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Charger port usb c. USB Type-C: a universal connector for everything. What is the OTG standard

The rapid development of computer technology affects not only the main components of systems. The possibilities are increasing, including various interfaces. As for the most common method of connecting peripheral devices - USB - here, in general, we can state a multiple increase in productivity in recent years. The throughput of the universal serial bus increases and functionality expands. The connectors used to connect various USB devices are also undergoing changes. Today, many people hear about USB, and what are the advantages and disadvantages of the solution is the topic of this article.

Modern computer connectors

Looking around the body of almost any laptop, you can find a number of different ports located on the sides. Among them there is always USB, almost always HDMI and some others. Modern models are often equipped with the latest USB Type-C port. Many people don’t know what kind of connector this is, but it would be worthwhile to familiarize yourself with the capabilities of the port. Presumably, the connector will replace many other solutions in the future and become a truly universal standard. This is facilitated by the technical characteristics of the new method of pairing a computer and peripherals. The USB Type-C port offers users faster data transfer speeds, improved functionality, and a new level of usability. In short, the future of the standard looks very promising.

Multiple uses for one cable

The creators of USB Type-C used a very simple idea when developing the standard. The user must have a single type of cable, and his computer equipment is equipped with one type of port. By using a unified interface, you can connect anything you want. For example, using a USB Type-C cable, you can connect inherently different devices, such as hard drives, monitors, audio interfaces, smartphones, and tablet PCs. Among other things, it becomes possible to use the connector in question even to charge a laptop.

USB-A

Today, almost all peripheral devices are connected to a PC via the usual USB-A connector. This port has firmly entered the computer world, has a familiar rectangular shape, and its use has become almost a standard for connecting flash drives, external keyboards, mice, hard drives, printers and many other devices to PCs and laptops. This monopoly is likely to be broken soon - the USB Type-C cable already takes its rightful place among the solutions used to connect many devices.

Change of concept

Various cables are used to connect devices to the now standard USB-A port. The main difference between them is the connector located on the opposite side of the cable connected to the computer. This is almost always a different type of connector. For example, micro-USB is used for smartphones, while mini-USB is often used for other gadgets. To connect the printer, you will need a USB-B cable, and to connect storage devices, you will need a micro-USB-B cable. This variety causes some inconvenience and difficulty, because a user who owns several devices always needs to have a whole set of cables on hand. Designed to be uniform for all devices, i.e., the universal USB Type-C cable greatly simplifies this situation.

New format

With the development of the standard, it became possible to install a single connector design for all devices, as well as the same connector at both ends of the cable. How can you tell when you pick up a USB Type-C cable that this is it? The solution is a thin connector, oval in shape and significantly smaller in size compared to previous cable and connector formats of this type. In addition, USB 3 Type-C received the most important characteristic represented by symmetry and reversibility. In general, it is very similar to the Lightning solution from Apple - very convenient, because you don’t need to waste time manipulating the cable to find the right way to connect.

Future

Probably today we can say that after a certain time, the USB Type-C connector will turn into the only universal port for all peripheral devices. Thus, there will be a replacement for USB-A, B, micro-USB and mini, which make the lives of ordinary users so difficult today. All cables should become the same and be able to be used for any device. Of course, quick unification will not happen; too many functional devices with connectors other than USB Type-C are in use today and will be in use for several more years.

At the same time, we should not forget: the expansion of new solutions has already begun. For example, a USB Type-C flash drive is no longer uncommon on the shelves of computer stores. In addition, the fact that flagship devices from the most famous brands are being released, equipped with the port in question, suggests that the described situation, i.e., the displacement of outdated connectors from the market will occur sooner or later. For compatibility with older solutions, you will have to use a USB Type-C adapter for now.

Compatibility

After reading the above, you can think about what to do with already purchased devices equipped with connector types other than USB Type-C. It must be said that this issue should not cause much concern. A wide variety of adapters have already been developed, produced and sold, allowing you to connect any device with a USB connector, regardless of its type. Adapters such as mini-USB - Type-C, micro-USB - Type-C and others are already widespread and perform their functions perfectly. The security principle, which has been used in computer technology for many years, no one is going to violate. If a new laptop or computer has a USB Type-C port, an adapter for other types of connector is a completely applicable and effective solution.

Learn more about the benefits of the connector

Of course, a simple revision of the design of the connector and port will not be a compelling reason to encourage the user to upgrade all of his existing peripherals, but performance is far from the only advantage of the new solution. The new format supports the most modern USB 3.1 protocol, which brings with it an increase in data transfer speed and greater versatility compared to previous versions used on devices equipped with USB-A.

Speed

More than two decades have passed since the presentation of the first version of the connector. At that time, the maximum speed at which data was transferred was 12 Mb/s. Today, we can say, considering USBType-C, that this is the fastest interface for connecting peripheral devices from existing solutions. The USB 3.1 standard is capable of providing a data transfer rate of 10 Gb/s.

Performance

Additional advantages of the standard under consideration, of course, include performance, represented by the ability to provide power transmission of up to 100 W. This figure is enough to power almost any laptop, not to mention smartphones, tablets and other gadgets. In addition to energy, the new format supports the transfer of a huge amount of data per unit of time. For example, today video signals in 4K resolution are successfully transmitted via USB Type-C.

Versatility

The universal nature of the newest standard opens up a wide range of practical applications. A lot of useful functions can be provided with a single cable. For example, you can connect a USB-C-equipped laptop to an externally powered monitor and charge the laptop's battery while watching video content. In the case when storage devices, such as an external drive, are connected to the display, you can access the information stored on the media from the laptop.

Disadvantages of USB Type-C

This connector is a brilliant new format that is sure to become a ubiquitous solution in the very near future. However, the initial stages of distribution and development, in which the standard is currently still in, do not provide a complete absence of dangers, as well as some confusion when using the connector.

Cheap accessories

The main problem that a user who decides to join modern trends may encounter is cheap, low-quality accessories and cables. Due to the large amount of power transferred through USB Type-C connectors, using poor quality cables may damage the paired devices. This factor must be taken into account by users without fail. When purchasing cables and adapters, you should choose products from reliable, trusted brands.

Confusion about standards

Another unpleasant issue that USB Type-C users may encounter today is caused by the fact that the standard in question relates more to the type of connector used than to the specifications of the interface itself. Therefore, it is quite likely that a device connected to a new connector will not work as fast as the owner of the device expected. The first generation uses USB 3.0 technology, providing a maximum speed of 5 Gb/s. The second generation of USB-C supports the 3.1 standard, the data transfer speed through which reaches 10 Gb/s. Problems with each of the ports arise because they look the same, but when producing ready-made solutions, brands use different components, even in lines of similar models. In other words, before purchasing a device with a USB Type-C connector, you need to check whether the actual technical characteristics of the port correspond to the required indicators.

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 to be labeled. 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.

Mobile device users had a hard time in the 2000s - they were forced to put up with the so-called proprietary. The phones of each manufacturer were equipped with unique charging connectors - as a result, the charger, for example, for Nokia did not work with a Motorola phone. It even got to the point of absurdity - when for two phones from the same manufacturer (Finnish) we had to look for different chargers. The dissatisfaction of users turned out to be so strong that the European Parliament was forced to intervene.

Now the situation is completely different: almost all smartphone manufacturers equip their gadgets with ports for chargers same type. The user no longer has to buy a new charger “in addition” to the phone.

USB cables can be used not only to transfer data from a PC to a gadget, but also to charge a mobile device. Smartphones are capable of replenishing battery “reserves” both from an outlet and from a computer, but in the second case, charging will take significantly longer. A traditional USB cable for an Android or Windows Phone smartphone looks like this:

There is a standard plug at one of its ends USB 2.0 Type-A:

This plug plugs into the USB port on your computer or laptop.

At the other end of the wire there is a plug microUSB.

It is, accordingly, inserted into the micro-USB connector on the mobile device.

Micro-USB 2.0 is now a unified connector: it can be found on smartphones and tablets from almost all mobile device manufacturers (with the exception of Apple). An agreement on interface standardization was signed in 2011 by representatives of 13 leading companies in the mobile market.

The choice fell on Micro-USB for a number of reasons:

  • The connector is compact. Its physical dimensions are only 2x7 millimeters - this is about 4 times smaller than USB 2.0 Type-A.
  • The plug is durable– especially when compared with the Nokia thin charger.
  • The connector is capable of providing high data transfer rates. Theoretically, the transfer speed via Micro-USB when using the 2.0 standard can reach 480 Mbit/s. The actual speed is much lower (10-12 Mbit/s in Full Speed), but this rarely causes inconvenience to users.
  • The connector supports the OTG function. We'll tell you more about the benefits this provides later.

Micro-USB could impose competition in the fight for the role of a standard connector Mini-USB. The mini plug looks like this:

This type of USB connector was not suitable as a standard one, and here’s why:

  • The connector is larger in size– albeit not by much. Its size is 3x7 millimeters.
  • The connector is quite fragile– due to the lack of rigid fastenings, it becomes loose very quickly. As a result, transmitting data via cable becomes a real pain for the user.

In the 2000s, a mini-USB connector could be found on smartphones from “second-class” manufacturers - say, Philips And Alcatel. Nowadays you won’t find mobile gadgets with a mini-jack on the market.

In addition to the USB connectors we mentioned (Micro-USB, Mini-USB, USB Type-A), there are others. For example, micro-USB standard 3.0 can be used to connect hard drives to a PC, and USB Type-B(square shape) – for musical instruments (in particular, MIDI keyboards). These connectors are not directly related to mobile technology (except for Galaxy Note 3 c USB 3.0), so we won’t talk about them in more detail.

What types of USB cables are there for smartphones?

Thanks to the inexhaustible imagination of Chinese handicrafts, mobile technology users can buy cables of completely different configurations. For example, in the era of proprietaryism, the following “monster” was incredibly popular:

Yes, this charger fits all the main connectors!

Similar “multi-tools” are still on sale, but they have fewer plugs. Here is a 4-in-1 charger, which can be ordered for less than 200 rubles:

This charger is equipped with all modern plugs - Lightning, 30Pin (both for iPhone), microUSB, USB 3.0. Definitely a “must-have” for the user!

There are other interesting options. Here is the cable from OATSBASF For those who hate cables:

This cable allows you to charge two mobile devices from your computer. simultaneously(for example, the 5th iPhone and Android) and has a very tempting price - just over 100 rubles.

In domestic stores and showrooms, the user, of course, will not find such an abundance of different cables as on the pages of catalogs GearBest And AliExpress. In addition, data equipment at retail costs significantly more. For these two reasons, users are recommended to order USB cables from China.

What is the OTG standard?

Surely many have seen such a cable and wondered what it is for:

This is a cable OTG; at one end there is a plug micro-USB, on the second – connector USB 2.0, "Mother". Using such a cable, you can connect a USB flash drive to a smartphone or tablet, but only if the mobile device itself supports the standard OTG.

OTG(short for On-The-Go) is a function designed to quickly connect 2 USB devices to each other, without the mediation of a computer. Connect by OTG You can use not only a flash drive (although this, of course, is the most common case), but also, for example, a computer mouse, keyboard, external hard drive, gaming steering wheel, joystick. You can even connect your smartphone to a printer or MFP to print out a photo taken with the gadget’s camera.

Cables OTG for the iPhone have also already appeared, however, you can only download photos and videos to an Apple device (without jailbreak) from an external storage device - and then only when the root folders on the flash drive and the photos themselves have the “correct” names.

A complete list of smartphones that support the function OTG, no - simply because almost all modern gadgets can boast of having this standard, and the list would be huge. However, a buyer who intends to connect a mouse or flash drive to the device should inquire from a store consultant about support OTG before giving away money - “just in case.”

USB Type-C: what are the advantages?

Transition from micro-USB This is a new trend in the mobile electronics market! Manufacturers are actively mastering the technology and equipping their flagship models with improved connectors for charging and data transfer. USB Type-C I waited “in the shadows” for a long time: the connector was created back in 2013, but only in 2016 did market leaders pay attention to it.

looks USB Type-C So:

What are the advantages? Type-C in front of everyone familiar micro-USB?

  • High data transfer speed. Bandwidth Type-C equals 10 Gb/sec (!). But that's just bandwidth.: in reality, only owners of smartphones with the standard can count on such speed USB 3.1- For example, Nexus 6P And 5X. If the gadget uses the standard USB 3.0, the speed will be around 5 Gb/sec; at USB 2.0 Data transfer will be significantly slower.
  • Fast charging. The duration of the smartphone charging procedure depends on the potential amount of watts supplied by the connector. USB standard 2.0 capable of serving everything 2.5 W– that’s why charging lasts for hours. Connector USB Type-C provides 100 W– that is, 40 times (!) more. It is curious that current transmission can occur in both directions - both to and from the host.
  • Connector symmetry. If the connector micro-USB there is up and down, then the connector Type-C symmetrical Which side you insert it into the connector does not matter. From this point of view, technology USB Type-C similar to Lightning from Apple.

Dignity Type-C The size of the connector is also small - only 8.4 × 2.6 millimeters. According to this technology criterion micro-USB And USB Type-C similar.

U USB Type-C There are also disadvantages, one of which is more than significant. Due to the unregulated operation of the connector, charging can easily “fry” the mobile device. This probability is not purely theoretical - fires have occurred in practice. It is for this reason that the proliferation of non-original, “makeshift” cables and chargers USB Type-C Type-C and decide to abandon the standard connector. At the same time, Ravencraft admits that, perhaps, complete replacement USB-A will never happen.

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

1. USB Type-C does not support fast charging

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

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


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

3. USB Type-C is not widely used

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

4. USB Type-C is expensive

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

5. USB Type-C does not support common accessories

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

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

It would seem that the USB Type-C standard has just begun to earn its reputation in the world of mobile technology, but 2015 has already given us a certain number of devices that have tried on the new interface: memories of OnePlus 2, Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P are still fresh.

There is no doubt that the number of such devices will continue to grow this year. The largest manufacturers will continue to fight fiercely for consumers, supplying Type-C connectors not only to their flagship models, but also to offerings in lower price segments.

If you regularly use external batteries or other portable chargers designed for microUSB, this will add to your headache: in order to continue to benefit from your favorite accessories, be prepared to fork out for a dozen different adapters.

But there is an alternative option - an external battery, or the so-called Power Bank, with a built-in connector for a USB Type-C connector, which, among other things, has a number of significant advantages over its competitors: recharging the device via a Type-C connection is much faster, and you don't have to carry all the necessary adapters with you.

On the pages of online stores you can find dozens of different names of portable chargers. Looks like it's time to figure out which products are worth buying. Taking into account the brand, rating and positive reviews, we have compiled a small subjective list for you. And if the power banks presented below are not in your local store, their cost allows you to order them from ebay, amazon or other online platform without hassle with customs.


Anker PowerCore+ with a capacity of 20100 mAh will cost you about $51. For this money you will get a device with an LED charge indicator, two USB ports with an output current of 2.4 A, and one USB Type-C port. Actually, the kit itself consists of a “power bank”, a USB/USB Type-C cable for charging the battery, a case and a microUSB cable.

Note that Anker PowerCore+ boasts several unique discoveries that are responsible for legitimately fueling your . Proprietary PowerIQ technology copies the charging protocols of each connected gadget, making the procedure safe and as efficient as possible. VoltageBoost will also be useful: it determines the cable resistance, thereby ensuring process stability. Unfortunately, the Anker PowerCore+ does not support Qualcomm Quick Charge 2.0 technology.


The CHOETECH external battery with 10400 mAh inside costs $32. There are two USB ports on board, one of which is compatible with Quick Charge 2.0 technology from Qualcomm. The USB Type-C connector can be used to connect to a Macbook, Nexus 6P or Pixel C. The kit includes the Power Bank itself and a USB/USB Type-C cable. There is also an 18 month warranty. The device charges both via microUSB and via the USB Type-C interface.

In fact, the CHOETECH doesn't look too impressive when compared to the Anker model. It costs $20 less, but along with the price half of the capacity is lost somewhere. The only thing that can tip the scales in favor of CHOETECH is its modest weight and size, as well as support for Quick Charge 2.0.


The price of a RAVPower power bank with a capacity of 20100 mAh is approximately $60. The discreet design - a black box with a four-point LED indicator - contrasts clearly with the excellent functionality: microUSB connector responsible for recharging RAVPower; another USB port is ready to cooperate with Qualcomm Quick Charge 2.0 and 3.0 technologies; speed is provided by the USB 3A Type-C interface.

A unique feature of the battery is the iSmart port. With its help, RAVPower recognizes the type of device being connected and optimizes its operation based on the information received.

It is noteworthy that the declared 20,100 mAh should be enough to revive the Galaxy S6 five times; To restore your iPhone 6S to full charge, you will have about 8 attempts. RAVPower is also able to protect your device from “overcharge” and preserve the health of its sensitive microcircuits.

Overall, RAVPower is an excellent choice for those who want a large portable battery with tons of additional features and support for Quick Charge from Qualcomm. What else can you say, a luxurious thing with an equally “luxurious” price.


The Talentcell 10400 mAh power supply is the cheapest accessory on our list. Its cost is $27. It charges via microUSB 2.0 and has a USB Type-C connector. The battery status is displayed by a small LED indicator. In the package you will find a Power Bank and a cable with Type-C connectors. You can use Talentcell with any gadget, with the exception of the handsome 12-inch Macbook. This wonderful battery also allows you to charge two smartphones simultaneously.

If you don’t have extra funds to buy an expensive “power bank”, Talentcell is ready to offer its services. The reviews for the project are quite good, but if you are still confused by a little-known brand, consider purchasing the options discussed above.


And again, a product with a not too big name, but an attractive price. This is the dilemma: for $32 you can buy Talentcell and two Big Mac Menus or iVoler with its 10,000 mAh, standard USB port and Type-C interface. The lack of Qualcomm Quick Charge support here is compensated by the ability to “mega” fast charge from 0 to 100 percent in 3.5 hours.

It seems to us that it would be better to take TalentCell and eat, but it was still worth considering an additional option - fast food is a harmful thing.