Testing three USB type-C cables. USB Type-C: a universal connector for everything New smartphone charging connector

Recently, more and more smartphones are removing support for microSD, and they are switching to USB Type-C. As a result, the only way to quickly rewrite something without plugging in a cord (MTP does not always work fast or well enough) is to use a flash card with a dual interface. This is exactly what I was given a press kit for at the ADATA stand. This flash drive itself is not new, but new items can be seen in this video.

But let's get to the flash drive itself. It comes in a small cardboard box, I had already opened it - the guys from ADATA needed to write down their press kit. By the way, I will tell you about their new products separately, but a little later. The inscriptions on the box are in all languages, Russian is present.

The golden cap can be removed to cover both the part with USB 3 and the part with USB Type-C.

Even with the cap on, the flash drive is small, and due to the hole in it, it can be worn, for example, as a keychain.

The real “rate of fire” of the flash drive is slightly less than stated - for the 16 GB version it is like that.

Most likely, for flash drives of 32 and 64 GB it will be larger. Nevertheless, compared to classic devices, it is very worthy.

ADATA Type-C OTG Flash Drive works with any smartphone that supports mounting external devices. As far as I remember, ALL smartphones with Type-C support it.

The reading speed of a flash drive in a Type-C phone depends more on it than on the drive - for example, a 2 GB movie was downloaded on a Samsung Galaxy S8+ for 30 seconds (average reading speed more than 50 MB/s), but on the UmiDigi Z Pro we had to wait almost a minute. However, perhaps this is due to the dampness of the firmware.

In general, this is a good and decent drive that will come in handy given the widespread transition to Type-C and the elimination of microSD in phones.

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

First, some important information: the designations USB Type-C and USB 3.1, as they say, go hand in hand, since they actually mean the same thing. When the USB 3.1 number is used, it usually refers to the data transfer speed.

If you come across the name USB Type-C, it usually refers directly to the type of connector for connecting devices. First, let's compare the previous USB 3.0 standard with the new USB 3.1. You will find all the details in the table below.

Comparison of USB 3.0 and USB 3.1

The best devices with USB Type-C

What USB Type-C devices are currently available? The first of these was the 12-inch MacBook, in which this connector was the only one. The current Google phones Nexus 6P and 5X 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 for you a list of the most interesting devices with a USB Type-C interface.

USB Type-C: these devices already have it

The USB connector can no longer be connected incorrectly

USB Type-C: Type C plug (left) can be used on either side

That's what makes the USB Type-C connector incredibly convenient: it's symmetrical. You no longer have to think about how hard it will take to insert the plug into the socket correctly. Previously, this connector property was a great advantage of Apple products, iPad or iPhone, but now it is becoming available to the masses of users. This cable can be inserted in either direction.

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

Good day, Geektimes! Has everyone already heard about USB Type-C? The one that's two-way, fast-fashionable, charges your new MacBook, makes your hair silky smooth, and promises to be the new standard for connectivity for the next ten years?

So, firstly, this is a connector type, not a new standard. The standard is called USB 3.1. Secondly, we need to talk specifically about the new USB standard, and Type-C is just a nice bonus. To understand what the difference is, what is behind USB 3.1 and what is behind Type C, how to charge an entire laptop using a USB cable, and what else can be done with the new USB Type-C:

Briefly about the main thing

USB as a standard appeared almost twenty years ago. The first specifications for USB 1.0 appeared in 1994 and solved three key problems: unification of the connector through which equipment that expanded the functions of a PC was connected, simplicity for the user, and high speed data transfer to and from the device.

Despite certain advantages of the USB connection over PS/2, COM and LPT ports, its popularity did not come immediately. USB experienced explosive growth at the beginning of the 2000s: first cameras, scanners and printers were connected to it, then flash drives.

In 2001, the first commercial implementations of the USB that is familiar and understandable to us appeared: version 2.0. We have been using it for the 14th year now and it is designed relatively simply.

USB 2.0

Any USB cable version 2.0 and lower has 4 copper conductors inside. Two of them transmit power, the other two transmit data. USB cables (according to the standard) are strictly oriented: one of the ends must be connected to the host (that is, the system that will manage the connection) and it is called Type-A, the other - to the device, it is called Type-B. Of course, sometimes in devices (such as flash drives) there is no cable at all; the “to-host” connector is located directly on the board.

On the host side there is a special chip: a USB controller (in desktop computers it can be either part of the system logic or placed as an external chip). It is he who initializes the operation of the bus, determines the connection speed, the order and schedule of data packets, but these are all details. We are most interested in connectors and connectors of the classic USB format.

The most popular connector that everyone used was USB Type-A of classic size: it is located on flash drives, USB modems, at the ends of the wires of mice and keyboards. Full-size USB Type-B is a little less common: printers and scanners are usually connected with this cable. The mini version of USB Type-B is still often used in card readers, digital cameras, and USB hubs. Through the efforts of European standardizers, the micro version of Type-B has become de facto the most popular connector in the world: all current mobile phones, smartphones and tablets (except for the products of one fruit company) are produced with the USB Type-B Micro connector.

Well, probably no one has really seen USB Type-A micro and mini formats. Personally, off the top of my head I can’t name a single device with such connectors. Even the photographs had to be taken from Wikipedia:

Hidden text

All these connectors have one simple thing in common: inside there are four contact pads that provide the connected device with both power and communication:

With USB 2.0 everything is more or less clear. The problem with the standard was that two conductors were not enough to transmit data, and the specifications developed in the middle of the first decade did not provide for the transmission of large currents through power circuits. External hard drives suffered the most from such limitations.

USB 3.0

To improve the characteristics of the standard, a new USB 3.0 specification was developed, which contained the following key differences:

• Five additional contacts, four of which provide additional communication lines;
• Increase in maximum throughput from 480 Mbit/s to 5 Gbit/s;
• Increasing the maximum current from 500 mA to 900 mA.

In addition, 4 more connectors have appeared that are electrically and mechanically compatible with USB Type-A version 2.0. They allowed both USB 2.0 devices to be connected to 3.0 hosts, and 3.0 devices to 2.0 hosts or via a 2.0 cable, but with limitations in power supply and data transfer speed.

USB 3.1

Since the fall of 2013, specifications for the updated USB 3.1 standard have been adopted, which brought us the connector Type-C, delivers up to 100W of power and doubles the data transfer speed of USB 3.0. However, it is worth noting that all three innovations are just parts of one new standard, which can be applied all together (and then the device or cable will receive USB 3.1 certification) or separately. For example, technically, inside a Type-C cable, you can organize at least USB 2.0 on four wires and two pairs of contacts. By the way, Nokia pulled off such a “feint”: its Nokia N1 tablet has a USB Type-C connector, but inside it uses regular USB 2.0: with all the limitations on power supply and data transfer speed.

USB 3.1, Type-C and power

The new standard is responsible for the ability to transfer truly serious power USB PD(Power Delivery). According to the specifications, to be certified as USB PD, the device and cable must be able to transmit current with a power of up to 100 Watts, both in both directions (both to and from the host). In this case, the transmission of electricity should not interfere with the transmission of data.

There are currently only two laptops that fully support USB Power Delivery: the new MacBook and the Chromebook Pixel.

Well, then, who knows, maybe we’ll install sockets like this at home?

USB Type-C and backward compatibility

USB as a standard is strong in its backward compatibility. Find an ancient 16 megabyte flash drive that only supports USB 1.1, insert it into a 3.0 port and go. Connect a modern HDD to a USB 2.0 connector, and if it has enough power, everything will start, the speed will just be limited. And if that’s not enough, there are special adapters: they use the power circuit of another USB port. The speed will not increase, but the HDD will work.

It’s the same story with USB 3.1 and the Type-C connector, with only one amendment: the new connector is geometrically in no way compatible with the old ones. However, manufacturers have actively begun production of both Type-A wires<=>Type-C, as well as all kinds of adapters, adapters and splitters.

USB Type-C and tunneling

The data transfer speed of the USB 3.1 standard allows you not only to connect storage devices and peripherals, charge the laptop from the network via a Type-C cable, but also to connect, say... a monitor. One wire. And a USB hub with several 2.0 ports inside the monitor. 100 W of power, speed comparable to DisplayPort and HDMI, a universal connector and just one wire from the laptop to the monitor, the power supply of which will provide electricity to the display and charge the laptop. Isn't this wonderful?

What's on USB Type-C now?

Since the technology is young, there are very few devices with USB 3.1. There are slightly more devices with a USB Type-C cable/connector, but still not enough for Type-C to become as common and natural as Micro-B, which any smartphone user has.

On Type-C personal computers, you can expect it already in 2016, but some manufacturers have taken and updated the line of existing motherboards. For example, USB Type-C with full USB 3.1 support is available on the MSI Z97A Gaming 6 motherboard.

ASUS is not far behind: ASUS X99-A and ASUS Z97-A motherboards support USB 3.1, but, unfortunately, do not have Type-C connectors. In addition, special expansion cards have been announced for those who do not want to either upgrade the motherboard or give up a pair of USB 3.1 ports.


SanDisk recently introduced a 32 GB flash drive with two connectors: classic USB Type-A and USB Type-C:


Of course, don’t forget about the recent MacBook with passive cooling and only one USB Type-C connector. We’ll talk about its performance and other delights separately, but about the connector today. Apple abandoned both its “magic” MagSafe charging and other connectors on the case, leaving one port for power, connecting peripherals and external displays. Of course, if one connector is not enough for you, you can buy an official adapter-splitter to HDMI, a classic USB and a power connector (the same Type-C) for... $80. :) We can only hope that Type-C will come to Apple mobile devices (and this will be the end of the zoo with wires for smartphones), although the chances of such an update are minimal: was it in vain that Lightning was developed and patented?


One of the peripheral manufacturers, LaCie, has already released a stylish external drive with support for USB 3.1 Type-C for the new MacBook. Its price, however, is absolutely Apple, but what can you do - you have to pay for new technologies and the PORSCHE DESIGN inscription.

In addition to Apple, Google is also flirting with USB 3.1 Type-C: the new ChromeBook Pixel, in addition to interesting characteristics, also received a corresponding port.


And, of course, don’t forget about the device from Nokia. Their N1 tablet was one of the first to receive a Type-C connector, although without support for USB 3.1 functions.

Results

USB 3.1 will finally become the “king” of connectors. You can use it to connect almost anything: an external drive, a display, peripherals, a power adapter, and even an array of SSD drives. Bandwidth and 100 W of transmitted power are a serious claim to success.

Imagine the world in 5 years? No matter where you go, there is a charger, and the connector fits, and you don’t need to ask. It’s easy to connect a camera, a telephone, and in general everything, everything, everything... And only in the accounting department they used floppy disks and will continue to use them.

Our previous reviews:
» Two months with LG G Watch R
» The evolution of Razer mice using the example of DeathAdder and Naga
» Studying Philips TV flagship: Part 1 | Part 2

Thank you for your attention!

Advantages of the USB 3.1 port:
★ fast
★ powerful
★ universal

Advantages of the Type-C connector:
★ durable
★ symmetrical

Now you are guaranteed to connect the USB cable to the device the first time.

⚠ It is necessary to distinguish between the concepts “ port" And " connector». Connector(socket) Type-C can be soldered to an old phone (instead of micro-USB), but port USB 2.0 will remain the old one - it will not increase charging and data transfer speeds. The only conveniences that will appear are the symmetry and reliability of the connector.

⚠ Thus, the presence of Type-C does not mean anything. Smartphone models with a new connector are sold, but with old port. The advantages listed in this article do not apply to such smartphones.

Assigning contacts

The connector contacts in the diagrams are shown from the outside (working) side, unless otherwise stated otherwise.

The port contains 24 pins (12 pins on each side). The “upper” line is numbered A1…A12, the “lower” line is numbered B1…B12. For the most part, the lines are identical to each other, which makes this port indifferent to the orientation of the plug. The contacts of each line can be divided into 6 groups: USB 2.0, USB 3.1, Power, Ground, Matching channel And Additional channel. Now let's take a closer look.

Actually, USB 3.1. High-speed data lines: TX+, TX-, RX+, RX- ( pins 2, 3, 10, 11). Speed ​​up to 10 Gb/s. In the cable, these pairs are recrossed, and what is RX for one device appears as TX for another. And vice versa. By special order, these pairs can be retrained for other tasks, for example, video transmission.

Good old . Low speed data lines: D+/D- ( pins 6, 7). This rarity was included in the port for the sake of compatibility with old low-speed devices up to 480 Mb/s.

Power supply plus - Vbus(pins 4, 9). Standard voltage is 5 volts. The current is set depending on the needs of the peripherals: 0.5A; 0.9A; 1.5A; 3A. In general, the specification of the port implies a transmitted power of up to 100W, and in case of war, the port is capable of powering a monitor or charging a laptop with a voltage of 20 volts!

GND - Mother Earth (pins 1, 12). Minus everything.

Matching channel(or configurator) - SS ( pin 5). This is the main feature of USB type-C! Thanks to this channel, the system can determine:

— The fact of connecting/disconnecting a peripheral device;
— Orientation of the connected plug. Oddly enough, the connector is not completely symmetrical, and in some cases the device wants to know its orientation;
— Current and voltage that should be provided to the peripherals for power or charging;
— The need to work in an alternative mode, for example, to transmit an audio-video stream.
— In addition to monitoring functions, this channel, if necessary, supplies power to the active cable.

Additional channel - SBU (pin 8). The additional channel is usually not used and is provided only for some exotic cases. For example, when transmitting video over a cable, an audio channel is transmitted over the SBU.

USB 3.1 Type-C pinout

The “striped color” here shows the contacts of the bare wire.

A strange decision was to mark the D+ and D- wires not as in USB 2.0, but vice versa: D+ white, D- green.

Wires are marked with a gray outline, whose color, according to Wikipedia, is not regulated by the standard. The author did not find any indication of the colors of the wires in official documentation.

Wiring Type-C connectors ▼

Diagram of a typical USB-C male-to-male cable▼

USB PD Rev.2 (USB Power Delivery) power/charge technology

The USB-C cable does not have such concepts as “connector-A” or “connector-B” - the connectors are now the same in all cases.

Device roles are designated with new terms:

DFP- active, power supply device (like a USB port) A)
UFP- passive, receiving device (like a USB port) B)
DRP- a “two-faced” device that dynamically changes its status.
In addition, the charger is called Power Provider, charging - Power Consumer.

The distribution of roles is carried out by setting a certain potential on the CC contact using one or another resistor:

Active device ( DFP Vbus.
The resistor value tells the consumer how much current he can expect:
56 ±20% kOhm - 500 or 900 mA
22 ±5% kOhm - 1.5 A
10 ±5% kOhm - 3 A

▲ Adapters from USB 2.0 (3.0) to USB-C, used to connect new smartphones to old PCs or storage devices, are wired according to the DFP scheme, that is, they show themselves to the smartphone as an active device

Passive device ( UFP) is determined by the resistor between contacts CC and GND.
Resistor value: 5,1 kOhm

▲ Adapters from USB-C to USB-OTG are wired exactly according to the UFP scheme, that is, they simulate a consuming device.

⚠ USB PD Rev2 technology in which by contact CC agree current And voltage charge should not be confused with Quick Charge (QC) technology, where the contacts D− And D+ only consistent voltage charge. USB PD Rev2 is only supported in USB 3.1.
QC is supported without being tied to the port version.

USB-micro-USB-C adapter

Wiring the Type-C to USB 3.0 OTG adapter board from different sides ▼

Analog audio via Type-C

The standard provides the ability to transmit analog audio through a digital port. This feature is implemented in HTC U series, HTC 10 Evo, Xiaomi Mi, LeTV smartphones. The author will be grateful if the reader adds to this list.

To work in this mode, use analog headsets with a Type-C plug. Adapters are provided to connect the classic one.

Analog audio is transmitted via Data−, Data+, SBU1 and SBU2 channels. The smartphone enters this mode if there is a headset or adapter in the plug between contacts A1-A5 and B1-B5 a resistance of less than0.8…1.2 kOhm. Instead of a resistor, I could see just a jumper.

Video over USB-C

To transmit video via USB 3.1, the “DisplayPort Alternate Mode” has been developed.
See the list of devices that support this mode.
In mode "Display Port" the purpose of the port contacts changes - two pairs TX2/RX2 turn into a video channel, and SBU1/2 handles the sound ▼

Most users, when choosing a new smartphone, tablet or laptop, find an unfamiliar interface in the device description. It's called a USB Type-C connector. What port is this? Few people really know about him. Although USB Type-C promises to become a new trend and will gradually be implemented on all devices that are equipped with classic USB. After all, it offers increased speed and improved functionality. Want to know more? We will be happy to tell you in more detail about USB Type-C and why it is gradually being introduced into many gadgets.

Currently, almost all devices are equipped with a USB connector (more precisely, USB type-A). From PCs to smartphones and various storage devices with laptops. USB is the ubiquitous and most popular standard.

It first appeared in the world in November 1995. The standard itself was called USB 1.0. It did not receive wide distribution. But its “brother” USB 1.1 in the late 90s of the last century began to be present on the back panel of almost everyone. True, manufacturers of peripheral devices did not immediately switch to this standard. It took a couple of years for keyboards, mice, printers and other accessories to begin to come with a USB port.

Finally, in 2001, the USB 2.0 standard was developed, which is still the most widespread today. It provided data transfer speeds of almost 500 Mbit/s. But the real breakthrough was the USB 3.0 specification. After all, the transmission speed within this interface was 5 Gbit/s. What other innovations came with it? 5 additional contacts appeared, and the maximum current increased from 500 mA to 900 mA.

The last step towards the emergence of USB Type-C was the adoption of the 3.1 standard. This happened in 2013. It is this standard that introduced the new Type-C connector (replacing the usual Type-A), with support for power up to 100 W and double the data transfer speed compared to USB 3.0 (up to 10 Gbps).

Learn more about USB Type-C and its benefits

So what is USB Type-C? Essentially, this is a new modification of the standard USB. Moreover, externally this connector looks like a thinner port. Its dimensions are only 8.34x2.56 mm. This is about 1/3 of the “old” USB Type-A. That is, the dimensions are very close to lightning in iPhones and micro usb in Android smartphones.

The shape of the connector is oval and symmetrical. Due to this, users do not have to guess which side to insert the flash drive or end of the cable into the device, as was the case before. This can be done without looking at all, in the dark, or with one hand. Thus, USB Type-C is very convenient. And also safe. After all, you can connect the connector in any position without fear of breaking the connector.

What other advantages does USB Type-C have? There are quite a lot of them:

1. Versatility and compatibility. Can operate in many modes and support different protocols. That is, if desired, it is easy to connect HDMI, VGA, DisplayPort cables and other options for connecting a PC or laptop to peripherals to this connector. True, special adapters will be required. After all, how else can you “shove” a bulky and huge connector from a printer or mouse into a thin modern port? In addition, the USB 3.1 standard is highly compatible with previous versions of USB. To connect old peripherals to the Type-C port, you only need an adapter.
2. Compactness. Due to its miniature size, it can be used in netbooks, smartphones, tablets and other various devices. At the same time, by actively introducing the USB Type-C interface, you can make equipment even more elegant, thinner and more compact.
3. Ability to power other devices. As we have already noted, USB 3.1 increased the maximum transmitted power to 100 W (with the USB Power Delivery specification!). For comparison, the average laptop requires about 60 watts. That is, it can be easily charged via USB Type-C (which has already been implemented on the new MacBook and Google Pixel Chromebook). While the USB 2.0 port provides current transmission of only a maximum of two and a half watts. This is enough for a maximum of incomplete and long-term recharging of a weak smartphone. It turns out that when connecting various peripheral devices via USB Type-C, you can do without an additional power source, limiting yourself to one cord.
4. High speed. When using the USB 3.1 standard, a data transfer speed of 10 Gbps is achieved. This is truly an excellent indicator. At least it's far from the record. After all, it is not as fast as the Thunderbolt 2 interface, implemented in MacBook Air and Pro models, where the speed reaches 20 Gbps.

What happens? The release of USB Type-C implies a complete replacement of outdated USB connection technologies. This is what this interface was designed for. His “mission” is to make sure that all sorts of options like mini or micro USB do not need to be released at all. The new standard is also intended to make all cords that are used to charge devices universal. The idea is good, but how implemented is it now?

Are there any disadvantages?

Does USB Type-C have any disadvantages? It couldn't have happened without them. Experts attribute the following to the disadvantages:

1. Due to their small size, the physical design of the connector and plug turned out to be quite fragile. Although numerous tests have shown that the mechanical life of the USB Type-C connector is about 10,000 connections. And this is no less than USB 2.0.
2. Another drawback is that adapters are required to fully work with USB Type C. Otherwise, many devices simply cannot be connected through this interface.
3. USB Type-C should only work with cables, accessories and gadgets that can withstand a certain voltage level. Otherwise, there is a high risk that the cord and/or device will catch fire. Something similar happened with the flagship model Samsung Galaxy Note 7, during the use of which cases of the device exploding were repeatedly recorded. Therefore, to connect via USB Type-C, you should not purchase cheap products from China. Only reliable, proven brands.

For reference! If you need a cord not only for connection, but also for recharging, then you should check whether it supports USB Power Delivery. In turn, to connect via HDMI, MHL or DisplayPort you will need a USB-C cable with an alternative mode function.

Is there a difference between USB Type-C and USB 3.1?

Is USB Type-C the same as USB 3.1? Of course not. It's correct to say this: USB 3.1 is the main data transfer protocol for Type-C. Moreover, the latter is simply a geometric shape. No more. It can accommodate USB 2.0, and its “descendant” – 3.0. Hypothetically, nothing prevents us from implementing USB 1.1 within this port and plug of the “venerable old man”.

By the way, some manufacturers do this. Take the same Nokia N1 tablet. It is equipped with a new USB Type-C connector, but inside it is the same familiar and familiar USB 2.0 bus logic.

Modern devices with USB Type-C

Note that there are still few devices with USB 3.1 these days. The technology is new. Therefore, the standard did not have time to be implemented and become widespread. Devices with a USB Type-C cable/connector are not very widely represented on the market.

If we talk about smartphones, then these are:

• Google Nexus 6P
• Google Nexus 5X
• Microsoft Lumia 950 XL
• Meizu Pro 6
• Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+
• LG Nexus 5X, etc.

Of course, that's not all. “USB Type C” with full support for USB 3.1 is available on the MSI Z97A Gaming 6 motherboard. Popular motherboards ASUS X99-A and ASUS Z97-A also support USB version 3.1. (only they don’t have a Type-C connector).

It won’t be difficult to find flash drives with a new port on the shelves of computer stores. For example, SanDisk recently introduced a 32 GB drive with two connectors: the classic USB Type-A and USB Type-C. And this is not an isolated example. Thus, the range of the well-known manufacturer of computer components LaCie includes an external hard drive for a MacBook with support for USB 3.1 Type-C. This interface is also available on the Transcend JetFlash 890.

At the same time, formally the first device equipped with a USB Type-C port was the Nokia N1 tablet. It was then “supported” by a MacBook with a 12-inch display. The creators of the Apple laptop also decided to introduce the public to the new USB Type-C by equipping their model with this connector.

It turns out that USB Type-C is still a rarity? Essentially, yes. But the gradual implementation of this interface has begun and this is the most important thing.

Why is USB Type-C still not popular?

Many experts confidently say that one day USB Type-C will replace the variety of USB port options, becoming the only standard for various devices - laptops, PCs, smartphones, tablets, players, etc. In the future, most likely, this connector will indeed be replaced and a 3.5 mm headphone port, and an HDMI interface, used nowadays for video transmission.

However, why has USB Type-C not yet become mega-popular and widespread? Everything is extremely simple. In the event of a complete transition to this standard, all existing equipment will have to be scrapped. Be it a smartphone, tablet, PC, flash drive, etc.

What if you use adapter cables, all kinds of splitters and adapters? This is not an option. If the connected device does not support USB 3.1, then the connection is simply pointless, because the maximum data transfer speed and power support will not be achieved.