USB Type-C: A universal connector for everything. What is USB Type-C? Simple about uncomplicated USB type c charger

The Universal Serial Bus, or simply USB, is an industry standard developed in the mid-1990s to standardize the connection of peripherals to a computer. It has replaced most of the interfaces and is now the most common type of connector for consumer devices.

Today, almost every device, be it portable or stationary, has various types of USB connectors. But everything is much more complicated than beginners think. Today we will look at the types of USB ports and various standards.

Many could now have a question: "If USB should be universal, then why does it have a large number of types?". The fact is that all these types of USB connectors perform various functions... This helps ensure compatibility if a device with improved performance is released. Let's take a look at the most common types of USB ports.

• Type-A- most cables have a connector of this type of USB at one end, as well as cables of modern keyboards and mice. The same type of USB is supplied with personal computers and chargers;
• Type-B- This port is used to connect printers and other peripheral devices to the computer. But it is not currently as common as USB Type-A is;

• Mini USB- This was the standard connector for mobile devices before the advent of Micro USB. This connector is smaller than the standard one, which can be understood by its name. This type of connector is also a little outdated and has been replaced by Micro USB, but this does not mean that these types of USB cannot be found anywhere;
• Micro USB- on this moment is the standard for portable devices. It has been adopted by all major mobile device manufacturers, with the exception of Apple. But Micro USB is gradually beginning to be replaced by USB Type-C... By the way, there are different types of Micro USB connectors, but we'll talk about that a little later;
• Type-C- such a cable may have the same connector at both ends. Faster data transfer rates and higher power ratings are claimed compared to previous USB standards. Such a connector was used by Apple for Thunderbolt 3. We will talk about USB Type-C a little later;

• Lightning- does not belong to the USB standard, but has been a proprietary interface for Apple mobile products since September 2012. Until that time, devices used a less compact 30-pin proprietary connector.

USB 3.0

The new standard provides higher data rates while still being backward compatible with the old standard. By USB form 3.0 and USB 2.0 Type-A are the same, just the new standard is colored blue to distinguish USB 3.0 from 2.0.

But the increase in speed will only be in the case when the connector where the cable or flash drive is inserted must be USB 3.0, and the cable or flash drive itself must have a USB 3.0 connector.

Also, in addition to USB 3.0 Type-A, there are other types of USB 3.0 connectors. Type-B and its Micro version have additional pins to provide higher data transfer rates, which destroys the compatibility of these connectors with older versions, but old USB 2.0 devices can be plugged into new USB 3.0 connectors, but you will not get any speed gain.

Micro USB

If you have an Android device, then you need to have a Micro USB cable. Even the most ardent Apple fans cannot avoid this type of connector in portable batteries, speakers and more.

There are also divisions into types of Micro USB connectors. Mainly used by Micro USB Type-B, Type-A is not very common, and I have never seen it in real life. The same goes for Mini USB.

If you start buying a lot of gadgets, you will soon start using different wires for different devices, still there is no difference. So you don’t have to buy additional wires as long as you don’t lose or tear them.

When buying a cable, people usually buy the cheapest, which I do not advise you to do, since the quality of such products can be very poor. In the future, this will lead to inoperability of the cable.

Also decide on the length of the cable. When traveling, a short cable is convenient, but at home you will be sitting on the floor near a power outlet. A long cable will get tangled and interfere with you in every possible way. For a portable battery, I have a cable 35 centimeters long, and a cable for charging a smartphone at home is 1 meter long.

USB On-The-Go

USB On-The-Go (USB OTG) is a relatively new standard that allows you to insert flash drives designed for other USB interfaces into portable devices, cables to charge something from your portable device's battery, and so on. USB OTG supports not only USB Type-A, but also other kinds of USB ports.

Now imagine that you have an external HDD, smartphone and laptop. What steps will you take to move a file from an external hard drive to your smartphone? The easiest way is to first move the file from the external hard drive to the laptop, and from there to the smartphone.

Now imagine that you have a USB OTG adapter. Just insert the adapter into your smartphone, and into it the cable from the external hard drive. There is no need for a laptop. Comfortable?

Unfortunately, not all devices support USB On-The-Go, so before purchasing an adapter, I advise you to check your device for USB OTG support.

Adapters for Lightning exist and they are even with iOS version 9 works everywhere, but somehow I don't really want to call it OTG.

USB Type-C

This new standard has a lot of room for the future. Firstly, it is fast and can transmit large currents, and secondly, it can be inserted either side and there can be the same connector on both ends of the wire.

In 2015, Apple shocked the world with the release of a single USB Type-C MacBook. This could be the start of a trend.

There are now many devices with USB Type-C connectors. To connect to a computer, you should use a USB Type-C - USB Type-A cable if you do not have the same connector in your computer.

It is not worth buying cheap USB Type-C cables, not at all. It is very easy to kill your device. In addition, large currents pass through such a cable, so a poor-quality cable will also lead to a fire. Invest in a quality cable.

conclusions

Today we looked at various types of USB connectors and standards. Now you know all the popular types of USB connectors. Hope this information was helpful to you. If so, then do not be lazy, please rate this article below.

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

Moreover, the business was not limited to computers and peripheral equipment. The convenience, ease of connection, and versatility of the USB interface have contributed to the proliferation of this decision and in other areas - in particular, in mobile devices, consumer audio and video equipment, automotive electronics, etc.

Since the process of improving PCs, mobile devices and other equipment is constantly going on, from time to time it becomes necessary to refine the USB interface in order to improve key characteristics(in particular, throughput), expansion of functionality, introduction of connectors of new standard sizes, etc. All this allows you to adapt 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 3.0 specification. The final text of this document was approved at the end of 2008, and over the next couple of years this decision was widely disseminated.

However, a lot of time has passed since then, and the time has come for the next improvements. In the coming year, the IT industry and you and I will have a number of revolutionary innovations without exaggeration. 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 doubles the bandwidth of the USB data transfer bus: from the previous 5 to 10 Gb / s. For compatibility with older equipment, it is possible to work in SuperSpeed ​​mode (up to 5 Gbps). Thus, a USB 3.1 connection will allow (at least theoretically) to transfer data at speeds exceeding 1 GB / s and practically reach this indicator up to HDMI interface version 1.4 (which has a bandwidth of 10.2 Gbps).

What does this mean in practice? 10 Gbps bandwidth is enough for broadcasting high-definition video (Full HD) with a frame refresh rate of up to 60 Hz or stereoscopic recordings in the same 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 video signals high resolution from PCs and mobile devices to monitors, projectors and other devices.

USB Type C connector

One of the revolutionary innovations that will affect the field of PCs, as well as peripheral and mobile devices in the near future is the introduction of a new type of USB interface connector. The USB 3.0 Type C plugs and receptacle specification was developed by the USB 3.0 Promoter Group and was finalized 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.

First, USB Type C plugs and sockets are symmetrical. In a USB Type C socket, the plastic tongue is located exactly in the middle, and the contact pads are located on both sides. Thanks to this, the plug can be plugged into such a socket both in a straight position and in an inverted position by 180 °. This will greatly simplify the lives of users, who will finally be relieved of the need to guess the correct orientation of the plug at random (which is especially important when connecting cables to system unit installed under the table).

Secondly, the USB Type C specification calls for the use of balanced cables that have 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 envisioned that USB Type C outlets and plugs will be the same for desktop and laptop PCs, peripherals, home appliances, mobile devices, power supplies, and more. Accordingly, only one unified cable is required to connect devices of any type.

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 options for the design of sockets for mounting both on the surface of the printed circuit board and in a special cutout (the latter option allows you to reduce the thickness of the device case).

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 currently used.

The first public demonstration of USB Type C connectors and cables took place as part of the IDF Fall 2014 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 good news for end users. Nevertheless, the developers from the USB 3.0 Promoter Group decided to take such a radical step in order to expand functionality the USB interface, and also create a foundation for the future. To connect new devices to equipment equipped with connectors of older types, 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 a single 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 provides the ability to transfer and synchronize data with a PC, and at the same time recharge the gadget's battery by connecting just one cable. The same can be said about the low-power periphery. Thanks to the ability to transmit power via an interface cable, we have long been relieved of 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 over the USB connection. To charge low-power devices (such as MP3 players or wireless headsets), a current of 500 mA is sufficient (and this, recall, is the maximum value for standard USB ports 1.1 and 2.0). However, for normal charging of modern smartphones and tablets, power supplies are required that can deliver a current of 2 A or more.

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

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, and vice versa. For example, a laptop can be powered by a monitor to which it is connected via USB.

Of course, the possibility of supplying power to external devices limited by the design features of a PC or other device acting as a power source. That is why the USB Power Delivery 2.0 specification provides three profiles - for devices with a power consumption of up to 10, 60 and 100 watts. 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 provides for the use of 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 heavy load, both devices must support the corresponding 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 to keep in mind as well.

In the event that 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 possible only through the 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 possibilities for transferring power over the USB interface bus. The implementation of this solution in the future will allow the use of USB ports desktop computer for recharging 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. LCD monitors with active acoustic systems etc.

Alternative modes

Another important innovation that will become available with the transition to the use of the USB Type C connector is support for functional extensions (Functional Extensions). A special case of functional extensions is the so-called Alternate 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, the Audio Adapter Accessory Mode allows you to use a physical USB connection to broadcast analog sound signal headphones, external speakers and other equipment. To a device equipped with a USB Type C connector and supporting Audio Adapter Accessory Mode, it will be possible to connect headphones or an external speaker through a special adapter equipped with a 3.5 mm mini-jack socket.

Support for alternative modes is one of the features of a new class of USB devices - USB Billboard Device Class. Manufacturers wishing to develop their own alternate modes 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–) for broadcasting an uncompressed digital AV stream. At the same time, it is possible to transfer data (in Low Speed, Full Speed ​​and Hi-Speed ​​modes via D + / D– pair), as well as power supply via the same interface cable. Thus, by connecting two devices that support DisplayPort Alternate Mode, you can broadcast audio and video signals, transfer data in both directions at speeds up to 480 Mbps, as well as supply power - all through one cable!

Devices supporting DisplayPort Alternate Mode can be connected to equipment not equipped with USB ports Type C (in particular, monitors, TVs, etc.). The specification of this mode provides options for connecting to the DisplayPort, HDMI or DVI interfaces using 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.) using 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 simplify to the limit the procedure for connecting devices of various types.

Conclusion

Concluding this review, we will once again list the most important innovations, the process of implementation of which in 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 bandwidth of this interface to 10 Gbps. Of course, this is less than HDMI 2.0 and Thunderbolt 2 (which, recall, provide data transfer rates up to 18 and 20 Gbps, respectively). However, 10 Gb / s is enough to transfer uncompressed high-definition video with a frame rate of up to 60 Hz. In addition, representatives of USB-IF said that in subsequent versions of USB it is quite possible to increase the bandwidth up to 20 Gb / s - fortunately, the design of the new USB Type C connectors and corresponding cables has a certain margin for further development.

The introduction of support for the USB Power Delivery 2.0 specification will significantly increase the maximum power supplied by the USB connection. Accordingly, the range of peripheral and mobile devices that will be able to receive power through the 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 more efficiently use electricity.

The emergence of USB Billboard Device Class devices with support for alternative modes will open up completely new possibilities. Moreover, each manufacturer will be able to create their own modes for devices of various types, taking into account their specifics.

Undoubtedly, one of the revolutionary changes that will affect the areas of PCs, peripheral and mobile devices, household appliances, etc., will be the introduction of the USB Type C connector, which (as expected) will replace the USB plugs and sockets currently in use. On the one hand, the move to a single connector for all types of devices will greatly simplify the lives of users and reduce to a minimum the number of cables required. 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 you to easily connect them to the corresponding version 3.0 sockets. Now, to connect devices of different generations, you will have to use additional devices.

The USB 3.1 specification is backward compatible with more early versions 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 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 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 have accumulated 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 developers operating systems and software have already announced their readiness to release updates to implement USB 3.1 support in their products.

Recently, more and more buyers prefer smartphones on Android base with support for a new power port - USB Type-C. The microUSB port is currently in the 1st place in terms of use by manufacturers of electronic devices, the second place belongs to USB-C.

USB-C not only allows you to charge your smartphone faster, it can be inserted either side, which is very convenient.

This topic raises many questions regarding the safety and efficiency of using the next generation port, so this article contains answers to frequently asked questions regarding USB Type-C.

We have been using microUSB for a long time. This allowed many to avoid the need to buy additional chargers and cables for different gadgets (as long as this port was used in all gadgets).

The process of bundling devices with a USB-C port takes into account the fact that it allows you to connect to any computer. USB-C can completely replace microUSB, miniUSB and rectangular USB-A port which is used in laptops and computers.

Not everyone knows that the new port is more versatile than other analogs existing today. USB-C demonstrates faster transfer rates between devices and faster charging speeds. Using a modified port is a step forward. Considering that a huge number of gadgets with different types of USB are already being produced in the world, this port will slowly but surely win the attention of users.

Will the battery charge faster with USB Type-C?

The answer is unequivocal - yes! Let's see how it works. USB-C is significantly more powerful and faster than other cables used for smartphones and tablets. For example, Google's Pixel C tablet has such a cable and is equipped with 15W. charger which charges much faster than USB 3.0 charging. The Chromebook Pixel 2 from the same manufacturer is equipped with a 60W charger, which can be used for 15 minutes and will provide 2 hours of productive use. MicroUSB is not capable of providing such impressive performance.

In the case of smartphones, for example, the Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X, the charging speed using the 3.0 port and USB-C differs slightly (within 5-10 minutes). Therefore, there is not much difference in this case. Things get much more interesting when it comes to laptops and tablets.

What are the cables with USB-C

To keep your workflow as productive as possible, most tablets and laptops that come with USB-C come with a pair of cables. One has a USB-C port on both ends, while the other has a USB-C port on one end and a rectangular USB-A port on the other end. You get the opportunity to connect to any devices, as well as the maximum fast charging and baud rate using USB-C cable at both ends.

Why haven't all gadget manufacturers switched to USB-C yet?

It is known that the release of smartphones and tablets is planned well in advance. Therefore, not all manufacturers managed to switch to new format ports. Manufacturers had to choose one thing between two options, either leave the old port, or go into overproduction and lose money at the same time. For example, a giant like Samsung, which has already invested significant resources in installing microUSB in helmets. virtual reality Gear VR, it made no sense to change its mind in favor of a new generation port, losing fabulous investments.

How can you be sure you are buying a safe cable?

First of all, you need to give preference to the cables of the manufacturer of your gadget, if one does not come with it. These cables are designed to work specifically with your device to avoid risks. Although here, too, oversights are possible. For example, Apple in February of this year recalled the USB-C cable for some devices. Unlike many other manufacturers, the company admitted its mistake and allowed customers to replace the faulty components.

In case you do not want to buy a cable from the manufacturer of your device, make sure that another supplier provides a quality product.

Is USB-C just a whim?

In contrast, I would like to say that the port is a standard that has already been adopted by Apple, Google, LG, HTC, as well as dozens of other companies in the world. This means that all users of electronic devices will switch to USB-C.

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Apple's latest MacBook has a single USB Type-C port. But this form factor is not a corporation's own standard. USB Type-C is a new type of universal port standardized by the international USB-IF consortium. And over time, it will spread to all devices that today are equipped with a classic (if not "old") larger USB connector.

The variety of modern Apple MacBooks can be found on the pages of Bayon:

USB Type-C connector tightly intertwined with other new standards: high-speed USB 3.1 and "electrical" USB Power Delivery, whose task is to supply enough current to power various devices.

In this article, we will talk about the differences between USB Type-C and USB 3.1 and what are the similarities between the USB Power Delivery standard and the Type C port.

Type-C - the new form of the USB port

Physically, a USB Type-C connector is a thinner port. The connector itself can support the existing USB 3.1 and USB Power Delivery standards (USB PD for short). In fact, 3.1 and PD are "logical" varieties of USB, while Type-C is just the size, shape and appearance of the port.

The most common USB connector belongs to the USB Type-A category. Even with the transition from the "ancient" USB 1.1 standard to the long-lived 2.0 (and to the fast 3.0, which is usually marked in blue), the connector remained the same. At one time it seemed miniature, but after years of technological development it looks very massive. Its other drawback is the ability to connect to the device exclusively with one specific side. Therefore, before attaching the connector to the port, make sure it is in the correct position.

But the USB bus is attractive to other devices too! And a large USB port of a classic form factor physically cannot be placed on the thin edges of smartphones, game controllers, digital cameras and all other gadgets, where this data transfer standard asks. This is how numerous connector standards were born, including the now widespread "micro" and "mini".

A variety of connectors and connectors of the Universal Serial Bus class

"Zoo" of various standard sizes of USB ports is nearing closure. The reason for this is the new USB standard Type-C, on whose side there is a huge advantage: the miniature geometric dimensions of the port. Its dimensions are approximately one third of the "old" USB Type-A. The new form factor fits into any device. No more wire collections: for external hard disk, and only one cable is required to charge the smartphone. At the same time, a tiny port can both fit into the body of a mobile device and serve as a source of electricity even for "gluttonous" peripheral devices. The cable ends on both sides with the same USB Type-C connectors.

Handsome "charging" men of various shapes and colors will not go anywhere, but the cable will be standard.

Unified Type-C standard

That's right: a single standard, and so many "goodies" at once. There is one more thing: "Type C" (this is the English transcription of the name) is also attractive for its two-sided nature. You can insert the connector into this connector by either side. You no longer have to consider the directionality of the "lace" to gently insert it into the port.
While USB Type-C is just beginning its triumphant march, data cables are an indispensable attribute of any computer "economy".

We recommend that you familiarize yourself with our products in this category: USB cables

USB class size Type-C can work in various modes - "protocols". In practice, this is expressed in the fact that one and only The port can also connect HDMI, VGA, DisplayPort cables or other types of connections between the computer and peripherals. Digital USB-C multiport adapter from Apple is a great example of the above. This adapter allows you to connect to your computer video outputs HDMI or VGA, large USB connectors of the old standard Type-A , and, of course, its native USB inputs Type-C ... A bunch of all kinds of USB, HDMI, DisplayPort, VGA and other connectors, which are now adorned with most laptops on all side faces, can be replaced with only one type of port. Something similar has happened with mobile computer speakers in recent years - they are increasingly connected to a computer via USB, rather than through specific ports.

USB Power Delivery Standard

Closely related to Type-C another fresh consortium standard is also included - USB PD. What is USB Power Delivery?

Many mobile devices- smartphones, tablets, pocket computers, capable of charging from a computer when connected to it via USB. The USB 2.0 class port provides up to 2.5 watts of current transfer - enough for a leisurely recharging, but you didn't even have to think about more demanding devices: medium laptop, for example, requires up to 60 watts.

USB Power Delivery specifications allow for current transfer up to 100W. Moreover, the direction of the current can be two-way, so both devices connected by a USB cable can both give and receive electricity. Simultaneously with the provision of power supply, data transmission is also possible. AND new macbook, and Google's Chromebook Pixel are capable of recharging their batteries when connected via a USB Type-C port. The new USB PD standard will make you forget about the many types of cables and connectors for laptop power. Any device can be powered from a standard USB port. Any newfangled " external battery". You can connect your laptop to external screen- and this display will share its current with the computer, while simultaneously showing the image sent to it by the computer via a small USB Type-C port.

All you need is support for USB Power Delivery technology. A regular USB Type-C port is not a guarantee of such electrical omnipotence. As Bayon noted at the beginning of this article, Type-C is just a new geometry for this connector; everything else will depend on the specific manufacturer this device- whether developers would like to equip their devices with Type-C ports with USB PD support.

Relationship between USB Type-C and USB 3.1

USB 3.1 is another milestone in the development of the USB bus. The theoretical bandwidth of USB 3.0 is limited to 5 gigabits per second. A new iteration, USB 3.1, doubles that figure to 10 theoretical gigabits / sec. This beautiful figure matches the speed of the first generation Thunderbolt port.

What is the difference between USB Type-C and USB 3.1?

The first (USB Type-C) is just the geometric shape of the connector, no more. Inside this "geometry" you can build in the old USB 2.0, and its descendant - 3.0, and their successor 3.1. In principle, nothing prevents from placing in Type-C even the logic of the frankly "museum" USB 1.1.

A practical example of the difference between USB Type-C and USB 3.1 is the Nokia N1 Android tablet. It is equipped with a new USB Type-C connector, but inside there is a 2.0 bus logic (yes, not even 3.0). The corresponding data transfer rate. However, these two technologies are directly related to each other, even if they are not synonymous.

Backward compatibility of USB and new technologies of the standard

From a physical and geometric point of view, the USB Type-C connector is not compatible with its predecessors. And from a logical point of view, the developers have retained full backward compatibility. In other words, it will not be possible to "shove" the usual bulky connector from a printer or mouse into the thin new Type-C connector. It will not be possible to connect a modern USB flash drive or external HDD equipped with a Type-C cable to the classic USB port of a computer format familiar to everyone.

Now let's get back to the good again. USB 3.1 is fully compatible with previous versions USB, therefore, to connect old peripherals to the USB Type-C port, you only need a simple adapter adapter. The devices will work, there will be no problems.

How to live in the era of USB Type-C?

In practice, most new computers will be equipped with both the new USB Type-C ports and the familiar USB Type-A ports - at least for the foreseeable future. This process has already begun, as an example, let's take the same “Chromebook” Pixel. No need to change old peripherals (printers, scanners, flash drives with mice) to new devices with USB Type-C cables. And even if your future computer will be orthodoxly equipped exclusively with USB Type-C ports (as in the case of the MacBook), inexpensive and increasingly common adapters will help solve the problem.

Bottom line: Bayon's reflections on USB Type-C

Timely and welcome update, this new connector. The pioneers of USB Type-C are the developers of the MacBook, but this technology will soon spread far beyond the "apple universe". Over time, other ports will become a thing of the past, and the transition to a new era will be as painless as possible. Whatever readers may think of Apple, this time they gave way to a new standard that will be useful to everyone.

Moreover, the USB Type-C port can replace the Lightning interface, which is used only by smartphones and tablets of this corporation. Lightning doesn't have much of an edge over USB Type-C — it only benefits Apple because it receives royalties for its use.

Today I will introduce you to the various USB Type-C cables. And I will try to dispel doubts about their expediency. The review contains cables from Orico, which are designed to connect your device with a newfangled connector to a computer or other device with USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 ports.

The USB type-C connector is only gaining popularity and many have not just "not seen it", but also do not understand what innovations are behind it. On the basis of which opinions such as "everything will burn out" and "why do I need another connector?"

I will try to tell in my own words. The rest can find the specification "USB Type-C Specification Release 1.1.pdf". ...

Throughout this text, I use the word "connector" as a general term for the concepts "connector", "socket", "connector", "port" and so on.

Historical background

USB type-C properties

The main new introduction:
- one connector for everything (for printers, smartphones, flash drives ... monitors!)
- mirrored connector (no need to guess how to insert it sideways)
- small size (it is slightly larger than micro USB)
- the connector is very securely fixed in the socket (hurray!)
- must withstand up to 10,000 connections
- the connector supports USB 1.0 - USB 3.1 standards
- it invites the devices to independently decide who to be the master / slave and the source / consumer of power
- the cable can be passive and active (with electronics inside)

The main old introduction:
- the standard does not define the length of the wire, it has already been defined in the data transmission standards
- the connector can withstand up to 5A, but this is described in the BC1.2 and Power Delivery standards

Next, you can talk about DisplayPort integration, audio transmission and more. And I will try to do this in the next reviews, but for now, let's look at the implementation of three USB Type-C cables with backward compatibility.

Unpacking

Each of them is packed in a bag, in a cardboard box and in one more bag. Two of the three boxes were crumpled during transportation. All cables are exactly 1 meter long and 3 mm thick (except for the LCU-10-BK, it is 4 mm). The wires are a little harsh and gladly return to their old position.

Pinout

Test stand

The table contains the results of measurements of cables at different currents.

* Direct column shows voltages without any cable. The rest of the columns need to be compared with Direct and with each other.
* gray column ECU10bk shows the result of turning on the USB type-C connector by the other side.
* the rest of the gray columns contain data on some of the cables I have previously measured.

Summary

* The USB type-C connector has shown itself in all its glory. It is easy to insert, firmly held and pulled out with effort. And has a mirrored arrangement of contacts.

* the most popular ECU-10-BK (USB type-C to USB type-A) cable has shown good results. He can painlessly pass about 2A through himself. But yes, he falls short of his meter-long relatives.

* the slightly specific LCU-10-BK (USB type-C to micro USB 3.0) cable suddenly showed completely identical results with different cable thicknesses and different connectors. It's even strange somehow.

* what happened to the MCU-10-BK (USB type-C to micro USB 2.0) cable I can't say. Maybe it's just a marriage.

P.S. check of speed characteristics will be, but in another review.

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