Why does a smartphone need USB Type-C? What is USB Type-C and what are its advantages? USB Type-C - what is it? Connector type, cable
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 become 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 are connected 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.
Lately, surprising people is even easier than it seems. When they showed us the USB Type-C connector, everyone just gasped, because it’s so cool, now you can charge your device the first time even at night. But is it worth it? Maybe USB Type-C is not as good as it seems? Maybe he is not needed at all now? Yes maybe…
Lately, surprising people is even easier than it seems. When they showed us the USB Type-C connector, everyone just gasped, because it’s so cool, now you can charge your device the first time even at night. But is it worth it? Maybe USB Type-C is not as good as it seems? Maybe he is not needed at all now?
Yes, maybe being able to charge your smartphone when you're drunk is good. Or maybe this is just another marketing ploy by large companies so that you will once again buy yourself a new tablet or smartphone? In this article, we described five reasons why you don’t need USB Type-C right now.
1. USB Type-C does not mean “fast charging”
One of the most common myths about this connector is that it will charge your devices faster. This is wrong. This is just a new version of the connector. Type-C is the same as previous standards, fast charging has nothing to do with it. Despite the fact that it supports the USB 3.1 standard, which brings with it a number of improvements, you shouldn’t think that this will be the case on all smartphones.
OnePlus 2 is the most striking example of this. It has a USB Type-C connector, but it's USB 2.0, which doesn't give it any advantage other than a "universal" cable over older smartphones. In addition, there is not yet a single smartphone that supports the new type of connector and fast battery charging mode.
2. There won’t be huge data transfer speeds either.
The second myth is that it will allow you to transfer data at the speed of light compared to older solutions. Here, too, everything depends on industry standards such as USB 2.0, 3.0, 3.1. It is these standards that determine the data transfer speed, but not the shape of the cable.
3. You will have to keep it as the “apple of your eye”
If you are planning to go somewhere on vacation and forgot your MicroUSB cable at home, then there is nothing wrong with that, because you can charge your smartphone with a charger from your tablet, or you can even use someone else’s cable for charging, because this standard is widespread all over the world.
But the owners of the same OnePlus 2 will have to endure for who knows how long and carry the cable all the time in their pocket or backpack. After all, if your smartphone’s battery dies, there will simply be nowhere to charge it. That is why devices with such connectors need to be purchased at least a year later, when there will already be a sufficient number of smartphones/tablets with this type of charger on the market. So you shouldn’t chase the desire to get into the connector even at night, because this will lead to another significant problem that I described above.
4. The cable is rare and expensive
If you suddenly lose your cable, you will have a hard time. Firstly, it is almost impossible to find it in a short time. Secondly, if you find it, its value is much higher than you think. And all because now the demand for this product is minimal.
5. Old accessories will become useless
Surely, like me, you have a huge box of various trinkets and accessories for your smartphone. Once you buy a main device with a USB Type-C connector, they will all become useless in an instant. Since the “old” Type-A connectors are physically incompatible with the new type of cable. Of course, special adapters will help you, but think about it, is it worth it?
In fact, the new USB 3.1 standard and the Type-C connector should calm down the mess and restore order. For everything about everything - one single cable: for data transmission, audio, video signals and power supply. The symmetrical Type-C connector is a real blessing for mobile device users who are tangled in wires. And the USB 3.1 standard allows, for example, to play video from a tablet on a TV while the mobile device is charging.
Just the transition to new specifications poses additional difficulties for manufacturers, which is why sellers and buyers immediately become despondent. The company cannot be blamed for a lack of interest: after the MacBook Pro (2015) entered the market, many manufacturers introduced products that support the new USB 3.1 standard with a Type-C connector, including devices such as motherboards, monitors, external drives and smartphones. Thus, the LG G6 is equipped with a USB Type-C connector, as well as the HTC 10 and Samsung Galaxy S8, which connects to the docking station via a universal connector, turning into a full-fledged personal computer. But a new form does not always mean new functions: for example, Type-C in the Huawei version does not support USB 3.1, and generally uses its own technology for fast charging.
Old devices are a hindrance to new standards
Variety of connectorsMany USB devices still come with one of the old connectors. Type-C should replace them all
Technical breakthroughs always take a very long time if there is a large stock of old technology. Keyboards, mice, external drives, webcams, digital cameras, USB flash drives - millions of these devices still require support for older versions of USB. The problem could be temporarily solved by using universal adapters, but completely new devices with old USB ports are still being released.
And since a regular USB cable cannot easily distinguish between a host and a client device, it still requires two different types of connectors. Therefore, external hard drives are often produced with Mini-A connectors, and printers with typical quadrangular Type-B connectors. Sooner or later, USB Type-C should replace not only these connectors - using a cable it would be possible, for example, to connect peripheral devices to a PC without any problems. Moreover, Type-C can send DisplayPort, HDMI and even TRS jacks into oblivion.
Don't be confused: Type-C is not USB 3.1
"Talking" logosLogos should reflect what functionality the USB connector provides. Unfortunately, not all manufacturers use them
Since the USB consortium approved two other specifications at the same time as the Type-C connector, there is often some confusion in the concepts. Firstly, we have a new Type-C connector with a mirror arrangement of 2x12 pins, making the port insensitive to the orientation of the plug - which means that the problem of “how to plug in a USB Type-A plug the first time” will be available very soon forget.
Secondly, along with the new connector, a new USB 3.1 standard has been introduced, increasing the data transfer rate ceiling to 10 Gbps (gross).
Further, USB Power Delivery (USB-PD) is presented in a new, second revision: it implies faster charging of connected devices by increasing power (20 V, 5 A instead of the previous 5 V, 0.9 A). In other words, although USB Type-C, USB 3.1 and USB Power Delivery are often equated, they are not equivalent terms or synonyms. So, there is, for example, a USB 2.0 interface in Type-C format or a USB 3.1 port without support for Power Delivery fast charging.
But that is not all. The consortium cannot be completely blamed for the mess, since it has moved away from using the usual nomenclature: with the advent of USB 3.1, USB 3.0 ceased to exist in the sense that this previous version is now classified as USB 3.1 Gen 1, and the newly introduced technology is called USB 3.1 Gen 2. But many USB cables and devices are sold under the name USB 3.1 - without specifying which generation they are referring to.
The USB Consortium, however, has developed a system of logos to designate USB Type-C connectors so that you can distinguish, for example, a Type-C plug supporting USB 3.1 Gen 1 from a plug supporting USB 3.1 Gen 2 or even the old USB 2.0, but for starters logos need to be examined carefully. It's not uncommon to have to look at the manual to figure out which version you're using - unless, of course, detailed documentation is available. It is not surprising that many manufacturers continue to use the previous name USB 3.0.
Limit values of USB versionsUSB 3.1 Gen 2 doubles data transfer speeds and increases current output for fast charging
To all this diversity should be added the Thunderbolt 3 interface, developed primarily by Intel and Apple. Thunderbolt from the third version also uses a Type-C connector, but is not entirely compatible with USB 3.1. With active Thunderbolt 3 cables, throughput reaches up to 40 Gbps (gross), four times that of USB 3.1. This not only provides very high data transfer speeds, but will also allow you to transfer multiple video streams with 4K content over DisplayPort and even use external graphics cards. Complex technologies require the use of active electronics in cables. USB devices can be connected to the Thunderbolt 3 port, but never vice versa.
Difficult choice of cables
The confusion doesn't stop with standards and versions alone. If previously it was possible to limit the choice to one USB cable with the required types of connectors, with USB 3.1 and Type-C it will not be so easy. Here, as in the case of standards and versions, there is currently a huge lack of information: not all Type-C cables can transmit data, video and supply power. In many cases, it is not clear to users whether a Type-C cable supports Power Delivery fast charging or an alternative mode for video transmission, because logos and markings, as a rule, are simply not there.
Premium motherboardsCurrently, USB 3.1 Gen 2 is supported only by select premium motherboards. Among them is Asus Rampage V 10, equipped with two Type-A and two Type-C ports, it costs about 38,500 rubles
It is often impossible to determine whether a cable supports USB 3.1 or just USB 2.0. On the Amazon website, there are very often reviews from upset customers who, after purchasing, discovered that the purchased cable does not support the fast charging technology of their smartphones. Even the designation by some manufacturers, for example, Aukey, of a USB 3.1 Gen 1 cable with Type-C and Type-A ends as a “Type-C to USB 3.0 cable” does not help to get out of this difficult situation at all - this is completely wrong.
If you decide to get a device with a Type-C connector, be sure to make sure that the package includes a cable - only then will all your requirements be satisfied. Computer hardware supplier Hama, for example, offers several Type-C cables with detailed specifications, but prices start at 1,000 rubles. Buying a Thunderbolt 3 cable will cost even more - you will need to shell out about 2,000 rubles. But all the functions are provided here. If this price is too high, then willy-nilly you will have to rummage through product descriptions and customer reviews about them in search of the right cable.
USB-C: balanced plug
Data transfer, power supply and dialogue between devices - each of the 24 pins of the Type-C plug performs a separate function. It is easy to notice that their arrangement is symmetrical.
Displays, laptops and adapters
To transfer video in one of the alternative modes (DisplayPort or HDMI), that is, for example, from a laptop to a monitor, you should also pay attention to the technical requirements. There are currently several monitors on the market with a USB Type-C connector from LG, Eizo, Acer and HP (for example, Envy 27, about 40,000 rubles). For video output, the DisplayPort standard is almost universally used, which indeed works quite reliably. But if we talk about fast charging, which places special demands on the monitor’s power supply, then in many cases buyers have questions.
Alt mode videoThe USB-C connector, for example, like that of the LG 27UD88 (about 38,000 rubles), usually provides reliable video transmission to the monitor, but it does not always provide fast charging with Power Delivery
However, supplying power from the monitor to the laptop is not always necessary. The Asus MB169C+ portable 15-inch monitor (about 15,000 rubles) receives power from the laptop via a fully used Type-C connector.
One way or another, nowadays it more often happens that a laptop with a USB Type-C connector is connected to a monitor via an HDMI or DisplayPort port. In such cases, an adapter is required that converts the video signal and transmits it to the monitor using the desired standard. Such accessories can be purchased from about 1000 rubles. Compared to other cables, choosing adapters is quite simple, because their task is only to convert the video signal without taking into account other features of USB 3.1.
For those interested in a laptop or tablet with a Type-C connector, the choice is currently limited, but great. In addition to the MacBook (12 inches), there are hybrids Acer Aspire Switch 10 V (about 25,000 rubles) and Asus T100HA (about 18,000 rubles). And the young Google Pixel Chromebook is equipped with two whole Type-C ports (though only of the USB 3.1 Gen 1 standard), but it has not yet gone on official sale in Russia.
Old documentationEven though the Acer Aspire Switch 10 V only has one Type-C port, the manual lists older types of USB connectors
Probably, it is unlikely that any user will dare to transfer all their peripheral devices to Type-C at once, so most laptop owners will first need a USB 3.1 adapter to transfer data and video signals via a USB Type-A, HDMI or DisplayPort cable. Prices for recommended flexible models start at 2,500 rubles, such as the Icy Box IB-DK4031. Club 3D SenseVision is more expensive - about 6,500 rubles - but it includes HDMI, DVI, USB 3.0 Type-A, 4 USB 2.0 connectors, USB fast charging, as well as jacks for connecting a microphone and headphones.
The choice for desktops is less rich at the moment: traditionally, motherboard manufacturers introduce new standards in premium models. The only motherboard with four USB 3.1 Gen 2 ports (two each Type-A and Type-C) is the Asus Rampage V 10, which costs about 38,500 rubles. At least the indication of fast transfer of 10 Gbit/s is also on the panel of interface connectors. One of the USB 3.1 options from the lower price category of desktops is the MSI X99A SLI (LGA 2011-3) with one Type-A and one Type-C port for about 15,000 rubles.
Universal adapter
Switching to computers with a Type-C connector will require an adapter with different types of ports for the peripherals.
> Club 3D SenseVision (about 6500 rubles)
The adapter is relatively expensive, but is equipped with a large number of ports, including HDMI, DVI, microphone and headphone jacks, as well as four USB 2.0 ports and a fast charging connector (USB 3.1 Gen 1)
> Icy Box IB-DK4031 (about 2500 rubles)
A simpler version of the adapter with a Type-A connector (USB 3.1 Gen 1), HDMI,
as well as a Type-C connector with Power Delivery for fast charging of external devices.
Benefit from external storage thanks to USB 3.1
Fast memoryUSB 3.1 Gen 2 gives many external SSDs, such as the Freecom mSSD MAXX, a significant boost in speed
Of course, network storage with a RAID configuration and external drives, primarily flash memory - solid-state drives and USB flash drives, benefit from the high data transfer speeds of USB 3.1 Gen 2. But for the latter, the availability of USB 3.1 Gen 2 is currently reduced to zero. The offered flash drives from SanDisk, Kingston and Corsair, positioned as USB 3.1, transfer data at a speed of no more than 5 Gbit/s, that is, they belong to the first generation. However, for most flash drives this should be sufficient for now.
As for external solid-state drives, the manufacturers Freecom (mSSD MAXX, about 8,000 rubles) and Adata (SE730, about 9,500 rubles) offer drives with USB 3.1 of the second generation. The first practical tests show that the high-speed interface does indeed provide significantly higher data transfer rates. Terramaster offers a two-bay D2-310 network storage enclosure (about 10,000 rubles) with support for USB 3.1 Gen 2, which should also make a good impression on high-speed SATA drives in a RAID array.
Music over USB-CThe score has been opened for the headphone jack on a smartphone: a Type-C to TRS adapter will soon appear as standard
It should be separately noted that memory manufacturers do the best job of specifying versions and standards and are the least likely to leave their customers halfway. The remaining manufacturers must urgently supplement the documentation and properly implement the standards.
Transitioning from one generation of technology to the next has always been a long and often confusing process, but not since the days of VHS and Betamax has there been such confusion as now. Someday, the USB 3.1 / Type-C configuration will really make life easier for everyone - especially users, but for now there are many difficulties to be overcome.
PHOTO: CHIP Studios; Freecom; Stouch; Club 3D; Raidsonic; Acer; LG; Asus; Sabrina Raschpichler
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.
It rarely happens that one extra letter in the name of a standard threatens to revolutionize the world of data transfer interfaces and gadgets, but the emergence of the latest version of USB 3.1 Type-C This seems to be exactly the case. What does the next update of the good old USB interface promise to bring us?
- Data transfer rate up to 10 GBps
- Possibility of powering devices with power consumption from the port up to 100W
- Connector dimensions comparable to micro-USB
- The symmetry of the connector - it does not have a top or bottom, which means there is no key, which often leads to damage to both the connectors themselves and the gadgets connected through them
- Using this interface, you can power devices with voltage up to 20 volts
- There are no longer different types of connectors - A and B. Both ends of the cable have exactly the same connectors. Both data and power supply can be transmitted through the same connector in both directions. Depending on the situation, each connector can act as a master or slave
- We are promised that the connector design can withstand up to 10,000 connections
- It is possible to use this interface for direct connection instead of some other widely used interfaces for fast data exchange.
- The standard is compatible from top to bottom with both the regular USB 3 interface and its younger brothers. Of course not directly, but with the help of an adapter it is possible to connect, say, a USB 2.0 drive through it
I will not touch on the history of the development of the USB interface; this topic is not poorly developed in this comic in the sense of history in pictures.
Electronics - the science of contacts
To begin with, comparative photos of today's hero in the company of honored ancestors.
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 (8.34×2.56 mm) allow it to be used without any difficulties for devices of any class, including smartphones and tablets.
The signal and power pins are placed on a plastic insert; perhaps this is its weakest point in the central part of the connector. The USB Type-C contact group contains 24 pins. Let me remind you that USB 1.0/2.0 had only 4 pins, and USB 3.0 connectors already required 9 pins.
If you look closely at the picture on the left, you can see that the contacts have different lengths. This ensures their closure in a certain sequence. In the picture in the center we see the presence of latches that should hold the plugged-in cable and provide a tactile click during the connection and disconnection process. The right graph shows the dependence of the force during the process of inserting and removing the connector.
The peaks that we see on it are the moments when the latch is triggered.
It can be stated that the developers of the standard have done, if not everything, then almost everything to make the connector as convenient and reliable as possible: it is inserted from either end and from either side with a noticeable click. According to them, he is able to survive this procedure more than 10 thousand times.
Many-faced symmetrical Janus
An extremely pleasant and useful feature of USB-C is the symmetrical design of the connector, which allows you to connect it to the port on either side. This is achieved thanks to the symmetrical arrangement of its terminals.
The earth terminals are located along the edges. The positive power contacts are also located symmetrically. In the center there are contacts responsible for compatibility with the USB2 interface and younger. They are the luckiest of all - they are duplicated and therefore turning 180 degrees when connecting is not terrible. Pins responsible for high-speed data exchange are marked in blue. As we see here everything is more cunning. If we rotate the connector, then, for example, the output of TX1 will change places with TX2, but at the same time the place of the input of RX1 will be taken by RX2.
The Secondary Bus and USB Power Delivery Communication pins are service pins and are intended for communication between two connected devices. After all, they need to tell each other a lot about a lot before starting the exchange, but more on that later.
In the meantime, about one more feature. 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 an image with a resolution of 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, resolutions up to 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.
And she gave to this, and she gave to that. In general... about nutrition.
Another important feature that USB Type-C brings is the ability to transmit energy through it with a power of up to 100 W. This is enough not only to power/charge mobile devices, but also to operate laptops, monitors, and if you get creative, even a small laboratory power source.
When the USB bus appeared, power transmission was an important, but still secondary function. The USB 1.0 port provided only 0.75 W (0.15 A, 5 V). Enough for a mouse and keyboard to work, but nothing more. For USB 2.0, the rated 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. For USB 3.0, a nominal current of 0.9 A is provided, which, with a constant supply voltage of 5V, 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 “only” 7.5 W. Against the background of these figures, the possibility of transmitting 100 W looks like something fantastic.
In order to fill the USB Type-C port with such energy, it supports the USB Power Delivery 2.0 (USB PD) specification. 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. There is not enough space in this article to describe this specification in detail, and anyway I will not do it better than the respected one in his wonderful article.
However, it will not be possible to completely bypass this extremely important topic.
In order to provide 100 watts of power at five volts, a current of 20 amperes is required! Considering the size of the USB Type-C cable, this is perhaps only possible if it is made from a superconductor! I'm afraid that today this will be quite expensive for users, so the developers of the standard took a different path. They increased the supply voltage to 20 Volts. “Excuse me, but it will completely burn out my favorite tablet,” you exclaim, and you will be absolutely right. In order not to fall victim to angry users, the engineers came up with a clever trick - they introduced a system of power profiles. Before connecting, any device is in standard mode. The voltage in it is limited to five volts and the current to two amperes. For connecting with old-type devices, this mode will end everything, but for more advanced cases, after exchanging data, the devices switch to another agreed mode of operation with advanced capabilities. To get acquainted with the main existing modes, let's look at the table.
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 - our cherished hundred! 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.
A few words about cables!
Supporting the format described in the article in full will require a huge amount of work not only from programmers, but also from electronics manufacturers. A very large number of components will need to be developed and produced. The most obvious thing is the connectors. In order to withstand high supply voltage currents, not interfere with the transmission of very high frequency signals, and at the same time not fail after the second connection and not fall out at the most inopportune moment, the quality of their manufacture must be radically higher compared to the USB format 2.To combine high-power energy transmission and signal with gigabit traffic, cable manufacturers will have to work hard.
Admire what a cross-section of a cable suitable for our task looks like.
By the way, about restrictions on cable lengths when using the USB 3.1 interface. To transfer data without significant losses 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 connections at speeds up to 5 Gb/s (Gen 1) – 2 meters.
Circuit designers from manufacturers of motherboards, docking stations and laptops will long puzzle over how to generate power of the order of hundreds of watts, and tracers will wonder how to connect it to the USB Type-C connector.
Chip manufacturers are at a low start.
Symmetrical connection and operation of signal lines in different modes will require the use of high-speed signal switch microcircuits. Today the first swallows have already appeared. Here, for example, is a switch from Texas Instruments, which supports operation in devices in both host and slave modes. It is capable of switching differential pair lines with signal frequencies up to 5 GHz.
At the same time, the dimensions of the HDC3SS460 chip are 3.5 by 5.5 mm and in idle mode it consumes a current of about 1 microampere. In active mode - less than a milliamp. There are also more advanced solutions, for example, chips produced by NXP support communication frequencies of up to 10 GHz.
Power managers combined with circuits for protecting signal lines from static began to appear, for example, this product from NXP
It is designed to correctly handle the moment of connecting the connector, as well as opening the power circuit in case of problems. This chip already supports voltage on VBUS up to 30 volts, but with the maximum switching current everything is much worse - it should not exceed 1 ampere, which is understandable, given the dimensions - 1.4 by 1.7 mm!
The undisputed leader in this area is Cypress, which has released a specialized microcontroller with an ARM Cortex M0 core that supports all five power profiles possible for the standard.
A typical connection diagram for use in a laptop gives some idea about it, and you can learn more about it by downloading the datasheet.
Unlike the NXP chip, it is focused on controlling external power switches and therefore can provide switching of the required currents and voltages, despite its small size.
Attention, an important feature for those who are in a hurry to order the first samples - the microcontroller does not have a USB interface and is not a complete and complete solution. It can only serve as a power manager. Pre-orders for samples and demo boards are currently open. The fate of this microcontroller will apparently largely depend on whether the manufacturer provides developers with reference libraries for its use in different modes.
The fact that several demokits have already been created for it greatly increases the likelihood of the latter.
Elevator to heaven or the Tower of Babel.
So today a completely revolutionary situation has arisen. The upper classes cannot, and the lower classes do not want to live in the old way. Everyone is tired of the confusion with a huge number of cables, chargers, power supplies and their low reliability.
The new standard has generated unprecedented activity. The flagships of the electronics industry - Apple, Nokia, Asus are preparing to release their first gadgets with support for USB Type-C. The Chinese are already churning out cables and adapters. Dock stations and hubs supporting high power loads are on the way. Chip manufacturers are developing new chips and are thinking about how to stuff a new port driver into a microcontroller. Marketers are deciding where to plug in a new connector, and engineers are scratching their heads trying to implement multi-functional devices from existing electronic components.
Only one thing is not clear yet. What will we get as a result? A convenient and reliable connector that will replace the lion’s share of interfaces and will find everyday use, or Babylonian pandemonium, because the situation may begin to develop according to a not-so-favorable scenario:
Users can become completely confused by numerous specifications and cables that will look exactly the same, but will only be certified for certain profiles. Try to figure out all these markings right away.
But even if it works, this is unlikely to solve the problem - the Chinese, without a twinge of conscience, will easily put any icon on any cord. And if necessary, then there are a bunch of different cables on each side of the same cable; they won’t be confused even if they are mutually exclusive.
The market will be flooded with an incredible number of adapters of different calibers and dubious quality.
When trying to connect one device to another, you will never know what result this process will lead to and why the connection is either completely absent or everything is terribly glitchy. Either one of the gadgets does not support the required profile, or it does, but not very correctly, or instead of a high-quality cable, it was a crude Chinese fake. What would you do if suddenly the only connector left on your laptop fails?
Until next time.
P.S. The new standard is already leading to the emergence of very exotic devices. Thus, a 100-meter-long cable was announced, which does not seem to fit into the standards. The whole point is that he is active. At both ends the cable has a USB3 interface to optical signal converter. The signal is transmitted via optics and converted back at the output. Naturally, it does not transmit energy, but only data. In this case, each of the converters at its ends is powered by the connector to which it is connected.
I think that soon self-respecting companies will begin to insert active tags into cables to confirm authenticity. The hub problem will generate unprecedented activity among developers and manufacturers of DC-DC converters. As a respected user rightly noted
