What is USB Type-C? Future for the new USB Type-C: All you need to know about the connectivity.

Actually new standard USB 3.1 and the Type-C connector must be disgraceing and clean up. All about everything is a single cable: for data transfer, audio, video signal and power supply. Symmetrical Type-C connector - real happiness for users confused in wires mobile devices. And the USB 3.1 standard allows, for example, playing video from the tablet on the TV at the time while the mobile device is charging.

Already, only the transition to new specifications is preparing to manufacturers additional difficulties, because of which the sellers and buyers immediately come to despondency. Believe the company in the absence of interest is impossible: after entering the market MacBook Pro. (2015) Many manufacturers presented products with support for the new USB 3.1 standard with the Type-C connector, including devices such as motherboards, monitors, external drives and smartphones. So, the USB Type-C connector is equipped with LG G6, and another HTC 10 and Samsung Galaxy S8, which connects to the docking station through a universal connector, turning into a full-fledged personal Computer. But new form Does not always mean new features: so, Type-C in huawei versions does not support USB 3.1, and for fast charging Generally uses its own technology.

Old devices - interference for new standards

Difostern connectors
Many USB devices, as before, are manufactured with one of the old connectors. Type-C must replace them all

Technical breakthroughs always take a lot of time if there is a large fund of old technology. Keyboards, mice, external discs, webcams, digital cameras, USB flash drives - millions of these devices still require support for old versions of USB. The problem could be temporarily solved using universal adapters, but still completely new devices with old USB ports are still produced.

And since the usual USB cable is not so easy to distinguish the host from the client device, to this day it takes as many as two different types of connectors. Therefore, external hard drives are often manufactured with mini-a connectors, and printers are typical Type-B quadrannel connectors. Sooner or later, USB Type-C must replace not only these connectors - using the cable it would be, for example, to connect without problems peripherals to PC. Moreover, Type-C can be sent to displayport, HDMI and even TRS sockets.

Do not confuse: Type-C is not USB 3.1

"Speaking" logos
Logos should reflect which functions provides a USB connector. Unfortunately, they are used not all manufacturers

Since the USB consortium simultaneously with the Type-C connector approved two other specifications, some confusion often arises in concepts. First, we have a new Type-C connector with a mirror location of 2 × 12 contacts, thanks to which the port is insensitive to the plug orientation - which means that the problem "how to stick the plug USB Type-a from the first time" can be quite soon Forget.
Secondly, together with the new connector, a new USB 3.1 standard was introduced, which boosts the data rate ceiling to 10 Gb / s (gross).

Next, USB Power Delivery (USB-PD) power supply is presented in a new, second revision: it implies acceleration of charging connected devices by increasing the power (20 V, 5 A instead of the same 5 V, 0.9 A). In other words, despite the fact that USB Type-C, USB 3.1 and USB Power Delivery are often identified, they are not equivalent terms or synonyms. So, there is, for example, the USB 2.0 interface in Type-C format or uSB port 3.1 Without fast charging Power Delivery.

But that's not all. It is impossible to completely remove the blame for the mess with a consortium, since it left the use of the usual nomenclature: with the advent of USB 3.1, it stopped the existence of USB 3.0 in the sense that this former version is now classified as USB 3.1 Gen 1, and the innovative technology is called USB 3.1 Gen 2. But many cables and uSB devices Sold under the name USB 3.1 - without instructions, what kind of generation is meant.

The USB consortium, however, has developed a logo system to designate USB Type-C connectors so that you can distinguish, for example, the Type-C plug with USB 3.1 GEN 1 support from the plug with USB 3.1 Gen 2 support or an old USB 2.0, but first Logos need to carefully examine. Often you have to look into the manual to understand which version is used - if, of course, detailed documentation is available. It is not surprising that many manufacturers continue to use the former name USB 3.0.

USB versions
With USB 3.1 Gen 2, the data transfer rate increases twice and the current power increases for quick charging.

To all this variety, add the ThunderBolt 3 interface, developed primarily by Intel and Apple. Thunderbolt from the third version also uses the Type-C connector, but not quite compatible with USB 3.1. With the use of ThunderBolt 3 cables, the bandwidth reaches 40 Gbps (gross) - four times more than that of USB 3.1. This not only provides a very high data transfer rate, but also allows you to transmit multiple video streams with 4K content over DisplayPort and even use external video cards. Complex technologies require the use of active electronics in cables. USB devices can be connected to the port of Thunderbolt 3, but in no case vice versa.

Difficult selection of cables

The confusion does not stop alone standards and versions. If earlier it was possible to limit the choice of one USB cable with the desired types of connectors, with USB 3.1 and Type-C it will not be so easy. Here, as in the case of standards and versions, a huge drawback of information has been formed: not all Type-C cables are able to transmit data, video and serve power. In many cases, for users it is not clear whether the Type-c cable is supported by a fast charging of Power Delivery or an alternative mode for video transmission, because logos and marking are usually simply not.

Premium motherboards
Currently, USB 3.1 Gen 2 supports only individual premium segment motherboards. Among them - ASUS Rampage V 10, equipped with two Type-A ports and two Type-C, it costs about 38,500 rubles.

Often it is impossible to determine whether it supports uSB cable 3.1 or just USB 2.0. On the Amazon website, there are very often reviews from upset customers who, after purchase, found that the purchased cable does not support the technology of rapid charging of their smartphones. Even the designation of some manufacturers, for example, Aukey, USB 3.1 GEN 1 cable with the ends of Type-C and Type-A as the "Cable with Type-C on USB 3.0" as the "Cable with Type-C" on USB 3.0, is not helped.

If you decide to get a device with the Type-C connector, you must certainly make sure that the delivery kit has a cable - only in this case, all the requirements will surely be satisfied. Equipment supplier for computer equipment Hama, for example, offers several Type-C cables with detailed characteristics, but prices begin from 1000 rubles. It will be even more expensive to buy the Thunderbolt 3 cable - it will be necessary to post about 2,000 rubles. But here all functions are provided. If this price is too high, then the will will have to rose in descriptions of products and customer feedback about them in search of the desired cable.

USB-C: Symmetrical Plug

Data transfer, power and dialogue between devices - Each of the 24 Pins of the TYPE-C plug performs a separate function. It is easy to see that their location is symmetrically.

Displays, laptops and adapters

To transfer the video in one of the alternative modes (DisplayPort or HDMI), that is, for example, from a laptop to the monitor, you should also pay attention to the technical requirements. Currently, there are several monitors with a USB Type-C connector from LG, EIZO, Acer and HP (for example, Envy 27, about 40,000 rubles). To display the video, the DisplayPort standard is almost everywhere, which is really working quite reliably. But if we talk about quick charging, which makes special requirements of the monitor power supply, then here buyers have questions in many cases.

Alternative video
Transferring video to the monitor The USB-C connector, for example, as in LG 27UD88 (about 38,000 rubles), as a rule, provides reliable, but the fast charge of Power Delivery is not always

However, the power supply from the monitor on the laptop is not always required. A portable 15-inch ASUS MB169C + monitor (about 15,000 rubles) receives the supply voltage from a laptop through a fullly used Type-C connector.
Anyway, currently it happens that the laptop with the USB Type-C connector connects to the monitor via the HDMI or DisplayPort port. In such cases, an adapter that transforms the video signal is required and transmitting it to the monitor using the desired standard. Such accessories can be bought from about 1000 rubles. Compared to other cables, the adapters are quite simple to choose, because their task is only in the transformation of the video signal without taking into account other USB 3.1 features.

For those who are interested in a laptop or tablet with the Type-C connector, the choice is currently limited, but it is remarkable. In addition to MacBook (12 inches) there are Acer Aspire Switch 10 V hybrids (about 25,000 rubles) and ASUS T100HA (about 18,000 rubles). And young chrombo Google Pixel Equipped with whole two ports of Type-C (though, only USB 3.1 Gen 1 standard), but in Russia he has not yet entered official sale.

Old documentation
Despite the fact that Acer Aspire Switch 10 V is equipped with only one Type-C port, the manual shows the old types of USB connectors.

Probably, it is unlikely that any user dares to translate all its peripheral devices to Type-C, so most laptop owners need a USB 3.1 adapter to receive data and video signal via USB Type-A, HDMI or DisplayPort cable. Prices for recommended flexible models begin from 2500 rubles, such as, for example, on Icy Box IB-DK4031. CLUB 3D SENSEVISION costs more - about 6500 rubles - but it includes HDMI, DVI, USB 3.0 Type-A, 4 USB 2.0 connector, quick USB charging, as well as microphone and headphone jacks.

Less rich in currently Choice for desktops: Traditionally, maternal manufacturers are implementing new standards in premium models. The only motherboard with four USB 3.1 Gen 2 ports (two Type-A and Type-C) is ASUS Rampage V 10, which costs about 38,500 rubles. At least, an indication of the fast transmission of 10 Gbps is located in the interface connectors panel. One of the variants of USB 3.1 from the bottom price category of desktops is MSI X99A SLI (LGA 2011-3) with one Type-A port and one Type-C approximately 15,000 rubles.

Universal adapter

The transition to computers with the Type-C connector will require a periphery for the presence of an adapter with various types ports.

\u003e Club 3D SENSEVision (about 6500 rubles)
The adapter is relatively expensive, but equipped with a large number of ports, among which is HDMI, DVI, microphone sockets and headphones, as well as four USB 2.0 ports and a quick charging connector (USB 3.1 Gen 1)

\u003e Icy Box IB-DK4031 (about 2500 rubles)
Simple version of the adapter with Type-A connector (USB 3.1 Gen 1), HDMI,
And also the Type-C connector with Power Delivery for quick charging external devices.

Advantages of external memory thanks to USB 3.1

Fast memory
USB 3.1 Gen 2 provides many external solid-state drives, for example, freecom MSSD MAXX, a significant velocity jerk

From high data transmission rates via USB 3.1 Gen 2, you benefit, of course, network storage facilities with RAID configuration and external drives, first of all flash memory - solid-state drives and USB flash drives. But for the latter currently the availability of USB 3.1 Gen 2 is reduced to zero. The proposed flash drives SanDisk, Kingston and Corsair, positioned as USB 3.1, transmit data at no more than 5 Gb / s, that is, refer to the first generation. However, for most of the flash drives now it should be enough.

As for the external solid-state drivesThe manufacturers are freecom (MSSD Maxx, about 8,000 rubles) and ADATA (SE730, about 9500 rubles) offer discs with USB 3.1 already second generation. The first practical testing shows that the high-speed interface really provides significantly higher data transfer rates. Terramaster offers a housing for the D2-310 network storage with two compartments (about 10,000 rubles) with USB 3.1 Gen 2 support, on which high-speed sATA disks In the RAID array, too, should make a good impression.

USB-C music
An account with a nest for headphones on the smartphone is open: in a short time, the Type-C adapter appears in the standard configuration.

It should be noted separately that the memory manufacturers are best for all other coping with the task of specifying versions and standards and less frequently throw their customers halfway. The rest of the manufacturers should urgently supplement the documentation and properly implement standards.

The transition from one generation of technologies to another has always been a long and often confusing process, but since the time VHS and Betamax, such a task, as now, has not yet been. Someday the configuration of USB 3.1 / Type-C and indeed simplify life - especially to users, well, there are still many difficulties to overcome.

Photo: Chip Studios; Freecom; Stouch; Club 3D; RAIDSONIC; Acer; Lg; ASUS; Sabrina Raschpichler

Is it really time for one unified connector for charging any device? More recently, such an assumption could be lifted on laughter. But even Apple slowly surrender, and MacBook with its USB Type-C is the first confirmation.

It is far to Nirvana far, first need to finish the periphery. About everything in order: before telling about the problems of the new port, you need to remember what kind of "beast".

One ring is one connector to rule everyone

The idea of \u200b\u200bthe USB Type-C Connector is to replace everything else, whether it is charging, an HDMI port or a regular nest under the USB flash drive. No more "I have a cord on the other side" or "I can connect only one monitor". Found a port, inserted the device, everything worked. Idyll.

Oh well. In practice, such "freedom" spawned a large confusion. Little to make a universal connector - it is not less necessary for him universal cable.

The fact is that the USB Type-C port has 24 contacts through which the signals of different protocols pass. This is what can be reduced to this universal connector.

• USB 2.0

The first devices equipped with a USB Type-C port actually operated in USB 2.0 mode and transferred data at a speed of 480 Mbps. Tablets and smartphones using this protocol are still found (hello, Nokia N1).

• USB 3.1 Gen 1 (3.0, SuperSpeed \u200b\u200bUSB)

Speed \u200b\u200bat speeds up to 5 Gbps, backward compatible with USB 1.x and USB 2.0. Most likely, the shiny port in your computer works with this protocol. MacBook is no exception.

• USB 3.1 Gen 2

Pampering version of USB 3.0, also back compatible. The data transfer rate rose to 10 Gbps, and power up to 100 W. Almost Thunderbolt!

• ALTERNATE MODE (AM)

In a Type-C connector, you can reduce other non-USB protocols. For example, Thunderbolt, HDMI, MHL or DisplayPort. But not all peripheral devices understand this Alternate Mode.

• POWER DELIVERY (PD)

The most delicious is charging via USB Type-C. Power Delivery supports 5 standard power profiles - up to 5V / 2A, up to 12V / 1.5A, up to 12V / 3A, up to 12-20 / 3A and up to 12-20V / 4.75-5A. Compliance with any profile is automatically determined.

• Audio Accessory Mode.

Yes, analog audio signal can also be used via USB Type-C ports.

The most difficult thing is to find a suitable wire.

Ok, with the port everything is clear, it remains to buy a cable. But newcomers are usually faced with three problems:

1. Old protocol in a new connector
"New" USB Type-C Cable for 150 rubles with Aliexpress? Caution, inside can hide ancient USB 2.0. It is not even in the reputation of Chinese entrepreneurs, many well-known brands are ready to sell Type-C cable with an old protocol inside at a rush price.

2. Heap of specifications
Yes, everything is signed in the title. But how to deal with an ordinary person who does not care about all these new specifications? Which picks the wire on the form of the connector? In no way. He just understood the difference between USB 2.0 and 3.0 wires.

Yes, and the image output via USB Type-C is not the simplest undertaking. In addition to Display Port. And HDMI has three more Thunderbolt generations, which can also be connected monitors. Little to find a suitable cable - the device must clearly understand that it is connected to it exactly through Alternate Mode.

3. And it will be charged?
It will be if the name is "Charge" or "PD". But here there are catchings: a cable that supports charging via USB Type-C must match the desired profile and be certified. What is fraught with? At best, slow charge, in the worst - fire fire.

Why you can not insert the first cable

Because you can spoil everything. Here are three reasons:

1. Low data transfer rate
Of course, to connect to external hard or smartphone - almost any wire with the necessary connectors will suit. But it is necessary to make sure that it works with the desired protocol (for example, with USB 3.0), otherwise it will see the data transfer rate.

2. Bad picture or its absence
If the cable will connect the MacBook and the monitor, make sure that the wire transmits the signal of the desired frequency. Do not forget that Thunderbolt 3 does not work with previous generations.

3. Current power in 100 W - no joke
With PD cables a little more complicated. The power threshold was shared - it means you need to be more careful, because in case of marriage cable, sad consequences are possible. Not so long ago, a man burned down a laptop and a pair of devices. Of course, this is a single case, and your MacBook is unlikely to burn. But over time, the battery or power controller may suffer.
So, if the wire is needed for charging a laptop - forget about Nounemya for two weaves.

But for smartphones with USB 2.0 adapters are not so scary. You can buy any USB Type-C - USB 2.0 cable and quietly charge your phone.

What to do?

Of course, for USB Type-C Future. Devices with new connectors are becoming more and more and soon it will take the time when you took the first-cut wire without thinking.

On USB Type-C cables need to be glued shortcuts. Seriously, how else to distinguish your chemal, for external hard, from dear, which can be charged any device?

The most optimal option is to use original wires. Well, if you buy, then only cool USB 3.1 with POWER Delivery support. Such are from 1,500 rubles and higher. With connector from Alternate Mode, the situation is simpler, but the price tag is about the same.

The first version of the UNIVERSAL Serial Bus (USB) bus was presented in 1995. It was USB that became the most successful interface in the entire history of computing systems. Tens of billions of devices are connected to each other by usb, because the importance of this data channel is difficult to overestimate. Looks like with the advent of the connector USB Type-COur idea of \u200b\u200bthe possibilities and roles of the universal tire can change dramatically. Before talking about the prospects, let's see what the universal connector of the new format offers.

The advantages and disadvantages of the new format interface connector have been discussed for some time. The USB Type-C specification was finally approved at the end of the summer of last year, but the topic of the universal connector caused an active interest after the recent announcement of the laptop, as well as new version equipped with USB Type-C.

Design. Convenient connection

The USB Type-C Connector is a bit larger than the usual USB 2.0 Micro-B, but noticeably compactly dual USB 3.0 Micro-B, not to mention the classic USB Type-a.

The dimensions of the connector (8.34 × 2.56 mm) allow without special difficulties to use it for devices of any class, including smartphones / tablets with a minimally reasonable thickness of the housing.

Constructively connector has an oval shape. Signal and strength conclusions are placed on a plastic rack in the central part. The contact group USB Type-C includes 24 outputs. It is much more than that of the USB connections of the previous generation. On the needs of USB 1.0 / 2.0, only 4 contacts have highlighted, and USB 3.0 connectors have 9 conclusions.

The first obvious benefit of USB Type-C is a symmetrical connector that allows you to think about which side to connect the plug to the outlet. The eternal problem of devices with USB connectors of any format is now finally solved. In this case, the solution of the problem is achieved not by banal duplication of all contact groups. It uses a certain logic of automatic matching and switching.

Another pleasant moment - identical connectors are located on both sides of the interface cable. Therefore, using USB Type-C, you do not need to choose which side of the conductor to connect the master and slave device.

The outer shell of the connector has no holes or cuts. To fix it in the connector uses internal side latches. The plug must be reliably held in the connector. Lufts, similar to what could be observed from USB 3.0 Micro-B, should not be here.

Many probably concerns the physical reliability of the new connector. According to the stated characteristics, the mechanical resource of the USB Type-C connector is about 10,000 connections. Exactly the same indicator is characteristic of the USB 2.0 Micro-B port.

Separately, we note that USB TYPE-C is not a data transmission interface. This is the type of connector that allows you to tie together various signal and power lines. As you can see, the elegant connector from the engineering point of view, and most importantly - should be convenient to use.

Data transfer rate. 10 GB / C Not for everyone?

One of the advantages of USB TYPE-C is the ability to use data uSB interface 3.1, enhancement of increased bandwidth up to 10 GB / s. However, USB Type-C and USB 3.1 are not equivalent terms and definitely not synonyms. In USB Type-C format, features both USB 3.1 and USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 can be implemented. Support for one or another specification defines an integrated controller. Of course, more likely uSB ports Type-C will appear on devices supporting high data transfer rate, but it is not a dogma.

Recall that even when the possibilities of USB 3.1 are realized, differences in the maximum data transfer rate are possible. For USB 3.1 Gen 1 is 5 GB / s, USB 3.1 Gen 2 - 10 GB / s. By the way, the Apple MacBook and Chromebook Pixel submitted to the USB Type-C ports with a 5 GB / s bandwidth. Well, a visual example of the fact that the new interface connector is very variable, is the Nokia N1 tablet. It is also equipped with a USB Type-C connector, but its capabilities are limited to USB 2.0 with a bandwidth of 480 MB / c.

The designation "USB 3.1 Gen 1" can be called a kind of marketing trick. Nominally similar port has the capabilities identical to those for USB 3.0. Moreover, for this version of "USB 3.1", the same controllers can be used as for the implementation of the previous generation tire. At the initial stage, such a technique will be actively used by manufacturers, releasing new devices with USB Type-C for which the maximum bandwidth is not needed. By offering a device with a new type connector, many will want to present it in the advantageous light, stating not only the new connector, but also support for USB 3.1, even if conditional.

It is important to understand that the nominally port of USB Type-C can be used for the most efficient connection at speeds up to 10 GB / C, but to get such throughputIt must provide connected devices. The presence of USB Type-C is not an indicator of real high-speed port. They should be pre-clarified in specific product specifications.

Some restrictions also have cables for connecting devices. When using USB 3.1 interface, to transmit no loss data at speeds up to 10 GB / C (Gen 2) cable length C uSB connectors Type-C should not exceed 1 meter, to connect at a speed of up to 5 GB / C (Gen 1) - 2 meters.

Transmission of energy. 100 W aggregate

Another important feature that USB Type-C introduces is the ability to transmit energy with a capacity of up to 100 W. This is enough not only for nutrition / charging mobile devices, but also for the smooth operation of laptops, monitors, or, for example, "large" external storage devices 3.5 ".

With the initial development of the USB bus, the energy transmission was a secondary function. USB 1.0 port provided only 0.75 W (0.15 A, 5 V). It is enough to work mouse / keyboard, but no more. For USB 2.0, the nominal strength of the current was increased to 0.5 A, which made it possible to obtain 2.5 W. This is often enough for nutrition, for example, external hard disks Format 2.5 ". For USB 3.0, the current of 0.9 is nominally provided, which, with a constant supply voltage in 5V, it already guarantees the power of 4.5 W. Special reinforced connectors on motherboards or laptops were able to produce up to 1.5 and to accelerate charging connected mobile devices, but it's still 7.5 watts. Against the background of these numbers, the possibility of transmitting 100 W looks something fantastic. However, that the USB Type-C port is filled with the necessary capacities, you need support for the USB Power Delivery 2.0 (USB PD) specification. If there is no, USB Type-C port will be able to give 7.5 W (1.5 A, 5 V) or 15 W (3A, 5 V) or 15 W (3A, 5 V), depending on the configuration.

To streamline the energy capabilities of ports with USB PD, a system of power profiles has been developed providing for possible combinations of voltages and currents. Compliance 1 guarantees the possibility of transmitting 10 W energy, Profile 2 - 18 W, Profile 3 - 36 W, Profile 4 - 60 W, Profile 5 - 100 W. The port corresponding to the high-level profile supports all the states of the previous ones. 5V, 12V and 20V are selected as reference stresses. The use of 5V is necessary for compatibility with a huge park of available USB peripherals. 12V - standard supply voltage of various components of systems. 20B is proposed, taking into account the fact that for charging batteries most laptops use external BP by 19-20V.

Of course, it is good when the device is equipped with a USB Type-C that supports the maximum USB PD energy profile. This connector allows you to transmit up to 100 W energy. Obviously, ports with similar potential may appear on some powerful laptops, special docking stations or motherboards, where the use of the USB Type-C will be selected individual phases of the internal power supply unit. This is that the required power must somehow generate and bring usb Type-C to contact. Yes, and for the transmission of energy of such power, active cables will be required.

It is important to understand that not any port of the new format can provide the declared capacity of 100 W. There is a potential for this, however, this question must be resolved by the manufacturer at the level of circuitry. It is also not necessary to feed the illusions to the account that the above 100 W can be obtained, say, from the power supply unit with a matchbox and now the charging from the smartphone can be powered by gaming laptop And the 27-inch monitor connected to it. Nevertheless, the law of energy conservation continues to work, and therefore, the external BP per 100 W with a USB port of Type-C will be all the same as a weight lump as before. In general, the possibility of transmitting the energy of such power using a universal compact connector is, of course, plus. At a minimum, a great opportunity to get rid of the difference from the original power connector, which are particularly sinned by laptop manufacturers.

Another useful feature of USB Type-C is the possibility of changing the direction of energy transfer. If it allows the device circuitry, the consumer may, for example, to become a source of charge. And for reverse energy exchange, it will not even be necessary to reconnect the connectors.

Alternative mode. Not USB one

The USB port of Type-C was originally developed as a universal solution. In addition to direct USB data transfer, it can also be used alternatively (Alternate Mode) to implement third-party interfaces. Such flexibility USB Type-C used the VESA association, implementing the ability to transfer a video stream through DisplayPort Alt Mode.

USB Type-C has four high-speed lines (pairs) Super Speed \u200b\u200bUSB. If two of them stand out for the needs of DisplayPort, this is sufficient to obtain a picture with a resolution of 4 k (3840 × 2160). It does not suffer from USB data transfer rate. At peak, these are all the same 10 GB / s (for USB 3.1 Gen2). Also, the transmission of the video stream does not affect the energy abilities of the port. On the needs of DisplayPort, even high-speed 4 lines can be allocated. In this case, modes will be available up to 5K (5120 × 2880). In this mode, USB 2.0 lines remain not involved, because USB Type-C can still transmit data in parallel, although already at a limited speed.

Alternatively, SBU1 / SBU2 contacts are used to transmit the audio stream, which are converted to AUX + / AUX channels. For the USB protocol, they are not activated, because there are also no additional functional losses.

When using the DisplayPort interface, the USB Type-C connector can still be connected to any side. The required signaling approval is initially provided.

Connecting devices using HDMI, DVI and even D-Sub (VGA) is also possible, but for this it will be needed separate adapters, but it must be active adapters, as for DisplayPort Alt Mode, DUAL-MODE DISPLAY PORT mode is not supported (DP ++) .

Alternative USB Type-C mode can be used by no means not only for the DisplayPort protocol. Maybe soon we learn that this port has learned, for example, to transmit data using PCI EXPRESS. or Ethernet.

Compatibility. Difficulties of "adapter" period

If we talk about USB Type-C compatibility with devices equipped with the USB ports of the previous generation, then, to connect them directly is not possible due to the principal differences in the design of the connectors. To do this, you will need to use adapters. Their assortment promises to be very wide. Of course, it is not only about the conversion of USB Type-C on the format of other USB types. Adapters for displaying images on screens with traditional DisplayPort, HDMI, DVI and VGA ports will also be available.

Apple simultaneously with the announcement of the new MacBook proposed several options for adapters. Single USB Type-C on USB Type-A is estimated at $ 19.

Considering the presence of just one USB Type-C, the MacBook owner is probably not to do without a universal more functional converter. Apple introduced two such adapters. One output has a pass-through port of USB Type-C, VGA and USB Type-A, the second option is equipped with HDMI instead of VGA. The cost of such boxes is $ 79. The power supply of 29 W with a native USB Type-C has twisted for $ 49.

Google for the new Chromebook Pixel system offers single USB Type-C adapters on a Type-A (fork / socket) at the price of $ 13, for the converter on DisplayPort and HDMI will have to pay $ 40. The power supply of 60 W is estimated at $ 60.

From manufacturers of equipment traditionally should not expect humane price tags for additional accessories. Adapter manufacturers in anticipation of demand for their new products. Belkin is already ready to ship kilometers of conductors, but their cost is also low no you call ($ 20-30). The company also announced, but not yet introduced an adapter with USB Type-C to a gigabit Ethernet port. The cost is not yet announced, there is information only that it will be available at the beginning of summer. It's funny, but it seems that until this point, to connect to the wired network, you will need to immediately use two adapters. It is possible that someone will turn out to be a bit of Belkin, previously proposing the appropriate adapter.

A noticeable price reduction will be only possible after accessories with USB Type-C, much less well-known companies from "Podnebya" will take place. Considering which prospects are opening, we believe that they will not become the matter.

Devices with USB Type-C. Someone should be the first

Nominally the first device equipped with a USB TYPE-C port was the tablet. At least it is this device that became a precursor that the ports of the new format left the developers laboratories and "go to the people."

Curious device, but, unfortunately, while it is proposed quite limited edition. The tablet has a native USB Type-C port, although the USB 2.0 protocol is used to transmit data.

Perhaps the most significant product that will help to increase the popularity of USB Type-C, has become recently represented. A 12-inch laptop is equipped with a single interface connector, because its owners will somehow become pioneers, which will adapt to life with USB Type-C.

On the one hand, Apple obviously supported the development of a new standard, moreover, the company's engineers directly participated in the development of USB Type-c. On the other - updated versions MacBook Air. And MacBook Pro did not receive this connector. Does this mean that in a more "heavy" category of devices of the manufacturer USB Type-C in the coming year does not register? Controversy. After all, Apple surely will not be able to retain from updating the laptop line after the autumn announcement of the new mobile platform Intel S. processors Skylake. Perhaps it is then that the cuperters will allocate the place on the interface panel for USB Type-C.

An even more ambiguous situation with tablets and smartphones. Will Apple use USB Type-C for them instead of Lightning? The proprietary connector in terms of capabilities is noticeably inferior to a new universal port, but what about the original peripherals accumulated from Apple's mobile products from 2012? Answers to these questions we will learn with updating or expansion of iPhone / iPad line.

Google introduced the second generation of stylish Chromebook Pixel laptops. Systems on Chrome OS still remain quite niche solutions, but quality google systems Bribes, moreover, this time they are in the forefront of devices offering to join USB Type-C. Laptops are equipped with a pair of the corresponding connectors. However, the CHROMEBOOK PIXEL has two classic USB 3.0 connections.

In general, Google representatives are very inspired by the capabilities of the new connector, counting on the appearance of mobile devices on Android in the next time with the USB Type-C connector. Uncompromising support for the largest platform-container is a significant argument for other market players.

Manufacturers of motherboards are not much hurry to add a USB Type-C port for their devices. MSI recently introduced the MSI Z97A Gaming 6 model, which is equipped with such a connector with a data transfer rate up to 10 GB / c.

Asus offers an external USB 3.1 controller with a USB Type-C port that is installed on any fee with a free slot PCI Express (X4).

Peripheral devices with native USB Type-C are still frankly enough. Surely many manufacturers have no hurry with the announcement, waiting for the appearance of systems with which you can use products with USB Type-C. In general, this is a typical situation in the introduction of the next industry standard.

Immediately after the Announcement of Apple MacBook, Lacie introduced a series of portable external hard drives with USB Type-C.

SanDisk already offers a two-connect flash drive on a flash drive - USB 3.0 Type-A and USB Type-C. A similar product offers and less famous Microdia.

Surely soon we will see a significant extension of the range of devices with USB Type-C. Flywheel Changes slowly, but it will be sure to spin. Support for "big" companies can affect the situation and speed up this process.

RESULTS

The need for a universal compact connector, which could be used to transmit data, video audio streams and electricity, has already begun for quite some time. Given the mutual interest, both by the user and equipment manufacturers, there are all the prerequisites for USB Type-C "shot".

Compact sizes, simplicity and convenience of connecting, along with wide opportunities, promote the prospector connotor to repeat the success of its predecessor. The usual USB port was upgraded several times, but the time has come cardinal changes. 10 GB / C with the possibility of further scaling, power transmission with a capacity of up to 100 W and a picture with a resolution to 5k. Not bad for start? Another argument in the USB Type-C piggy bank is an open standard that does not require licensed deductions from manufacturers. There is still a lot of work, but the result is visible in front, for which it is worth passing this path.

The speed of the interface depends on the installed controllers, and you will be surprised to make some manufacturers with them. USB Type-C technology promises us to transfer data at a level of up to 10 Gbps, but the first generation of devices with USB Type-C turns out to be far from so fast. In this article we understand what the case is ...

USB Type-C is a new intriguing standard that has become more than a year ago to appear in laptops, tablets, phones and on other devices. And we have long had a desire to check what speed he can provide in reality. Thanks to the appearance of SanDisk Extreme 900, we can really force this bilateral port to work at the limit. For testing, we have prepared 8 laptops with USB Type-C, and also inserted a special PCIE card into the desktop PC to the test was more complete.

What is "silent" your USB-C port

It is understood that USB Type-C will become a universal standard port, but today its versatility is manifested only in confusion. USB Type-C can operate at a speed of 5 Gb / s or 10 Gb / s, being still labeled as a USB 3.1 manufacturer of a laptop. Technically, USB Type-C can work even at USB 2.0 speeds - on a pitiful 480 Mbps. So if you see the USB port Type-C, then it can only be said that the interface speed can vary from modest 480 Mbps to an impressive 10 Gbit / s.

To confuse is still stronger, Intel Thunderbolt 3 uses the Type-C USB port for data transmission via PCIE. And it also supports USB 3.1 at a speed of 10 Gb / s.

To discuss Thunderbolt 3 and video transfer support via USB Type-C is needed separately, and we will dedicate to this other article. However, the diet and not so universal charging via USB Type-C has already been said.

Not all USB Type-C ports are the same

What is installed in your laptop?

A number of key factors affect the performance of USB Type-C. The first is the possibility hard disk In your PC. If you copy from the built-in hard drive, get the speed even close to the port speed is simply impossible, just because most disk interfaces Do not reach maximum performance USB Type-C.

Another important factor is the controller used to connect the port. To date, there are two popular chip available on the market. The first one is asmedia asm1142. This uSB chip 3.1, working at a speed of 10 Gbps, can be found in many early versions of laptops and desktop PCs that were equipped with USB Type-C. And since we did not manage to quickly find a laptop with this chip, we inserted Atech BlackB1rd MX1 PCIE card into a desktop PC. The performance of the assembled system should be practically the same as in laptops with this chip. Another leadership candidate is an expensive Intel Thunderbolt 3 chip, which also supports the possibility of working USB at a speed of 10 Gb / s.

Well, finally, a very popular solution for today, which can be found in a multitude of laptops is a USB 3.0 controller, built directly into the system chipset intel logic. The same chip is used to connect standard USB 3.0 Type-a rectangular ports. Many PC manufacturers simply transmit its signal to oval USB Type-C ports. And it is this decision that is the most popular, as it is cheaper and requires less energy consumption. However, it also limits the operation of any USB Type-C port maximum speed USB 3.0 - 5 Gb / s.

SanDisk Extreme 900 - one of the first disks with USB 3.1 10 Gbps support

Test method

For tests, we used SANDISK EXTREME 900 SSD, which really supports uSB connection Type-C at a speed of 10 Gb / s. SanDisk managed to create this storage capacity of 2 TB, combining two M.2 SSD disks in array RAID 0 inside one case. And it turned out really a quick USB drive. Connecting it to the USB Type-C ports of each computer, we started the AS SSD utility, which allows you to estimate the real sequential data transfer speed.

Results that speak for themselves, you can see the chart below. We have placed them in descending order of performance. On the signatures are indicated both models of laptops and versions of installed controllers.

We estimated 8 laptops to explore the performance of USB Type-C (click on the picture to enlarge)

It is not surprising that laptop manufacturers that choose the cheapest option (connecting the Intel USB 3.0 5 GB controller to the USB Type-C port), provide you ... 5 Gb / s performance. We could not test a 12-inch MacBook because AS SSD does not work on OS X, but it uses the same controller. So you have to wait for equivalent productivity.

More and more interest is the work of chips with a speed of 10 Gb / s: Asmedia and Thunderbolt 3. On the diagram they are represented by 2 models of Dell XPS (for Thunderbolt) and Asmedia map in a desktop PC. In our test, Asmedia showed a slight advantage over the Thunderbolt controller 3. However, PC manufacturers confirm this data, referring to the results of their own internal testing.

SAMSUNG model Notebook 9 Pro uses only part of the Intel Thunderbolt 3 controller, supporting USB 3.1

However, in the test there is another interesting member - it is sAMSUNG laptop Notebook 9 Pro. The 15.6-inch model uses a sufficiently rare approach to equip the USB Type-c port through the use of the Intel "Alpine Ridge" chip from Thunderbolt 3, however, it only enables USB support. Even in the Device Manager panel, you will find only Intel USB 3.1 controller, as shown in the screenshot above.

Samsung representatives confirmed that this laptop does not work with Thunderbolt 3. We checked it using Akitio Thunderbolt 3 disk - really does not work. Why the SAMSUNG engineers came in this way remains a mystery.

However, we know that the performance turned out to be surprisingly low. Yes, this port works faster than ordinary usb. Type-C with integrated Intel chip, but much slower than asmedia and full version Thunderbolt 3. Strange stroke.

Conclusion

One look at the test diagram makes it clear that in the presence of a full-fledged USB port 3.1 at a speed of 10 Gb / s there are real advantages. The most obvious conclusion: you do not have to wait a long time to copy files to a USB disk. But besides this, only with a full-fledged port you can reveal all the advantages. external disk with USB 3.1. And since more and more PC models will appear on the market with USB Type-C ports, we recommend that you read the characteristics carefully before buying a computer.

Google and Apple recently launched new mobile computersAlthough cars are completely different, but they have something common: both computers have ports of USB Type-C. So what is USB Type-C? Let's see.

The two most well-known devices in which the USB port of Type-C is already present - the new Google Chromebook Pixel and the new MacBook. However, USB 3.1 and Type-C connectors will become the standard for the next few years.

Each of us is probably familiar with the USB port. If you have a computer, then most likely you used a USB flash drive, or can be connected to the printer to USB port.. If you have a smartphone that works on Android, then you know that the USB port can be used to recharge or rewrite data from the phone and back. The USB port was present everywhere during a long time. For the first time, it received widespread use when Microsoft in Windows 98i Apple has included support for it to remove the ports of the keyboard and mouse. It happened almost 20 years ago, and little has changed since then.

USB 1.1 port can transmit data at a speed of 12 Mbps, that is, 1.4 megabytes per second. In those days of the disc, there was a volume of 1.4 megabytes, so it was high speed. USB 2.0 port was released in 2000, which theoretically could miss 480 Mbps. However, its actual average speed is approximately 280 Mbps, which is about 35 megabytes per second.

The USB 3.0 port port was announced in 2008 and allows theoretical skipping speed to 5.0 Gb / s. However, the actual reached speed is about 400 megabytes per second, not bad, yes?.

On desktop PCs for USB 1.1, 2.0 and 3.0 ports, the same connectivity type used, and then micro-b or mini-b on peripheral devices (telephone, camera, etc.).

The situation has changed somewhat with the arrival of USB ports 3.1. As expected, the USB port 3.1 works even faster from its predecessors, its speed is so fast that it can be used to connect 4K displays. This means that in the future in laptops and in the PC, we will not see HDMI or VGA connectors, users will see a new type of ports. In other words, the type "A" and "B" is already history. The new connector is called USB Type-C. So, what gives us a new USB Type-C port, and why this cannot provide Type-A and B?

First, new USB Type-C connectors are not large. And this suggests that we will no longer need mini or micro ports, which means there will be no confusion with the choice of the desired cable. The Type-C connector is sufficiently small for smartphones and quite powerful for PC, and even for use on servers.

Secondly, the Type-C port can withstand the load with a power of 100 W, which means that it can be used not only for charging smartphones, but also for powering many other devices that previously demanded another power source (power supply). In the future, for your printer, you may need only one cable - USB Type-C, which will provide both nutrition and data transmission.

Thirdly, the Type-C cable is two-way - now does not matter how you connect it. No more need to look after which side connect the cable.

Finally, the USB Type-C cable uses a new small connector at both ends, the type "A" will not be used on one end, and the type "B" on the other. Now you can really connect the cable as you please, and it will just work!

The two most well-known devices in which the USB port of Type-C is already present - the new Google Chromebook Pixel and the new MacBook. However, USB 3.1 and Type-C connectors will become the standard for the next few years. Since it is compatible, then to connect devices running on previous versions USB ports, you need a passive adapter. So that companies that will go new technologywill not alienate its existing customers.

Adam Rodriguez, Google's production manager stated that "We are supporters of USB Type-C. In the near future, you will see it in many Chromebook and Android devices. " It is worth noting that the Type-C connector can get devices that do not even support USB 3.1. For example, middle-class smartphones can use a new connector, in fact without having support for the new USB standard. This will facilitate the transition to a new type of connectors, but this can cause some confusion when the port will not give high speed, as expected.

The last line of the Type-C (and USB 3.1) ports adopted all the best from the beloved USB, and makes it even better, providing a universal size of the connector, which will work well with both types of devices - mobile phones and personal computers.