Type C: what is interesting and why microUSB is better. Understanding USB Type-C cables

The industry is on the verge of new changes. Get ready to throw away all your USB and HDMI cables in the coming years. They will be replaced by the USB Type-C interface. The new format looks just brilliant on paper, but in real life there are still many questions about it. The main one is when to switch to it? Now let's figure everything out.

Why is USB Type-C the future?

The situation is obvious. The point is the versatility of the format, and this is always a plus. What can a regular USB do now? Only transfer data. Separate interfaces (HDMI, VGA, DVI) are required to connect a monitor and charge a laptop, which is inconvenient.

Type-C allows you to do everything at once. In addition to transferring files at speeds up to 10 GB / s, the interface can broadcast an image in 5K quality (5120x2880 pixels), power devices with a consumption of up to 100 W and a voltage of up to 20 V. And all this at the same time. In addition, the connector itself is small (8.4 x 2.6 mm) and double-sided. Gone are the attempts to blindly connect a flash drive or put a smartphone on charge in the dark, when the microUSB does not want to fit into the connector.

How did it all start?

The trend was set by Apple, a company that many now criticize for not being able to surprise, or do it in a very strange way: introducing innovations that turn into a headache for customers.

In 2015, the Cupertians introduced a new Macbook. The model was clearly planned to replace the Macbook Air, which is already rather boring and outdated. Their TFT-matrix screens look especially bad, while other products flaunt Retina displays. So, in a fresh Macbook, in addition to a 3.5 mm headphone jack, there was only one output - USB Type-C. In the fall of 2016, Apple showed new generations of Macbook Pro, which already have four similar ports and no other interfaces (only the mini-jack was retained).

Other manufacturers are also catching up: laptops with USB Type-C are released by HP, ASUS, Dell, MSI. But these companies have gone the safer route. Along with USB Type-C, their devices also have the usual USB 3.0, HDMI, and an SD card slot. Apple cuts without waiting for peritonitis.

Wait, Apple introduced Lightning a couple of years ago...

Yes, but this interface is only used on iPhone and iPad. And we're pretty sure that the company will completely switch to USB Type-C in smartphones with tablets in a couple of years.

Devices from other manufacturers (Google Nexus 5X and Pixel, ASUS Zenfone 3) have already received the new standard. So we have a chance to live until that bright day when any mobile phone, laptop or other gadget can be charged through one cable.

But Apple can't bury Lightning that quickly. When the company announced with the release of the iPhone 5 that the bulky 30-pin connector was a thing of the past, the forums were bursting with indignation from users: what to do with purchased docking stations and speakers? Gradually, everyone reconciled and switched to a compact interface. But if, after five years, people are again told about the change in format, Apple will not seem enough, but. In addition, Lightning is their own standard, and it is especially difficult to abandon the native one. It is likely that it will be unified with USB Type-C, as happened with Thunderbolt 3.

What exactly is the problem with USB Type-C?

The problem is not so much in the connector as in the periphery. There are only a few monitors with this interface, and you can't call them cheap. The same with flash drives, hard drives, batteries - they are, but the choice is very limited.

It is unlikely that many people can overhaul their equipment at one time - this will pull on a very decent figure. This means that a Type-C adapter is required. And this is precisely the main problem.

First, you need to buy Type-C adapters, and original adapters, especially from Apple, cost an indecent amount. Get the calculator: USB-C/Lightning (for connection to iPhone/iPad) - 1590 rubles; USB-C / HDMI, USB-C, USB 3.0 - 4090 rubles; adapter from USB Type-C to regular USB - 799 rubles. You won’t be able to insert a USB flash drive from the camera into your laptop either - again get money for an adapter (Sandisk USB Type-C adapter costs, for example, about 1800 rubles). The minimum required set of additional devices will cost 6-7 thousand rubles. True, you can find a real combine, which will immediately have USB 3.0, LAN-out, HDMI, and a slot for a memory card.

So for now, USB Type-C does not make life easier, but only adds problems. For example, photographers cannot quickly transfer pictures from a camera to a laptop. If at work you were asked to write something to a USB flash drive, then either always carry an adapter with you, or buy a drive with two interfaces (fortunately, there are such), or say apologetically, “I’m here, at the peak of progress: only USB- C".

But USB Type-C will inevitably become mainstream. It will not work to sit stubbornly on USB 3.0: for a couple of years, manufacturers will definitely release solutions with familiar connectors, but gradually people will be forced to switch to the new standard. Fortunately, it will be cheaper to do it later than it is now.

So switch to USB Type-C or what?

Switching to USB Type-C depends on how you work with devices. For example, if a laptop is used as the most mobile gadget, data is transferred between devices via Wi-Fi, and the only wire that you connect to it is a charger, then you will not have problems with the new interface.

In extreme cases, you will need to buy one adapter, which has a connector for the usual USB and HDMI. A smartphone from Apple, for example, can be connected via USB to this adapter, rather than buying a Lighting / USB-C adapter.

But if you need to use many ports at the same time: HDMI, SD card slot, 2-3 USB, you will have to go out of your way. But it is unlikely that a large number of users connect so much to their laptop at one time. In addition, the Macbook Pro, for example, has four connectors at once. By connecting a laptop to a TV, putting it on charge and connecting a USB flash drive to a triple adapter (for 4090 rubles), you will leave three more free ports at your disposal.

Are there cheap adapters for USB Type-C?

Craftsmen from China are tirelessly inventing cheaper and more versatile adapters. But you have to be careful when buying them. Budget options can burn the device when connected by applying too much current. Adapters from well-known manufacturers are equipped with reliable protection that will not allow the destruction of a smartphone or laptop.

Suspiciously cheap options are best avoided. Moshi, HyperDrive, Choetech, SanDisk - you can pay attention to the products of these companies. But one hundred percent quality and reliability will be provided only by branded adapters from manufacturers, and not third-party brands. By the way, an interesting thing is released by Griffin - a charging wire on a magnet, as in the now old Macbooks. If you touch it, the laptop will not crash to the floor - the cable will simply disconnect, and a small tail with USB Type-C will remain in the laptop.

We draw conclusions:

The future is USB Type-C - that's for sure. I would like to believe that the interface will receive mass distribution soon. But if you need to frequently connect different devices (flash drives, power banks, monitors, network cables), then do not rush. First, find adapters that suit you perfectly and estimate their cost, as well as how many adapters you will need to carry with you at all times.

Before talking about the advantages of USB Type-C, you need to understand the difference between USB Type-A and Type-B versions. As a rule, versions (A, B, C) differ in the speed and functionality of the USB cable, and USB Type (1.1, 2.0, 3.0) has to do with the shape and interconnects of ports and connectors.

USB Type A

The most common and recognizable type of ports in existence. Most devices (mice, keyboards, flash drives, cameras) are equipped with USB Type-A, which was created back in the 90s. The main advantage of this port is reliability. It can withstand a large number of connections and not break at the same time. It provides protection against incorrect connection, so it will not be possible to stick it with the back side. However, large USB Type-A is not suitable for portable devices, as a result, smaller versions have been created.P

Various versions of USB, including USB 1.1, USB 2.0, USB 3.0 share the same USB Type-A design. This means that a USB 3.0 device can be connected to a USB 2.0 port and vice versa.

Also note that there are smaller Type-A plugs and connectors, including Mini Type-A and Micro Type-A. But there are very few devices that support such a standard.

USB Type-B

Typically, a type B -  connector is the other end of a standard USB cable that connects to a gadget (such as a printer, smartphone, or external hard drive).

Because devices vary in shape and size, the Type B connector and its corresponding port also come in a variety of designs. There have been five popular USB Type-B designs so far.

Original standard (Type-B): This design was first used in the USB 1.1 model, and later in USB 2.0. It is mainly used to connect large peripheral devices such as printers or scanners to a computer.

Mini-USB (or Mini-B USB): Used in digital cameras, smartphones, and older portable drives. Now this design is considered obsolete.

Micro-USB (or Micro-B USB): Slightly smaller than Mini-USB, the port is currently considered the most popular USB port design for smartphones and tablets.

Type-B USB 3.0: Designed for devices requiring high performance - NAS, desktop hard drives. The connector has been heavily modified and it will not work to connect it to USB 2.0. You don't see these cords for sale very often.

Micro-USB 3.0 (or Micro-B USB 3.0): Primarily used for portable storage. It differs from other ports by the blue color of one of the connectors.

Proprietary USB port

Not all devices use the standard USB cables mentioned above. Moreover, some of them use a proprietary design protected by patents. The most famous example of the use of such cables are the iPhone and iPad.

USB Type-C

Physically, the Type-C port and connector are about the same size as the above Micro-B USB. But the dimensions of the Type-C connector are smaller than the previous version: 8.4 mm by 2.6 mm. This means that it is small enough to work for even the smallest gadgets.

Unlike previous versions of USB, the new connector is very easy to connect - it is symmetrical. Now you do not need to think about which side to insert it, and also to figure out where is the top and where is the bottom.

Starting in 2015, Type-C USB supports USB 3.1 with a maximum speed of 10 Gbps and higher voltages - 20V (100W) and 5A. Considering that 15-inch laptops run at up to 60W, this means that in the future we will be able to charge laptops in the same way as tablets and smartphones -  using a small USB port. In fact, the 12-inch Macbook was the first laptop to feature only one USB Type-C port. With it, the user can not only connect peripheral devices, but also charge the laptop itself.

The USB Type-C port has enough advantages: through a single connector, you can connect a monitor or TV, transfer information, interact with peripheral devices and charge the battery. The USB Type-C jack itself can be placed on the side panel of a rather thin smartphone case.

USB Type-C is able to replace a whole "zoo" of connectors. This interface can be used to connect external drives, printers, monitors.

It should take a few more years, but Type-C will definitely become as popular as the current Type-A. Moreover, it will simplify the interaction with devices at times. Just one tiny cable will power any device, charging it and transferring data.

Smartphones with USB Type-C have been on the market for a long time, but many consumers know almost nothing about the new port on Android devices. In this article, I will explain what USB Type-C is and what it can be used for.

What is USB Type-C?

USB (Universal Serial Bus) is a cable standard that allows you to synchronize data as well as charge your mobile device. The first generation was announced back in 1998, and until now we have seen the appearance of improved versions of the port. The latest solution is USB Type-C.

Each version of USB has a data transfer rate and a limit on the electrical current that can pass through it. The previous generation of USB Type-A and Type-B connectors only have 4 pins, while the modern Type-C connector has all 24, which allows it to conduct more electrical current and transfer data at very high speeds.

The familiar MicroUSB 2.0, for example, is currently used on most Android devices, and it supports 5V (volts) / 2A (amps) and a transfer rate of 480 MB / s. USB Type-C (3.1), on the other hand, already offers 20V/5A for electrical current and speeds up to 10Gb/s.

Benefits of USB Type-C

Obviously, the new standard boasts amazing data transfer speeds, but it has other advantages that we are interested in. The Type-C connector is reversible, that is, it does not matter which side you connect it to, and has the same pins on both ends of the cable.

What's more, the next generation of HDMI is fully compatible with USB 3.1, meaning you don't need to buy an expensive dongle or adapter. In the future, all laptops and desktops will be equipped with these convenient connectors.

What are the disadvantages of USB Type-C?

Not all manufacturers are adapting to the new USB standard. Some cables have Type-C connectors, they look like Type-C but only support USB 2.0. Such cables can be dangerous for devices.

Just don't buy cheap Chinese accessories to keep your phone safe. it is best to buy official USB from the smartphone manufacturer.

Another problem facing USB Type-C is the small number of devices that work with this standard. At the moment, not many phones or other devices use the new technology, and if you're at a friend's house and looking for a charger, good luck finding the right cable. You may also be disappointed by the fact that USB Type-C chargers and cables are not very cheap, but this will change in the future.

• Beware of cheap USB cables
• Even if your smartphone has a USB Type-C port, it may not support 3.1, so make sure before buying
• Always use the original cable

We are on the verge of significant changes - to replace the classic and familiar USB 2.0 and 3.0 ports, a new, backwards compatible type of connector is coming. Despite external convenience, symmetry and visual simplicity, the list of USB Type-C features is not only impressive, but also fraught with many unobvious difficulties for the user.

The first USB standard appeared in 1994 to solve the key problems of that time: the unification of the connector for the peripherals of PC equipment combined with high data transfer rates. Since 2001, the version of the USB 2.0 connector (as well as its various variations) has become a universal connection standard for any peripherals. The key to fifteen years of USB success is simplicity, because there are only four pins inside that provide power and communication to the connected device.

What was an advantage in the 2000s has become a bottleneck for modern devices - USB ports can no longer cope with an almost exponentially growing amount of information, users appreciate the advantages of symmetrical (and fast!) mobile reverse connectors (such as Apple Lightning), cables in which you can insert both sides, and the speed of wireless data transfer is very close to the speed of a cable connection.

USB 3.0 only highlighted the problem by mechanically increasing the number of additional pins to five, which increased the maximum throughput from 480 Mbps to 5 Gbps, and the maximum current increased from 500 mA to 900 mA. The new connector also received its distinctive marking - a blue socket. USB 3.0 connectors require 9 pins to work.

Let's see how much the USB Type-C / USB-C / USB C connector differs from its predecessors, what are the prospects and difficulties of switching to a new type of connector, and what types of cables it can replace with itself in the near future.

The confusion starts with the name: “USB Type-C”, “USB-C” and “USB C” are different names for the same connector that can work with different protocols. Until the generic name settles, we'll stick with the USB Type-C name - although the general trend is towards the growing popularity of the shorter USB-C variant.

The diagram of backward compatible USB Type-C protocols allows you to understand what functions the new connector can take on - there were unexpectedly many of them, which is good news. The most important thing about this diagram is that each next level is backwards compatible with the levels below.

The fastest protocol for the new connector is Thunderbolt 3. The Thunderbolt hardware interface was developed by Intel in collaboration with Apple. The Thunderbolt trademark itself was previously owned by Apple, but was later transferred to Intel. USB Type-C connectors that work with this protocol are installed in new

But the USB Type-C port in the previous one is a “step below”, allowing you to connect peripherals compatible only with the USB 3.1 gen 1 standard, but not with Thunderbolt 3.

This is a good example that demonstrates in practice why, despite the same USB Type-C connector, Thunderbolt 3 peripherals cannot be connected to the Macbook 12, but any Macbook 12 accessories and peripherals will work with the new Macbook Pro 2016.

Let's take a closer look at what other types of signals USB Type-C can transmit through itself.

First of all, these are classic USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 - this is true for mobile devices with a new connector (for example, the first tablet with USB Type-C Nokia N1), which supported signals and power only for USB 2.0. Most modern mobile devices (eg l) support USB 3.0 connection.

What does this mean in practice? When purchasing a cable for a USB Type-C mobile device, pay attention to the speed and connector compatibility of both gadgets. A good choice for a modern Windows laptop with USB 3.0 would be a cable that will work via USB Type-C using USB 2.0 and 3.0 protocols.

If your mobile device, such as an Android smartphone, is equipped with a Micro-USB port (or its Micro-USB B modification) that operates using the USB 2.0 protocol, you can limit yourself to a cable, or. The maximum data transfer rate will be limited to 480 Mbps.

The next standard is USB 3.1 gen 1 - allowing you to connect hard drives, network adapters and docking stations. It is backward compatible with "SuperSpeed" USB 3.0, "Hi-Speed" USB 2.0 and even original USB 1.x protocols.

USB 3.1 gen 2 protocol - Similar to the previous one, but doubles the bandwidth of USB peripherals to 10 Gb / s. Only the newest USB-C devices support it.

USB 3.1 and USB Type-C connections also support external drives, such as .

Examples of accessories that provide a compatible high-speed network connection via USB Type-C:
And .

Audio Accessory Mode is a specification for use with analog audio, allowing the USB Type-C port to compete in the future with the analog 3.5mm jack.

Connection mode Alternate Mode (alternative mode) - includes all other non-USB protocols: these are DisplayPort, MHL, HDMI and Thunderbolt (which was previously connected via the DP connector). The main problem here is that not every device supports the Alternate Mode protocol, which is very confusing for buyers.

For video devices, not only Apple's proprietary USB Type-C adapters are available: and an adapter, but also options from other manufacturers, for example.

But there are also advantages - the transfer of a video stream via the USB Type-C port does not affect its energy capacity in any way, because as many as four high-speed lines can be allocated to the needs of DisplayPort. In this case, it is possible to transmit images in resolutions up to 5120×2880.

The symmetry of the contact pads made it possible to make the port reversible, and depending on the connected device, a different number of connections are involved.

The first USB 1.0 port provided only 0.75 W (0.15 A, 5 V) of power. For USB 2.0, the current strength was increased to 0.5 A, which made it possible to get 2.5 watts from it to power, for example, external 2.5 ”hard drives. Not surprisingly, connecting more power-intensive drives sometimes required several ports at once.

For USB 3.0, a current of 0.9 A is provided, which, with a supply voltage of 5 V, guarantees a power of 4.5 watts. Against the background of these numbers, the ability to transmit 100 watts is really impressive!

To ensure the transfer of this amount of energy, the supply voltage can be increased up to 20 volts. Contacts Secondary Bus and USB Power Delivery Communication are designed to select the desired mode of operation between the connected gadgets - because if the device is not capable of receiving 100W of energy, it will simply burn out! Pre-sharing puts compatible devices into advanced mode with more power options.

There are five such profiles in total: “profile 1” guarantees the possibility of transmitting 10 W of energy, the second - 18 W, the third - 36 W, the fourth - 60 W, and the fifth - a whole hundred!

The PD (Power Delivery) function requires a separate cable, such as

The outlook for USB Type-C or USB-C is very bright. In addition to Apple, USB Type-C ports are beginning to be equipped with both productive desktops (motherboards) and mobile devices. So far, the USB 3.1 protocol in both of its variations has taken the lead (and mobile devices are just getting close to USB 3.0 speeds).

It won't be long before we can finally switch to a universal type of USB-C to USB-C cables (such cables are available now) to connect the rest of the peripherals. It is especially pleasing that the accessories purchased today will continue to work thanks to the backward compatibility mode. An important note - USB Type-C is an open standard that does not require licensing fees from manufacturers.

The risks and complications are only when connecting new peripherals (requiring the fastest protocols, such as Thunderbolt of various versions) to older versions of USB Type-C devices running at USB 3.1 speeds - at best, they will be able to continue working at a reduced speed.

When buying accessories and USB Type-C cables, be sure to consider at what speeds your device should (and can) operate - if USB 2.0-3.1 speeds are suitable for mobile devices and gadgets, then it may be important to transfer video signals or data from high-capacity hard drives Compatible with Thunderbolt 3 interface.

For your convenience, we have collected in a separate section of the catalog.

Today I will tell you about 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 only “not seen it”, but also do not understand what innovations are behind it. On the basis of which opinions like “everything will burn” and “why do I need another connector?” Are distributed.

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

In the text, I use the word "connector" as a generic word for the concepts of "connector", "socket", "connector", "port", etc.

Historical information

And now on the fingers. A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, a data transfer specification called "USB" v1.0 was developed. Then USB 1.1 struck back. USB 2.0 went to the masses. And USB 3.0, although not universally, has successfully settled in various devices. The USB 3.1 standard introduced clarifications and amendments. And, most importantly, each standard had a bunch of corresponding connectors. By connector for different types of devices with different purposes and partial backward compatibility - USB type-A, USB micro-A, USB Micro-B SuperSpeed.
It was the accumulated diversity and incomplete compatibility that brought confusion, inconvenience and gave rise to many jokes. So, the new USB type-C standard has become a “new hope”. It doesn't change the data transfer standard (but it actually adds). This is a connector standard that combines the advantages of the connectors of all previous USB standards and avoids their disadvantages.

USB type-C properties

Main new introductions:
- one connector for everything (for printers, smartphones, flash drives ... monitors!)
- mirror connector (no need to guess which side to insert it)
- small dimensions (it is slightly larger than micro USB)
- the connector is very securely fixed in the socket (hooray!)
- must withstand up to 10,000 connections
- the connector supports USB 1.0 - USB 3.1 standards
- it offers devices to independently decide who will be the master/slave and power source/consumer
- the cable can be passive and active (with electronics inside)

Main old introductions:
- the standard does not define the length of the wire, it is already 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 future reviews, but for now, let's look at the implementation of three USB type-C cables with backward compatibility.

Unboxing

And only now consider the received package. Got to the review

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

Pinout

What brings versatility to backwards compatibility?
In the USB 2.0 - USB 3.1 standards, master/slave roles are defined through the shape of the connector.
In the USB type-C standard, master/slave roles are defined through a pull-up resistor to ground or power. So plugging in just one cable tells the USB type-C device what to expect on the other end.

test stand

The stand itself looks like this.


I have already tested various cables on it, so there is something to compare. The charger is powerful enough and has good output voltage stability. The tester used can load the charger with a current of a given value and save all measurement data.

The table contains the results of cable measurements 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.
* the gray column of ECU10bk shows the result of turning on the USB type-C connector by the other side.
* the rest of the gray columns contain some of the cables I measured earlier.

Summary

So far, there are very few devices with a new connector, and the article is intended for those lucky ones who
who are looking for similar "bridges" between generations.

* The USB type-C connector showed itself in all its glory. It is easily inserted, firmly held and removed with effort. And it has a mirror arrangement of contacts.

* the most popular cable ECU-10-BK (USB type-C to USB type-A) showed good results. It can painlessly pass through itself about 2A. But yes, he does not reach his meter relatives.

* a slightly specific cable LCU-10-BK (USB type-C to micro USB 3.0) suddenly showed completely identical results with different cable thicknesses and different connectors. 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. speed characteristics will be checked, but in another review.

The product was provided for writing a review by the store. The review is published in accordance with clause 18 of the Site Rules.

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