USB type c charger. Types of USB connectors

New standard USB Type-C is still not widely developed on the market, but manufacturers are gradually adopting new technology. In smartphones, USB-C can already be called a new trend, because it is not only an improved charging connector, but also a means to abandon the traditional 3.5 mm headphone port. Today we will talk in more detail about USB Type-C, and this article will tell you what it is.

Today, almost all electronic devices are equipped with a USB connector. From desktop computers to smartphones and a variety of laptop storage devices. USB is a ubiquitous standard when it comes to connecting peripherals or transferring data between devices. The last major USB update came in 2013 with the release of USB 3.1, accompanied by the release of a new Type-C connector. As you can see, almost 4 years have passed since then, and Type-C has not taken root.

Currently, you can count on one hand the number of devices on the market that use USB Type-C technology. Among computers, these are the latest laptops from Apple, from Google, a line from Samsung and several more hybrid devices. Among the smartphones - mainly the flagships of the outgoing year:, and.

So why is USB Type-C better than its predecessors? Let's find out.

What is USB Type-C

USB Type-C is a new and currently actively developing industry data transfer standard for computers and mobile devices. The main and most significant innovation of Type-C is a modified connector - universal, symmetrical, capable of working on either side. The USB-C connector was invented by the USB Implementers Forum, a group of companies that developed and certified the new USB standard. It also includes the largest technology companies, namely Apple, Samsung, Dell, HP, Intel and Microsoft. By the way, this is important to know, because USB Type-C was easily accepted by most PC manufacturers.

USB-C is the new standard

First of all, you need to know that USB Type-C is a new industry standard. Just like they once were USB 1.1, USB 2.0, USB 3.0 or the most latest usb 3.1. Only previous generations of USB were more focused on increasing data transfer speeds and various other improvements, while Type-C from a physical point of view changes the connector design in a similar way to technology modifications - MicroUSB and MiniUSB. However, the decisive difference in this case is that, unlike MicroUSB and MiniUSB, Type-C is aimed at replacing absolutely all standards, on both sides (example USB-MicroUSB).

Main characteristics:

• 24 signal pins
• USB 3.1 support
• Alternate mode for implementing third-party interfaces
• Speed ​​up to 10 Gbps
• Power transmission up to 100 W
• Dimensions: 8.34x2.56 mm

USB Type-C and USB 3.1

One of the possible questions for those who do not know about USB Type-C could be something like this: what does USB 3.1 have to do with USB Type-C? The fact is that USB 3.1 is the main data transfer protocol for Type-C. The speed of version 3.1 is 10 Gbps - in theory, this is 2 times faster than USB 3.0. USB 3.1 can also be presented in the original connector format - this port is called USB 3.1 Type-A. But today it is much easier to find USB 3.1 with a new Type-C universal connector.

USB versions

To better understand why Type-C will become a replacement for traditional USB versions, it is first necessary to understand the difference between them. There are different versions of USB, and even different connectors - for example, Type-A and Type-B.

USB versions belong to a common standard, but they differ in the maximum data transfer speed and operating power. Of course, there are many other factors.

USB 1.1
Although USB 1.0 is technically the first version of USB, it failed to fully reach the market. Instead it was released a new version USB 1.1 - it just became the first standard to which we are all accustomed. USB 1.1 can transfer data at 12 Mbps and consumes a maximum of 100 mA of current.

USB 2.0
The second version of USB was introduced in April 2000. It provided the standard with a significant increase in maximum data transfer speed - up to 480 Mbit per second. USB 2.0 has also become more powerful, consuming 1.8A at 2.5V.

USB 3.0
The release of USB 3.0 brought with it not only the expected improvements in data transfer speed and power, but also new types of connectors. Moreover, USB 3.0 even got its own color - the new version of the standard was designated blue to valiantly distinguish it from older generations of USB. USB 3.0 can operate at speeds of up to 5 Gbps, using 5V at 1.8A for its operation. By the way, this version was presented in November 2008.

USB 3.1
The newest and most best version USB was released in July 2013, although it is still not widely used. USB 3.1 can provide users with a throughput of up to 10 Gbps with a maximum power consumption of 5V/1A, or optionally 5A/12V (60 W) or 20V (100 W).

Type-A
Type-A is the classic USB interface. The short and rectangular plug became the original design for USB and remains the standard connector for use at the host end of a USB cable to this day. There are also some variations of Type-A - Mini Type-A and Micro Type-A, but these have never been widely accepted by the public due to the complex nature of the socket. Currently, both of these Type-A variations are considered obsolete.

Type-B
If Type-A has become one side of the USB cable we are used to, Type-B is the other. The original Type-B is a tall connector with beveled top corners. Commonly found on printers, although itself an extension of the USB 3.0 standard to introduce new connectivity options. The classic MiniUSB and MicroUSB are also available in Type-B versions, along with the absolutely clunky MicroUSB 3.0, which uses additional plugs.

Type-C
So, after Type-A and Type-B, we come, obviously, to the newest Type-C. Type-A and Type-B versions were supposed to work together with each other through backward compatibility, but the arrival of Type-C completely ruined these plans, since USB-C involves a complete replacement of outdated USB connection technologies. Also, Type-C was designed in a special way so that additional variants such as Mini or Micro would not need to be released at all. This, again, is due to the intentions to replace all current connectors with USB Type-C.

The main feature of the Type-C standard is the versatility or symmetry of the connector. USB-C can be used on both sides, similar to Apple's Lightning technology - no more special sides for connection, which are also difficult to find in the dark. Also, the Type-C version is based on USB 3.1, which means it supports all the benefits latest version, including the highest speed.

USB-C is still backwards compatible with existing USB variants, but this use case will of course require adapters.

Disadvantages of USB Type-C

Naturally, the new USB Type-C standard also has problems. One of the main and most serious concerns of the latest version of the technology is the physical design of the connector - it is very fragile due to its symmetrical design. Apple, despite the same versatility of its Lightning, uses a durable metal plug that is much more resistant to external influences.

Even more pressing and of significant concern USB problem Type-C is an unregulated connector, which has led to a number of dangerous accessories being sold. Some of these accessories, by using unsupported voltage levels, can fry the connected device. For example, this was the case with the flagship, which was magnificent at the start, which subsequently began to first ignite and then completely explode in the hands, trousers, cars and apartments of its owners.

This problem has led to an obvious and only solution - a massive ban on the production and sale of non-original accessories that support USB Type-C. Thus, if an accessory does not meet USB Implementers Forum Inc. standard specifications, the product will not be approved for sale. Also, to check the operating status and authenticity of various third-party accessories, USB-IF has introduced software protected by 128-bit encryption, which will allow devices with this connector to automatic check connected device or accessory with USB-C.

Minuses:

• Design. The design of USB Type-C is good, but the design has suffered - it is quite fragile. Apple uses an all-metal plug in its Lightning, while Type-C uses an oval shape with the signal pins placed in the central part.
• Connector operation. Allowing USB Type-C to operate at unsupported voltage levels will likely cause the cable and/or device to catch fire.
• Compatibility. USB Type-C is an innovation in the USB world, but newest generation leaves old devices in the past because it does not support working with them.
• Adapters. To fully work with USB Type-C on older devices, you will have to buy additional adapters. This is an additional waste of money.

Benefits of USB Type-C

Despite all of the above, USB Type-C can confidently be called a step forward for the industry. Installing this connector will allow manufacturers to make thinner computers and mobile devices with fewer ports, higher data transfer speeds and headphones. In the future, if USB Type-C becomes popular, the connector will be able to replace not only the 3.5 mm headphone port, but also HDMI, the interface used for video transmission. Thus, USB Type-C will replace the connectors that are familiar today and will become a universal standard in any situation.

Pros:

• Symmetry. USB Type-C allows you to forget about situations where you have to remember which side to insert the cable into the connector. Also, from now on you don’t have to worry about not finding the right side of the USB in the dark.
• Compactness. The dimensions of USB Type-C are 8.4x2.6 mm - this allows manufacturers to make computers and mobile devices much thinner.
• Versatility. Thanks to the integration of a single connector, it will be possible to charge both a laptop, a tablet or a smartphone with one cable.

It is impossible to imagine a modern person without electronic devices. Smartphones, tablets, music players and laptops are found in almost every family today. Each of these devices has its own use and therefore each functions in its own unique way. However, there is something that in one form or another unites them all. And this is the presence of USB ports.

One day in 1994, 7 of the world's leading technology companies created a new standard for connecting computer peripherals. This is how the Universal Serial Bus appeared, which for short is called USB.

Today it is truly a universal standard, and it is difficult to find an electronic device that does not have a USB port of one type or another. But how do you know which cable is suitable for it? This guide will help you determine the type of USB connector and select the appropriate plug.

Variety of options

Almost all modern computers and electronic devices have some form of USB connection and come complete with the appropriate cables. Does it matter which one is used, and what are all these differences for? This is really important for now, but it may change in the future.

In the mid-1990s. The universal bus became an industry standard, which made it possible to streamline the connection of computer peripherals. It has replaced a number of earlier interfaces and is now the most popular connector type in consumer devices.

However, it is still difficult to understand all the varieties of USB.

If the standard was supposed to be universal, why are there so many of them? different types? Each of them serves a different purpose, mainly ensuring compatibility when new devices with better specifications are released. Below are the most common types of USB connectors.

Type-A

Most cables and peripherals (such as keyboards, mice, and joysticks) have a Type A connector. Personal computers, laptops and netbooks usually have several ports of this form. Additionally, many other devices and power adapters use them for data transfer and/or charging. The connector has a flat rectangular shape and is the most recognizable and used. The USB Type-A pinout is as follows:

1. +5V - voltage +5 V.
2. D- - data.
3. D+ - data.
4. GND - ground.

All versions of USB standards retain the same form factor for Type-A, so they are mutually compatible. However, USB 3.0 connectors have 9 pins instead of 4, which are used to provide faster data transfer speeds. They are located so as not to interfere with the operation of pins of previous versions of the standard.

Type-B

This is an almost square-shaped connector that is mainly used to connect printers, scanners and other devices with their own power to a computer. Sometimes it can be found on external drives. These days, this type of connector is much less common than Type-A connections.

The connection form in version 3.0 of the standard has been changed, so backward compatibility is not supported, although the new type of ports accepts older modifications of plugs. The reason for this is that Type-B USB 3.0 has 9 pins for faster data transfer, while Powered-B has 11 pins, 2 of which provide additional power.

Again, as with Type-A, physical compatibility different versions does not indicate speed or functionality support.

Basic Concepts

Before attempting to understand the differences between types A and B, it is necessary to understand the concepts of host, receptor, and port.

The slot located on the front or back of the computer case (host) into which one end of the USB cable is inserted is called a port. An electronic device that needs to be charged or into which data needs to be transferred (such as a smartphone or tablet) is called a receptor.

The most popular USB standard is Type A, which can be seen at the end of almost every USB cable inserted into a host slot today. Most often, Type-A ports are equipped desktop computers, game consoles and media players.

Type B connectors are found at the end of a regular USB cable that connects to a peripheral device, such as a smartphone, printer, or hard drive.

Benefits of USB

The standard simplifies the installation and replacement of equipment by reducing all communications to serial data transmission over twisted pair cables and identification of the connected device. If you add grounding and power here, you get a simple 4-wire cable, inexpensive and easy to manufacture.

The standard defines the way the peripheral interacts with the host. If you are not using USB On the Go (OTG), which allows you to limit the capabilities of the host, a direct connection is made. The USB device is not able to initiate communication, only the host can do this, so even if you have a cable with the appropriate connectors, the connection will not work without it. Additionally, since wires carry both power and data, connecting two hosts without an intermediary device can be disastrous, causing high currents, short circuits, and even fires.

Mini

The connector was standard for mobile devices before the advent of micro-USB. As the name suggests, mini-USB is smaller than normal and is still used in some cameras. The connector has 5 pins, of which 1 serves as an identifier for OTG support, allowing mobile devices and other peripherals to act as a host. The USB Mini pinout is as follows:

1. +5V - voltage +5 V.
2. D- - data.
3. D+ - data.
4. ID - host/receptor identifier.
5. GND - ground.

Micro

This is the current connector standard for mobile and portable devices. It has been adopted by almost every manufacturer except Apple. Its physical dimensions are smaller than Mini-USB, but it supports high data transfer rates (up to 480 Mbps) and OTG capabilities. The shape is easily recognizable thanks to the compact 5-pin design.

The Lightning connector is not a USB standard, but rather an Apple proprietary connection for iPad and iPhone. It is similar to micro USB and is compatible with all Apple devices made after September 2012. Older models use a different and much larger proprietary connector.

Type-C

It is a reversible connector that promises faster data transfer and more power than previous types. It is increasingly used as a standard for laptops and even some phones and tablets, and has been approved by Apple for Thunderbolt 3.

Type C is a new solution and promises to be everything to everyone. It is smaller, faster and can receive and transmit much more power than previous versions.

Apple shocked the world when it introduced a new MacBook with a single... USB-C port. This will likely be the start of a trend.

You can read more about USB-C at the end of this article.

Nuances of micro-USB

Those of you who have an Android phone or tablet definitely have a micro USB cable as well. Even the most die-hard Apple fans can't avoid them, as they are the most common type of connector used for things like external power blocks, speakers, etc.

Owners of many gadgets may find that these cables become plentiful over time, and since they are usually interchangeable, you may never have to buy them separately unless they get lost or fail all at once.

When shopping for a micro-USB cable, it may be tempting to go for the cheapest option, but as is often the case, this is a bad idea. Poor quality wires and plugs can easily break and become useless. Therefore, it is better to save yourself from future problems by purchasing a quality product from a reputable manufacturer, even if it costs a little more.

Another thing worth mentioning is the cable length. The short ones are great for transport, but they often mean you have to sit on the floor next to an outlet while your phone charges. Conversely, a cable that is too long can be awkward to carry, can become tangled, and can potentially cause injury.

0.9m is a good length for a charging cable. It allows you to keep your phone while connected to the battery in your bag or pocket, ideal for playing Pokemon Go or simply using your phone while traveling for long periods of time.

If you frequently recharge from third-party USB ports to comply with safety precautions or when the device charges slowly, this may solve the problem. special cable, preventing data transfer. An alternative is a network adapter.

Another issue that can be problematic is the fact that the connectors on most USB cables (except USB-C) are not interchangeable and often require several attempts to connect correctly. Some manufacturers have attempted to fix this. However, not all devices support this feature.

What is USB OTG?

It is a standard that allows portable and mobile devices to act as hosts.

Let's say you have an external drive, a laptop and a smartphone. What do you need to do to copy files from the disk to your phone? The easiest way is to move them from external storage to a laptop, and from it to a smartphone. USB OTG allows you to connect the drive directly to your phone, thereby bypassing the need for an intermediary.

And that is not all! There are many other ways to use OTG. You can connect any device to your smartphone USB device, be it a flash drive, wireless mouse, keyboard, headphones, card readers, game controllers, etc.

USB cables

In a connected world, wired connections between various electronic devices play an important role. The demand for them is so high that tens of millions of USB cables are produced every year around the world.

Technologies are constantly developing and improving, as well as the corresponding ones peripherals. The same trend of upgrades holds true for USB connectors, but with so many versions and types of USB standards, it can become difficult to keep track of which USB is best suited for which functions. To do this, it is necessary to understand their basic differences.

USB types

The different versions of USB, such as 2.0 and 3.0, relate to the functionality and speed of the USB cable, and their type (such as A or B) mainly refers to the physical design of the connectors and ports.

The USB 1.1 standard (1998) is designed for a throughput of 12 Mbps, a voltage of 2.5 V and a current of 500 mA.

USB 2.0 (2000) is distinguished by the “HI-SPEED” marking on the USB logo. Provides speeds of 480 Mbps at a voltage of 2.5 V and a current of 1.8 A.

Adopted in 2008, USB 3.0 supports 5 Gbps at 5 V and 1.8 A.

USB 3.1, available since 2015, provides speeds of 10 Gbps at 20 V and 5 A.

The latter standard provides higher throughput and is for the most part backward compatible with more earlier versions. Standard-A connectors are identical to previous versions of Type-A, but are usually colored blue to distinguish them. They are fully backwards compatible, but increased speeds are only available if all components are USB 3 compatible. Standard-B and micro versions have additional pins for increased bandwidth and are not compatible with USB 3. previous versions. Older USB Type-B and Micro-B cables and connectors can be used with USB 3.0 ports, but will not improve speed.

Type C Connector Specifications

The name made headlines in technical magazines around the world when Apple company released 12" Macbook. This is the first laptop to include a Type-C design.

From a physical point of view, the connector is similar to the existing version USB Micro-B. Its dimensions are 8.4 x 2.6 mm. Thanks to its small form factor, it can easily fit into even the smallest peripherals used today. One of the many advantages of Type-C over other existing solutions is that it allows connections in reverse orientation, meaning the plug will always be inserted correctly on the first try! The connector is designed in such a way that you don't have to worry about it being upside down.

Type-C supports the USB 3.1 standard and provides a maximum speed of 10 Gbps. It also has a significantly higher power output of up to 100W at 20V and 5A. Since laptops typically consume 40-70W, this means Type C easily covers their power requirements. Another functionality offered by USB Type-C is bidirectional power. In other words, you can not only charge your smartphone through a laptop, but also vice versa.

Type-C has received rave reviews from users around the world and has appeared in the popular Chromebook Pixel and Nexus 6P smartphones, as well as the Nokia N1 tablet.

We can confidently say that in the coming years all electronic devices will be equipped with ports of this type. This will make working with them easy and convenient. All you need is a single Type-C cable, which will eventually eliminate the tangled tangle of wires in your desk drawer.

Although the specifications were first published in 2014, the technology only really took off in 2016. Today, it has become a viable replacement not only for older USB standards, but also for others such as Thunderbolt and DisplayPort. The new Type-C audio solution is also a potential replacement for the 3.5mm headset jack. Type C is closely intertwined with other new standards: USB 3.1 provides more bandwidth and USB Power Delivery - better power delivery.

Connector shape

USB Type-C is a new tiny connector that's barely the size of a microUSB. It supports various new standards such as USB 3.1 and USB PD.

The usual connector that everyone is familiar with is Type-A. Even after the transition from USB 1.0 to 2.0 and further to modern devices, it remained the same. The connector is just as chunky as before and only connects when oriented correctly (which obviously never works the first time). But as devices got smaller and thinner, massive ports simply weren't suitable anymore. This led to many other forms of USB connectors such as Mini and Micro.

This inconvenient array of connectors of various shapes for devices of all sizes is finally becoming a thing of the past. Type C is the new standard of very small size. It is about a third of the old USB Type-A. This is a single standard that all devices must use, so to connect an external drive to a laptop or charge a smartphone from a charger, you only need one cable. This tiny connector is small enough to fit into an ultra-thin smartphone, but powerful enough to connect all your peripherals. The cable itself has identical Type C connectors on both ends.

Type-C has many advantages. The orientation of the connector doesn't matter, so you no longer have to flip the plug over and over again trying to find the right position. This is a single form of USB connector that everyone should accept, so for various devices no need to have a large number of different USB cables with different plugs. And there won’t be many different ports taking up scarce space on increasingly thin gadgets.

What's more, Type-C connectors can also support multiple protocols using "alternate modes" which allow you to have adapters capable of outputting HDMI, VGA, DisplayPort, or other types of connections from that single connection. A good example of this is the Apple Multiport Adapter, which allows you to connect HDMI, VGA, USB Type-A and Type-C. Thus, the many connectors on regular laptops can be reduced to one type of port.

Nutrition

The USB PD specification is also closely intertwined with Type-C. Currently USB connection 2.0 provides up to 2.5 W of power. This is only enough to charge your phone or tablet. The specification, supported by the USB-C standard, provides power supply of up to 100 W. This connection is bidirectional, so the device can both charge and charge through it. In this case, data transmission can occur simultaneously. The port allows you to charge even a laptop, which usually requires up to 60 W.

IN Apple MacBook Google's Chromebook Pixel uses USB-C for charging, eliminating all proprietary power cables. At the same time, it becomes possible to charge laptops from portable batteries, which are usually used to charge smartphones and other electronics. And if you connect the laptop to an external display powered from the mains, then its battery will be charged.

However, keep in mind that the presence of a Type C connector does not automatically support USB PD. Therefore, before purchasing devices and cables, you need to make sure that they are compatible with both standards.

Transfer rates

USB 3.1 is the latest Universal Serial Bus standard with a theoretical throughput of 10 Gbps, which is twice the data transfer speed of first-generation Thunderbolt and USB 3.0.

But Type-C is not the same as USB 3.1. This is just the shape of the connector, and the technology behind it can be based on standards 2.0 or 3.0. For example, the Nokia N1 tablet uses USB Type C version 2.0. However, these technologies are closely related. When purchasing, you just need to pay attention to the details and make sure that the device or cable you are purchasing supports the USB 3.1 standard.

backward compatibility

The physical Type C connector, unlike the basic standard, is not backward compatible. You can't plug older USB devices into today's tiny Type-C port, and you can't plug a USB-C plug into a larger, older port. But this does not mean that you will have to get rid of all the old peripherals. USB 3.1 is still compatible with previous versions, so you only need a physical USB-C adapter. And you can already connect old devices directly to it.

In the near future, many computers will have both Type-C USB connectors and larger Type-A connectors, like the Chromebook Pixel. This way, users will be able to gradually migrate from older devices by connecting new ones to USB Type-C. But even if the computer is manufactured with only Type C ports, adapters and hubs will fill this gap.

Type-C is a worthy upgrade. Although this port has already appeared in laptops and some smartphones, this technology is not limited to them. Over time, all types of devices will be equipped with it. One day, the standard could even replace the Lightning connector used in iPhones and iPads. Apple's port doesn't have many advantages over USB Type-C, other than the fact that the technology is patented and the company can charge a licensing fee.

Lately, surprising people is even easier than it seems. When they showed us the USB Type-C connector, everyone just gasped, because it’s so cool, now you can charge your device the first time even at night. But is it worth it? Maybe USB Type-C is not as good as it seems? Maybe he is not needed at all now? Yes maybe…

Lately, surprising people is even easier than it seems. When they showed us the USB Type-C connector, everyone just gasped, because it’s so cool, now you can charge your device the first time even at night. But is it worth it? Maybe USB Type-C is not as good as it seems? Maybe he is not needed at all now?

Yes, maybe being able to charge your smartphone when you're drunk is good. Or maybe this is just another marketing ploy by large companies so that you will once again buy yourself a new tablet or smartphone? In this article, we described five reasons why you don’t need USB Type-C right now.

1. USB Type-C does not mean “fast charging”

One of the most common myths about this connector is that it will charge your devices faster. This is wrong. This is just a new version of the connector. Type-C is the same as previous standards; fast charging has nothing to do with it. Despite the fact that it supports the USB 3.1 standard, which brings a number of improvements, you should not think that this will be the case on all smartphones.

OnePlus 2 is the most striking example of this. It has a USB Type-C connector, but it's USB 2.0, which doesn't give it any advantage other than a "universal" cable over older smartphones. In addition, there is not yet a single smartphone that supports the new type of connector and fast battery charging mode.

2. There won’t be huge data transfer speeds either.

The second myth is that it will allow you to transfer data at the speed of light compared to older solutions. Here, too, everything depends on industry standards such as USB 2.0, 3.0, 3.1. It is these standards that determine the data transfer speed, but not the shape of the cable.

3. You will have to keep it as the “apple of your eye”

If you are planning to go somewhere on vacation and forgot your MicroUSB cable at home, then there is nothing to worry about, because you can charge your smartphone with a charger from your tablet, or you can even use someone else’s cable for charging, because this standard distributed throughout the world.

But the owners of the same OnePlus 2 will have to endure for who knows how long and carry the cable all the time in their pocket or backpack. After all, if your smartphone’s battery dies, there will simply be nowhere to charge it. That is why devices with such connectors need to be purchased at least a year later, when there will already be a sufficient number of smartphones/tablets with this type on the market charger. So you shouldn’t chase the desire to get into the connector even at night, because this will lead to another significant problem that I described above.

4. The cable is rare and expensive

If you suddenly lose your cable, you will have a hard time. Firstly, it is almost impossible to find it in a short time. Secondly, if you find it, its value is much higher than you think. And all because now the demand for this product is minimal.

5. Old accessories will become useless

Surely, like me, you have a huge box of various trinkets and accessories for your smartphone. Once you buy a main device with a USB Type-C connector, they will all become useless in an instant. Since the “old” Type-A connectors are physically incompatible with the new cable type. Of course, special adapters will help you, but think about it, is it worth it?

Strangely, I haven't met a single person who could actually say that they don't like the standard MicroUSB connector. Is it such a big problem to insert the cable correctly into the smartphone port? However, statistics supposedly show that users are incredibly irritated when they cannot immediately insert the cable correctly. Yes, it will probably be annoying if you try to do it by touch in the dark. Be that as it may, we have come to a new standard - USB Type-C, which may become a panacea for some problems and complaints. However, it is worth talking about the problems that USB Type-C may have.

1. USB Type-C does not support fast charging

One of the most common misconceptions about USB Type-C is that this port supports fast charging or very fast data transfer. This is wrong. USB Type-C is not a new standard that allows you to work with your smartphone in a different way. This is only a physically new form, but in fact it could be USB 3.1, but some manufacturers hide the old USB 2.0 under this port. To make matters worse, I haven't come across any USB Type-C smartphones that actually support fast charging. So be careful.

2. USB Type-C does not support fast data transfer

The second misconception about USB Type-C is that it supports fast data transfer, almost at the speed of light. Again, this is not true. We can work with such a connector, but it will be USB 2.0, 3.0 or 3.1. So don't expect a smartphone with such a connector to take less time to load a movie or huge amount photographs.

It is theoretically possible to get a speed of 10 Gbps, but provided that it is a USB 3.1 Type-C cable. If your laptop or computer has an older USB connector, then there is definitely nothing to talk about. It will be a pipe dream for you to download a movie in 4k resolution in a few seconds.

3. USB-C Type can be a headache when traveling

If you suddenly forgot your MicroUSB cable while traveling, you can easily use a spare one and ask someone else to borrow one. I mean, it's not even a problem really. Standard MicroUSB cables are very common and everyone has one if they have a smartphone or tablet.

However, I can tell you about one unpleasant incident when the owner of the OnePlus 2 smartphone came to Berlin for the IFA 2015 exhibition, but accidentally forgot to take a USB Type-C cable with him. You won't believe it, but at the exhibition mobile technology this turned out to be a huge problem because no one could help - simply no one had the same cable. And this brings us to the next...

4. USB Type-C cable is rare and expensive

It’s strange, but no matter how hard manufacturers try to praise this type of USB, such a cable will still be very difficult to find. They are even more expensive and not all hardware stores have heard of them. This is due to extremely low demand. So, even if you have a lot of cash to buy a spare cable on the road, it is not a fact that you will find a store where you can buy a USB Type-C cable.

5. All current accessories become useless

If you have a bunch of additional accessories at home that you used with your old smartphone, then you will either have to discard them and buy new ones, or look for an adapter from MicroUSB to USB Type-C. Today, very few accessories are made with the new port, and they are not physically compatible with your new smartphone.

We are on the verge of significant changes - the classic and familiar USB 2.0 and 3.0 ports are being replaced by a new, backwards compatible type of connector. Despite its external convenience, symmetry and visual simplicity, the list of USB Type-C capabilities is not only impressive, but at the same time it is 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 connectors for PC equipment peripherals combined with high data transfer rates. Since 2001, the USB 2.0 connector (as well as its various variations) has become a universal connection standard for any peripheral. The key to fifteen years of USB success is simplicity, because there are only four contacts inside that provide the connected device with power and communication.

What was an advantage in the 2000s has become a bottleneck for modern devices - USB ports can no longer cope with the volume of information growing almost exponentially, users appreciate the advantages of symmetrical (and fast!) mobile reversible connectors (such as Apple Lightning), cables in which you can insert on 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 existing problem by mechanically increasing the number of additional pins to five, which increased the maximum throughput from 480 MBit/s to 5 Gbit/s, and the maximum current increased from 500 mA to 900 mA. The new connector also received its own distinctive marking - a blue socket. USB 3.0 connectors require 9 pins to operate.

Let's figure out how much the USB Type-C / USB-C / USB C connector differs from its predecessors, what prospects and difficulties are fraught with the transition to a new type of connector, and what types of cables it will be able to replace in the near future.

The confusion starts with the name: “USB Type-C”, “USB-C” and “USB C” are different names one connector that can work with different protocols. Until a common name is settled, we'll stick with the USB Type-C name - although the general trend points to 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 subsequent level is backward compatible with the levels below it.

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

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

This good example, which clearly demonstrates in practice why, despite the same USB Type-C connector, Thunderbolt 3 peripherals cannot be connected to the Macbook 12, however, any accessories and peripherals for the Macbook 12 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, this classic USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 - this is relevant 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. The most modern mobile devices (for example l) support a USB 3.0 connection.

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

If your mobile device, for example an Android smartphone, is equipped with a Micro-USB port (or its modification Micro-USB B) operating under the USB 2.0 protocol, you can use a cable, or. The maximum data transfer speed will be limited to 480 Mbps.

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

USB 3.1 gen 2 protocol is similar to the previous one, but doubles the bandwidth of USB peripherals to 10 Gbps. Only the newest USB-C devices support it.

USB 3.1 and USB Type-C connections support both external drives, For example .

Examples of accessories that provide 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 with the analog 3.5mm jack in the future.

Connection mode Alternate Mode - includes all other non-USB protocols: 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 branded adapters with USB Type-C from Apple are available: and adapter, but also options from other manufacturers, for example.

But there are also advantages - transmitting a video stream via a USB Type-C port does not in any way affect its energy capabilities, because as many as four high-speed lines can be allocated for 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 is 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 was increased to 0.5 A, which made it possible to receive 2.5 Watts from it to power, for example, external hard drives 2.5" format It is not surprising that 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 W. Compared to these numbers, the 100W transmission capability is truly impressive!

To ensure the transfer of such an amount of energy, the supply voltage can increase to 20 Volts. The Secondary Bus and USB Power Delivery Communication pins are for selecting desired mode work between connected gadgets - after all, if the device is not capable of accepting 100W of energy, it will simply burn out! Thanks to pre-communication, compatible devices enter an advanced operating mode with enhanced power capabilities.

There are five such profiles in total: “profile 1” guarantees the ability to transmit 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, e.g.

The prospects for USB Type-C or USB-C are very bright. In addition to Apple, both high-performance desktops (motherboards) and mobile devices are beginning to be equipped with USB Type-C ports. So far, the leading place is occupied by the USB 3.1 protocol in both of its variations (and mobile devices are just approaching USB 3.0 speeds).

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

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

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

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