What is USB Type-C? Where is USB Type-C? All you need to know about USB Type-C.

Port USB Type-C is the successor of the original port micro USB.Today it can already be found in the 2017 smartphones, as well as external batteries, headphones and other devices. Galagram tells why the new Type-C is better than usual Micro USB, as well as what bonuses receive owners of technology with a new port standard.

3 Key Benefits USB Type-C

He charges gadgets faster

Forum "USB IMPLEMENTERS FORUM", which is a sectoral association standing for the development of the port, carried out work on errors in his creation Micro USB and created USB Type-C with the best specifications. Chargers with the new port work faster and usually charge smartphones with a power of 15 watts. It's five times faster than most chargerusing the old port. And most importantly, it does not create an excess load on your battery.

Charging on both sides

Both ends of the cable not only look the same, they can also perform the same actions on both sides, which means that you can determine in which direction current flows. In some cases, this leads to funny results when your smartphone begins to charge the power supply.

If you have a lot of battery charge, you can help a friend, having charged his smartphone using just a Type-C cable. To do this, connect both smartphones with such a cable and direct current in the desired side, that's all!

Transferring data from smartphone to smartphone

You just need to open the file conductor on the device where you want to take files. This is a pre-installed application on smartphones of many manufacturers, but otherwise it can simply be found in the settings.

How the USB Type-C is arranged

USB (Universal Serial Bus) is a standard that defines the cable, connectors and digital data sharing. The first version appeared in 1998 and replaced the PC interfaces that were popular at the time. USB Type-C connector appeared in 2014. It has more pins than its predecessor, and they are symmetrically located. As a result, it does not matter, in which side you insert the cable - it is two-way and works equally.

This is a double-sided port on 24 Pina

There are many differences between the connectors and versions of the USB. They have different electrical characteristics, power indicators and data transfer rates. The USB and B connectors have only 4 contacts, while USB 3.1 Type-C has 24 contacts (standard pinout), which are necessary to support higher currents and faster data transmission. In addition, the USB 3.1 standard increases the data transfer rate to 10 GB / s, as well as, it has innovative ways to charge devices.

The Type-C port specification requires that the connector has withstand 100,000 connections into the connector, without signs of wear. If you connect the port for example two or three times a day, the cable must hold out more than 12 years. To meet these requirements and work with an enlarged power flow, USB-C cables usually make the thickness of the classic Micro USB cable.

What is needed Type-C

Lots of Android smartphones So far have a Micro USB port. In most cases, through it, devices are charged from 5V voltage and 2a current. The faster charging speed can only be achieved outside the USB specification: Qualcomm Quick Charge, OnePlus Dash Charge, Oppo Vooc and Samsung Adaptive Fast Charge is the standards of manufacturers that work only on devices of a specific brand.

Transmits power more than Micro USB

The Type-C port provides power up to 100 W using an open, free, generally accepted power system, limited only by a cable, power source, or a target charging device. To minimize the accumulation of heat and deterioration of electronic components, devices compatible with Type-C constantly coordinate the voltage and current with each other. To find out them, find the USB logo on the charger, which was adopted in August 2016.

You can send HDMI and audio signals

Type-C connectors can replace many other cables. The certification process for many signals and protocols has already been completed. These include VGA, DVI or HDMI, where the Type-C port imitates the display port, including the protocol conversion. Of course, this requires the appropriate hardware and software On the device, but this is the case of manufacturers of technology.

Xiaomi and Leeco get rid of 3.5 mm port in favor of Type-C

At the beginning of its path, the USB port was called up to combine all other interfaces in one thing, even hinted his unchanged logo, but the time comes and the universal port himself rumbles to many poorly compatible versions, which made even greater chaos in the relationship of certain gadgets. And finally, he appeared on the horizon. Great and terrible USB Type C. People They met him hardly by applause, and simple users only shrugged. With this indifference you can meet today, they say, yes, symmetrical, yes, connect it easier, what is it? In fact, the difference gets huge and if you are still like a questionWhat is better - Type C or MicroUSB, you here.

Type C is more practical

This compact port declared itself as a new network standard and its appearance fully corresponds to such a high status. Symmetric, 24-pin port today can be found on the smartphones of flagship and average price segments, laptops, docking stations, routers and a huge number of other equipment. It does not take a lot of space on the case and, yes, it is more convenient to connect it. And you no longer have to carry with you an enon number of blocks from different technology.
Reverse compatibility is considerably. Port Type-C allows you to use any technique from the most ancient to the super-modern without special limitations.
A couple of years ago, the search for adapters and compatible flash drives was acutely stood, but today and their pond pond.

Data transfer rate - up to 10 GB / s

In this regard, Type C is a big burned for the future, because it offers users a data rate of up to 10 GB / s. Modern smartphones This, of course, is not needed, but in the future it may well come in handy.
Here, by the way, immediately need to end the confusion. The first Type C smartphone (by the way, it was Nokia N1) supported only Protocol 2.0, while later devices could have 3.0, and 3.1 with appropriate data transmission speeds. This limitation is imposed on the manufacturer with a loan to modern realities and will always increase.

Charging - up to 100 W Power

Fast charges are already walking along the planet. They are developing different manufacturers And they work according to a different principle, but the essence is one - to increase the power and reduce, so the charging time of the gadget. If you read our past text, then noted that in modern technologies Fast charging numbers are not even close to the specified. However, in the future and this transcendental, at first glance, power will be used. This technology You may have met on the network under the name USB Power Delivery. It is her who many see the future standard of rapid charging.
Moreover, the port of Type C can not only be charged, but also to charge other devices, which is clearly not used to use third-party manufacturers in their developments.

Alternative modes

If before that moment we talked exclusively about branded developments, now it's time to look at the associated technologies. Type C will also allow connect to monitors with DisplayPort, MHL and HDMI.
You can not get around the attention and Thunderbolt 3, guaranteeing data transfer and high speeds. Through. this interface You can consistently connect to 6 peripheral devices (for example, monitors). The truth is difficult to imagine the situation when it is really necessary.

Sound Transmission - Audio Filly Quality

If all the above modes we have evaluated in the context of the back for the future, then this is what even ordinary users are facing today. We are talking about the mass replacement of the audiojection by the Type C port. At separated ports, in this case, only one (but very serious) advantage: you can use headphones even when the smartphone is charging. But for all other items, the analog Jack is inferior to the digital USB-C. In the latter case, the sound quality will be higher, noise reduction and echo cancellation is better implemented. It is not less significant to transfer part of the tasks (and the corresponding equipment) to the headset, which will also help to avoid unnecessary noise and expand the capabilities of the headset in terms of management. The reverse side of the medal - the headphones will clearly become more expensive than modern simple "whistles" or, in other words, "whistles" will simply be cleaned as a view.
And in the future, we, according to the statements of developers, are waiting for more steep things. For example, the ability to keep track of body temperature during sports with headphones.

Dock Station

Multipleness uSB ports Type C made it possible to use docking stations for smartphones. Connecting to the dock makes it possible to get an almost full-fledged desktop PC from the smartphone. Not Gamers, of course, the level, but the multimedia will definitely pull, the benefit of the power of mobile processors is enough with interest. At the moment, two devices have such functionality on the market. This HP Elite X3, which we did a large review and Samsung Galaxy S8, S8 + and Note8 models with their Dex Station. Considering what speed by Type C, it would be desirable to hope that other manufacturers will also appear.

As you can see, the miniature port of Type-C is not only charging, as many people think, but also a sea of \u200b\u200bother features. It is for the universality of USB-C and appreciate. But the sea of \u200b\u200bthese indisputable advantages crosses one bold minus. Port features will always be limited to the carrier device and externally identify these restrictions are impossible. That is, Type C always looks equally, and to find out what exactly he will "be able to" on a particular device, you will have to look for detailed specifications. Moreover, difficulties here will not only with the presence / absence of alternative modes, but also with the speeds involved. Moreover, the compatibility of two devices can be "killed" using an unsuitable cable. Sleepy such a game for attentiveness is obtained. The only thing that pleases, these restrictions the farther, the more will be leveled with the development of technologies.

Earlier this month, the new "Guru" apple companies Tim Cook announced a number of new products, the most interesting of which turned out to be an improved version. MacBook Air.. During his speech, Cook paid too much attention to the possibilities and functions that are no longer so unique as Apple wants to make us believe. Therefore, one of the most key and intriguing AIR innovations, the technology with the potential to seriously change the world of mobile devices over the next few years, remained almost unnoticed. We are talking about a new USB Type-C connector and exclusively wide spectrum the possibilities that he offers.

What is USB Type-C?

As the standard name suggests, this is the evolutionary finalization of the known format of the universal serial tire (USB), which is currently one of the most common interfaces in the field of computer peripherals and mobile technology. Type-C does not simply provide backward compatibility with previous versions USB, but also combines them with a new, unique way. So one cable (interface) can transmit data, electricity and even video.

By its size, the type C connector is smaller than the chronologically the oldest (and massive) standard Type-A, but slightly more microUSB format (Type Micro-B). Unlike its predecessors, however, new standard It is more versatile - the Type-C cable connector can be connected to the port by any side and on both sides of the cable there are identical plugs. At the same time, it limits backward compatibility with existing formats Type-a and Type-b. In other words, you will not be able to connect the Type-a or b cable to the Type-C port and vice versa.

But the port of Type-C can easily configure it so that it can perform many different functions. For example, uSB cable Type-C can calmly transmit a HDMI or DisplayPort signal, although at the moment this possibility is still purely theoretical.

Type-C? Isn't that USB 3.1?

Definitely no! USB 3.1 is the latest version of the data transfer standard, which (at least in the theory) must double the peak data transfer rate with 5 Gbps (USB 3.0) to 10 Gbps. In addition, 3.1 is fully compatible with previous versions of the standard: 3.0 and 2.0.

In this vein, the Type-C module can offer both opportunities for data transmission via USB 3.1 and through some of the older standards. For example, the USB Type-C Digital AV Multiport adapter, which Apple will offer as an additional accessory for a new MacBook, according to the specification supports "USB 3.1 Gen 1" with theoretical maximum throughput 5 Gbps, i.e. Almost identical to the USB 3.0 standard. And one of the first devices with the support of Type-C, which, unlike MacBook 2015, is already available on the market, the Nokia N1 tablet uses even more old USB 2.0 for data transmission and charging.

Type-C \u003d USB Power Delivery?

No again. Power Delivery is part of the last specification. uSB standard And it is the possibility of transmitting up to 100 W power to any connected device, although it can also be used for data transmission. For comparison, the most popular standard USB 2.0 standard, which is used in almost all smartphones and tablets, provides transmission to 2.5 W power. This is one of the reasons why you cannot charge most of the modern laptops via USB - they require voltage between 20 and 65 W. However, with the new Power Delivery connector, you can not only calmly charge your future laptop via USB, but also at the same time watch 4K video transmitted to the external monitor, which is connected to the same cable.

So what is the connection between Type-C and USB Power Delivery? Here we are talking about the theoretical support opportunity. In other words, the Type-C connector can offer USB Power Delivery, if the manufacturer of the corresponding module provides it. Otherwise, if you have a Type-C cable, it does not mean that it supports and Power Delivery.

Type-C today? Or rather tomorrow?

Despite its numerous, beautiful promises, at the moment, the new MacBook is still just a bunch of brilliant characteristics. Unlike Apple, however, a number of companies are already offered on the market of a device with support for Type-C. The first was Nokia with the aforementioned tablet N1.

SanDisk recently showed its first flash disk based on a new standard. However, in order to provide backward compatibility with old USB formats, this 32-gigabyte device has an additional Type-A connector - a practice that is likely to meet during the transition to a new standard.

As part of the January exhibition CES 2015, the prototype of the docking station for laptops was demonstrated, which offers the Type-C connector for charging and displaying the video to the external 4K display. And Lacie literally announced the other day that she intends to offer a series of Type-C-external hard disks With a capacity of 500 GB, 1 and 2 TB.

Excellent day!

The USB Type-C port has at least one indisputable and obvious advantage over the Micro USB port - insert the connector can be in it (like Lightning). But USB Type-C has disadvantages, we will tell about today.

1. USB Type-C does not support fast charging

Currently, no smartphone with a USB Type-C cable is compatible with technologies that support fast charging (for example, with Qualcomm Quick Charge 2.0). It may appear in the future, but definitely not from those smartphones that have already been released.

2. USB Type-C does not guarantee high data exchange rate

USB Type-C is only a conformant form factor, and not the data exchange standard. The USB Type-C cable itself may correspond to different standards - USB 2.0, 3.0 and 3.1. Even if the cable supports USB 3.1, the data transfer rate through it will be limited by the smartphone or computer port. In theory via USB 3.1, data can be transmitted at a speed of up to 10 gigabit per second, but in reality this speed will most likely be unattainable even under ideal conditions.

3. USB TYPE-C is weakly distributed

Surely you often asked for your familiar charger or cable to charge your dischargeed smartphone. In the case of USB Type-C, this will not roll - it is unlikely that someone has such a cable. You can ask for a Micro USB cable from any passerby. May refuse, but it is almost everyone ..

4. USB Type-C is expensive

It is worse if the cable is lost or will be unreasonable - the cord with Micro USB stands in computer stores is very cheap, and USB Type-C is far from all the outlets, and for it will have to lay out much more money. In addition, there is no guarantee that new cable It will be as high quality as the one that attached complete to the smartphone is a great risk of running into a fake.

5. USB Type-C does not support usual accessories.

If you have already purchased various accessories for your smartphone, such as portable chargers, OTG adapters, flash drives, columns, etc., be prepared that they will be incompatible with USB Type-C. Find accessories that support this standard is currently quite difficult.

All this does not mean that the USB Type-C standard is bad, it just did not come. In addition, many compatibility problems are solved by purchasing the USB Type-C adapter -\u003e Micro USB.

The new USB Type-C standard is still not widely developed in the market, but manufacturers gradually accept fresh technology. In the USB-C smartphone, you can already be called a new trend, because it is not only an improved charging connector, but also a means for refusing a traditional 3.5-millimeter headphone port. Today we will talk in more detail about USB Type-C, and this article will tell you what it is.

Today almost everyone electronic devices Equipped with USB connector. From desktop computers To smartphones and a variety of drives with laptops. USB is an ubiquitous standard when it comes to connecting the periphery or data transmission between devices. The last major update of the USB was published in 2013 with the output of USB 3.1, accompanied by the release of the new Type-C connector. As you can see, since then almost 4 years has passed, and Type-C never passed.

Currently, in the market, you can recalculate devices using USB Type-C technology on the market. Among the computers is the latest Apple laptops, from Google, Samsung ruler and a few more hybrid devices. Among smartphones - mostly flagships of the outgoing year:, and.

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

What is USB Type-C

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

USB-C is a new standard

First of all, you need to know that USB Type-C is a new standard for the industry. In the same way as they were usb 1.1, USB 2.0, USB 3.0 or the latest USB 3.1. Only previous generations of USB were more focused on increasing the rate of data transfer and various other improvements, while Type-C from a physical point of view changes the design of the connector similarly to the modifications of the technology - 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, and from both sides (an example of USB-microusb).

Main characteristics:

24 signal output
USB support 3.1.
Alternative mode to implement third-party interfaces
Speed \u200b\u200bup to 10 Gbps
Energy transmission up to 100 W
Dimensions: 8,34х2,56 mm

USB Type-C and USB 3.1

One of the possible questions of those who do not know about USB Type-C may be something similar: what does USB 3.1 ratio have to 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 per second - in theory it is 2 times faster than USB 3.0. More USB 3.1 can be presented in the original connector format - this port is called USB 3.1 Type-a. But today it is much easier to meet USB 3.1 with a new Type-C universal connector.

USB version

To better understand why Type-C becomes replacing the traditional version of USB, first of all it is necessary to understand the difference between them. Exist various versions USB, as well as even different connectors - for example, Type-a and Type-B.

USB versions belong to the general standard, but their difference consists in the maximum data transfer rate and capacity of the work. Of course, there are many other factors.

USB 1.1.
Although USB 1.0 is technically the first version of the USB, it could not fully enter the market. Instead, a new version of USB 1.1 was released - just she became the first standard to which we were all accustomed. USB 1.1 may transmit data at a speed of 12 Mbps per second and consumes 100 mA currents.

USB 2.0
The second USB version was presented in April 2000. It provided a standard for significant increase in the maximum data transfer rate - up to 480 Mbps per second. Also, USB 2.0 has become more powerful by consuming 1,870 by 2.5V.

USB 3.0.
USB 3.0 yield brought with you not only the expected improvements in data transmission and power, but also new types of connectors. Moreover, USB 3.0 even got its color - new version The standards were designated blue to distinguish it from old USB generations. USB 3.0 can operate at a speed of up to 5 Gbps per second, taking 5V for its operation to 1,8a. By the way, this version was presented in November 2008.

USB 3.1.
Newest and Samem best version USB was released in July 2013, although it is still not used everywhere. USB 3.1 can provide users with bandwidth up to 10 Gbps per second with maximum energy consumption in 5V / 1A, or optionally 5a / 12V (60 W) or 20V (100 W).

Type-A.
Type-A is classic uSB interface. Short and rectangular plug has become original design For USB to this day, it remains a standard connector for use at the end of the USB cable host. There are also some variations of Type-A - Mini Type-a and Micro Type-A, but they have never been widely accepted by the public due to the complex socket. Currently, both of these variations of Type-A are recognized as outdated.

Type-B.
If Type-A has become one side of the usb cable familiar to us, then Type-B is another. The original TYPE-B is a high connector with beveled upper corners. Usually occurs on printers, although by itself is an extension of the USB 3.0 standard for introducing new connection capabilities. The classic miniusb and microUSB also exists in the Type-B version, along with absolutely clumsy microUSB 3.0, in which additional plugs are used.

Type-C.
Thus, after Type-a and Type-b, we approached, obviously, to the newest Type-c. Type-a and Type-B versions were to work together with each other by backward compatibility, but the arrival of Type-C completely destroyed these plans, since USB-C implies a complete replacement of outdated USB connection technologies. Also, Type-C was designed in a special way that additional options for MINI or Micro do not need to be released at all. This, again, is associated with the intentions to replace all the current connectors on USB Type-C.

The main feature of the Type-C standard is the versatility or symmetry of the connector. USB-C can be used by both sides like apple technology Lightning - more than any special sides for the connection, which is also difficult to find in the dark. Also, the type-c version is based on USB 3.1, which means support for all benefits. latest version, including the highest speed.

USB-C is still inversely compatible with existing USB variants, but for such a use scenario, of course, adapters will need.

USB Type-C Disadvantages

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

Even more relevant and considerable concern uSB problem Type-C is the unregulated connection of the connector, which led to a number of dangerous accessories in the sale. Some of these accessories through the use of unsupported voltage levels are able to "fry" the connected device. For example, it was so with magnificent at the start of the flagship, which later began to ignite first, and then explode in the hands, trousers, cars and apartments of their owners.

This problem led to an obvious and only solution - a massive ban on the production and sale of non-original accessories with support for USB Type-C. So, if the accessory does not meet the standard USB IMPLEMENTERS FORUM INC. INC., then the product will not be allowed to sell. Also, to test the working condition and authenticity of various third-party accessories, USB-IF introduced a 128-bit software encryption, which will allow devices with this connector to carry out automatic check Connected device or accessory with USB-C.

Minuses:

Design.The design of USB Type-C is good, but the design suffered - it is rather fragile. Apple In its Lightning uses a all-metal plug when the oval form is used in Type-C with the placement of signal outputs in the central part.
Connector operation.If you allow USB Type-C to work with unsupported voltage levels, then most likely the cable and / or the device will be ignited.
Compatibility.USB Type-C is innovation in the USB world, but the newest generation Leaves old devices in the past, because it does not support work with them.
Adapters.For full-fledged work with USB Type-C on old devices, adapters will have to arrive. This is an extra cost of money.

Advantages of USB Type-C

Despite all the above, USB Type-C can be confidently called a step forward for the industry. Installing this Connector will allow manufacturers to make thinner computers and mobile devices With fewer ports, the highest data transfer rate and headphones. In the future, if USB Type-C is mounted in the mass, the connector will be able to replace not only the port 3.5 mm for headphones, but also the HDMI - the interface used to transmit video. So USB Type-C will replace familiar connectors today and will become a universal standard in any situation.

Pros:

Symmetry. USB Type-C allows you to forget about situations when you have to remember which side to insert the cable into the connector. From now on, you can not be afraid not to find the desired USB side in the dark.
Compactness. The dimensions of USB Type-C are 8.4x2.6 mm - it allows manufacturers to make computers and mobile devices significantly thinner.
Universality. Thanks to the integration of the single connector, it will be possible charging with one cable as a laptop and a tablet or a smartphone.