USB type c pros and cons. Let's understand USB Type-C cables. It's just a dump. What's on USB Type-C now?

Good day, Geektimes! Everyone has already heard about USB Type-C? The one that is double-sided, fast-fashionable-youth, charges new macbook, makes hair smooth and silky and promises to be the new standard of connectivity for the next ten years?

So, firstly, this is the type of connector, not new standard. The standard is called USB 3.1. Secondly, we need to talk specifically about the new USB standard, and Type-C is just a nice bonus. To understand what the difference is, what is hidden behind USB 3.1 and what is behind Type C, how to charge an entire laptop from a USB cable and what else can be done with new USB Type-C:

Briefly about the main thing

USB as a standard appeared almost twenty years ago. The first specifications for USB 1.0 appeared in 1994 and solved three key problems: unification of the connector through which equipment that expanded the functions of a PC was connected, simplicity for the user, and high speed data transfer to and from the device.

Despite certain advantages of the USB connection over PS/2, COM and LPT ports, its popularity did not come immediately. USB experienced explosive growth at the beginning of the 2000s: first cameras, scanners and printers were connected to it, then flash drives.

In 2001, the first commercial implementations of the USB that is familiar and understandable to us appeared: version 2.0. We have been using it for the 14th year now and it is designed relatively simply.

USB 2.0

Any USB cable version 2.0 and lower has 4 copper conductors inside. Two of them transmit power, the other two transmit data. USB cables (according to the standard) are strictly oriented: one of the ends must be connected to the host (that is, the system that will manage the connection) and it is called Type-A, the other - to the device, it is called Type-B. Of course, sometimes in devices (such as flash drives) there is no cable at all; the “to-host” connector is located directly on the board.

There is a special chip on the host side: USB controller(on desktop computers it may be part of system logic, and is taken out as an external microcircuit). It is he who initializes the operation of the bus, determines the connection speed, the order and schedule of data packets, but these are all details. We are most interested in connectors and connectors of the classic USB format.

The most popular connector that everyone used was USB Type-A of classic size: it is located on flash drives, USB modems, at the ends of the wires of mice and keyboards. Full-size USB Type-B is a little less common: printers and scanners are usually connected with this cable. Mini- USB version Type-B is still often used in card readers, digital cameras, and USB hubs. Through the efforts of European standardizers, the micro version of Type-B has become de facto the most popular connector in the world: all current mobile phones, smartphones and tablets (except for the products of one fruit company) are produced with the USB Type-B Micro connector.

Well, probably no one has really seen USB Type-A micro and mini formats. Personally, off the top of my head I can’t name a single device with such connectors. Even the photographs had to be taken from Wikipedia:

Hidden text

All these connectors are united by one simple thing: inside there are four contact pads that provide the connected device with both power and communication:

With USB 2.0 everything is more or less clear. The problem with the standard was that two conductors were not enough to transmit data, and the specifications developed in the middle of the first decade did not provide for the transmission of large currents through power circuits. External hard drives suffered the most from such limitations.

USB 3.0

To improve the characteristics of the standard, a new USB 3.0 specification was developed, which contained the following key differences:

• Five additional contacts, four of which provide additional communication lines;
• Increase in maximum throughput from 480 Mbit/s to 5 Gbit/s;
• Increasing the maximum current from 500 mA to 900 mA.

In addition, 4 more connectors have appeared that are electrically and mechanically compatible with USB Type-A version 2.0. They allowed both USB 2.0 devices to be connected to 3.0 hosts, and 3.0 devices to 2.0 hosts or via a 2.0 cable, but with limitations in power supply and data transfer speed.

USB 3.1

Since the fall of 2013, specifications for the updated USB 3.1 standard have been adopted, which brought us the connector Type-C, delivers up to 100W of power and doubles the data transfer speed of USB 3.0. However, it is worth noting that all three innovations are just parts of one new standard, which can be applied all together (and then the device or cable will receive USB 3.1 certification) or separately. For example, technically inside Type-C cable You can organize at least USB 2.0 on four wires and two pairs of contacts. By the way, she pulled off such a “feint” Nokia company: her Nokia N1 tablet has USB connector Type-C, but used internally regular USB 2.0: with all restrictions on power supply and data transfer speed.

USB 3.1, Type-C and power

The new standard is responsible for the ability to transfer truly serious power USB PD (Power Delivery). According to the specifications, to be certified as USB PD, the device and cable must be able to transmit current with a power of up to 100 Watts, both in both directions (both to and from the host). In this case, the transmission of electricity should not interfere with the transmission of data.

So far there are only two laptops that fully support USB Power Delivery: new MacBook and Chromebook Pixel.

Well, then, who knows, maybe we’ll install sockets like this at home?

USB Type-C and backward compatibility

USB as a standard is strong in its backward compatibility. Find an ancient 16 megabyte flash drive that only supports USB 1.1, insert it into a 3.0 port and go. Connect a modern HDD to a USB 2.0 connector, and if it has enough power, everything will start, the speed will just be limited. And if that’s not enough, there are special adapters: they use the power circuit of another USB port. The speed will not increase, but the HDD will work.

The same story with USB 3.1 and the Type-C connector, with only one amendment: new connector geometrically in no way compatible with the old ones. However, manufacturers have actively begun production of both Type-A wires<=>Type-C, as well as all kinds of adapters, adapters and splitters.

USB Type-C and tunneling

Data transfer rate USB standard 3.1 allows you not only to connect storage devices and peripherals, charge the laptop from the network via a Type-C cable, but also connect, say... a monitor. One wire. And a USB hub with several 2.0 ports inside the monitor. 100W power, speed comparable to DisplayPort and HDMI, universal connector and just one wire from the laptop to the monitor, the power supply of which will provide electricity to the display and charge the laptop. Isn't this wonderful?

What's on USB Type-C now?

Since the technology is young, there are very few devices with USB 3.1. There are slightly more devices with a USB Type-C cable/connector, but still not enough for Type-C to become as common and natural as Micro-B, which any smartphone user has.

On personal computers Type-C can be expected as early as 2016, but some manufacturers have taken and updated the line of existing motherboards. For example, USB Type-C with full support USB 3.1 is available on the MSI Z97A Gaming 6 motherboard.

Doesn't lag behind ASUS company: ASUS X99-A and ASUS Z97-A motherboards support USB 3.1, but, unfortunately, lack Type-C connectors. In addition, it was announced special boards extensions for those who don’t want to update motherboard, nor give up a pair of USB 3.1 ports.


SanDisk recently introduced a 32 GB flash drive with two connectors: classic USB Type-A and USB Type-C:


Of course, don't forget about the recent MacBook with passive cooling and only one USB Type-C connector. We’ll talk about its performance and other delights separately, but about the connector today. Apple abandoned both its “magic” MagSafe charging and other connectors on the case, leaving one port for power, connecting peripherals and external displays. Of course, if one connector is not enough for you, you can buy an official adapter-splitter to HDMI, a classic USB and a power connector (the same Type-C) for... $80. :) Let's hope that Type-C will come to mobile devices too Apple devices(and this is where the zoo with wires for smartphones will finally end), although the chances of such an update are minimal: was it in vain that they developed and patented Lightning?


One of the peripheral manufacturers - LaCie - has already released a stylish external storage With USB support 3.1 Type-C.

Good afternoon, dear readers! Each laptop has many different connectors for connecting additional headsets and peripheral devices.

Modern models equipped additional port— usb type c, which has a universal purpose. If you don’t know what it is and for what purposes it can be used, we recommend reading our article!

Features of USB Type-C

New technologies have made it possible to create a unique USB Type-C pinout, consisting of 24 pins that perform a special function:

• 8 pins carry out high-speed data exchange;
• others transmit a signal to a connected headset;
• A few more pins are needed to select the power mode.

The new connector has a number of advantages. First of all, experts note the versatility of the port, ensured by full compatibility with any standards, starting from the first generation of USB.

The double-sided connector allows you to connect the cable in any position, and it is absolutely safe, with the exception of damage to the gadget.

Application of the new USB standard

USB Type-C has compact dimensions and great capabilities. It can be used to recharge the batteries of other devices and provide connected gadgets with power up to 100 W with full energy saving.

The new format connector is used for high speed transmission information from a flash drive, for connecting headphones, an external monitor, mobile phones and other technical devices.

The only nuance that is important to consider in advance is the lack of opportunity direct connection to a gadget equipped with an old-generation USB port, which is due to fundamental differences designs.

Special adapters, available in a wide range in specialized hardware stores, will help correct the situation.

What is the difference between USB Type-C and micro? The new connector standard has a symmetrical shape, more compact dimensions and universal capabilities. It was created to meet the innovative specification of the USB standard, which will soon make it possible to replace all existing options for connectors and adapters for more convenient use.

It should also be noted undeniable advantages a new version of the interface and an open standard that does not require licensing fees from manufacturers.

To summarize: USB Type-C is simple and easy to connect with a large resource, high data transfer speed and universal purpose.

Sincerely,

In my materials devoted to the choice of -, thin ultra- and other beeches, I no, no, and I mentioned the USB Type-C interface, the presence of which is an undoubted advantage of this or that computer model. It may be a small advantage, incomparable in significance with a video card, etc., but we know who is hidden in the details, and it is these small pluses and minuses that can tilt the choice in one direction or another, influencing the decision on which model prefer and which laptop to buy. So, USB Type-C - what it is, what it is used for, in the sense of how and what it can be used for and whether it is needed at all. Are we figuring it out?

USB Type-C - what's in my name?

I will not repeat the history of the emergence and development of the USB interface. It has become so familiar that even the decision once made by someone to make the connector asymmetrical still infuriates, but not much anymore. The point is that you need to insert a flash drive or cable into a familiar USB socket in a certain position. How often have you been able to connect a device to the rear connector the first time? system unit the first time? And from the second? Well, maximum from the third.

True, it should be noted that the connector is reliable and can withstand a large number of connections, is able to withstand well (within reasonable limits, of course) mechanical loads. But these qualities also come with a drawback - for compact devices in its original form (Type-A) it is too bulky.

Which exit? To do the same, but smaller, as a result, Mini-USB and Micro-USB appeared. Got better? Yes, but it’s still somehow inconvenient for different devices needed different cables or adapters, and even small connectors still need to be inserted in a certain way.

So, Type-C is a new connector standard that has finally (caps up and champagne corks in the ceiling) become symmetrical! Its compactness and versatility allows you to replace the entire existing “zoo” of connector options and, accordingly, cables. At the same time, it was developed for the new specification of the USB standard, which received the number 3.1.

The main characteristics of standards 3.0 and 3.1 are given in the table.

Version	USB 3.0
Max. transfer speed, Gb/s	5	5	10
Max. current, A	0.9	5
Coding	8b/10b	128b/132b
Cable length, m	2-3	1
Resource (number of connections)	1500 (Type-A)	10000

Let us add that through Type-C you can (given the current of 5 A) charge the device itself, connect external monitor, peripherals, drives... It turns out that if the laptop has such a connector, then it will be possible to take advantage of all these benefits?

- Otherwise, you flush the water, and there might be...

- What could be there?

- Anything, understand?

© “Peculiarities of national fishing”

Not certainly in that way. You are guaranteed to get a new compact connector and USB in it. I deliberately do not indicate what version of the protocol there may be, because Type-C is a specification of the connector and what it MAY contain, but this is what is used in specific model tablet or laptop - this already depends on the manufacturer of this gadget.

Type-C - possibilities

As has already become, I hope, clear, the new connector is more than just USB, and much more. In, so to speak, a “basic” configuration, it provides USB operation 3.1 with all the benefits of this new interface version.

All other “buns” are alternative Type-C operating modes, which are marked in a certain way on the device’s body. Moreover, changes can lead to both an expansion of the capabilities used and the fact that USB 3.1 can be replaced by 3.0 or even 2.0. Here are the options that may appear on this moment, because the capabilities of this connector are far from being exhausted.

	DisplayPort. You can connect via Type-C external display With maximum resolution 3840 x 2400 pixels. This possibility should be marked either on the laptop case with a corresponding icon, or indicated in the specification for the device.
	HDMI. It is now possible to connect external devices without adapters, directly when HDMI help version 1.4.
	Thunderbolt Supports Thunderbolt 3 compatibility mode.
	Power Delivery (PD). Specification of a new standard that provides current transmission of up to 100 W in both directions, which allows you to charge a laptop through this port, or, conversely, power a device connected through it external device eg external display. On the device body, such a connector is usually marked with PD letters and an icon in the form of a battery, although there may be other options. If there is no PD support, then the maximum output current will be 1.5 or 3 A, depending on the modification.
	Support USB protocol 3.1 Gen.1. Supports operating speeds up to 5 Gb/s.
	Supports USB 3.1 Gen.2 protocol. Supports operating speeds up to 10 Gb/s.

What functions are supported by Type-C installed in a particular laptop model are marked on the case or written down in the specifications.

For example, consider the Lenovo Yoga 910 convertible laptop. It is equipped with two Type-C ports, one of which runs USB 2.0 (by the way, here is an example of what is required availability of USB no one promised 3.1), and the second is 3.0 with DisplayPort support. Moreover, the function of supporting charging mode through this connector is simply marked with an icon electrical plug, without frills like the “PD” logo, etc. The same applies to support for connecting a monitor. This is clear only from the documentation on the laptop.

Another example is the Asus ZenBook 3 UX390UA ultrabook, which, apart from the audio jack, has only one Type-C installed. But it can do almost everything: a power supply is connected to it, through it you can display an image on an external display, and exchange data with external media at speeds corresponding to the USB 3.1 Gen.1 interface. By the way, pay attention to the connector markings on the case. Everything is clear, clear and understandable.

Prospects

The specification is currently under active development next version USB – 3.2, while Type-C will be used, the possibility of working with PCI protocols Express and Base-T Ethernet. In general, this connector is the future, although it is not being promoted so actively yet. The reason is the huge number of devices for old connectors; to connect them you will have to buy adapters and hubs.

Conclusion. USB Type-C - what is it, the future ruler of gadgets?

Quite possible. Having a single, universal connector is rather a blessing. The ability to connect power, a flash drive, and all sorts of other devices using one connector is tempting. There is only one “but”.

If power is connected through the port, or other devices are powered using it, and high capacities, then you should turn Special attention on the quality of the wires, adapters and hubs used. Low-quality products from Uncle Liao can lead to unpleasant consequences in the form of burned-out devices followed by expensive repairs.

High speeds to you, dear readers, and safe connection!

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 through a cable great amount energy 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. Kualcomovskaya fast charging 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 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 digital Hi-Fi sound lossless 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 icon social network below!

Updated: February 8, 2019 by: Gold

The new USB Type-C standard is still not widely developed on the market, but manufacturers are gradually adopting the new technology. In smartphone industry USB-C already can be called a new trend because it is not only an improved charging port, but also a means of eliminating the traditional 3.5mm headphone port. Today we will talk in more detail about USB Type-C, and this article will tell you what it is.

Today almost everything electronic devices equipped with a USB connector. From desktop computers to smartphones and various storage devices with laptops. USB is a ubiquitous standard when it comes to connecting peripherals or transferring data between devices. Last thing major update USB came out in 2013 with the release of USB 3.1, accompanied by the release of a new Type-C connector. As you can see, almost 4 years have passed since then, and Type-C has not taken root.

Currently, you can count on one hand the number of devices on the market that use USB Type-C technology. Among computers this latest laptops from Apple, from Google, a line from Samsung and several more hybrid devices. Among the smartphones - mainly the flagships of the outgoing year:, and.

So why USB? Type-C is better than their predecessors? Let's find out.

What is USB Type-C

USB Type-C is a new and currently actively developing industry data transfer standard for computers and mobile devices. The main and most significant innovation of Type-C is a modified connector - universal, symmetrical, capable of working on either side. The USB-C connector was invented by the USB Implementers Forum, a group of companies that developed and certified the new USB standard. It also includes the largest technology companies, namely Apple, Samsung, Dell, HP, Intel and Microsoft. By the way, this is important to know, because USB Type-C was easily accepted by most PC manufacturers.

USB-C is the new standard

First of all, you need to know that USB Type-C is a new industry standard. Just like they once were USB 1.1, USB 2.0, USB 3.0 or the most latest usb 3.1. Only previous generations of USB were more focused on increasing data transfer speeds and various other improvements, while Type-C from a physical point of view changes the connector design in a similar way to modifications of the technology - MicroUSB and MiniUSB. However, the decisive difference is in this case is that, unlike MicroUSB and MiniUSB, Type-C is aimed at replacing absolutely all standards, on both sides (example USB-MicroUSB).

Main characteristics:

• 24 signal pins
• USB 3.1 support
• Alternate mode for implementing third-party interfaces
• Speed ​​up to 10 Gbps
• Power transmission up to 100 W
• Dimensions: 8.34x2.56 mm

USB Type-C and USB 3.1

One of possible questions For those unaware of USB Type-C, there may be something like this: what does USB 3.1 have to do with USB Type-C? The fact is that USB 3.1 is the main data transfer protocol for Type-C. The speed of version 3.1 is 10 Gbps - in theory, this is 2 times faster than USB 3.0. USB 3.1 can also be presented in the original connector format - this port is called USB 3.1 Type-A. But today it is much easier to find USB 3.1 with a new Type-C universal connector.

USB versions

To better understand why Type-C will become a replacement for traditional USB versions, it is first necessary to understand the difference between them. Exist different versions USB, as well as even different connectors - for example, Type-A and Type-B.

USB versions belong to a common standard, but they differ in maximum speed data transmission and power operation. Of course, there are many other factors.

USB 1.1
Although USB 1.0 is technically the first version of USB, it failed to fully reach the market. Instead, a new version of USB 1.1 was released - it became the first standard to which we are all accustomed. USB 1.1 can transfer data at 12 Mbps and consumes a maximum of 100 mA of current.

USB 2.0
The second version of USB was introduced in April 2000. It provided the standard with a significant increase in maximum data transfer speed - up to 480 Mbit per second. USB 2.0 has also become more powerful, consuming 1.8A at 2.5V.

USB 3.0
The release of USB 3.0 brought with it not only the expected improvements in data transfer speed and power, but also new types of connectors. Moreover, USB 3.0 even got its own color - new version The standard was marked blue to valiantly distinguish it from older generations of USB. USB 3.0 can operate at speeds of up to 5 Gbps, using 5V at 1.8A for its operation. By the way, this version was presented in November 2008.

USB 3.1
The newest and most best version USB was released in July 2013, although it is still not widely used. USB 3.1 can provide users throughput up to 10 Gbit per second with maximum consumption energy in 5V/1A, or optionally 5A/12V (60 W) or 20V (100 W).

Type-A
Type-A is classic USB interface. The short and rectangular plug became original design for USB remains to this day the standard connector for use at the host end of a USB cable. There are also some variations of Type-A - Mini Type-A and Micro Type-A, but these have never been widely accepted by the public due to the complex nature of the socket. Currently, both of these Type-A variations are considered obsolete.

Type-B
If Type-A has become one side of the USB cable we are used to, Type-B is the other. The original Type-B is a tall connector with beveled top corners. Commonly found on printers, although itself an extension of the USB 3.0 standard to introduce new connectivity options. The classic MiniUSB and MicroUSB are also available in Type-B versions, along with the absolutely clunky MicroUSB 3.0, which uses additional plugs.

Type-C
Thus, after Type-A and Type-B we come, obviously, to the latest Type-C. Type-A and Type-B versions were supposed to work together with each other through backward compatibility, but the arrival of Type-C completely ruined these plans, since USB-C involves a complete replacement of outdated USB connection technologies. Also Type-C was specially designed to additional options Mini type or Micro did not need to be released at all. This, again, is due to the intentions to replace all current connectors with USB Type-C.

Main feature Type-C standard is the versatility or symmetry of the connector. USB-C can be used by both sides similarly Apple technology Lightning - no more special sides for connection, which are also difficult to find in the dark. Also, the Type-C version is based on USB 3.1, which means it supports all the benefits latest version, including the highest speed.

USB-C is still backwards compatible with existing options USB, but for this use case, of course, you will need adapters.

Disadvantages of USB Type-C

Naturally, the new USB Type-C standard also has problems. One of the main and most serious concerns of the latest version of the technology is the physical design of the connector - it is very fragile due to its symmetrical design. Apple, despite the same versatility of its Lightning, uses a durable metal plug that is much more resistant to external influences.

Even more pressing and of significant concern USB problem Type-C is an unregulated connector, which has led to a number of dangerous accessories being sold. Some of these accessories, by using unsupported voltage levels, can fry the connected device. For example, this happened with the flagship, which was magnificent at the start, which subsequently began to first ignite and then completely explode in the hands, trousers, cars and apartments of its owners.

This problem has led to an obvious and only solution - a massive ban on the production and sale of non-original accessories that support USB Type-C. Thus, if an accessory does not meet USB Implementers Forum Inc. standard specifications, the product will not be approved for sale. Also, to check the operating status and authenticity of various third-party accessories, USB-IF has introduced software protected by 128-bit encryption, which will allow devices with this connector to automatic check connected device or accessory with USB-C.

Minuses:

• Design. The design of USB Type-C is good, but the design has suffered - it is quite fragile. Apple uses an all-metal plug in its Lightning, while Type-C uses an oval shape with the signal pins placed in the central part.
• Connector operation. Allowing USB Type-C to operate at unsupported voltage levels will likely cause the cable and/or device to catch fire.
• Compatibility. USB Type-C is an innovation in the USB world, but newest generation leaves old devices in the past because it does not support working with them.
• Adapters. For full-fledged work with USB Type-C on older devices you will have to buy additional adapters. This is an additional waste of money.

Benefits of USB Type-C

Despite all of the above, USB Type-C can confidently be called a step forward for the industry. Installing this connector will allow manufacturers to make thinner computers and mobile devices with fewer ports, highest speed data transfer to headphones. In the future, if USB Type-C becomes popular, the connector will be able to replace not only the 3.5 mm headphone port, but also HDMI, the interface used for video transmission. Thus, USB Type-C will replace the connectors that are familiar today and will become a universal standard in any situation.

Pros:

• Symmetry. USB Type-C allows you to forget about situations where you have to remember which side to insert the cable into the connector. Also, from now on you don’t have to worry about not finding what you need. USB side In the dark.
• Compactness. The dimensions of USB Type-C are 8.4x2.6 mm - this allows manufacturers to make computers and mobile devices much thinner.
• Versatility. Thanks to the integration of a single connector, it will become possible charging with one cable for both a laptop, a tablet or a smartphone.