The future belongs to the new USB Type-C: everything you need to know about the connector. USB Type-C - what is it? Connector type, cable

Good afternoon, dear readers! Each laptop case has many different connectors for connecting an additional headset and peripheral devices.

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

Features of USB Type-C

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

• 8 pins carry out high-speed data exchange;
• others transmit a signal to a 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, provided full compatibility 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 damage to the gadget.

Application of the new USB standard

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

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

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

Special adapters, available in a wide range in specialized hardware stores, will help 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 universal capabilities. It was created to meet the innovative specification of the USB standard, which will soon make it possible to replace all existing options for connectors and adapters for more convenient use.

It is also impossible not to note the undeniable advantages new version 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 speed data transmission and universal purpose.

Sincerely,

A new version was shown in 2015 MacBook Air. At the presentation, Tim Cook, the head of Apple, as usual, talked about the new functions and capabilities of the device. There was one detail in it that interested not only Apple adherents. As you might have guessed, we were talking about a completely new USB Type-C connector.

What it is?

USB Type-C is an evolutionary development of the Universal Serial Bus (USB) format, which you have probably heard of and which is perhaps the most widespread technology in the field of mobile and peripheral devices.

This is precisely evolution, not revolution, although some individual moments can be called revolutionary. Thus, USB Type-C allows you to transfer not only files, but even video!

I would like to immediately talk about the designations USB Type-C and USB 3.1. They don't mean the same thing, although they go hand in hand: USB Type-C is a USB specification, USB 3.1 is essentially a numerical designation that refers to data transfer speed. Roughly speaking, USB Type-C works on USB 3.1 technology. By the way, the data transfer speed is very high - over 1200 MB/s versus 500 MB/s for USB 3.0!

Compare USB Type-C and USB Type-A:

And here it is shown USB comparison Type-C and microUSB (one of the most popular formats used in the mobile field):

What is the advantage of USB Type-C?

As was written above, in data transfer speed. But this is not the only advantage of this technology. Thus, USB 3.1 has a higher maximum power, which means that soon it will be possible to connect additional devices such as speakers without additional source nutrition. Just imagine - you took the speakers out into nature, connected them with via USB Type-C and listen to music!

Another huge plus is the current strength is as much as 5A. This allows you to charge your smartphone, tablet or any other device much faster. The main thing is that this device supports fast charging technology.

Finally, the plug can now be inserted in either direction - it is symmetrical. Until recently, such pleasure was available only for iPhone and iPad, and now for all other devices that use USB Type-C technology.

What devices use USB Type-C?

Many. These include laptops, tablets, and smartphones. It is likely that in the future the transition to USB Type-C for Android devices will accelerate significantly, since Google has advised manufacturers to use this interface in their future new products.

Google laptop:

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

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

I will not repeat the history of the emergence 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 flash drive or cable into a familiar USB socket in a certain position. How often have you been able to connect a device to the rear connector the first time? system unit the first time? And from the second? Well, maximum from the third.

True, it should be noted that the connector is reliable, can withstand a large number of connections, and is capable of withstanding (within reasonable limits, of course) mechanical loads. But these qualities also come with a drawback - for compact devices in its original form (Type-A) it is too bulky.

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

So, Type-C is a new connector standard that has finally (caps up and champagne corks in the ceiling) 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 for 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.

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

- Otherwise, you flush the water, and there might be...

- What could be there?

- Anything, 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 what version of the protocol there may be, because Type-C is a specification of the connector and what it MAY contain, but this is what is used in specific model tablet or laptop - this already depends on the manufacturer of this gadget.

Type-C - possibilities

As has already become, I hope, clear, the new connector is more than just USB, and much more. In, so to speak, a “basic” configuration, it provides USB 3.1 with all the advantages of this new version of the interface.

All other “buns” are alternative Type-C operating modes, which are marked in a certain way on the device’s body. Moreover, changes can lead to both an expansion of the capabilities used and the fact that USB 3.1 can be replaced by 3.0 or even 2.0. Here are the options that may appear on this moment, because the capabilities of this connector are far from being exhausted.

	DisplayPort. Via Type-C you can connect an external display with a maximum resolution of 3840 x 2400 pixels. This possibility should be marked either on the laptop case with a corresponding icon, or indicated in the specification for the device.
	HDMI. It is now possible to connect external devices without adapters, directly using HDMI version 1.4.
	Thunderbolt Supports Thunderbolt 3 compatibility mode.
	Power Delivery (PD). The specification of a new standard that provides current transmission of 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, for example, an external display. On the device body, such a connector is usually marked with PD letters and 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.
	Supports USB 3.1 Gen.1 protocol. Supports operating speeds up to 5 Gb/s.
	Supports USB 3.1 Gen.2 protocol. Supports operating speeds up to 10 Gb/s.

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

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

Another example is the Asus ZenBook 3 UX390UA ultrabook, which, apart from the audio jack, has only one Type-C installed. 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 USB interface 3.1 Gen.1. By the way, pay attention to the connector markings on the case. Everything is clear, clear and understandable.

Prospects

The specification for the next version of USB, 3.2, is currently under active development, while Type-C will be used, and the possibility of working with the PCI Express and Base-T Ethernet protocols is being explored. In general, this connector is the future, although it is not being promoted so actively yet. The reason is the 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. Having a single, universal connector is rather a blessing. The ability to connect power, a flash drive, and all sorts of other devices using one connector is tempting. There is only one “but”.

If power is connected through the port, or other devices are powered with its help, and at high powers, then you should pay special attention to the quality of the wires, adapters and hubs used. Low-quality products from Uncle Liao can lead to unpleasant consequences in the form of burned-out devices followed by expensive repairs.

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

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

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

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

In the article we will talk about the differences between USB Type-C and USB 3.1 and how the USB Power Delivery standard and the Type C port are similar.

Type-C is a new form of USB port

By its physical nature, the USB Type-C connector is a thinner port. The connector itself can support existing USB 3.1 and USB Power Delivery standards (USB PD for short). In fact, 3.1 and PD are “logical” varieties of USB, and Type-C is just the size, shape and type of port.

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

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

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

“Zoo” of various sizes of USB ports is nearing closing. The reason for this is the new USB standard Type-C, which has a huge advantage: the miniature geometric dimensions of the port. Its dimensions are approximately one third of the “old” USB Type-A. The new form factor can be placed in any device. No more collections of wires: both for external hard drive, and you only need one cable to charge your smartphone. At the same time, a tiny port can both fit into the body of a mobile device and serve as a source of electricity even for “gluttonous” peripheral devices. The cable ends on both sides with identical USB Type-C connectors.

The beautiful “chargers” of various shapes and colors will not go away, but the cable will be standard.

Unified Type-C standard

That’s right: a single standard, and so many “goodies” at once. There is something else: “Type C” (this is the English transcription of the name) is also attractive for its two-sided nature. You can insert the connector into this connector from either side. You no longer have to consider the direction of the “cord” in order to carefully insert it into the port.
While USB Type-C is just beginning its victorious march, data cables are an indispensable attribute of any computer household.

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

USB class size Type-C can work in various “protocol” modes. In practice, this means that one and only The port can also connect HDMI, VGA, DisplayPort cables or other types of computer connections to peripherals. Digital USB-C multiport adapter from Apple is an excellent example of the above. This adapter allows you to connect HDMI or VGA video outputs, large connectors to your computer USB old standard Type-A , and, of course, his family USB inputs Type-C . A bunch of all kinds of USB, HDMI, DisplayPort, VGA and other connectors that now decorate most laptops on all side edges can be replaced with just one type of port. Something similar has happened in recent years with mobile computer speakers - they are increasingly connected to the computer via USB, rather than through specific ports.

USB Power Delivery standard

Closely related to Type-C consists of another fresh standard of the consortium - USB PD. What is USB Power Delivery?

Many mobile devices- smartphones, tablets, pocket computers, can be charged from a computer when connected to it via USB. The USB 2.0 class port provides current transmission of up to 2.5 Watts - enough for leisurely recharging, but there was no need to think about more demanding devices: the average laptop, for example, requires up to 60 Watts.

USB Power Delivery specifications allow current transmission up to 100 W. Moreover, the direction of current can be bidirectional, so both devices connected by a USB cable can both send and receive electricity. At the same time as power supply is provided, data transmission is also possible. AND new MacBook, and Google's Pixel Chromebook can charge its batteries when connected via USB port Type-C. The new USB PD standard will allow you to forget about the numerous types of cables and connectors for powering laptops. Any device can be powered from a standard USB port. The current source for a laptop can be any newfangled “ external battery" You can connect the laptop to an external screen - and this display will share its current with the computer, while simultaneously showing the image sent to it by the computer via a small USB Type-C port.

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

Relationship between USB Type-C and USB 3.1

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

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

The first (USB Type-C) is just the geometric shape of the connector, nothing more. Inside this “geometry” you can embed the old man USB 2.0, and its descendant 3.0, and their successor 3.1. In principle, nothing prevents you from placing even the logic of a frankly “museum” USB 1.1 in Type-C.

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

Backwards compatible USB and new standard technologies

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

Now let's get back to the good stuff. USB 3.1 standard is fully compatible with previous versions USB, so connecting old peripherals to a USB Type-C port requires only a simple adapter. The devices will work, there will be no problems.

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

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

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

A timely and long-awaited update, this new connector. The pioneers of USB Type-C are the MacBook developers, but this technology will soon spread far beyond the Apple universe. Over time, other ports will become a thing of the past, and the transition to a new era will be as painless as possible. Whatever the readers' opinion about Apple, this time they have given way to a new standard that will be useful to everyone.

Moreover, the USB Type-C port can replace the Lightning interface, which is used only by smartphones and tablets of this corporation. Lightning has no special advantages over USB Type-C - it is beneficial Apple only because it receives royalties for its use.

Rapid development computer technology affects not only the main components of systems. The possibilities are increasing, including various interfaces. As for the most common method of connecting peripheral devices - USB - here, in general, we can state a multiple increase in productivity in recent years. Bandwidth The universal serial bus is increasing and its functionality is expanding. The connectors used to connect various USB devices are also undergoing changes. Today, many people hear about USB, and what are the advantages and disadvantages of the solution is the topic of this article.

Modern computer connectors

Looking around the body of almost any laptop, you can find a number of different ports located on the sides. Among them there is always USB, almost always HDMI and some others. Modern models are often equipped with the latest USB Type-C port. Many people don’t know what kind of connector this is, but it would be worthwhile to familiarize yourself with the capabilities of the port. Presumably, the connector will replace many other solutions in the future and become a truly universal standard. This is facilitated by the technical characteristics of the new method of pairing a computer and peripherals. The USB Type-C port offers users faster data transfer speeds, improved functionality, and a new level of usability. In short, the future of the standard looks very promising.

Multiple uses for one cable

Creators USB Type-C used a very simple idea when developing the standard. The user must have a single type of cable, and his computer equipment is equipped with one type of port. By using a unified interface, you can connect anything you want. For example, using USB cable Type-C, can be connected inherently different devices, presented hard drives, monitors, audio interfaces, smartphones, tablet PCs. Among other things, it becomes possible to use the connector in question even to charge a laptop.

USB-A

Today, almost all peripheral devices are connected to a PC via the usual USB-A connector. This port is firmly established in Computer World, has a rectangular shape that is familiar to everyone, and its use has become almost a standard for pairing flash drives, external keyboards, mice, hard drives, printers and many other devices. This monopoly is likely to be broken soon - the USB Type-C cable already takes its rightful place among the solutions used to connect many devices.

Change of concept

To connect devices to what has long been a standard USB-A port Various cables are used. The main difference between them is the connector located on the opposite side of the cable connected to the computer. This is almost always a different type of connector. For example, micro-USB is used for smartphones, while mini-USB is often used for other gadgets. To connect the printer, you will need a USB-B cable, and to connect storage devices, you will need a micro-USB-B cable. This variety causes some inconvenience and difficulty, because a user who owns several devices always needs to have a whole set of cables at hand. Designed to be uniform for all devices, i.e., the universal USB Type-C cable greatly simplifies this situation.

New format

With the development of the standard, it became possible to install a single connector design for all devices, as well as the same connector at both ends of the cable. How can you tell when you pick up a USB Type-C cable that this is it? The solution is a thin connector, oval in shape and significantly smaller in size compared to previous cable and connector formats of this type. In addition, USB 3 Type-C received the most important characteristic, represented by symmetry and reversibility. In general, it is very similar to the Lightning solution from Apple - very convenient, because you don’t need to waste time manipulating the cable to find the right way connections.

Future

Probably today we can say that after a certain time, the USB Type-C connector will turn into the only universal port for all peripheral devices. Thus, USB-A, B, micro-USB and mini, which complicate life so much, will be replaced ordinary users to date. All cables should become the same and be able to be used for any device. Of course, quick unification will not happen; too many functional devices with connectors other than USB Type-C are in use today and will be in use for several more years.

At the same time, we should not forget: the expansion of new solutions has already begun. Eg, USB flash drive Type-C is no longer uncommon on the shelves of computer stores. In addition, the fact that flagship devices are released from the most famous brands, equipped with the port in question, indicates that the described situation, i.e., the displacement of outdated connectors from the market will occur sooner or later. For compatibility with older solutions, you will have to use a USB Type-C adapter for now.

Compatibility

After reading the above, you can think about what to do with already purchased devices equipped with connector types other than USB Type-C. Need to say, this question shouldn't cause much concern. A wide variety of adapters have already been developed, produced and sold, allowing you to connect any device with a USB connector, regardless of its type. Adapters such as mini-USB - Type-C, micro-USB - Type-C and others are already widespread and perform their functions perfectly. The security principle, which has been used in computer technology for many years, no one is going to violate. If a new laptop or computer has a USB Type-C port, an adapter for other types of connector is a completely applicable and effective solution.

Learn more about the benefits of the connector

Of course, a simple revision of the design of the connector and port will not be a compelling reason to encourage the user to upgrade all of his existing peripherals, but performance is far from the only advantage of the new solution. The new format supports the most modern USB 3.1 protocol, which brings with it an increase in data transfer speed and greater versatility compared to previous versions that are used on devices equipped with USB-A.

Speed

More than two decades have passed since the presentation of the first version of the connector. At that time, the maximum speed at which data was transferred was 12 Mb/s. Today we can say, considering USBType-C, that this is the fastest interface for connecting peripheral devices from existing solutions. The USB 3.1 standard is capable of providing a data transfer rate of 10 Gb/s.

Performance

TO additional benefits The standard under consideration should certainly include performance, represented by the ability to provide power transmission of up to 100 W. This figure is enough to power almost any laptop, not to mention smartphones, tablets and other gadgets. In addition to energy, the new format supports the transfer of a huge amount of data per unit of time. For example, today video signals in 4K resolution are successfully transmitted via USB Type-C.

Versatility

Universal nature latest standard a wide range of practical applications opens up. Mass useful functions can be provided with a single cable. For example, you can connect an equipped USB-C laptop to a monitor with external power supply and charge the laptop battery while simultaneously watching video content. When storage devices are connected to the display, e.g. external drive, from a laptop you can access information stored on the media.

Disadvantages of USB Type-C

This connector is a brilliant new format that is sure to become a ubiquitous solution in the very near future. However, the initial stages of distribution and development, in which the standard is currently still in, do not provide a complete absence of dangers, as well as some confusion when using the connector.

Cheap accessories

The main problem that a user who decides to join modern trends may encounter is cheap, low-quality accessories and cables. In view of large quantities energy transmitted through USB Type-C connectors, using cables of insufficient quality may damage the paired devices. This factor must be taken into account by users without fail. When purchasing cables and adapters, you should choose products from reliable, trusted brands.

Confusion about standards

Another unpleasant issue that USB Type-C users may encounter today is caused by the fact that the standard in question relates more to the type of connector used than to the specifications of the interface itself. Therefore, it is quite likely that a device connected to a new connector will not work as fast as the owner of the device expected. The first generation uses USB 3.0 technology, providing maximum speed 5 Gb/s. The second generation of USB-C supports the 3.1 standard, the data transfer speed through which reaches 10 Gb/s. Problems with each of the ports arise due to the fact that they look the same, but during production ready-made solutions brands use different components even in lines of similar models. In other words, before purchasing a device with a USB Type-C connector, you need to check whether it matches the actual technical characteristics port to the required parameters.