💾 USB Type-C: what it is, how to tell, and what are the characteristics of?

What is a USB Type-C

USB Type-C - is the specification of a new connector for Universal Serial Bus. It serves, as before, to connect various peripheral devices and independent to each other. From previous versions differ primarily symmetrical structure. That is, you can plug any side, unlike type A, which had to turn if not "hit" the first time.

The apparatus and pinout

Connector itself slightly more compact their counterparts of type A or B and has dimensions 8.4 × 2.6 mm. All contacts in the standard - 24. The standard provides four pairs of contacts for power and ground, 2 pairs for normal data transmission, 4 pairs to high-speed transmission, two auxiliary contact, two for determining the orientation of contact for the configuration data and power to 5V.

Main characteristics

Since it coincided that, together with the development of the specification type C standard was introduced, and 3.1, most often it is used in the devices. And hence it takes over all its properties. For example, the generation 1 is capable of transmitting data at a rate of 5Gb / s, and 2 generation is 10 Gbit / s. An interesting new feature is the fact that the USB Type-C can be operated alternatively with other known specifications: DisplayPort, HDMI and Thunderbolt. Naturally, if appropriate adapters and cables.

Advantages and disadvantages

As a rule, these technologies are based on the experiences of previous decisions and specifications. Taking into account all the shortcomings of previous versions and are eliminated in the new. Therefore, as such obvious shortcomings new connector does not. Unless backward compatibility, which withdrew due course, after the growth of a USB Type-C devices on board.

As for the benefits, the first thing that catches the eye - symmetry. Now you can connect any device almost without looking. You can also acknowledge the support of other alternative interfaces, which ultimately can lead to a universal connector, when it will be possible to use the same type of cables for different applications. Well, a nice bonus, you can call the increased strength of the current that can be passed through the port. And it will be very relevant for devices that require additional power.

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

Perhaps almost simultaneous creation of specifications USB Type-C and USB 3.1 have created confusion in the fact that it is one and the same. This is not quite true. USB Type-C - is the connector specification and USB 3.1 - interface.

That is a different tire characteristics. Despite the fact that when using the USB Type-C is used USB 3.1, yet the interface is not attached to the connector, and thus can be used and 2.0.

Which devices use USB Type-C

Gradually the list of supported standard device increases. Including the followers of non-standard types: Apple company also began to introduce a new plug in their devices.

computers

Naturally, this kind of art should first master the new standard. Pioneers can be called laptops from Apple - MacBook 12 '' MacBook Pro and 2016. However, there is only one port. Now, almost every laptop from different manufacturers must contain at least one port Type-C. And for the support of older versions of them is also a Type-A.

Smartphones

Mobile phones are also trying to keep up with trends, and component manufacturers of connector Type-C. First pulled brands from high places, and then the other, better known. One of the first this standard got Leagoo KIICAA Mix, Alcatel 5, Sony Xperia L1, Xiaomi Mi A1, Blackview P2 lite.

How to choose a USB Type-C

Specifications of the new connector is quite extensive and offers great opportunities for use. It can be used in a variety of tasks for a variety of devices.

to charge

The new standard requires that the charger can charge to use the power up to 100 watts. But since there is a wide range of settings, and power used can be changed in different gradations. This is sometimes the problem lies. Manufacturers may limit the charging currents for their devices, and thus, if connected with a high charge power using a cable with low allowable current, the device's battery charging process will be very long. That is, it is desirable to select the cable within the borders of power values, which is charging.

For the transmission of video and audio

USB Type-C is well suited for the specifications for the transmission of video and sound. For this, he is able to support alternative modes of transmission: HDMI, VGA and Thunderbolt. Depending on the presence on the video device, e.g., a TV input may be used one of the standards - HDMI, VGA or Thunderbolt 3. Although many TVs and monitors has slowly grows its ports USB Type-C, does not require any adapters, and adapters.

To connect additional devices

Although the amount of support the USB Type-C devices is constantly growing, yet the transition will be long. But as the new standard perfectly supports high speed, on sale there are various hubs and adapters, allowing painlessly connect anything. The simplest hub with the USB Type-C to be found for 1000 rubles for the Type-A. In general, the cost of a direct assignment costs the same cable.

For the maximum data rate

To ensure maximum speed, you need to choose cable with interface USB 3.1. This will allow to transfer data at speeds up to 10 Gbit / s. For higher performance have to use an alternative mode type Thunderbolt 3 or MHL, which allows to accelerate to 20 or even 40 Gbit / s.

Recommendations for the use of USB Type-C

While the standard is still in the implementation phase, will occur compatibility problems. That is why the device developers have provided with their gadgets and the new connector, and the older USB Type A. Naturally, at this stage, on prices adapters, adapters and cables are quite high.

By the way, do not buy on the cheaper counterparts adapters with Type-C to any other standard. The fact that the specification is very difficult to organize a correct transition from one standard to another. And many of China's semi-basement factory does not implement a mechanism for determining the current configuration for the cable channel to the desired degree. As a result, the port may be provided incorrect information about the device capacity that can threaten the failure of ports, power supplies or hubs.

In general, the standard is attractive and effective. Maybe that it will lead to the unification of connectors and ports so you can connect via the same cable anything - from smart phones to monitor. The main objective of the standard is now - "win" as many devices.