What gives usb type c. USB Type-C: these devices already have it

Why is the new USB standard really better than the usual USB ports of phones, tablets or laptops, and which devices already have USB Type-C connectors? The CHIP editors answer all these questions.

First, a little important information: the designations USB Type-C and USB 3.1, as they say, go hand in hand, since they mean virtually the same thing. When the numeric designation USB 3.1 is used, it is usually referring to the baud rate.

If you come across the name USB Type-C, it usually means directly the type of connector for connecting devices. First, let's compare the previous USB 3.0 standard with the new USB 3.1. All details can be found in the table below.

Comparison of USB 3.0 and USB 3.1

Best USB Type-C Devices

What USB Type-C devices are currently available? The first of these was the 12-inch MacBook, in which this connector was generally the only one. The current Nexus 6P and 5X googlephones are also equipped with USB 3.1 - and in general, more and more manufacturers are integrating a port of the new standard into their smartphones.

In the following table, we have compiled a list of the most interesting USB Type-C devices for you.

USB Type-C: these devices already have it

The USB connector can no longer be connected incorrectly

This is what makes USB Type-C so incredibly convenient: It is symmetrical. You no longer have to worry about trying to get the right plug into the socket. Previously, this property of the connector was a great advantage of Apple products, iPad or iPhone, and now it is becoming available to a wide range of users. This cable can be inserted either way.

We will also mention one more significant advantage over the USB 3.0 standard: due to the increased maximum transmitted power to 100 W, various peripheral devices, for example, monitors or speakers, will be able to connect via USB 3.1 in the future without an additional power source. The 5A amperage also significantly shortens the charging time of the mobile phone.

Taking a look at just about any laptop, you'll find a range of different ports adorning the sides: USB, HDMI, power connections, and a few others. This may soon be a thing of the past as manufacturers such as Apple, HP and others are ready to embrace a new universal standard offering increased speed, improved functionality and usability. The time is coming for USB-C, and its future looks very promising.

One cable, many uses

Nowadays, most peripheral devices are connected to a PC via the USB-A connector. It is rectangular in 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 smartphones, Mini USB for other gadgets, Micro USB-B for connecting to some storage devices, or square USB-B used in printers. The tricky part is that you need to have a separate cable for each device, and there is no guarantee that if you find yourself somewhere else, you will be able to find exactly the one you need.

USB-C simplifies this situation by establishing a single standard format for all devices, and even the same connector on both ends of the cable. The slim, oval-shaped connector is smaller than previous USB formats. Plus, it's also symmetrical / reversible similar to Apple's Lightning connector - so the times when you juggled a cable to find the right way to connect to your device will soon be a thing of the past.

Over time, USB-C is likely to become the only universal port for all devices, replacing the USB-A, USB-B, Micro USB and Mini USB that make our life so difficult now. All cables will be the same and will fit all devices. It must be admitted that this will not happen so soon, as most of the peripheral devices on the market are still using the old connection types. But with Apple's new line of MacBook Pros featuring exclusively USB-C ports, the Asus Zenbook 3 and HP Specter taking the same approach, USB-C ports are becoming a familiar feature on many modern laptops and 2-in-1 devices. This undoubtedly indicates that the future belongs to the new platform.

What are the benefits of USB-C?

Of course, simply redesigning a connector and port isn't likely to be a compelling incentive to upgrade all of your peripherals, but that's not the only benefit 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 rate 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 figure of 5 Gb / s. Now USB 3.1 has doubled that figure, offering a whopping 10 Gb / s and a host 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 and more versatile ports mean that they will now be ubiquitous on ultra-thin laptops and Android smartphones such as the Google Pixel.
• Versatility... The versatile nature of the new standard opens up a number of useful practical applications with just one cable. For example, a user can connect their laptop equipped with USB-C to an externally powered display and recharge 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 the 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 control all of this set 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 slim 12-inch MacBook line, are equipped with a single port. There is now an even faster form of USB Type-C that also includes Thunderbolt 3.0 support. With it, devices like the MacBook Pro, Dell XPS 13 and HP Specter are capable of speeds up to 40 Gb / s - four times faster than USB 3.1. With the increased data transfer rates, users can plug a USB-C cable into the aforementioned Targus Dock 410 and run two external displays up to 3840x2160 resolution by connecting them to the DVI-D and HDMI ports on the dock. Since the standard is still new, manufacturers' specifications may vary from device to device - so consumers need to ensure that accessories like the Dock 410 are compatible with their laptops.
• Reversibility... Who has never swore trying to get the Micro USB connector or even a standard USB connector into the device correctly? Apple's Lightning connector removes this inconvenience, and now USB-C is just as convenient.

What are the disadvantages of USB Type-C?

Since USB-C is more of a connector type rather than an internal spec, users may be frustrated that their device isn't as fast as they expected. The first generation USB-C uses USB 3.0 technology, which has a maximum speed of 5 Gb / s, while the second generation USB-C supports USB 3.1, which provides 10 Gb / s. There is also a third generation that includes Thunderbolt 3 (on the new MacBook Pros, for example), with a maximum speed of up to 40 Gb / s. The problem with each of the ports is that they look the same, but manufacturers use different components in their product lines. Therefore, to avoid disappointment, potential buyers should check the specifications and speed of the connector before purchasing.

Cables can also be confusing as they all look the same but come in different designs that affect their capabilities. If you need a charging cable, you 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 carefully check all the details.

The main problem facing USB-C is cheap cables and accessories that can physically damage 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 buy cheap, non-branded products from China, but choose reliable proven brands.

Mobile device users in the 2000s had a hard time - they had 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 got to the point of absurdity - when for two phones of the same manufacturer (Finnish) it was necessary to look for different chargers. User discontent was so strong that the European Parliament was forced to intervene.

Now the situation is fundamentally different: almost all smartphone manufacturers equip their gadgets with ports for chargers. one type... The user no longer has to buy a new memory "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 able to replenish the "reserves" of the battery both from the outlet and from the computer, but in the second case, charging will take significantly longer. A traditional USB cable for an Android smartphone or Windows Phone looks like this:

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

This plug fits into a USB port on your computer or laptop.

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

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

It is micro-USB 2.0 that is now a unified connector: you can find it on smartphones and tablets of almost all mobile equipment manufacturers (with the exception of Apple). The interface standardization agreement was signed in 2011 by representatives of 13 companies leading in the mobile market.

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

• The connector is compact... Its physical dimensions are only 2 × 7 millimeters, which is about 4 times smaller than that of USB 2.0 Type-A.
• The plug is robust- especially when compared to Nokia's slim 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 Mbps. The actual speed is much lower (10-12 Mbps in Full speed), but users rarely find this inconvenient.
• The connector supports OTG function. We'll tell you more about the benefits of this later.

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

This kind of USB connector did not fit as standard, and here's why:

• Bigger connector- albeit not much. Its size is 3 × 7 millimeters.
• The connector is fragile enough- due to the lack of rigid mountings, it loosens very quickly. As a result, the transmission of data through the cable becomes a real torment for the user.

In the 2000s, a mini-USB connector could be found on smartphones manufactured by "second-class" manufacturers - for example, Philips and Alcatel... Now you will not find mobile gadgets with a mini-connector on the market.

In addition to those USB ports that we mentioned (Micro-USB, Mini-USB, USB Type-A), there are others. For example, micro-USB 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 will not talk about them in more detail.

What are USB cables for smartphones?

Thanks to the inexhaustible imagination of Chinese handicraftsmen, users of mobile technology can buy cables of completely different formations. For example, in the proprietary era, such a "monster" was incredibly popular:

Yes, this charger fit all main connectors!

Similar "multitools" are still on sale, but their plugs have diminished. Here is a 4-in-1 charger that 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 as well. Here is the cable from OATSBASF for those who hate cables:

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

In domestic stores and salons, the user, of course, will not find such an abundance of various cables as on the pages of catalogs GearBest and AliExpress... In addition, Data-equipment in retail is much more expensive. For these two reasons, users are advised to order USB cables from China.

What is OTG standard?

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

This is a cable OTG; at one end of it there is a plug micro-USB, on the second - the 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 not only a flash drive (although this is, of course, the most common case), but also, for example, a computer mouse, keyboard, external hard drive, game wheel, joystick. You can even connect your smartphone to a printer or MFP to print a picture taken with the gadget's camera.

Cables OTG for iPhone have already appeared, however, uploading to an "apple" device (without jailbreak) from an external medium only produces photos and videos - and then only when the root folders on the flash drive and the photos themselves have the "correct" names.

Full 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. Nevertheless, a buyer intending to connect a mouse or a flash drive to a device should ask the consultant of the salon-store for support. OTG before giving money - "for every fireman."

USB Type-C: what are the benefits?

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

Looks like USB Type-C So:

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

• High data transfer rate... Bandwidth Type-C equals 10 Gb / sec (!). But that's just bandwidth: in reality, only owners of smartphones with standard 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 / s; at USB 2.0 data transfer will be significantly slower.
• Fast charging... The duration of the smartphone charging procedure depends on the potential number of watts supplied by the connector. USB 2.0 standard able to serve everything 2.5W- that's why charging takes hours. Connector USB Type-C provides 100 watts- that is, 40 times (!) More. It is curious that the transfer of current can occur in both directions - both to the host and from it.
• Connector symmetry... If the connector has micro-USB there is a top and a bottom, then the connector Type-C symmetrical. Which side to 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 is also the small size of the connector - only 8.4 × 2.6 mm. According to this criterion, technologies micro-USB and USB Type-C are similar.

Have 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" a mobile device. This probability is not purely theoretical - fires have occurred in practice. It is for this reason that the proliferation of non-original, "artisanal" cables and chargers USB Type-C Type-C and decide to abandon the standard connector. At the same time, Ravencraft admits that, possibly, a complete substitution USB-A will never happen.

It is impossible to imagine a modern person without electronic devices. Smartphones, tablets, music players and laptops are now in almost every family. Each of these devices has its own application and therefore each functions in its own unique way. However, there is something that in one form or another unites them all. And this is the presence of USB ports.

One day in 1994, 7 of the world's leading technology companies created a new standard for connecting computer peripherals. This is how the universal serial bus appeared, which is called USB for short.

Today it really is a universal standard, and it is difficult to find an electronic device that does not have a USB port of one type or another. But how do you know which cable is right for it? This guide will help you identify the type of USB connector and select the appropriate plug.

Variety of options

Almost all modern computers and electronic devices have some form of USB connection and come with the appropriate cables. Does it matter which one is used and what are all these differences for? While this is really important, it may change in the future.

In the mid-1990s. the universal bus became an industry standard that allowed for streamlining the connection of computer peripherals. It replaced a number of earlier interfaces and is now the most popular connector type in consumer devices.

However, it is still difficult to deal with all the varieties of USB.

If a standard was to be universal, why are there so many different types of it? Each of them serves a different purpose, mainly ensuring compatibility when new devices with better specifications are released. The following are the most common types of USB connectors.

Type-A

Most cables and peripherals (such as keyboards, mice, and joysticks) have a Type A connector. Personal computers, laptops, and netbooks usually have several ports of this shape. In addition, many other devices and power adapters use them for data transfer and / or charging. The connector has a flat rectangular shape and is the most recognizable and used. The USB Type-A pinout is as follows:

1. + 5V - voltage +5 V.
2. D- - data.
3. D + - data.
4. GND - ground.

All versions of the USB standards keep the same form factor for Type-A, so they are mutually compatible. However, USB 3.0 connectors have 9 pins instead of 4, which are used for faster transfer speeds. They are located so as not to interfere with the work of the pins of the previous versions of the standard.

Type-B

This is a nearly square connector that is primarily used to connect printers, scanners, and other self-powered devices to your computer. It can sometimes be found on external drives. These days, this type of connector is much less common than Type-A connections.

The form of the connection has changed in version 3.0 of the standard, so backward compatibility is not supported, although the ports of the new type accept plugs of the old modifications. The reason for this is that Type-B USB 3.0 has 9 pins for faster data transfer, while Powered-B has 11, 2 of which provide additional power.

Again, as with Type-A, the physical compatibility of different versions does not mean support for speed or functionality.

Basic concepts

Before trying to understand the differences between types A and B, it is necessary to understand the concepts of host, receptor, and port.

The slot on the front or back of the computer (host) case that fits one end of the USB cable is called a port. An electronic device that needs to be charged or to which data needs to be transferred (for example, a smartphone or tablet) is called a receptor.

The most popular USB standard is Type A, which can be seen on the end of almost every USB cable that you plug into a host slot today. Most often, Type-A ports are equipped with desktop computers, game consoles and media players.

Type B connectors are at the end of a regular USB cable that connects to a peripheral device such as a smartphone, printer, or hard drive.

USB advantages

The standard simplifies installation and replacement of equipment, reducing all communications to serial data transmission over twisted pair and identification of the connected device. If you add ground and power here, you get the simplest 4-wire cable, inexpensive and easy to manufacture.

The standard defines the way the peripheral interacts with the host. If you are not using USB On the Go (OTG), which allows you to limit the capabilities of the host, a direct connection is made. The USB device is not able to initiate communication, only the host can do this, so even if there is a cable with the appropriate connectors, the connection will not work without it. In addition, since both electricity and data are transmitted along wires, connecting two hosts without an intermediate device can be disastrous, causing high currents, short circuits, and even fires.

Mini

The connector was the standard for mobile devices before the advent of micro-USB. As the name suggests, mini-USB is smaller than usual and is still used in some cameras. The connector has 5 pins, of which 1 serves as an identifier for OTG support, allowing mobile devices and other peripherals to act as a host. The USB Mini pinout is as follows:

1. + 5V - voltage +5 V.
2. D- - data.
3. D + - data.
4. ID - host / receptor identifier.
5. GND - ground.

Micro

This is the current connector standard for mobile and portable devices. It has been adopted by almost every manufacturer except Apple. Its physical dimensions are smaller than Mini-USB, but high data transfer rates (up to 480 Mbps) and OTG capabilities are supported. The shape is easily recognizable thanks to its compact 5-pin design.

The Lightning connector is not a USB standard, but an Apple proprietary connection for iPad and iPhone. It is similar to micro USB and is compatible with all Apple devices made after September 2012. Older models use a different and much larger proprietary connector.

Type-C

It is a reversible connector that promises faster data transfer and more power than previous types. It is increasingly used as a standard for laptops and even some phones and tablets, and has been approved by Apple for Thunderbolt 3.

Type C is a new solution and promises to be everything to everyone. It is smaller, faster, and can receive and transmit much more power than previous versions.

Apple shocked the world when it introduced a new MacBook with a single USB-C port. Most likely, this will be the beginning of a trend.

You can read more about USB-C at the end of this article.

Nuances of micro-USB

Those of you with an Android phone or tablet definitely have a micro USB cable as well. Even the most die-hard Apple fans cannot avoid them as this is the most common connector type used for things like external power blocks, speakers, etc.

Owners of multiple gadgets may find that these cables become plentiful over time, and since they are usually interchangeable, you may never need to buy them separately unless they get lost or fail all at the same time.

When shopping for a micro-USB cable, it can be tempting to pick the cheapest option, but as is often the case, this is a bad idea. Poor quality wires and plugs can easily break and become useless. Therefore, it is better to save yourself from future problems by purchasing a quality product from a recognized manufacturer, even if it costs a little more.

Another thing worth mentioning is the cable length. The short ones are great for transport, but this often means you have to sit on the floor next to a power outlet while the phone is charging. Conversely, a cable that is too long can be uncomfortable to carry, become tangled, and potentially cause injury.

0.9m is a good length for a charging cable. It allows you to hold your phone while connected to the battery in your bag or pocket, perfect for playing Pokemon Go or just using your phone while traveling for a long time.

If you frequently recharge from third-party USB ports, to maintain safety measures, or when the device charges slowly, a special cable to prevent data transmission can solve the problem. An alternative is the network adapter.

The fact that most USB cables (except USB-C) are not interchangeable and often take several tries to make a correct connection can also pose a problem. Several manufacturers have attempted to fix this. True, not all devices support this feature.

What is USB OTG?

It is a standard that allows portable and mobile devices to act as hosts.

Let's say you have an external drive, laptop and smartphone. What do I need to do to copy files from disk to my phone? The easiest way is to move them from an external drive to a laptop, and from there to a smartphone. USB OTG allows you to connect the drive directly to your phone, thereby bypassing the need for a middleman.

And that is not all! There are many other ways to use OTG. You can connect any USB device to your smartphone, be it a flash drive, wireless mouse, keyboard, headphones, card readers, game controllers, etc.

USB cables

In a connected world, wired connections between different electronic devices play an important role. The demand for them is so high that tens of millions of USB cables are produced every year.

Technology is constantly evolving and improving, as are the corresponding peripherals. The same upgrade trend holds true for USB connectors, but with so many versions and types of USB standards, it becomes difficult to keep track of which USB is the best for a particular function. To do this, you need to understand their basic differences.

USB types

The various USB versions such as 2.0 and 3.0 are related to the functionality and speed of the USB cable, and their type (such as A or B) mainly refers to the physical design of connectors and ports.

USB 1.1 (1998) is rated for 12 Mbps, 2.5 V, and 500 mA.

USB 2.0 (2000) features a “HI-SPEED” mark on the USB logo. Provides 480 Mbps at 2.5 V and 1.8 A.

Adopted in 2008, USB 3.0 supports 5Gbps at 5V, 1.8A.

USB 3.1, in effect since 2015, provides 10 Gbps at 20 V and 5 A.

The latter standard provides higher bandwidth and is for the most part backward compatible with earlier versions. Standard-A connectors are identical to previous versions of Type-A, but are usually colored blue to distinguish them. They are fully backward compatible, but increased speeds are only available if all components are USB 3. Standard-B and micro versions have extra pins for increased bandwidth and are incompatible with previous versions. Older USB Type-B and Micro-B cables and connectors can be used with USB 3.0 ports, but the speed will not increase.

Type C Connector Specifications

The name appeared in the headlines of technical magazines around the world when Apple released the 12 "Macbook. This is the first laptop to include the Type-C design.

Physically, the connector is similar to the existing USB Micro-B variant. Its dimensions are 8.4 x 2.6 mm. With its small form factor, it can easily fit into even the smallest peripherals in use today. One of the many advantages of Type-C over other existing solutions is that it allows connection in reverse orientation, meaning the plug will always be inserted correctly on the first try! The connector is designed in such a way that you don't have to worry about it being inverted.

Type-C supports the USB 3.1 standard and provides a maximum speed of 10 Gbps. It also has significantly higher output power, up to 100W at 20V and 5A. Since laptops typically draw 40-70W, this means Type C can easily cover their power requirements. Another functionality offered by USB Type-C is bi-directional power. In other words, you can not only charge your smartphone through a laptop, but also vice versa.

Type-C has received rave reviews from users around the world and has appeared on the popular Chromebook Pixel and Nexus 6P smartphones, as well as the Nokia N1 tablet.

We can confidently say that in the coming years all electronic devices will be equipped with ports of this type. This will make working with them easy and convenient. All you need is a single Type-C cable, so you can eventually get rid of the tangled mess of wires in your desk drawer.

Although the specifications were first published in 2014, the technology was not really implemented until 2016. Today, it has become a real replacement for not only the old USB standards, but also others such as Thunderbolt and DisplayPort. The new Type-C audio solution is also a potential replacement for the 3.5mm headset jack. Type C is closely intertwined with other emerging standards: USB 3.1 provides more bandwidth and USB Power Delivery provides better power delivery.

Connector shape

USB Type-C is a tiny new connector that barely matches microUSB. It supports various emerging standards such as USB 3.1 and USB PD.

The familiar connector that everyone is familiar with is Type-A. Even after moving from USB 1.0 to 2.0 and beyond to modern devices, it remains the same. The connector is just as massive as before and only plugs in when oriented correctly (which obviously never works the first time). But as devices got smaller and thinner, massive ports simply didn't fit. This led to the emergence of many other forms of USB connectors such as Mini and Micro.

Such an inconvenient set of connectors of various shapes for devices of all sizes is finally a thing of the past. Type C represents the new standard for very small dimensions. It makes up about a third of the old USB Type-A. This is a single standard that all devices must use, so only one cable is required to connect an external drive to a laptop or charge a smartphone from a charger. This tiny connector is small enough to fit into an ultra-thin smartphone, but powerful enough to connect all your peripherals through it. The cable itself has the same type C connectors at both ends.

The Type-C has many benefits. The orientation of the plug does not matter, so you no longer have to flip the plug multiple times to find the correct position. This is a single form of USB connector that everyone should accept, so you don't need to have many different USB cables with different plugs for different devices. And there won't be many different ports taking up the scarce space on ever thinner gadgets.

What's more, Type-C connectors can also support different protocols using "alternate modes" which allow you to have adapters capable of outputting HDMI, VGA, DisplayPort, or other types of connections from that single connection. A good example of this is Apple's Multiport Adapter, which lets you connect HDMI, VGA, USB Type-A, and Type-C. Thus, many of the connectors on conventional laptops can be reduced to the same type of port.

Nutrition

The USB PD specification is also closely intertwined with Type-C. Currently, USB 2.0 connectivity provides up to 2.5W of power. This is just enough to charge your phone or tablet. The specification supported by the USB-C standard is capable of delivering power up to 100W. This connection is bi-directional, so the device can both charge and charge through it. In this case, data transmission can occur simultaneously. The port allows you to charge even a laptop, which typically requires up to 60W.

Apple MacBook and Google Chromebook Pixel use USB-C for charging, eliminating the need for all proprietary power cables. In this case, it becomes possible to charge laptops from portable batteries, which are usually used to recharge smartphones and other electronics. And if you connect the laptop to an external display powered from the mains, then its battery will be charged.

Please be aware, however, that the presence of a Type C connector does not automatically support USB PD. Therefore, before purchasing devices and cables, you need to make sure that they are compatible with both standards.

Transfer rates

USB 3.1 is the latest universal serial bus standard with a theoretical bandwidth of 10 Gbps, double the transfer rate of Gen 1 Thunderbolt and USB 3.0.

But Ture-C is not the same as USB 3.1. This is just a form of the connector, and the technology at its base can be based on standards 2.0 or 3.0. For example, the Nokia N1 tablet uses USB Type-C version 2.0. However, these technologies are closely related. When buying, you just need to follow the details and make sure that the device or cable you are purchasing is USB 3.1 compliant.

backward compatibility

A physical Type-C connector is not backward compatible with the baseline standard. You can't plug old USB devices into a modern tiny Type-C port, and you can't plug a USB-C plug into an older, larger port. But this does not mean that you will have to get rid of all the old periphery. USB 3.1 is still backward compatible, so you only need a physical USB-C adapter. And you can already connect old devices directly to it.

In the near future, many computers will have both USB Type C and large Type A connectors, as implemented, for example, in the Chromebook Pixel. Thus, users will be able to gradually migrate from old devices by connecting new ones to USB Type-C. But even if the computer is only made with Type C ports, adapters and hubs will fill that gap.

Type-C is a worthy upgrade. Although this port has already appeared in laptops and some smartphones, this technology is not limited to them. Over time, devices of all types will be equipped with it. One day, the standard may even replace the Lightning connector used in iPhones and iPads. Apple's port doesn't have many advantages over USB Type-C, other than that the technology is patented and the company may charge licensing fees.