USB Type-C: What is it different from Micro USB. All you wanted to know about USB Type-C

Why the new USB standard is really better than the usb ports, tablets or laptops familiar to all and which devices already have connectors USB Type-C? Editorial Chip answers all these questions.

First a little important information: The designations of USB Type-C and USB 3.1, as they say, go to the leg, as they actually indicate the same thing. When USB 3.1 numeric designation is used, it usually goes to the data rate.

If you meet the name USB Type-C - usually it means directly the type of connector for connecting devices. First, let's compare the previous USB 3.0 standard with a new USB 3.1. All details can be found in the table below.

Comparison USB 3.0 and USB 3.1

Top devices with USB Type-C

What devices with USB Type-C connector are generally available in currently? The first of them was a 12-inch MacBook, in which this connector was generally the only one. Actual googles of Nexus 6P and 5X are also equipped with USB 3.1 - and indeed more and more manufacturers integrate the port of the new standard into their smartphones.

In the following table, we collected a list of the most interesting devices With USB Type-C interface.

USB TYPE-C: these devices have already

USB connector will no longer be able to connect incorrectly

USB TYPE-C: type with (left) plug can be used by any side

This is what makes the USB Type-C connector incredibly comfortable: it is symmetrical. You no longer have to think about how attempts will be able to properly insert the plug into the nest. Previously, this property of the connector was a big advantage of products. apple companies, iPad or iPhone, and now it becomes available to wide masses. This cable can be inserted with any side.

We mention and one more significant advantage Above the standard USB 3.0: due to increased to 100 W maximum power transmitted, via USB 3.1 in the future, various peripheral devices can be connected without an additional power source, for example, monitors or columns. The strength of the current 5 and also significantly reduces the charging time of the mobile phone.

We are on the threshold of significant changes - to replace the classic and usable ports of USB 2.0 and 3.0, a new, back compatible connectivity type comes. Despite external convenience, symmetry and visual simplicity, the list of features of USB Type-C is not only impressive, but at the same time pays many unmarried difficulties for the user.

The first USB standard appeared in 1994 to solve key problems of that time: unification of the connector for the periphery of the equipment PC combined with a high data transfer rate. Since 2001, the USB 2.0 connector version (as well as its various variations) has become a universal connection standard for any periphery. The pledge of fifteen years of USB success is simplicity, because inside only four contacts that provide a plug-in power supply and bond.

What was the advantage in the 2000s, has become a bottleneck for modern devices - USB ports ceased to cope with the information growing in almost geometric progression, users rated the advantages of symmetrical (and fast!) Mobile reversing connectors (such as Apple Lightning), cables in which you can insert both parties, and the speed wireless transmission The data closely approaches the cable connection speed.

USB 3.0 only emphasized the existing problem, mechanically adjusting the number of additional contacts to five, which gave an increase in the maximum capacity from 480 Mbps to 5 Gb / s, and the maximum current rose from 500 mA to 900 mA. The new connector also received its distinctive marking - a blue socket. USB connectors 3.0 requires 9 conclusions.

Let's figure out how much the USB Type-C / USB-C / USB C connector is different from its predecessors, which prospects and complexity is in themselves the transition to a new connector type and which types of cables can be replaced in the near future.

The confusion begins with the name: "USB Type-C", "USB-C" and "USB C" These are different names of one connector that can work with various protocols. While the common name was not established, we will adhere to the name USB Type-C - although the general trend indicates the growing popularity of a more brief version of USB-C.

The diagram of back-compatible USB protocols Type-C makes it possible to understand what functions the new connector may take on - they were unexpectedly a lot, which cannot but rejoice. The most important thing in this diagram is that each next level is inversely compatible with the levels below.

The fastest protocol for the new connector is Thunderbolt 3. The Thunderbolt hardware interface was developed by Intel in collaboration with Apple. The Thunderbolt trading brand earlier belonged to Apple, but later was transferred intel companies. USB Type-C connectors working with this protocol installed in new

And here uSB port Type-C in the previous step below, allowing you to connect the periphery compatible only with the USB 3.1 Gen 1 standard, but not with Thunderbolt 3.

This is a good example, clearly demonstrating in practice, why despite the same USB Type-C connector, the periphery for Thunderbolt 3 cannot be connected to MacBook 12, however, any accessories and peripherals for MacBook 12 will work with new MacBook Pro. 2016.

Let's look more in more detail what other types of signals can transmit USB Type-C through yourself.

First of all, it is a 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 uSB connection 3.0.

What does this mean in practice? By purchasing a cable for a mobile device with USB Type-C, pay attention to the speed and compatibility of the connectors from both gadgets. Good choice For a modern Windows laptop with USB 3.0 will be the cable that will ensure work via USB Type-C using USB 2.0 and 3.0 protocols.

If yours mobile device, for example, an Android smartphone, equipped with a Micro USB port (or its Micro-USB B modification), working via USB 2.0 protocol, can be limited to the cable, or. The maximum data transfer rate will be limited to 480 Mbps.

The following standard is USB 3.1 Gen 1 - allows you to connect hard drives, network adapters and docking station. It is compatible with the "SuperSpeed" protocols USB 3.0, Hi-Speed \u200b\u200bUSB 2.0 and even with original USB 1.x.

USB 3.1 Gen 2 protocol - similar to the previous one, but doubles throughput USB peripherals up to 10 Gb / s. It is supported only by the newest USB-C devices.

Connection via USB 3.1 and USB Type-C support and external discs, eg .

Examples of accessories providing compatible speed network connection via USB Type-C:
and.

The Audio Accessory Mode mode is a specification for use with analog audio, which allows the USB Type-C port to compete in the future with an analog 3.5 mm connector.

Alternate Mode Connection Mode - Includes all other non-USB protocols: This is DisplayPort, MHL, HDMI and Thunderbolt (connection to which previously passed through the DP connector). The main problem is here - not each device supports the Alternate Mode protocol, which is very confused by buyers.

For video devices, not only the branded adapters from the USB Type-C from Apple are available: and the adapter, but also options from other manufacturers, for example.

But there are also advantages - the transmission of the video stream on the USB Type-C port does not affect its energy abilities, because for the needs of the DisplayPort, the entire four speed lines can be allocated. In this case, the image transmission is possible in the resolution up to 5120 × 2880.

The symmetry of contact pads allowed the port to be reversible, and depending on the connected device involved various number Connections.

The first USB 1.0 port ensured the power of only 0.75 W (0.15 A, 5 V). For USB 2.0, the current strength was increased to 0.5 A, which made it possible to receive 2.5 watts from it for food, for example, external hard disks Format 2.5 ". It is not surprising that for connecting more energy-intensive discs, several ports were required immediately.

For USB 3.0, the current of the current is 0.9 A, which, at a supply voltage of 5 V, it guarantees the power of 4.5 W. Against the background of these numbers, the possibility of transmitting 100 W is really impressive!

To ensure the transfer of such a quantity of energy, the supply voltage may increase to 20 volts. Contacts Secondary Bus and USB Power Delivery Communication are designed to select the desired operation mode between the connected gadgets - after all, if the device is not able to take 100W energy, it will simply burn! Thanks to the preliminary data exchange, compatible devices are moving to advanced operation with advanced features.

In total, five such profiles are five: "Profile 1" guarantees the possibility of transmitting 10 W energy, the second - 18 W, the third - 36 W, the fourth - 60 W, well, and the fifth one hundred and a hundred!

To work PD (Power Delivery), a separate cable will be required, for example

Prospects for USB Type-C or USB-C are very rainbow. Besides apple, uSB ports Type-C is beginning to be equipped with both productive desktops (motherboards) and mobile devices. So far, the leading place occupies the USB protocol 3.1 in both of its variations (and mobile devices are only selected to the speeds of USB 3.0).

It will take quite a bit of time and we will finally be able to go to universal view USB-C cables with USB-C (such cables are available now) to connect the rest of the periphery. It is especially nice that the accessories purchased today will continue to work through the backward compatibility regime. Important note - USB Type-C is an open standard that does not require licensed deductions from manufacturers.

Risks and difficulties are concluded only when connecting a new periphery (requiring the most high-speed protocols, such as Thunderbolt different versions) To older versions of USB Type-C devices running at USB 3.1 speeds - at best, they will be able to continue working at low speed.

When buying accessories and USB cables Type-C, be sure to take into account at what speeds should (and may) work your device - if USB speeds 2.0-3.1 are suitable for mobile devices and gadgets, then for video signaling or data from high-capacity hard drives can be important Compatibility with Thunderbolt 3 interface.

For your convenience, we collected in a separate directory section.

Smartphones with USB Type-C appeared on the market for a long time, but many consumers practically do not know anything about the new port on Android devices. In this article, I will explain what is a USB Type-C and for which it can be used.

What is USB Type-C?

USB (universal sequential tire) - a cable standard that allows you to synchronize the data, as well as charge the mobile device. The first generation was announced back in 1998 and until now we have observed the emergence of improved port versions. The newest decision It is USB Type-C.

Each version of USB has a data transfer rate and restriction electric currentwhich can go through it. The previous generation of USB Type-A and Type-B connectors have only 4 contacts, while a modern type C connector received all 24, which allows it to carry out more electric current and transmit data at very high speeds.

Familiar to us MicroUSB 2.0, for example, is currently used on most Android devices, and it supports 5V (Volt) / 2A (amp) and a transfer rate of 480 MB / s. USB Type-C (3.1), on the other hand, already offers 20V / 5A to transmit electrical current and speed up to 10 GB / s.

Advantages of USB Type-C

Obviously, the new standard boasts a stunning data transfer rate, but he has other interesting advantages. The Type-C connector double-sided, that is, there is no value which side you connect it, and has the same contacts at both ends of the cable.

Moreover, the next HDMI generation is fully compatible with USB 3.1, that is, you do not need to buy an expensive adapter or adapter. In the future, all laptops and desktop computers Will be equipped with such comfortable connectors.

And there are shortcomings of USB Type-C?

Not all manufacturers adapt to a new USB standard. Some cables have Type-C connectors, they look like type-c, but support only USB 2.0. Such cables can be dangerous to devices.

Just do not buy cheap Chinese accessories to protect your phone. It is best to buy official USB from a smartphone manufacturer.

Another problem facing USB Type-C is a small number of devices working with this standard. At the moment, not so many phones or other devices use new technologyAnd if you have a friend at home and are looking for charging - good luck to find a suitable cable. You can also face the fact that charging and the USB Type-C cable is not very cheap, but in the future it will change.

Beware of cheap USB cables
Even if the smartphone has a USB Type-C port, it may not support the standard 3.1, so make sure before buying
Always use the original cable.

In 2015, was shown a new version MacBook Air.. At the presentation of Tim Cook, Apple Head, as usual, told about new features and device capabilities. There was one detail in it that was interested not only to Adept Apple. As you might guess, it was about a completely new USB Type-C connector.

What it is?

USB Type-C is an evolutionary degree of development of a universal sequential tire format (USB), which you probably heard and which is hardly the most common technology in the field of mobile and peripheral devices.

This is the evolution, and not a revolution, although some individual moments can be called revolutionary. So, USB Type-C allows not only files, but even a video!

Immediately I want to tell us about the designations of USB Type-C and USB 3.1. They do not mean the same thing, although they go hand in hand: USB Type-C is a USB specification, USB 3.1 - in fact, the numeric designation under which the data transfer rate is intended. Roughly speaking, USB Type-C works on USB 3.1 technology. By the way, the data transfer rate is very high - over 1200 MB / C against 500 MB / s at USB 3.0!

Compare USB Type-C and USB TYPE-A:

And here is a comparison of USB Type-C and MicroUSB (one of the most popular formats used in the mobile sphere):

What is the advantage of USB TYPE-C?

As it was written above, in the data rate. But this is not the only advantage of this technology. So, USB 3.1 has a greater maximum power, which means that it will soon be possible to connect additional devices Like columns without an additional power source. Just imagine - took columns on nature, connected them with using USB. Type-C and listen to music!

Another huge plus is the current of the current in 5a. This allows you to significantly quickly charge the smartphone, a tablet or any other device. The main thing is that this device supports technology. fast charging.

Finally, the plug can now be inserted by any side - it is symmetrical. Recently, such pleasure was available only for iPhone and iPad, and now - and for all other devices that use USB Type-C technology.

What devices use USB Type-C?

Many. These are laptops, and tablets, and smartphones. Probably in the future, the transition to USB Type-C devices on android database will accelerate significantly because Google advised to manufacturers to use this interface In their future new items.

Laptop from Google:

Recently, more and more phones and smartphones appear on sale, which, instead of the traditional Micro USB, use a new connector called USB Type-C. This type The connector appeared not so long ago and so far understand what it works and how.

If you also have questions related to USB Type-C, we suggest familiarizing yourself with this article. Here you will learn what a USB Type-C is what it differs from Micro USB and what to choose. If you are also interest

What is USB Type-C in phones and smartphones

USB interface logo.

In order to deal with what the USB Type-C is needed to make a small excursion to the history of this interface. - This is a computer interface that appeared in the mid-1990s and has been actively used to connect peripheral devices to a computer. With the advent of smartphones, this interface began to be applied to them, a little later, the USB began to use both in ordinary mobile phones with buttons.

Initially, the USB standard included only two types of connectors: Type-A and Type-b. The Type-A connector was used to connect to the device on the side of which a hub or a USB interface controller was used. The Type-A connector on the contrary was used on the side of the peripheral device. Thus, the usual USB cable included two Type-A connector, which connected to a computer or another control device, and Type-B, which connected to the peripheral device.

In addition, both Type-a and Type-B have reduced versions of connector, which are indicated as mini and micro. As a result, a sufficiently large list of various connectors is obtained: the usual USB Type-A, Mini Type-A, Micro Type-A, the usual Type-B, Mini Type-B and Micro USB Type-Bwhich was commonly used in phones and smartphones and is more famous called Micro USB.

Comparison of different connectors.

With the output of the third version of the USB standard, several more additional connectors appeared, which supported USB 3.0, this: USB 3.0 Type-B, USB 3.0 Type-b MINI and USB 3.0 Type-B Micro.

All this zoo of the connectors no longer responded to modern realities in which the popularity was gained easy to use connectors, such as Apple. Therefore, together with the USB 3.1 standard, a new connector type called USB Type-C (USB-C) was presented.

The appearance of USB Type-C solved several problems at once. First, USB Type-C was originally compact, so there is no need to use mini and micro versions of the connector. Secondly, USB Type-C can be connected as to peripheral devicesand computers. This allows you to abandon the scheme in which Type-A connected to a computer, and Type-B to the peripheral device.

In addition, USB Type-C supports a lot of other innovations and useful features:

Data transfer rate from 5 to 10 Gb / s, and with the introduction of USB 3.2 this speed can grow to 20 Gbps.
Back compatibility with previous USB standards. Using a special adapter, a device with a USB Type-C connector can be connected to ordinary usb. previous versions.
Symmetric Connector Design, which allows you to connect a cable to any side (as well as in the Lightning from Apple).
USB Type-C cable can be used to quickly charge mobile phones, smartphones, as well as compact laptops.
Support for alternative modes of operation in which uSB cable Type-C can be used to transmit information on other protocols (DisplayPort, MHL, Thunderbolt, HDMI, Virtuallink).

What is the difference between USB Type-C from Micro USB

USB Type-C cables (top) and Micro USB.

Users who choose mobile phone Or a smartphone, often interests than the USB Type-C differs from Micro USB. Below we collected the main differences and advantages of these connectors.

USB Type-C is a "For Future" connector. If you choose flagship smartphonewho are planning to enjoy several years, then you should pay attention to the model with USB Type-C. This connector is actively gaining popularity and more devices with its support will appear in the future. Do not fear problems with connecting to a computer. If your computer is not equipped with this connector, you can always connect the phone using an adapter.
USB Type-C is convenient. Thanks to the symmetrical design, the USB Type-c is much easier to connect than the classic Micro USB. To put the phone with USB Type-C for charging, you just need to stick the cable into it, and you do not need to look at the connector and choose which side to connect it. In addition, due to its symmetry, the USB Type-C connectors are more stable and rarely damaged.
USB Type-C is fast. As we have already said, USB Type-C supports data transfer rate from 5 to 10 Gb / s. If the phone supports such speed, then you can copy the data much faster than when use Micro. USB, the speed of which is limited by the USB 2.0 standard (up to 480 Mbps).
Micro USB (or rather Micro USB Type-B) is a tested connector, the main advantage of which is its prevalence. Charging and cable with such a connector can be found in any office or house. Therefore, with Micro USB you will always find where to charge your phone or smartphone.

What is better than USB Type-C or Micro USB

Finished an article by the answer to the question, which is better, USB Type-C or Micro USB. If short, then USB Type-C is definitely better. Phone with USB Type-C can only be bought for a symmetric connector. Most users charge the phone daily, so such a trifle as a symmetrical connector that can be connected to any side, greatly simplifies life. On the other hand, if you are often charged your smartphone outside the house, the usual Micro USB can be preferable. So you will have fewer problems with a search for a suitable cable or adapter.

You also need to note the data transfer rate. If the phone and computer support USB 3.1, then using USB Type-C, you can transmit data at a rate of up to 10 Gb / s, while Micro USB can provide a maximum of 0.5 Gb / s.