What is the usb type c connector for? Everything you wanted to know about USB Type-C

The first version of the Universal Serial Bus (USB) was introduced in 1995. It was USB that became the most successful interface in the history of computing systems. Tens of billions of devices communicate with each other via USB, so the importance of this data transfer channel can hardly be overestimated. It looks like with the advent of the connector USB Type-C, our understanding of the capabilities and role of the universal bus may change dramatically. Before talking about the prospects, let's see what the new format universal connector offers.

The advantages and disadvantages of the new format interface connector have been discussed on the net for some time. The USB Type-C specification was finally approved at the end of last summer, however, the topic of the universal connector aroused active interest after the recent announcement of a laptop, as well as a new version equipped with USB Type-C.

Design. Convenient connection

The USB Type-C connector is slightly larger than the usual USB 2.0 Micro-B, but noticeably smaller than the dual USB 3.0 Micro-B, not to mention the classic USB Type-A.

The dimensions of the connector (8.34×2.56 mm) make it possible to use it without much difficulty for devices of any class, including smartphones/tablets with the minimum reasonable case thickness.

Structurally, the connector has an oval shape. Signal and power outputs are placed on a plastic stand in the central part. The USB Type-C contact group includes 24 pins. This is much more than the previous generation of USB connectors. Only 4 pins were allocated for the needs of USB 1.0 / 2.0, and USB 3.0 connectors have 9 pins.

The first obvious benefit of USB Type-C is a symmetrical connector that allows you not to think about which side to connect the plug to the outlet. The age-old problem of devices with USB connectors of any format is now finally solved. In this case, the solution of the problem is achieved not by a banal duplication of all contact groups. It uses a certain logic of automatic negotiation and switching.

Another nice thing is that there are identical connectors on both sides of the interface cable. Therefore, using USB Type-C, you do not need to choose which side of the conductor to connect the master and slave devices.

The outer shell of the connector does not have any holes or cutouts. To fix it in the connector, internal side latches are used. The plug must be securely held in the socket. Backlash, like those that could be observed with USB 3.0 Micro-B, should not be here.

Many people are probably worried about the physical reliability of the new connector. According to the declared characteristics, the mechanical resource of the USB Type-C connector is about 10,000 connections. Exactly the same indicator is typical for the USB 2.0 Micro-B port.

Separately, we note that USB Type-C is not a data transfer interface. This is a type of connector that allows different signal and power lines to be connected together. As you can see, the connector is elegant from an engineering point of view, and most importantly, it should be easy to use.

Transfer rate. 10 Gb / s is not for everyone?

One of the advantages of USB Type-C is the ability to use the USB 3.1 interface for data transfer, promising an increase in bandwidth up to 10 Gb / s. However, USB Type-C and USB 3.1 are not equivalent terms and are definitely not synonymous. The USB Type-C format can implement the capabilities of both USB 3.1 and USB 3.0 and even USB 2.0. Support for a particular specification is determined by the integrated controller. Of course, USB Type-C ports are more likely to appear on devices that support high data transfer rates, but this is not a dogma.

Recall that even with the implementation of USB 3.1 capabilities, there may be differences in the maximum data transfer rate. For USB 3.1 Gen 1, this is 5 Gb / s, USB 3.1 Gen 2 - 10 Gb / s. By the way, the presented Apple Macbook and Chromebook Pixel have USB Type-C ports with a bandwidth of 5 Gb / s. Well, a clear example of the fact that the new interface connector is very versatile is the Nokia N1 tablet. It also has a USB Type-C connector but is limited to USB 2.0 with a bandwidth of 480 Mb/s.

The designation "USB 3.1 Gen 1" can be called a kind of marketing ploy. A nominally similar port has the same capabilities as USB 3.0. Moreover, the same controllers can be used for this version of "USB 3.1" as for the implementation of the previous generation bus. At the initial stage, manufacturers will probably actively use this technique, releasing new USB Type-C devices that do not need maximum bandwidth. Offering a device with a new type of connector, many will want to present it in a favorable light, declaring the presence of not only a new connector, but also USB 3.1 support, even if conditional.

It is important to understand that nominally the USB Type-C port can be used for maximum performance connections at speeds up to 10 Gb / s, but in order to get this throughput, the connected devices must provide it. The presence of USB Type-C is not an indicator of the real speed capabilities of the port. They should be specified in advance in the specifications of specific products.

Some restrictions also have cables for connecting devices. When using the USB 3.1 interface, for lossless data transfer at speeds up to 10 Gb / s (Gen 2), the cable length with USB Type-C connectors should not exceed 1 meter, for connection at speeds up to 5 Gb / s (Gen 1) - 2 meters.

Energy transfer. 100 W unit

Another important feature that USB Type-C brings is the ability to transfer power up to 100W. This is enough not only for powering/charging mobile devices, but also for trouble-free operation of laptops, monitors or, for example, “large” 3.5” external drives.

When the USB bus was originally developed, power transfer was a secondary function. The USB 1.0 port provided only 0.75W (0.15A, 5V). Enough for the mouse / keyboard, but no more. For USB 2.0, the nominal current was increased to 0.5 A, which made it possible to obtain 2.5 W. This was often enough to power, for example, 2.5” external hard drives. For USB 3.0, a nominal current of 0.9 A is provided, which, with a constant supply voltage of 5V, already guarantees a power of 4.5 watts. Special reinforced connectors on motherboards or laptops were capable of delivering up to 1.5 A to speed up the charging of connected mobile devices, but this is still 7.5 watts. Against the background of these numbers, the ability to transmit 100 watts looks like something fantastic. However, in order for the USB Type-C port to be filled with the necessary power, support for the USB Power Delivery 2.0 (USB PD) specification is required. If there is none, the USB Type-C port will normally be able to deliver 7.5 W (1.5 A, 5 V) or 15 W (3A, 5 V) to the mountain, depending on the configuration.

To streamline the power capabilities of USB PD ports, a system of power profiles has been developed that provides for possible combinations of voltages and currents. Compliance with Profile 1 guarantees the ability to transmit 10W of energy, Profile 2 - 18W, Profile 3 - 36W, Profile 4 - 60W, Profile 5 - 100W. A port corresponding to a higher level profile maintains all the states of the previous ones downstream. 5V, 12V and 20V are selected as reference voltages. The use of 5V is necessary for compatibility with the huge fleet of USB peripherals available. 12V is the standard supply voltage for various system components. 20V is proposed taking into account the fact that external 19-20V PSUs are used to charge the batteries of most laptops.

Of course, it's good when the device is equipped with USB Type-C, which supports the maximum energy profile of USB PD. It is this connector that allows you to transfer up to 100 watts of energy. Obviously, ports with similar potential may appear on some powerful laptops, special docking stations or motherboards, where separate phases of the internal power supply will be allocated for USB Type-C needs. The point is that the required power must be somehow generated and brought to the USB Type-C contacts. Yes, and for the transmission of energy of such power, active cables will be required.

It is important to understand here that not any port of the new format will be able to provide the declared power of 100 watts. There is a potential opportunity for this, however, this issue must be resolved by the manufacturer at the level of circuitry. Also, do not be under any illusions that the above 100 watts can be obtained from, say, a matchbox-sized power supply and now you can power your gaming laptop and a 27-inch monitor connected to it with smartphone charging. Nevertheless, the law of conservation of energy continues to work, and therefore an external 100 W PSU with a USB Type-C port will still be the same weighty bar as before. In general, the very possibility of transferring energy of such power using a universal compact connector is, of course, a plus. At a minimum, a great opportunity to get rid of the inconsistency of the original power connectors, which laptop manufacturers often sin with.

Another useful feature of USB Type-C is the ability to change the direction of energy transfer. If the device circuitry allows, the consumer can, for example, temporarily become a source of charge. Moreover, for the reverse energy exchange, even reconnecting the connectors is not required.

Alternate mode. Not USB single

The USB Type-C port was originally designed as a universal solution. In addition to directly transferring data via USB, it can also be used in Alternate Mode to implement third-party interfaces. This flexibility of USB Type-C was used by the VESA association, introducing the possibility of transmitting a video stream via DisplayPort Alt Mode.

USB Type-C has four Super Speed ​​USB high-speed lines (pairs). If two of them are allocated to the needs of DisplayPort, this is enough to get a picture with a resolution of 4K (3840 × 2160). At the same time, the data transfer speed via USB is not affected. At the peak, this is still the same 10 Gb / s (for USB 3.1 Gen2). Also, the transmission of the video stream does not affect the power capacity of the port in any way. For the needs of DisplayPort, even high-speed 4 lines can be allocated. In this case, modes up to 5K (5120×2880) will be available. In this mode, the USB 2.0 lines remain unused, because USB Type-C will still be able to transfer data in parallel, although at a limited speed.

In alternative mode, the SBU1/SBU2 pins are used to transmit the audio stream, which are converted to AUX+/AUX- channels. For the USB protocol, they are not used, so there are no additional functional losses here either.

When using the DisplayPort interface, the USB Type-C connector can still be connected in either direction. The necessary signal matching is provided initially.

Connecting devices using HDMI, DVI and even D-Sub (VGA) is also possible, but this will require separate adapters, however, these must be active adapters, since Dual-Mode Display Port (DP ++) is not supported for DisplayPort Alt Mode .

USB Type-C Alternate Mode can be used for more than just DisplayPort. Perhaps soon we will learn that this port has learned, for example, to transfer data using PCI Express or Ethernet.

Compatibility. Difficulties of the "transitional" period

If we talk about the compatibility of USB Type-C with devices equipped with USB ports of the previous generation, then it is not possible to connect them directly due to the fundamental differences in the design of the connectors. To do this, you need to use adapters. Their range promises to be very wide. Of course, it's not just about converting USB Type-C to other USB types. Adapters for outputting images to screens with traditional DisplayPort, HDMI, DVI and VGA ports will also be available.

Apple simultaneously with the announcement of the new MacBook offered several options for adapters. A single USB Type-C to USB Type-A is priced at $19.

Given the presence of only one USB Type-C, the owner of a MacBook probably cannot do without a universal, more functional converter. Apple introduced two such adapters. One output has a pass-through USB Type-C, VGA and USB Type-A port, the second option is equipped with HDMI instead of VGA. The cost of these boxes is $79. A 29 W power supply with native USB Type-C cost $49.

Google offers single USB Type-C to Type-A (plug/female) adapters for $13 for the new Chromebook Pixel system, and $40 for a DisplayPort and HDMI converter. The 60W power supply is priced at $60.

Traditionally, you should not expect humane price tags for additional accessories from equipment manufacturers. Adapter manufacturers are anticipating demand for their new products. Belkin is already ready to ship kilometers of conductors, but their cost cannot be called low either ($20–30). The company also announced, but has not yet unveiled, a USB Type-C to Gigabit Ethernet adapter. The cost has not yet been announced, there is only information that it will be available in early summer. It's funny, but it seems that up to this point, in order to connect to a wired network, you will need to use two adapters at once. It is quite possible that someone will be quicker than Belkin by offering an appropriate adapter earlier.

It will be possible to talk about a noticeable price reduction only after much less well-known companies from the “Celestial Empire” are tightly engaged in accessories with USB Type-C. Considering what prospects are opening up, we believe that they will not be the case.

Devices with USB Type-C. Someone has to be first

Nominally, the tablet became the first device equipped with a USB Type-C port. At least, it was this device that became a harbinger of the fact that the ports of the new format left the developer laboratories and "go to the people."

An interesting device, but, unfortunately, while it is offered in a fairly limited edition. The tablet has a native USB Type-C port, although the USB 2.0 protocol is used for data transfer.

Perhaps the most iconic product that will help boost the popularity of USB Type-C is the recently introduced . The 12-inch laptop is equipped with a single interface connector, so its owners will one way or another become pioneers who will adapt to life with USB Type-C.

On the one hand, Apple obviously supported the development of the new standard; moreover, the company's engineers were directly involved in the development of USB Type-C. On the other hand, updated versions of Macbook Air and MacBook Pro did not receive this connector. Does this mean that USB Type-C will not be registered in the more “heavy” category of USB Type-C devices in the coming year? Debatable. After all, Apple will certainly not be able to resist updating the line of laptops after the autumn announcement of a new Intel mobile platform with Skylake processors. Perhaps that's when the Cupertians will allocate space on the interface panel for USB Type-C.

The situation with tablets and smartphones is even more ambiguous. Will Apple use USB Type-C instead of Lightning for them? The proprietary connector is noticeably inferior in terms of capabilities to the new universal port, but what about the original peripherals that have been accumulated by users of Apple mobile products since 2012? We will find out the answers to these questions with the update or expansion of the iPhone / iPad lines.

Google has unveiled the second generation of stylish Chromebook Pixel laptops. Chrome OS systems are still quite niche solutions, but the quality of Google systems is captivating, and this time they are at the forefront of devices offering to join USB Type-C. Laptops are equipped with a pair of appropriate connectors. However, for safety reasons, Chromebook Pixels also have two classic USB 3.0 connectors.

In general, Google representatives are very excited about the capabilities of the new connector, counting on the appearance of Android mobile devices with a USB Type-C connector in the near future. The uncompromising support of the largest platform holder is a powerful argument for other market players.

Motherboard manufacturers are in no hurry to add a USB Type-C port to their devices. Recently, MSI introduced the MSI Z97A GAMING 6, which is equipped with such a connector with a data transfer rate of up to 10Gb/s.

ASUS offers an external USB 3.1 controller with a USB Type-C port that can be installed on any board with a free PCI Express (x4) slot.

Peripherals with native USB Type-C are still frankly not enough. Surely, many manufacturers were in no hurry with the announcement, waiting for the appearance of systems with which it will be possible to use products with USB Type-C. In general, this is a typical situation when introducing the next industry standard.

Immediately after the announcement of the Apple MacBook, LaCie introduced a series of portable external hard drives with USB Type-C.

SanDisk already offers a flash drive with two connectors - USB 3.0 Type-A and USB Type-C. A similar product is offered by the lesser-known Microdia.

Surely soon we will see a significant expansion of the range of devices with USB Type-C. The flywheel of change will slowly but surely unwind. The support of "big" companies can influence the situation and speed up this process.

Results

The need for a universal compact connector that could be used to transfer data, video-audio streams and electricity has been long overdue. Given the mutual interest, both from users and equipment manufacturers, there are all prerequisites for USB Type-C to “shoot”.

Compact dimensions, ease and convenience of connection along with wide possibilities promise the connector the prospects to repeat the success of its predecessor. The familiar USB port has been upgraded several times, but it's time for a radical change. 10 Gb / s with the possibility of further scaling, power transmission up to 100 W and a picture with a resolution of up to 5K. Good for a start? Another argument in the piggy bank of USB Type-C is an open standard that does not require licensing fees from manufacturers. There is still a lot of work to be done, but the result is visible ahead, for the sake of which it is worth going this way.

Good afternoon, dear readers! Each laptop case has a variety of connectors for connecting an additional headset and peripherals.

Modern models are equipped with an additional port - usb type c, which has a universal purpose. If you do not know what it is and for what purposes it can be used, we recommend that you read our article!

USB Type-C Features

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

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

The new connector has a number of advantages. First of all, experts note the versatility of the port, which is fully compatible with any standards, starting from the first generation of USB.

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

Application of the new USB standard

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

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

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

Special adapters, presented in a wide range in specialized equipment stores, will help to correct the situation.

What is the difference between USB Type-C and micro? The new connector standard has a symmetrical shape, more compact dimensions and versatility. It was created under the innovative specification of the USB standard, which will soon allow replacing all existing connectors and adapters for more convenient use.

Also, one cannot fail to note the undeniable advantages of the new version of the interface and an open standard that does not require licensing fees from manufacturers.

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

Sincerely,

USB Type-C is a universal 24-pin connector that is used to charge many modern smartphones, and in some it replaces the standard 3.5 mm audio jack. But that's not all USB-C boasts. We talked about the connector in more detail.

Connectivity

Probably, the inventor of USB-C was just really tired of flipping USB-A.

The most obvious advantage of USB-C is its design: Type-C always hits the jack the first time, because this port is completely symmetrical. The pins in a reversible connector are harder to damage, because the cable will fit in any position, no matter how you turn it upside down.

compactness

Many USB-C models do not have a separate headphone jack. Users often scold this trend, saying “we don’t want to buy new headphones or use an adapter, return the 3.5 mm jack.” However, manufacturers can be understood: the rejection of the audio jack in favor of Type-C allows you to make the smartphone as thin as possible.

Versatility

Type-C is intended to replace all existing connectors - and this is not an exaggeration. On smartphones, it has already combined an audio output and a charging connector, and also serves to connect docking stations and external peripherals. This implies the following advantage - a smartphone with USB-C can work in desktop mode.

Desktop mode

With USB-C, flagship smartphones like the latest Samsung Galaxy S9 can easily be turned into a true desktop computer. Through USB Type-C, the gadget can be connected to a special docking station and transfer data to an external monitor. In total, USB-C allows you to connect up to six peripheral devices, including DisplayPort monitors, audio devices, all kinds of keyboards and mice.

High data rate

USB Type-C 3.1 provides data transfer rates up to 10 Gbps. This allows smartphones to stream 4K video to an external monitor and quickly transfer huge files over the wire. However, not all USB-Cs work with the 3.1 speed standard. The bandwidth of the older 3.0 is "only" up to 5 Gb / s, and 2.0 - up to 480 Mb / s.

The main catch is that it is impossible to determine by eye the USB standard that a smartphone supports. For example, the Galaxy S8 and Huawei P20 have Type-C 3.1 (10 Gb / s, respectively), and externally the same USB-C, but 2.0 (480 Mb / s). So if you want to quickly transfer files to a PC or stream heavy videos, pay attention not only to the presence of a USB-C gadget, but also to its standard.

fast charging

The faster the smartphone charges, the better, and we can safely say that gadgets with USB-C break all records in this regard. Type-C standard 3.1, allows you to transfer a charge with a power of 100 W (5 A) - this technology is called USB Power Delivery. The standard is already used in laptops, and Quick Charge 4 smartphone fast charging technology is based on it. In addition, many manufacturers are developing their own Type-C compatible fast charging functions. For example, it supports proprietary technology Honor Supercharge, which allows you to fully charge the gadget in just 50 minutes.

Most of the benefits of USB-C, such as super-fast charging and high data transfer speeds, are only available on flagship models. At the same time, no smartphone yet supports 100W charge transfer. However, there is a trend in which USB-C is increasingly appearing in mid-range smartphones, for example. At this rate, only state employees will have micro-USB, and all the haters of 3.5 mm adapters will be nostalgic for the good old days.

Is it really time for one unified connector to charge any device? More recently, such an assumption could be ridiculed. But even Apple is slowly giving up, and the MacBook with its USB Type-C is the first confirmation of this.

It is still far from nirvana, first you 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 all the others, whether it's charging, an HDMI port, or a regular socket for a USB flash drive. No more "I have the cord 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 a lot of confusion. It is not enough to make a universal connector - it needs at least universal cable.

The fact is that the USB Type-C port has 24 pins, through which a breakthrough of signals of different protocols pass. That's what can be put into this universal connector.

• USB 2.0

The first devices equipped with a USB Type-C port actually worked in USB 2.0 mode and transferred data at a speed of 480 Mbps. Tablets and smartphones using this protocol are still found (hello, Nokia N1).

• USB 3.1 gen 1 (3.0, SuperSpeed ​​USB)

It flies at speeds up to 5Gbps and is backwards compatible with USB 1.x and USB 2.0. Most likely, the blue port in your computer works with this protocol. MacBook is no exception.

• USB 3.1 gen2

The upgraded version of USB 3.0 is also backwards compatible. The data transfer rate has increased to 10 Gb / s, and the power to 100 watts. 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 peripherals understand this Alternate Mode.

• Power Delivery (PD)

The most delicious thing is charging via USB Type-C. Power Delivery supports 5 standard power 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 the USB Type-C ports.

The hardest part is finding the right wire.

Ok, everything is clear with the port, it remains 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? Beware, an ancient USB 2.0 may be hiding inside. It's not even about the reputation of Chinese entrepreneurs, many well-known brands are ready to sell a Type-C cable with an old protocol inside at a bargain price.

2. A bunch of specifications
Yes, everything is signed in the title. But how to understand the average person who does not care about all these new specifications? Which picks up the wire according to the shape of the connector? No way. He just understood the difference between USB 2.0 and 3.0 wires.

Yes, and outputting an image via USB Type-C is not an easy undertaking. In addition to Display Port and HDMI, there are three more generations of Thunderbolt that can also connect monitors. It is not enough to find a suitable cable - the device must clearly understand that it is connected to it through Alternate Mode.

3. Will it charge?
It will be if the name contains "charge" or "PD". But there is a catch here too: a cable that supports charging via USB Type-C must meet the required profile and be certified. What is fraught with? At best, slow charging, at worst - by igniting the device.

Why you can not insert the first cable that comes across

Because everything can be messed up. Here are three reasons:

1. Low data rate
Of course, to connect to an external hard drive or smartphone, almost any wire with the right connectors will do. But you should make sure that it works with the right protocol (for example, with USB 3.0), otherwise the data transfer speed will drop.

2. Bad picture or its absence
If the cable will connect the MacBook and the monitor, make sure that the wire transmits the signal at the correct frequency. Don't forget that Thunderbolt 3 doesn't work with previous generations.

3. 100 W current is no joke
With PD cables, it's a bit more complicated. The power threshold was raised - which means you need to be more careful, because in the event of a cable marriage, sad consequences are possible. Not so 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 down. But over time, the battery or power controller may suffer.
So, if you need a wire to charge your laptop, forget about nonames for two hundred square meters.

But for smartphones with USB 2.0 adapters, not everything is so scary. You can buy any USB Type-C - 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 the time will soon pass when you took the first wire that came across without thinking.

Labels must be glued on USB Type-C cables. Seriously, how else to distinguish deshmansky, for external hard, from expensive, which can be used to 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 $1,500 and up. With connectors from Alternate Mode, the situation is simpler, but the price tag is about the same.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

- And then you let the water go, and there may be ...

— What could be there?

“Anything, you understand?

© "Peculiarities of national fishing"

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

Type-C - features

As it has already become, I hope it is clear, the new connector is already more than just USB, and much more. In, if I may say so, "basic" configuration, it provides USB 3.1 with all the benefits of this new version of the interface.

All other "buns" are alternative Type-C modes of operation, which are marked in a certain way on the device case. Moreover, changes can lead both to the expansion of the used capabilities, and to the fact that USB 3.1 can be replaced by 3.0 or even 2.0. Here are the options that may be encountered at the moment, because the possibilities of this connector are far from being exhausted.

	displayport. Through Type-C, you can connect an external display with a maximum resolution of 3840 x 2400 pixels. Such an opportunity should be marked either on the laptop case with an appropriate icon, or indicated in the specification for the device.
	HDMI. Now you can connect external devices without adapters, directly using HDMI version 1.4.
	Thunderbolt. Support for Thunderbolt 3 protocol compatibility mode.
	Power Delivery (PD). The specification of a new standard that provides the transfer of currents up to 100 W in both directions, which allows you to charge a laptop through this port, or, conversely, power an external device connected through it, such as an external display. On the body of the device, such a connector is usually marked with the letters PD, with an icon in the form of a battery, although there may be other options. If there is no PD support, then the maximum output current will be 1.5 or 3 A, depending on the modification.
	Support for USB 3.1 Gen.1 protocol. Support for speeds up to 5 Gb / s.
	Support for USB 3.1 Gen.2 protocol. Support for speeds up to 10 Gb / s.

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

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

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

prospects

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

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

Quite possible. The presence of a single, universal connector is rather a blessing. The ability to use one connector to connect both power, and a USB flash drive, and all sorts of other devices is tempting. There is only one "but".

If power is connected through the port, or other devices are powered with it, and at high powers, then you should pay special attention to the quality of the wires, adapters and hubs used. Poor quality Uncle Liao products can lead to unpleasant consequences in the form of burnt devices with subsequent costly repairs.

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