Type c connector where used. What is USB Type-C

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

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.

Let's start with the new standard. USB Type-C. designed to unify connectors on many devices from coffee makers, cameras, televisions to smartphones with computers.

Just imagine a world in which one standard reigns. You don’t need to take a bunch of adapters with you on a trip or think about whether your friends have the necessary cable at home when you go to visit them. In a world where USB Type-C reigns, you can always charge your device, anywhere and anytime.

Standardization is perhaps the most important trump card of USB Type-C and almost all users will ultimately experience it. Well, for the fact that the connector can be inserted from either side, special respect to the engineers who developed this standard.

More powerful charging

Charging your phone using a cable from a camera or from a computer is not the coolest thing USB Type-C can do. Initially, the standard specification included the ability to pass a huge amount of energy through the cable, up to 100 watts of power. Of course, such current is not needed in smartphones yet, but it’s still nice to know that such powerful potential is already built into the USB-C standard.

Some manufacturers have already managed to implement their fast charging standards based on Type-C. For example, OnePlus' Dash Charge can deliver up to 5 volts at 4 amps, which equals 20 watts of power. Qualcom's Quick charge 4 also works on the basis of Type-C and produces about 18 watts at peak. It is possible that in the future some graphene supercapacitors will require a current of 100 watts to charge in a couple of minutes, and in this case Type-C will not rust.

Sound output

Based on the Type-C connector, you can implement a huge number of different interfaces, from a basic and banal audio connector to advanced Thunderbolt 3 or pci express. We won’t go far for examples. The market is already full of devices that simply do not have a standard 3.5 mm mini jack. It was successfully replaced by a digital interface based on USB Type-C.

LeEco was one of the first to show the public the advantage of this method of sound transmission. Their CDLA technology allows you to transmit lossless digital Hi-Fi audio and implement the coolest noise reduction systems without additional power.

Video signal transmission via USB Type-C

But smartphone manufacturers have found another interesting use for Type-C. After all, the connector can transmit not only sound, but also video. And at the same time, feed the device with energy. As a result, we saw a number of docking stations that turn the smartphone into a full-fledged system unit.

Microsoft first implemented this idea in its lumia. Later, devices from HP Elite x3 were added to them. They are all very limited in their functionality. Windows in continuum mode does not spoil the user with many possibilities, but still in this mode it is already noticeably more convenient to browse, work with texts and watch videos on YouTube. And just recently it entered the market with a similar station.

To summarize, thoughts come to mind about the future and how cool everything will be when a full transition to USB Type-C does take place. But looking around, I understand that this very future has already arrived. Type-C can be found in the most unexpected places. In consoles, cameras, TVs and cameras, even in some inexpensive laptops. There is just a little time left before the full-scale transition. We can only hope that engineers and manufacturers don’t come up with something new. If you found this article useful, then share it on social networks with your friends. Click on your social media icon below!

Updated: February 8, 2019 by: Gold

Earlier this month, Apple's new guru Tim Cook announced a number of new products, the most interesting of which was an improved version of the MacBook Air. During his talk, Cook focused too much on features and functions that are no longer as unique as Apple would have us believe. So one of the Air's most key and intriguing innovations, a technology with the potential to profoundly change the world of mobile devices over the next few years, has gone largely unnoticed. We're talking about the new USB Type-C connector and the exceptionally wide range of capabilities it offers.

What is USB Type-C?

As the name of the standard suggests, it is an evolutionary refinement of the well-known Universal Serial Bus (USB) format, which is currently one of the most common interfaces in the field of computer peripherals and mobile technologies. Type-C not only provides backward compatibility with previous versions of USB, but also combines them in a new and unique way. So one cable (interface) can transmit data, electricity and even video.

The size of the Type C connector is smaller than the chronologically oldest (and most widespread) Type-A standard, but slightly larger than the microUSB (Type Micro-B) format. Unlike its predecessors, however, the new standard is more universal - the Type-C cable connector can be connected to the port on either side and there are identical plugs on both sides of the cable. At the same time, this limits backward compatibility with existing Type-A and Type-B formats. In other words, you will not be able to connect a Type-A or B cable to a Type-C port and vice versa.

But the Type-C port can be easily configured so that it can perform many different functions. For example, a USB Type-C cable can easily transmit an HDMI or DisplayPort signal, although at the moment this possibility is still purely theoretical.

Type-C? Isn't this USB 3.1?

Definitely not! USB 3.1 is the latest version of the data transfer standard, which (at least in theory) should double peak data transfer speeds from 5 Gbps (USB 3.0) to 10 Gbps. In addition, 3.1 is fully backwards compatible with previous versions of the standard: 3.0 and 2.0.

In this vein, the Type-C module could offer both USB 3.1 and some of the older standards. For example, the USB Type-C Digital AV Multiport adapter, which Apple will offer as an additional accessory for the new MacBook, according to the specification supports “USB 3.1 Gen 1” with a theoretical maximum throughput of 5 Gbps, i.e. almost identical to the USB 3.0 standard. And one of the first devices to support Type-C, which, unlike the MacBook 2015, is already available on the market, the Nokia N1 tablet, uses an even older USB 2.0 for data transfer and charging.

Type-C = USB Power Delivery?

Not again. Power Delivery is part of the latest USB standard specification and is the ability to deliver up to 100W of power to any connected device, although it can also be used to transfer data. For comparison, the currently most popular USB 2.0 standard, which is used in almost all smartphones and tablets, provides up to 2.5 W of power. This is one of the reasons why you can't charge most modern laptops via USB - they require voltage between 20 and 65 W. However, with the new Power Delivery connector, you can not only safely charge your future laptop via USB, but at the same time watch 4K video transmitted to an external monitor connected with the same cable.

So what is the connection between Type-C and USB Power Delivery? Here we are again talking about the theoretical possibility of support. In other words, the Type-C connector can offer USB Power Delivery capabilities if the manufacturer of the corresponding module provides for it. Otherwise, just because you have a Type-C cable doesn't mean it supports Power Delivery as well.

Type-C today? Or rather tomorrow?

Despite its many, beautiful promises, for now the new MacBook is still just a bunch of shiny specs. Unlike Apple, however, a number of companies are already offering devices with Type-C support on the market. The first was Nokia with the aforementioned N1 tablet.

SanDisk recently revealed its first flash drive based on the new standard. However, to ensure backwards compatibility with older USB formats, this 32GB device also includes an additional Type-A connector - a practice that will likely be seen a lot during the transition to the new standard.

As part of the January CES 2015 exhibition, a prototype of a docking station for laptops was demonstrated, which offers a Type-C connector for charging and video output to an external 4K display. And LaCie just recently announced that it intends to offer a series of Type-C external hard drives with capacities of 500 GB, 1 and 2 TB.

Have a great day!

We are on the verge of significant changes - the classic and familiar USB 2.0 and 3.0 ports are being replaced by a new, backwards compatible type of connector. Despite its external convenience, symmetry and visual simplicity, the list of USB Type-C capabilities is not only impressive, but at the same time it is fraught with many unobvious difficulties for the user.

The first USB standard appeared in 1994 to solve the key problems of that time: the unification of connectors for PC equipment peripherals combined with high data transfer rates. Since 2001, the USB 2.0 connector (as well as its various variations) has become a universal connection standard for any peripheral. The key to fifteen years of USB success is simplicity, because there are only four contacts inside that provide the connected device with power and communication.

What was an advantage in the 2000s has become a bottleneck for modern devices - USB ports can no longer cope with the volume of information growing almost exponentially, users appreciate the advantages of symmetrical (and fast!) mobile reversible connectors (such as Apple Lightning), cables in which you can insert on both sides, and the speed of wireless data transfer is very close to the speed of a cable connection.

USB 3.0 only highlighted the existing problem by mechanically increasing the number of additional pins to five, which increased the maximum throughput from 480 MBit/s to 5 Gbit/s, and the maximum current increased from 500 mA to 900 mA. The new connector also received its own distinctive marking - a blue socket. USB 3.0 connectors require 9 pins to operate.

Let's figure out how much the USB Type-C / USB-C / USB C connector differs from its predecessors, what prospects and difficulties are fraught with the transition to a new type of connector, and what types of cables it will be able to replace in the near future.

The confusion starts with the name: “USB Type-C”, “USB-C” and “USB C” are different names for the same connector, which can work with different protocols. Until a common name is settled, we'll stick with the USB Type-C name - although the general trend points to the growing popularity of the shorter USB-C variant.

The diagram of backward-compatible USB Type-C protocols allows you to understand what functions the new connector can take on - there were unexpectedly many of them, which is good news. The most important thing about this diagram is that each subsequent level is backward compatible with the levels below it.

The fastest protocol for the new connector is Thunderbolt 3. The Thunderbolt hardware interface was developed by Intel in collaboration with Apple. The Thunderbolt brand itself was previously owned by Apple, but was later transferred to Intel. USB Type-C connectors working with this protocol are installed in new

But the USB Type-C port in the previous one is “a step lower”, allowing you to connect peripherals compatible only with the USB 3.1 gen 1 standard, but not with Thunderbolt 3.

This is a good example that clearly demonstrates in practice why, despite the same USB Type-C connector, Thunderbolt 3 peripherals cannot be connected to the Macbook 12, however, any accessories and peripherals for the Macbook 12 will work with the new Macbook Pro 2016.

Let's take a closer look at what other types of signals USB Type-C can transmit through itself.

First of all, these are classic USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 - this is relevant for mobile devices with a new connector (for example, the first tablet with USB Type-C Nokia N1), which supported signals and power only for USB 2.0. The most modern mobile devices (for example l) support a USB 3.0 connection.

What does this mean in practice? When purchasing a cable for a mobile device with USB Type-C, pay attention to the speed and compatibility of the connectors on both gadgets. A good choice for a modern Windows laptop with USB 3.0 would be a cable that will provide operation via USB Type-C using the USB 2.0 and 3.0 protocols.

If your mobile device, for example an Android smartphone, is equipped with a Micro-USB port (or its modification Micro-USB B) operating under the USB 2.0 protocol, you can use a cable, or. The maximum data transfer speed will be limited to 480 Mbps.

The next standard is USB 3.1 gen 1 - allowing you to connect hard drives, network adapters and docking stations. It is backward compatible with SuperSpeed ​​USB 3.0, Hi-Speed ​​USB 2.0, and even the original USB 1.x.

USB 3.1 gen 2 protocol is similar to the previous one, but doubles the bandwidth of USB peripherals to 10 Gbps. Only the newest USB-C devices support it.

USB 3.1 and USB Type-C connections are also supported by external drives, for example.

Examples of accessories that provide compatible high-speed network connections via USB Type-C:
And .

Audio Accessory Mode is a specification for use with analog audio, allowing the USB Type-C port to compete with the analog 3.5mm jack in the future.

Connection mode Alternate Mode - includes all other non-USB protocols: DisplayPort, MHL, HDMI and Thunderbolt (which was previously connected via the DP connector). The main problem here is that not every device supports the Alternate Mode protocol, which is very confusing for buyers.

For video devices, not only branded adapters with USB Type-C from Apple are available: and adapter, but also options from other manufacturers, for example.

But there are also advantages - transmitting a video stream via a USB Type-C port does not in any way affect its energy capabilities, because as many as four high-speed lines can be allocated for the needs of DisplayPort. In this case, it is possible to transmit images in resolutions up to 5120×2880.

The symmetry of the contact pads made it possible to make the port reversible, and depending on the connected device, a different number of connections is involved.

The first USB 1.0 port provided only 0.75 W (0.15 A, 5 V) of power. For USB 2.0, the current was increased to 0.5 A, which made it possible to receive 2.5 watts from it to power, for example, external 2.5” hard drives. It is not surprising that connecting more power-intensive drives sometimes required several ports at once.

For USB 3.0, a current of 0.9 A is provided, which, with a supply voltage of 5 V, guarantees a power of 4.5 W. Compared to these numbers, the 100W transmission capability is truly impressive!

To ensure the transfer of such an amount of energy, the supply voltage can increase to 20 Volts. The Secondary Bus and USB Power Delivery Communication contacts are designed to select the desired operating mode between connected gadgets - after all, if the device is not capable of accepting 100W of energy, it will simply burn out! Thanks to pre-communication, compatible devices enter an advanced operating mode with enhanced power capabilities.

There are five such profiles in total: “profile 1” guarantees the ability to transmit 10 W of energy, the second – 18 W, the third – 36 W, the fourth – 60 W, and the fifth – a whole hundred!

The PD (Power Delivery) function requires a separate cable, e.g.

The prospects for USB Type-C or USB-C are very bright. In addition to Apple, both high-performance desktops (motherboards) and mobile devices are beginning to be equipped with USB Type-C ports. So far, the leading place is occupied by the USB 3.1 protocol in both of its variations (and mobile devices are just approaching USB 3.0 speeds).

It won’t be long before we can finally switch to a universal type of USB-C cables from USB-C (such cables are available now) to connect other peripherals. It’s especially nice that accessories purchased today will continue to work thanks to backwards compatibility mode. Important note - USB Type-C is an open standard that does not require licensing fees from manufacturers.

The only risks and difficulties are when connecting new peripherals (requiring the fastest protocols, such as Thunderbolt of various versions) to older versions of devices with USB Type-C operating at USB 3.1 speeds - at best, they will be able to continue working at a reduced speed.

When purchasing accessories and USB Type-C cables, be sure to consider what speeds your device should (and can) operate at - if USB 2.0-3.1 speeds are suitable for mobile devices and gadgets, then for transmitting video signals or data from high-capacity hard drives it can be important Thunderbolt 3 compatible.

For your convenience, we have collected them in a separate section of the catalog.

Is the time really coming for one unified connector for charging any device? More recently, such an assumption could have been laughed at. But even Apple is slowly giving in, and the MacBook with its USB Type-C is the first confirmation of this.

Nirvana is still far away; first we need to finish the periphery. First things first: before talking about the problems of the new port, you need to remember what kind of “beast” it is.

One ring, one connector to rule them all

The idea of ​​the USB Type-C connector is to replace everything else, be it charging, an HDMI port or a regular slot for a flash drive. No more “my cord is on the other side” or “I can only connect one monitor.” I found the port, inserted the device, everything worked. Idyll.

Oh well. In practice, this “freedom” has created great confusion. It’s not enough to make a universal connector - it requires at least universal cable.

The fact is that the USB Type-C port has 24 contacts through which signals of different protocols pass. That's what you can connect to this universal connector.

• USB 2.0

The first devices equipped with a USB Type-C port actually operated in USB 2.0 mode and transferred data at a speed of 480 Mbit/s. Tablets and smartphones using this protocol are still found (hello, Nokia N1).

• USB 3.1 gen 1 (3.0, SuperSpeed ​​USB)

Flies at speeds up to 5 Gbps, backwards compatible with USB 1.x and USB 2.0. Most likely, the blue port on your computer works with this protocol. MacBook is no exception.

• USB 3.1 gen 2

The upgraded version of USB 3.0 is also backwards compatible. Data transfer speed has increased to 10 Gbit/s, and power to 100 W. Almost like Thunderbolt!

• Alternate Mode (AM)

The Type-C connector can accommodate other non-USB protocols. For example, Thunderbolt, HDMI, MHL or DisplayPort. But not all peripheral devices understand this Alternate Mode.

• Power Delivery (PD)

The best part is charging via USB Type-C. Power Delivery supports 5 standard power supply profiles - up to 5V/2A, up to 12V/1.5A, up to 12V/3A, up to 12-20/3A and up to 12-20V/4.75-5A. Compliance with any profile is determined automatically.

• Audio Accessory Mode

Yes, analog audio can also be sent through USB Type-C ports.

The hardest part is finding the right wire

Ok, everything is clear with the port, all that remains is to buy a cable. But beginners usually face three problems:

1. Old protocol in a new connector
“New” USB Type-C cable for 150 rubles from Aliexpress? Be careful, there might be an ancient USB 2.0 hidden inside. It’s not even a matter of the reputation of Chinese entrepreneurs; many well-known brands are ready to sell a Type-C cable with the old protocol inside at a bargain price.

2. A bunch of specifications
Yes, everything is written in the title. But how can an ordinary person who doesn’t care about all these new specifications figure it out? Which one selects the wire according to the shape of the connector? No way. He just realized the difference between USB 2.0 and 3.0 wires.

And outputting images via USB Type-C is not the easiest undertaking. In addition to Display Port and HDMI, there are three more generations of Thunderbolt, which can also be used to connect monitors. It’s not enough to find a suitable cable - the device must clearly understand that it is connected to it via Alternate Mode.

3. Will it charge?
It will if the name contains “charge” or “PD”. But there is a catch here: a cable that supports charging via USB Type-C must meet the required profile and be certified. What is the risk? At best, slow charging, at worst, fire of the device.

Why you can’t insert the first cable you come across

Because you can ruin everything. Here are three reasons:

1. Low data transfer speed
Of course, for connecting to an external hard drive or smartphone, almost any wire with the necessary connectors will do. But you should make sure that it works with the required protocol (for example, USB 3.0), otherwise the data transfer speed will drop.

2. Bad picture or lack thereof
If the cable will connect the MacBook and the monitor, make sure that the wire transmits the signal of the required frequency. Don't forget that Thunderbolt 3 doesn't work with previous generations.

3. 100 W current is no joke
PD cables are a little more complicated. The power threshold has been raised, which means you need to be more careful, because if the cable is defective, dire consequences are possible. Not long ago, a man’s laptop and a couple of other devices burned down. Of course, this is an isolated case, and it is unlikely that your MacBook will burn out. But over time, the battery or power controller may suffer.
So, if you need a wire to charge your laptop, forget about the nonames for two hundred square meters.

But for smartphones with USB 2.0 adapters, it’s not so bad. You can buy any USB Type-C to USB 2.0 cable and quietly charge your phone.

What to do?

Of course, USB Type-C is the future. There are more and more devices with new connectors and soon the time will pass when you took the first wire you came across without thinking.

USB Type-C cables need labels. Seriously, how else can you tell the difference between a cheap external hard drive and an expensive one that can charge any device?

The best option is to use original wires. Well, if you really buy, then only cool USB 3.1 with Power Delivery support. These cost from 1500 rubles and above. With connectors from Alternate Mode the situation is simpler, but the price tag is about the same.