There is no USB type c connector. Testing three USB type-C cables

Over the past years, Apple has been systematically reducing the number of ports in MacBooks. The 13-inch MacBook Pro, released in 2012, had eight of them (including a headphone/microphone input and AC for power), and the thin Air of 2015 with an 11-inch screen already had four. , there are only two left: 3 ,5mm audio jack and universal USB Type-C, which simultaneously serves for charging, data transfer and connecting monitors. Vesti.Hi-tech looked into what the “USB of the future” is and what it is needed for.

What is this?

USB Type-C is a new super-fast connector based on the USB 3.1 and 2.0 specifications. It has a lot of advantages over USB “versions” of previous generations. Firstly, the Type C connector is symmetrical, like the Lightning plug in i-devices, which means that users no longer have to guess which side to insert the “flash drive” into the computer - with Type-C this can be done without looking at all. Moreover, such a cable is also double-sided: the same connectors are used on both sides, which allows you to connect it to the device at either end.

Secondly, the dimensions of USB Type-C are very close to Lightning in iPhones and microUSB (more precisely, USB 2.0 Micro-B) in Android smartphones. Compactness (~8.4x2.6 millimeters) allows the connector to be used in devices of any type: from personal computers and ultra-thin laptops to smartphones, tablets and other electronics. Thirdly, USB Type-C is compatible with the USB 3.1 2nd generation standard, which means its data transfer speed can be very high - up to 10 gigabits per second (~1.25 gigabytes per second).

Fourthly, USB Type-C is a universal connector, and this is perhaps its most important quality. The new USB connector can be used for anything: to connect flash drives, monitors, external hard drives and other peripheral devices, for charging (compatible with the USB Power Delivery 2.0 standard with a “recharge” power of up to 100 watts), as well as for transmission of video and other multimedia content.

Is USB Type-C the same as USB 3.1?
No. USB Type-C cables and ports can be used for USB 3.1, however, depending on the host controller and devices, they may only be compatible with USB 2.0 or 3.0.

The specifications of the new MacBook say that its Type-C port is compatible with USB 3.1 Gen 1, which means its maximum data transfer speed is limited to 5 Gbps. USB 3.1 Gen 2 has twice the throughput of 10 Gbps.

What is USB Power Delivery?
The USB PD standard allows devices to send and receive up to 100 watts of power over a single connection while simultaneously exchanging data. The latest Apple laptop, for example, is capable of outputting 4K video to an external monitor via USB Type-C while simultaneously charging via the same port. In terms of power, 100W is more than enough to charge high-end laptops. For comparison, USB 2.0 (the most common connector on smartphones and tablets) can carry up to 2.5 watts, while most laptops need 20-65 watts.

Which devices support USB Type-C?
The 12-inch MacBook was the first laptop, but not the first device with USB Type-C. For the first time, support for the newest connector was implemented in . It uses Type-C for charging and data transfer. True, the “Nokiev” implementation of the port is based on outdated USB 2.0, and not USB 3.1 or USB PD.

The drive, clad in a stylish aluminum case, will be available in three versions: with 500 GB, 1 TB and 2 TB of memory

Cable for connecting LaCie hard drive to computer

MSI's first Type-C motherboard

Soon it will be the turn of smartphones to support USB Type-C. According to Google engineer Adam Rodriguez, his company is "very committed" to the new connector, and we'll see it in Android devices and Chromebooks in the "near future."

What are the disadvantages of USB Type-C?
The main drawback of the new USB connector is that it is not compatible with current ports on PCs and laptops. To create a connection, for example, via microUSB, miniUSB or full-size USB, you will need to buy a special adapter or adapter. They will have to be used during a “transition period” (perhaps a year or two) until the new connector is widespread. But in the future, a laptop, smartphone and tablet (produced by different companies) will be able to be charged with just one wire.

USB-C (Digital AV Multiport Adapter)

In the meantime, if you want to charge Apple's latest laptop with a monitor and a LaCie drive, you'll need to spend nearly $80 for a reversible USB-C connector with HDMI, USB 3.0, and a power port. For the same amount you can buy a VGA USB-C adapter in the Apple online store. An adapter that “turns” USB Type-C into a regular USB 3.0 port will cost $19.

Google has also already started selling accessories for the new ports. A Type-C to DisplayPort cable costs almost $40, a Type-C to Type-A cable costs $13.

Another disadvantage of USB Type-C is that it does not detach as easily as the MagSafe magnetic connector familiar to Apple laptop users. Therefore, if someone accidentally touches the wire connected to the new MacBook, he will pull the computer along with him, which is fraught with falling and damage.

Finally, USB Type-C is not as fast as the Thunderbolt 2 interface found on the MacBook Air and Pro models. Via the “lightning-fast” port, data is transferred at speeds of up to 20 Gbit/s in both directions, while via USB 3.1 1st generation (this is the “version” implemented in the new MacBook) – up to 5 Gbit/s.

Smartphones with USB Type-C have been on the market for a long time, but many consumers know almost nothing about the new port on Android devices. In this article, I will explain what USB Type-C is and what it can be used for.

What is USB Type-C?

USB (Universal Serial Bus) is a cable standard that allows you to synchronize data and also charge your mobile device. The first generation was announced back in 1998 and until now we have seen the emergence of improved versions of the port. The latest solution is USB Type-C.

Each version of USB has a data transfer rate and a limit on the electrical current that can pass through it. Previous generation USB Type-A and Type-B connectors have only 4 pins, while the modern Type C connector has all 24, allowing it to conduct more electrical current and transfer data at very high speeds.

The familiar MicroUSB 2.0, for example, is currently used on most Android devices, and it supports 5V (volts) / 2A (amps) and transfer speeds of 480 MB/s. USB Type-C (3.1), on the other hand, already offers 20V/5A for electrical current transmission and speeds of up to 10 GB/s.

Benefits of USB Type-C

Obviously, the new standard boasts amazing data transfer speeds, but it also has other advantages that interest us. The Type-C connector is double-sided, meaning it doesn't matter which side you connect it to, and has the same pins on both ends of the cable.

What's more, the next generation of HDMI is fully compatible with USB 3.1, meaning you don't need to buy an expensive adapter or adapter. In the future, all laptops and desktop computers will be equipped with convenient connectors like these.

Are there any disadvantages of USB Type-C?

Not all manufacturers are adapting to the new USB standard. Some cables have Type-C connectors, they look like Type-C but only support USB 2.0. Such cables can be dangerous for devices.

Just don't buy cheap Chinese accessories to keep your phone safe. It's best to buy official USBs from the smartphone manufacturer.

Another problem facing USB Type-C is the small number of devices that work with this standard. There aren't many phones or other devices using the new technology at the moment, and if you're at a friend's house and looking for a charger, good luck finding the right cable. You may also be disappointed that USB Type-C chargers and cables aren't very cheap, but that will change in the future.

Beware of Cheap USB Cables
Even if your smartphone has a USB Type-C port, it may not support the 3.1 standard, so make sure before purchasing
Always use the original cable

The USB Type-C port has at least one undeniable and obvious advantage over the micro USB port - the connector can be inserted into it from either side (like Lightning). But USB Type-C also has disadvantages, we will talk about them today.

1. USB Type-C does not support fast charging

Currently, no smartphone with a USB Type-C cable is compatible with technologies that support fast charging (for example, Qualcomm Quick Charge 2.0). Perhaps it will appear in the future, but definitely not on those smartphones that have already been released.

2. USB Type-C does not guarantee high data transfer speeds

USB Type-C is only a connector form factor, not a data exchange standard. The USB Type-C cable itself can comply with different standards - USB 2.0, 3.0 and 3.1. Even if the cable supports USB 3.1, the data transfer speed through it will be limited by the port of the smartphone or computer. In theory, data can be transferred via USB 3.1 at speeds of up to 10 gigabits per second, but in reality such speeds will most likely be unattainable even under ideal conditions.

3. USB Type-C is not widely used

Surely you have often asked your friends for a charger or cable to charge your dead smartphone. In the case of USB Type-C, this will not work - it’s unlikely that anyone will have such a cable. You can ask any passerby for a micro USB cable. They may refuse, but almost everyone has it..

4. USB Type-C is expensive

The worst thing is if the cable gets lost or becomes unusable - a micro USB cord is very cheap in computer stores, but USB Type-C is not available in all retail outlets, and you will have to pay much more money for it. In addition, there is no guarantee that the new cable will be of the same quality as the one that came with the smartphone; there is a high risk of running into a fake.

5. USB Type-C does not support common accessories

If you have already purchased various accessories for your smartphone, such as portable chargers, OTG adapters, flash drives, speakers, etc., be prepared that they will be incompatible with USB Type-C. Finding accessories that support this standard is currently quite difficult.

All this does not mean that the USB Type-C standard is bad, it’s just that its time has not come yet. In addition, many compatibility issues can be solved by purchasing a USB Type-C -> micro USB adapter.

Google and Apple recently launched new mobile computers, although the machines are completely different, they have something in common: both computers have USB Type-C ports. So what is USB Type-C? Let's get a look.

The two most famous devices that already have a USB Type-C port are the new Google Chromebook Pixel and the new Macbook. However, USB 3.1 and Type-C connectors will become standard over the next few years.

Each of us is probably very familiar with the USB port. If you have a computer, then most likely you used a USB flash drive, or maybe connected a printer to a USB port. If you have a smartphone running Android, then you know that the USB port can be used to recharge or transfer data from the phone and back. USB ports have been present everywhere for a long time. It first came into widespread use when Microsoft included support for it in Windows 98 and Apple to remove keyboard and mouse ports. This happened almost 20 years ago, and little has changed since then.

The USB 1.1 port can transfer data at a speed of 12 Mbps, that is, 1.4 megabytes per second. In those days, a floppy disk was 1.4 megabytes, so it was fast. The USB 2.0 port was released in 2000, which could theoretically handle 480 Mbps. However, its actual average speed is approximately 280 Mbps, which is about 35 megabytes per second.

The USB 3.0 port was announced in 2008 and allows theoretical speeds of up to 5.0 Gbps. However, the actual speed achieved is around 400 Megabytes per second, not bad, right?.

On desktop PCs, USB 1.1, 2.0 and 3.0 ports used the same type of connector, and then micro-B or mini-B on peripheral devices (phone, camera, etc.).

The situation has changed somewhat with the advent of USB 3.1 ports. As you'd expect, the USB 3.1 port is even faster than its predecessors, with speeds so fast that it can be used to connect 4K displays. This means that in the future, in laptops and PCs, we will not see HDMI or VGA connectors, users will see a new type of port. In other words, type “A” and “B” are already history. The new connector is called USB Type-C. So, what does the new USB Type-C port give us, and why can’t Type-A and B provide it?

Firstly, the new USB Type-C connectors are not large. This means that we will no longer need mini or micro ports, which means there will be no confusion with choosing the right cable. The Type-C connector is small enough for smartphones and powerful enough for PCs and even servers.

Secondly, the USB Type-C port can handle 100W of power, meaning that it can be used not only to charge smartphones, but also to power many other devices that previously required a different power source (power supply). In the future, your printer may only need one cable – USB Type-C, which will provide both power and data transfer.

Thirdly, the Type-C cable is double-sided - now it doesn’t matter how you connect it. There is no longer any need to worry about which side to connect the cable to.

Finally, the USB Type-C cable uses a new small connector on both ends, no longer using Type A on one end and Type B on the other. Now you can really connect the cable any way you want, and it will just work!

The two most famous devices that already have a USB Type-C port are the new Google Chromebook Pixel and the new Macbook. However, USB 3.1 and Type-C connectors will become standard over the next few years. Since it is backward compatible, you will need a passive adapter to connect devices running on previous versions of USB ports. So that companies that adopt new technology will not alienate their existing customers.

Adam Rodriguez, Product Manager at Google stated that “We are proponents of USB Type-C. You'll see it in many Chromebooks and Android devices in the near future." It is worth noting that the Type-C connector can be obtained by devices that do not even support USB 3.1 yet. For example, mid-range smartphones may use the new connector without actually having support for the new USB standard. This will make the transition to a new connector type easier, but it can cause some confusion when the port doesn't deliver as much speed as expected.

The latest line of Type-C (and USB 3.1) ports take the best of the beloved USB and make it even better, providing a universal connector size that will work well with both types of devices - mobile phones and personal computers.

The process of mass introduction of the USB interface in PCs and peripheral devices began in the late 90s of the last century. Just a few years have passed, and USB has become the de facto standard for connecting peripheral devices, practically displacing other solutions - such as serial and parallel ports, PS/2, etc.

Moreover: the matter is not limited to computers and peripheral equipment. The convenience, ease of connection and versatility of the USB interface have contributed to the spread of this solution in other areas - in particular, in mobile devices, household audio and video equipment, automotive electronics, etc.

Since the process of improving PCs, mobile devices and other equipment is ongoing, from time to time there is a need to refine the USB interface in order to improve key characteristics (in particular, throughput), expand functionality, introduce new connector sizes, etc. All this allows you to adapt the existing solution to the changing needs of the industry.

One of the most notable innovations in recent years is the introduction of the SuperSpeed mode, which appeared in the USB specification version 3.0. The final text of this document was approved at the end of 2008, and over the next couple of years this decision became widespread.

However, a lot of time has passed since then, and the time has come for further improvements. In the coming year, the IT industry and you and I will see a number of, without exaggeration, revolutionary innovations. We will talk about them in this review.

SuperSpeedPlus mode

In the summer of 2013, the USB specification version 3.1 was approved. The main innovation that this document legitimized was the SuperSpeedPlus mode, which allows the bandwidth of the USB interface data bus to be doubled: from the previous 5 to 10 Gbit/s. For compatibility with older equipment, it is possible to operate in SuperSpeed mode (up to 5 Gbit/s). Thus, a USB 3.1 connection will allow (at least theoretically) to transfer data at speeds in excess of 1 GB/s and practically reach the HDMI version 1.4 interface (whose bandwidth is 10.2 Gbit/s).

What does this mean in practice? A bandwidth of 10 Gbps is quite enough to broadcast high-definition video (Full HD) with a frame refresh rate of up to 60 Hz or stereoscopic recordings in a similar resolution with a frequency of up to 30 Hz. Accordingly, USB 3.1 can be considered as a full-fledged alternative to specialized interfaces (such as DVI and HDMI) for broadcasting high-resolution video signals from PCs and mobile devices to monitors, projectors and other devices.

USB Type C connector

One of the revolutionary innovations that will affect the PC sphere, as well as peripheral and mobile devices in the near future, is the introduction of a new type of USB interface connector. The specification for USB Type C plugs and sockets was developed by the USB 3.0 Promoter Group, and the final text of this document was approved in August 2014. The design of USB Type C connectors has a number of important features that it makes sense to talk about in detail.

Firstly, USB Type C plugs and sockets are symmetrical in shape. In a USB Type C socket, the plastic tab is located exactly in the middle, and the contact pads on it are located on both sides. Thanks to this, the plug can be connected to such a socket either straight or inverted by 180°. This will greatly simplify the life of users who will finally be freed from the need to determine the correct orientation of the plug at random (which is especially important when connecting cables to a system unit installed under the table).

Secondly, the USB Type C specification requires the use of symmetrical cables, which are equipped with the same plugs on both sides. Accordingly, the sockets installed on the host devices and on the peripheral equipment will be the same.

And thirdly, the USB Type C connector will not have mini and micro versions. It is expected that USB Type C sockets and plugs will become common for desktop and laptop PCs, peripheral equipment, household equipment, mobile devices, power supplies, etc. Accordingly, to connect devices of any type you will need only one unified cable.

The dimensions of the USB Type C socket are approximately 8.4x2.6 mm, which allows you to easily place it in the case of even small-sized devices. There are several design options for sockets for mounting both on the surface of a printed circuit board and in a special cutout (the latter option allows you to reduce the thickness of the device body).

The design of USB Type C plugs and sockets is designed for 10 thousand connections and disconnections - which corresponds to the reliability indicators of USB connectors of currently used types.

The first public demonstration of USB Type C connectors and cables took place at the 2014 IDF Fall Forum, which took place in early September in San Francisco (USA). One of the first mass-produced devices equipped with a USB Type C connector was the tablet announced in mid-November.

Of course, the physical incompatibility of the USB Type C connector with older types of outlets is not the best news for end users. However, the developers from the USB 3.0 Promoter Group decided to take such a radical step in order to expand the functionality of the USB interface, as well as create a foundation for the future. To connect new devices to equipment equipped with older types of connectors, adapter cables will be produced (USB Type C - USB Type A, USB Type C - USB Type B, USB Type C - microUSB, etc.).

USB Power Delivery 2.0

One of the reasons for the current popularity of the USB interface is the ability to transfer not only data, but also power over one cable. This allows you to simplify the connection procedure as much as possible and reduce the number of wires used. When working with mobile devices, this property of the USB interface makes it possible to transfer and synchronize data from a PC, and at the same time recharge the gadget’s battery by connecting just one cable. The same can be said about low-power peripherals. Thanks to the ability to transmit power via an interface cable, we have long been freed from the need to use external power supplies for some peripheral devices - in particular, flatbed scanners, low-power speaker systems, etc. Due to this, it was possible to reduce not only the number of wires on the desktop, but also the occupied sockets under it.

However, the rapid development of mobile devices in recent years has led to a significant change in the requirements not only for the bandwidth of the data bus, but also for the parameters of the power supply supplied via a USB connection. To charge low-power devices (such as MP3 players or wireless headsets), a current of 500 mA is sufficient (and this, remember, is the maximum value for standard USB ports versions 1.1 and 2.0). However, for normal charging of modern smartphones and tablets, power supplies capable of delivering a current of 2 A or more are required.

A similar situation is observed in the segment of peripheral devices. The power transmitted via USB is sufficient to power a 2.5-inch external hard drive or a desktop flatbed scanner with a CIS sensor. However, the USB interface, even version 3.0 (and in it the maximum current was increased to 900 mA per port), does not allow supplying electricity to a small inkjet printer or, for example, an LCD monitor.

In order to expand the capabilities of the USB interface to provide power to external devices, the USB Power Delivery 2.0 specification was developed. This document regulates the supply of power to devices with a power consumption of up to 100 W, and in any direction - both from the host device to the peripheral device, and vice versa. For example, a laptop will be able to receive power from a monitor to which it is connected via USB.

Of course, the ability to supply power to external devices is limited by the design features of the PC or other device that acts as a power source. That is why the USB Power Delivery 2.0 specification provides three profiles - for devices with power consumption up to 10, 60 and 100 W. In the first case, the supply voltage is 5 V, and the maximum current in the load circuit can reach 2 A. The second profile involves using a supply voltage of 12 V, and the third - 20 V. The maximum current in the load circuit in both cases is limited to 5 A.

It should be noted that in order to power a powerful load, both devices must support the appropriate USB Power Delivery 2.0 profile. Obviously, the maximum power will be limited by the capabilities of the device acting as a power source. There are other aspects that need to be kept in mind.

If the current in the power circuit does not exceed 2 A, USB connectors of any currently existing types can be used to connect devices. Connecting a more powerful load is only possible through USB Type C connectors (which were already mentioned above) and the corresponding cables. It is also necessary to pay attention to the fact that, unlike USB Type C connectors, the design of standard cables is designed for a maximum current of 3 A. Thus, to connect a more powerful load you will need a special cable.

The introduction of the USB Power Delivery 2.0 specification will significantly expand the ability to transfer power via the USB interface bus. The implementation of this solution in the future will make it possible to use the USB ports of a desktop computer to recharge not only smartphones, tablets, etc. gadgets, but also mobile PCs - netbooks, laptops, etc. In addition, the range of peripheral devices will be significantly expanded, which can receive the current required for operation via the USB interface bus and, accordingly, do without separate power supplies. This list will be supplemented by LCD monitors, active speaker systems, etc.

Alternate Modes

Another important innovation that will become available with the transition to using the USB Type C connector is support for Functional Extensions. A special case of functional extensions are the so-called alternative modes (AM). With their help, manufacturers will be able to use the physical connection of the USB interface to implement the specific capabilities and functions of certain devices.

For example, Audio Adapter Accessory Mode allows you to use a physical USB connection to broadcast analog audio to headphones, external speakers, and other equipment. To a device equipped with a USB Type C connector and supporting Audio Adapter Accessory Mode, you can connect headphones or an external speaker through a special adapter equipped with a 3.5 mm mini-jack jack.

Support for alternative modes is one of the properties of a new class of USB devices - USB Billboard Device Class. Manufacturers who intend to develop their own alternative modes will need to obtain a unique identifier (SVID) from the USB-IF organization.

In 2014, the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) developed the DisplayPort Alternate Mode specification. This solution allows you to use two pairs of USB cable conductors (TX+/TX– and RX+/RX–) to broadcast an uncompressed digital AV stream. At the same time, the possibility of data transmission (in Low Speed, Full Speed and Hi-Speed modes via the D+/D– pair), as well as power supply via the same interface cable, is retained. Thus, by connecting two devices that support DisplayPort Alternate Mode, you can broadcast audio and video signals, transfer data in both directions at speeds of up to 480 Mbps, and also supply power - all over one cable!

Devices that support DisplayPort Alternate Mode can also be connected to equipment that is not equipped with USB Type C ports (in particular, monitors, TVs, etc.). The specification of this mode provides options for connecting to DisplayPort, HDMI or DVI interfaces through special adapters.

In November 2014, the MHL consortium announced the development of an alternative mode, MHL Alternate Mode, which will allow broadcasting uncompressed audio and video signals (including high and ultra-high definition) from mobile devices equipped with a USB Type C connector to external equipment (monitors, TVs, projectors etc.) via a standard USB cable. Specialists from Nokia, Samsung Electronics, Silicon Image, Sony and Toshiba took part in the development of the specification.

The introduction of alternative modes will significantly expand the functionality of the USB interface and greatly simplify the procedure for connecting devices of various types.

Conclusion

Concluding this review, we will once again list the most important innovations, the process of introducing them into mass-produced devices equipped with a USB interface will begin in the near future.

The SuperSpeedPlus data transfer mode described in the USB specification version 3.1 will increase the maximum throughput of this interface to 10 Gbps. Of course, this is less than HDMI 2.0 and Thunderbolt 2 (which, remember, provide data transfer speeds of up to 18 and 20 Gbps, respectively). However, 10 Gbps is quite enough to transmit uncompressed high-definition video signals with frame rates up to 60 Hz. In addition, representatives of USB-IF stated that in subsequent versions of USB it is quite possible to increase the throughput to 20 Gbit/s - fortunately, the design of the new USB Type C connectors and the corresponding cables contains a certain margin for further development.

The introduction of support for the USB Power Delivery 2.0 specification will significantly increase the maximum power transmitted over a USB connection. Accordingly, the range of peripheral and mobile devices that will be able to receive power via an interface cable will be expanded. The widespread implementation of this solution will significantly reduce the number of cables and external power supplies used, reduce the number of occupied outlets and use electricity more efficiently.

The advent of USB Billboard Device Class devices with support for alternative modes will open up completely new possibilities. At the same time, each manufacturer will be able to create their own modes for devices of certain types, taking into account their specifics.

Of course, one of the revolutionary changes that will affect the spheres of PCs, peripheral and mobile devices, household equipment, etc., will be the introduction of the USB Type C connector, which (as expected) will replace the USB plugs and sockets of currently used types. On the one hand, the transition to a single connector for devices of all types will significantly simplify the lives of users and reduce the number of required cables to a minimum. But, on the other hand, the industry and users will have to go through a very difficult and painful process of generational change. Previous solutions were distinguished by maximum compatibility: the design of conventional USB Type A and Type B plugs allows them to be easily connected to the corresponding sockets of version 3.0. Now, to connect devices of different generations, you will have to use additional devices.

The USB 3.1 specification provides backward compatibility with earlier versions of the interface. However, with the advent of serial devices equipped with a USB Type C connector, users will inevitably face the need to purchase adapters and adapters that provide the ability to connect new devices to older equipment with USB Type A, Type B and other types of sockets. Considering that currently about 4 billion devices equipped with a USB interface are produced annually, this problem will be very relevant for at least the next five to six years.

It should also be noted that it will be possible to fully realize the potential of the USB version 3.1 interface and the USB Type C connector in practice only when users accumulate at least a minimum amount of equipment equipped with these new products. Obviously, in the case of interaction between two devices of different generations, the functionality and maximum bandwidth of the interface will be limited by the characteristics of the USB controller of the older device.

According to experts from the well-known Taiwanese resource DigiTimes, serial models of PCs, as well as mobile and peripheral devices equipped with a USB 3.1 interface and USB Type C connectors, will go on sale in the first half of 2015. In turn, leading operating system and software developers have already announced their readiness to release updates to implement USB 3.1 support in their products.