in the “heavier” category of devices in the coming year? Debatable. After all, Apple probably won’t be able to resist updating its line of laptops after the autumn announcement of a new Intel mobile platform with Skylake processors. Perhaps this is when the Cupertino team will allocate space on the interface panel for USB Type-C.

The situation with tablets and smartphones is even more ambiguous. Will Apple use USB Type-C instead of Lightning for them? In terms of capabilities, the proprietary connector is noticeably inferior to the new universal port, but what about the original peripherals that users of Apple mobile products have accumulated since 2012? We will find out the answers to these questions with the update or expansion of the iPhone/iPad lines.

Google has introduced the second generation of stylish Chromebook Pixel laptops. Systems running Chrome OS are still fairly niche solutions, but the quality of Google’s systems is impressive, and this time they are at the forefront of devices offering USB Type-C. Laptops are equipped with a pair of corresponding connectors. However, to be on the safe side, Chromebook Pixels also have two classic USB 3.0 connectors.

In general, Google representatives are very encouraged by the capabilities of the new connector, counting on the appearance of Android mobile devices with a USB Type-C connector in the near future. Uncompromising support from the largest platform holder is a powerful argument for other market players.

Motherboard manufacturers are not yet in a particular hurry to add a USB Type-C port for their devices. MSI recently introduced the MSI Z97A GAMING 6, which is equipped with such a connector with data transfer speeds of up to 10 Gb/s.

ASUS offers an external USB 3.1 controller with a USB Type-C port, which can be installed on any board with a free PCI Express (x4) slot.

Peripherals with native USB Type-C are still frankly not enough. Surely many manufacturers were in no hurry with the announcement, waiting for the appearance of systems with which it would be possible to use products with USB Type-C. In general, this is a typical situation when introducing another industry standard.

Immediately after the announcement of the Apple MacBook, LaCie introduced a series of portable external hard drives with USB Type-C.

SanDisk is already offering a flash drive with two connectors for testing – USB 3.0 Type-A and USB Type-C. The lesser known Microdia offers a similar product.

Surely we will soon see a significant expansion of the range of devices with USB Type-C. The flywheel of change will slowly but surely spin up. The support of “big” companies can influence the situation and speed up this process.

Results

The need for a universal compact connector that could be used to transmit data, video-audio streams and electricity has been brewing for quite some time. Considering the mutual interest on the part of both users and equipment manufacturers, there are all the prerequisites for USB Type-C to take off.

Compact dimensions, simplicity and ease of connection, along with ample capabilities, promise the connector the prospect of repeating the success of its predecessor. The usual USB port has been modernized several times, but the time has come for drastic changes. 10 Gb/s with the possibility of further scaling, power transmission up to 100 W and a picture with a resolution of up to 5K. Not a bad start? Another argument in favor of USB Type-C is that it is an open standard that does not require licensing fees from manufacturers. There is still a lot of work ahead, but there is a result ahead that is worth going through this path for.

Take a look at almost any laptop and you'll find a number of different ports gracing its sides: USB, HDMI, power connection, and a few others. This may soon be a thing of the past, as manufacturers such as Apple, HP and are ready to adopt a new universal standard that offers increased speed, improved functionality and convenience. The time of USB-C is coming, and its future looks very promising.

One cable, many uses

The idea behind USB Type-C is simple. You have one type of cable, one type of port, and through them you connect everything you need. This means you can use the same connector for hard drives, monitors, audio interfaces, smartphones, tablets, and even to charge your laptop.

Nowadays, most peripherals connect to a PC via USB-A. It has a rectangular shape and is used on USB flash drives, external keyboards, mice, hard drives and almost all other devices.

On the opposite side of the cable, there is usually another type of connector, such as Micro USB for connecting to smartphones, Mini USB for other gadgets, Micro USB-B for connecting to some storage devices, or square-shaped USB-B used in printers. The difficulty is that you need to have a separate cable for each device, and there is no guarantee that if you are somewhere else, you will be able to find exactly the one you need.

USB-C simplifies this situation by establishing one standard format for all devices, and even the same connector on both ends of the cable. The slim, oval-shaped connector is smaller in size than previous USB formats. Plus, it's also symmetrical/reversible like Apple's Lightning connector—so the days of fiddling with a cable to find the right way to connect to your device will soon be a thing of the past.

Over time, USB-C will likely become the only universal port for all devices, replacing the USB-A, USB-B, Micro USB and Mini USB that make our lives so difficult now. All cables will be the same and will fit all devices. Admittedly, this will not happen very soon, since most peripherals on the market still use the old connection types. But with Apple's new line of MacBook Pros featuring exclusively USB-C ports, and the Asus Zenbook 3 and HP Specter using the same approach, USB-C ports are becoming a common feature on many modern laptops and 2-in-1 devices. This undoubtedly indicates that the future lies with the new platform.

What are the benefits of USB-C?

Of course, simply changing the design of the connector and port is unlikely to be a compelling reason to upgrade your entire peripheral, but this is not the only advantage of USB Type-C. The new format also supports the latest USB 3.1 protocol, which is faster and more versatile than previous versions used on USB Type A devices.

• Speed. When USB 1.0 was introduced back in 1996, it had a maximum data transfer speed of 12 MB/s. USB 2.0, which followed in 2000, “jumped” to 480 Mb/s. USB 3.0, which replaced it in 2008, provided a significantly improved performance of 5 Gb/s. Now USB 3.1 has doubled that figure, offering as much as 10 Gb/s and a number of additional benefits.
• Performance. These additional benefits include the ability to deliver up to 100 watts of power to connected devices, which is enough to charge any smartphone, tablet, and almost any laptop. The new format can also carry 4K monitors and audio.
• Compactness. The smaller size and versatility of the ports means they will now become ubiquitous on ultra-thin laptops and Android smartphones such as the Google Pixel.
• Versatility. The universal nature of the new standard opens up a range of useful practical applications using just one cable. For example, a user can connect their USB-C-equipped laptop to an externally powered display and charge while watching video content. If other USB devices are connected to the monitor, such as an external drive, the PC can also access it and transfer files. In addition, the cable can be used to connect and charge your smartphone.
• Compatibility. USB Type-C is backward compatible with previous generations. If you have an adapter or dongle, you will be able to use your USB devices over USB-C. To meet this need, a number of interesting accessories have already been released, such as the Targus Dock 410, which offers not only three USB 3.0 ports, but also HDMI, Gigabit ethernet and various video options. The fact that the device can manage this entire range of functions through a single USB-C port shows the potential of the platform - it's not for nothing that more and more modern laptops, for example, Apple's line of thin 12-inch MacBooks are equipped with a single port. Now there is an even faster form of USB Type-C, which also includes support for Thunderbolt 3.0. With it, devices like the MacBook Pro, Dell XPS 13 and HP Specter can reach speeds of up to 40 Gb/s - four times faster than USB 3.1. Thanks to the increased data transfer speeds, users can connect a USB-C cable to the aforementioned Targus Dock 410 and run two external displays at up to 3840x2160 resolution by connecting them to the DVI-D and HDMI ports on the dock. Since the standard is still new, manufacturer specifications may vary between devices - so consumers need to ensure that accessories like the Dock 410 are compatible with their laptops.
• Reversibility. Who has never cursed while trying to get a Micro USB connector or even a standard USB connector into a device correctly? Apple's Lightning connector eliminates this inconvenience, and now USB-C is just as convenient.

What are the disadvantages of USB Type-C?

While USB-C is a shiny new format that will no doubt become ubiquitous in the near future, it is currently still in its infancy and therefore not without some confusion and dangers.

Since USB-C refers to a connector type rather than an internal specification, users may be unpleasantly surprised that their device isn't as fast as they expected. The first generation of USB-C uses USB 3.0 technology, which has a maximum speed of 5 Gb/s, while the second generation of USB-C supports USB 3.1, which provides 10 Gb/s. There is also a third generation that includes Thunderbolt 3 (for example, on the new MacBook Pro), with a maximum speed of up to 40 Gb/s. The problem with each of the ports is that they look the same, but the manufacturers use different components in their model lines. Therefore, to avoid disappointment, potential buyers should check the connector's specifications and speed before purchasing.

Cables can also be confusing because they all look the same but have different designs that affect their capabilities. If you need a charging cable, you'll need to make sure it supports USB Power Delivery, and for HDMI, MHL, or DisplayPort, you need a USB-C cable with Alt Mode functionality. These inconveniences will undoubtedly be eliminated in the future, but at this stage the buyer should check all details carefully.

The main problem facing USB-C is cheap cables and accessories that can cause physical damage to the device. The problem is caused by the amount of energy they are capable of transmitting. This can be dangerous not only for devices, but also for people. Therefore, you should not purchase cheap, non-branded products from China, but choose reliable, proven brands.

The industry is on the verge of another change. In the coming years, prepare to throw away all your USB and HDMI cables. They will be replaced by the USB Type-C interface. The new format looks brilliant on paper, but in real life there are still a lot of questions about it. The main one is when to switch to it? Now let's figure it all out.

Why is USB Type-C the future?

The situation is obvious. The point is the versatility of the format, which is always a plus. What can regular USB do now? Only transfer data. Separate interfaces (HDMI, VGA, DVI) are required to connect the monitor and charge the laptop, which is inconvenient.

Type-C allows you to do everything at once. In addition to transferring files at speeds of up to 10 GB/s, the interface can broadcast images in 5K quality (5120x2880 pixels), power devices with a consumption of up to 100 W and a voltage of up to 20 V. And all this at the same time. In addition, the connector itself is small (8.4 x 2.6 mm) and double-sided. Trying to blindly connect a flash drive or charge a smartphone in the dark when the microUSB doesn’t want to fit into the connector will become a thing of the past.

Where did it all start?

The trend was set by Apple, a company that many now criticize for its inability to surprise, or to do it in a very strange way: by introducing innovations that turn into headaches for customers.

In 2015, the Cupertino team introduced the new Macbook. The model was clearly planned to replace the Macbook Air, which was already quite boring and outdated. Their TFT matrix screens look especially bad, while other products sport Retina displays. So, in the new Macbook, in addition to the 3.5 mm headphone jack, there was only one output - USB Type-C. In the fall of 2016, Apple showed new generations of Macbook Pro, which already have four similar ports and no other interfaces (only the mini-jack was retained).

Other manufacturers are also catching up: laptops with USB Type-C are produced by HP, ASUS, Dell, MSI. But these companies took a safer method. Along with USB Type-C, their devices also have the usual USB 3.0, HDMI, and an SD card slot. Apple cuts without waiting for peritonitis.

Wait, but Apple introduced Lightning a couple of years ago...

Yes, but this interface is only used on iPhone and iPad. And we are almost sure that the company will completely switch to USB Type-C in smartphones and tablets in a couple of years.

Devices from other manufacturers (Google Nexus 5X and Pixel, ASUS Zenfone 3) have already received the new standard. So we have a chance to live until that bright day when any mobile phone, laptop or other gadget can be charged via one cable.

But Apple can't bury Lightning so quickly. When the company announced with the release of the iPhone 5 that the bulky 30-pin connector was a thing of the past, the forums were bursting with user indignation: what to do with the purchased docking stations and speaker systems? Gradually everyone came to terms and switched to a compact interface. But if, five years later, people are again told about a change in format, Apple won’t seem to care enough. In addition, Lightning is their own standard, and it is especially difficult to abandon the native one. It will probably be unified with USB Type-C, as happened with Thunderbolt 3.

What exactly is the problem with USB Type-C?

The problem is not so much in the connector as in the periphery. There are only a few monitors with this interface, and they are not cheap. The same thing with flash drives, hard drives, batteries - they are there, but the choice is very limited.

It is unlikely that many people can completely upgrade their equipment at one time - this will amount to a very decent figure. This means a Type-C adapter is required. And this is precisely the main problem.

Firstly, you need to buy Type-C adapters, and original adapters, especially from Apple, cost an indecent amount. Get out a calculator: USB-C/Lightning (for connecting to an iPhone/iPad) - 1,590 rubles; USB-C/HDMI, USB-C, USB 3.0 - 4090 rubles; adapter from USB Type-C to regular USB - 799 rubles. You won’t be able to insert a flash drive from a camera into your laptop either - again, get money for an adapter (Sandisk USB Type-C adapter costs, for example, about 1800 rubles). The minimum required set of additional devices will cost 6-7 thousand rubles. True, you can find a real combine that will immediately have USB 3.0, a LAN output, HDMI, and a slot for a memory card.

So while USB Type-C does not make life easier, it only adds problems. For example, photographers cannot quickly transfer pictures from their camera to their laptop. If at work you are asked to write something onto a flash drive, then either carry an adapter with you at all times, or buy a drive with two interfaces (fortunately, there are such), or say apologetically, “I’m here at the peak of progress: only USB- C".

But USB Type-C will inevitably become widespread. It won’t be possible to stubbornly stick to USB 3.0: for another couple of years, manufacturers will definitely release solutions with familiar connectors, but gradually people will be forced to switch to the new standard. Fortunately, it will be cheaper to do this later than it is now.

So should we switch to USB Type-C or what?

The transition to USB Type-C depends on the specifics of how you work with devices. For example, if a laptop is used as a highly mobile gadget, data is transferred between devices via Wi-Fi, and the only wire you connect to it is the charger, then you will not have any problems with the new interface.

In extreme cases, you will need to buy one adapter, which has a connector for the usual USB and HDMI. An Apple smartphone, for example, can be connected via USB to this adapter rather than buying a Lighting/USB-C adapter.

But if you need to use many ports at the same time: HDMI, SD card slot, 2-3 USB, you will have to get rid of it. But it is unlikely that a large number of users connect so much to their laptop at one time. In addition, the Macbook Pro, for example, has four connectors at once. By connecting the laptop to the TV, putting it on charge and connecting the flash drive to the triple adapter (for 4090 rubles), you will have three more free ports at your disposal.

Are there cheap adapters for USB Type-C?

Craftsmen from China tirelessly invent cheaper and more universal adapters. But you need to be careful when buying them. Budget options can burn the device when connected by supplying too much current. Adapters from well-known manufacturers are equipped with reliable protection that will prevent the destruction of your smartphone or laptop.

It is better to avoid suspiciously cheap options. Moshi, HyperDrive, Choetech, SanDisk - you can pay attention to the products of these companies. But 100% quality and reliability will be ensured only by branded adapters from manufacturers, and not from third-party brands. By the way, Griffin produces an interesting thing - a charging wire on a magnet, like in the now old Macbooks. If you touch it, the laptop will not crash to the floor - the cable will simply disconnect, and a small tail with USB Type-C will remain in the laptop.

We draw conclusions:

The future belongs to USB Type-C - that's for sure. I would like to believe that the interface will become widespread soon. But if you need to frequently connect different devices (flash drives, power banks, monitors, network cables), then don’t rush. First, find adapters that suit you completely and estimate their cost, as well as how many adapters you will have to carry with you all the time.

Why is the new USB standard really better than the usual USB ports on phones, tablets or laptops, and which devices already have USB Type-C connectors? The CHIP editors answer all these questions.

First, some important information: the designations USB Type-C and USB 3.1, as they say, go hand in hand, since they actually mean the same thing. When the USB 3.1 number is used, it is usually referring to the data transfer speed.

If you come across the name USB Type-C, it usually refers directly to the type of connector for connecting devices. First, let's compare the previous USB 3.0 standard with the new USB 3.1. You will find all the details in the table below.

Comparison of USB 3.0 and USB 3.1

The best devices with USB Type-C

What USB Type-C devices are currently available? The first of these was the 12-inch MacBook, in which this connector was the only one. The current Google phones Nexus 6P and 5X are also equipped with USB 3.1 - and in general, more and more manufacturers are integrating a port of the new standard into their smartphones.

In the following table we have compiled for you a list of the most interesting devices with a USB Type-C interface.

USB Type-C: these devices already have it

The USB connector can no longer be connected incorrectly

USB Type-C: Type C plug (left) can be used on either side

That's what makes the USB Type-C connector incredibly convenient: it's symmetrical. You no longer have to think about how hard it will take to insert the plug into the socket correctly. Previously, this connector property was a great advantage of Apple products, iPad or iPhone, but now it is becoming available to the masses of users. This cable can be inserted in either direction.

Let us mention one more significant advantage over the USB 3.0 standard: due to the maximum transmitted power increased to 100 W, various peripheral devices, for example, monitors or speakers, will be able to be connected via USB 3.1 in the future without an additional power source. The current strength of 5 A also significantly reduces the charging time of a mobile phone.