Not every device supports it yet, but if you have a flagship phone with USB-C and a laptop with USB-C you canstartto get away with it; however, youll generally need some additional cables for when you need to access different style USB ports. JTAG interface). [91] Laptop computers will also be required to have the connections 40 months after the rule takes effect.
Furthermore, dual-role devices that implement USB Power Delivery may independently and dynamically swap data and power roles using the Data Role Swap or Power Role Swap processes. For example, both Android 6.0 Marshmallow and Android 7.0 Nougat support USB-C 3.1, but manufacturers or OEMs still have to opt-in for the hardware to take advantage of the new technology. DisplayPort 2.0 can support 8K resolution at 60 Hz with HDR10 color and can use up to 80 Gbps, which is double the amount available to USB data. bucks the trend with Lightning).
In this mode, all digital circuits are disconnected from the connector, and the 14 bold pins can be used to expose debug related signals (e.g. USB 3.1 is the successor to USB 3.0. The good news is that USB-C is backwards compatible, so even if USB 3.1 isnt supported, youll be able to use an older USB version for your data transfers. These new USB ports arent just coming to phones, theyre coming to a ton of other devices as well computers, laptops and plenty of other accessories (headphones, docking stations and more). There is only a single non-SuperSpeed differential pair in the cable. He currently bounces between the LG G3 and his beloved Moto X! How Trust In Institutions Determines COVID Vaccination Rates In The EU, Clubhouses Future Depends On Data - How To Build A TikTok Like Algorithm, President Biden Is Man, Woman And 40 Years Old - Why We Need Algorithmic Transparency, WhatsApp: We Should Discuss What Our Data Is Used For, Not Who Has It, Three Things Youll Need Before Starting A New Business. Right now there are four main categories: USB Type-A the original, rectangular form factor used by USB keys and external drives, almost everything, USB Type-B the little used square form factor most commonly seen on the back of printers. After entering debug accessory mode, optional orientation detection via the CC1 and CC2 is done via setting CC1 as a pullup of Rd resistance and CC2 pulled to ground via Ra resistance (from the test system Type-C plug). Alternate Mode hosts and sinks can be connected with either regular full-featured Type-C cables, or with converter cables or adapters: Active cables/adapters contain powered ICs to amplify/equalise the signal for extended length cables, or to perform active protocol conversion. 
These types of ports are called Dual-Role-Data (DRD) ports, which was known as USBOn-The-Go in the previous specification. What makes this cable even better is that one of the features we love so much about USB-C has been replicated to the USB-A 2.0 plug! In this mode, all digital circuits are disconnected from the connector, and certain pins become reassigned for analog outputs or inputs. [58] A third alternative is to establish a Power Delivery contract. PwC Cloud and Digital Transformation BrandVoice, How To Earn Cash Rewards For Everyday Spending. This cable does not appear to support recharging a device via USB. Receptacles are found on devices and adapters. On the other hand, USB-C has 24-pins, which without getting into too much detail basically offer you those faster transfer speeds, faster charging speeds and so on. You may opt-out by. When an active set of USB-C headphones or adapter is used, digital audio is sent through the USB-C port. Is only available in Thunderbolt3 DisplayPort mode. Until we have converted all our hubs, chargers, and ports over to USB-C this is the cable you're going to need for basic USB 2.0 connections. However, if you are looking for solutions to technical questions please see our Technical Assistance page. For example, USB-C connectors are fully reversible. Its a really neat technology when you look at how far weve come as far as things getting smaller and then more powerful goes. So, youll get all the extra perks with it, including using the Pixels battery reserves to charge up another device. 
One of the primary differences, as far as hardware goes, is the amount of pins inside the connectors. As of 2018,[update] five system-defined Alternate Mode partner specifications exist. Cost helped the pitch to computer companies, and Apple played a key role in boosting consumer awareness when USB ports were included in the first iMac with USB ports. ", "USB Type-C Connector Specifications Finalized", "USB Type-C Cable and Connector: Language Usage Guidelines from USB-IF", "USB Type-C: One cable to connect them all", "USB Type-C Cable and Connector Specification", "USB 3.0 Promoter Group Announces USB Type-C Connector Ready for Production", "Transition existing products from USB 2.0 OTG to USB Type-C", "USB Type-C Connectors and Cable Assemblies Compliance Document, v1.2 | USB-IF", "USB Type-C(TM) Cable and Connector Specification Revision 1.4, March 29, 2019", "Universal Serial Bus Type-C Cable and Connector Specification, September 21, 2019", "USB Type-C Cable and Connector Specification Revision 2.1, May, 2021", "IEC 62680-1-3:2016 | IEC Webstore | energy, multimedia, cable, USB, LVDC", "IEC 62680-1-3:2017 | IEC Webstore | energy, multimedia, cable, USB, LVDC", "IEC 62680-1-3:2018 | IEC Webstore | energy, multimedia, cable, USB, LVDC", "USB Type-C(TM) Locking Connector Specification | USB-IF", "USB Type-C(TM) Port Controller Interface Specification | USB-IF", "USB-IF Publishes Audio over USB Type-C Specifications", "USB 3.1 and Type-C: The only stuff at CES that everyone is going to use | Ars Technica UK", "VESA Brings DisplayPort to New USB Type-C Connector", "DisplayPort Alternate Mode on USB-C - Technical Overview", "VESA Releases Updated DisplayPort Alt Mode Spec to Bring DisplayPort 2.0 Performance to USB4 and New USB Type-C Devices", "MHL Alternate Mode reference design for superMHL over USB Type-C", "MHL Releases Alternate Mode for New USB Type-C Connector", "MHL Alternate Mode over USB Type-C to support superMHL", "MHL Alt Mode: Optimizing Consumer Video Transmission", "Thunderbolt 3 The USB-C That Does It All | Thunderbolt Technology Community", "One port to rule them all: Thunderbolt 3 and USB Type-C join forces", "Thunderbolt 3 is twice as fast and uses reversible USB-C", "Thunderbolt 3 embraces USB Type-C connector, doubles bandwidth to 40Gbps", "HDMI Press Release: HDMI Releases Alternate Mode for USB Type-C Connector", "A new standard will allow your USB-C devices to connect to HDMI", "New Open Industry Standard Introduced for Connecting Next-Generation VR Headsets to PCs, Other Devices", "VirtualLink USB-C Alt Mode Announced: Standardized Connector for VR Headsets", "[802.3_DIALOG] USB-C Ethernet Alternate Mode", "VESA RELEASES UPDATED DISPLAYPORT ALT MODE SPEC TO BRING DISPLAYPORT 2.0 PERFORMANCE TO USB4 AND NEW USB TYPE-C DEVICES", "VESA Brings DisplayPort to New USB Type-C Connector | VESA", Termination Resistors Required for the USB Type-C Connector KBA97180, "Using the USB-C port and adapters on your MacBook (Retina, 12-inch, Early 2015) - Apple Support", "Update for USB Type-C billboard support and Kingston thumb drive is enumerated incorrectly in Windows", "Windows support for USB Type-C connectors", "USB Dual Role Driver Stack Architecture - Windows drivers", "Why USB 3.1 Type-C Isn't on More Cases & Cable Factory Tour in Dongguan, China", "Are all USB-C ports for both charging and data?
There is no doubt as momentum around USB Type-C grows so will confusion in 2015, but unlike so many technology overhauls this one is well worth it. The SBU pins become a microphone pin MIC, and the analog ground AGND, the latter being a return path for both outputs and the microphone. It also has its own level of fast charging thanks to its higher throughput capability. Check out 9to5Mac on YouTube for more Apple news: Ben Lovejoy is a British technology writer and EU Editor for 9to5Mac. And yes, youll definitely need to buy these separately, as theyre not always included in your phone. Is It Better To Lease Or Buy A Car In Summer 2022? He recognizes that the model has led to frustration. [92], USB Type-C Cable and Connector Specification, USB-C receptacle pin usage in different modes, Compatibility with other fast charging technology. The USBType-C Specification 1.0 was published by the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) and was finalized in August 2014. If approved, the rule will go into effect 24 months after the approval.
The number of different options, terms, and names of connectors can make selecting one, or finding the one you need, daunting. All USB-C cables must be able to carry a minimum of 3A current (at 20V, 60W) but some can also carry high-power 5A current (at 20V, 100W). Despite these downsides, the benefits of USB Type-C are abundantly clear. This makes thing a lot more seamless for the end user. USB Type-C can go as fast as any USB standard and it will launch with compliancy for USB 3.1. [9] The electronic ID chip provides information about product/vendor, cable connectors, USB signalling protocol (2.0, Gen1, Gen2), passive/active construction, use of VCONN power, available VBUS current, latency, RX/TX directionality, SOP controller mode, and hardware/firmware version.[6]. There are primarily two types of USB-C adapters (active adapters with DACs, passive adapters without DACs) and two modes of audio output from devices (phones without onboard DACs that send out digital audio, phones with onboard DACs that send out analog audio).[81][82]. Active adapters with a built-in DAC have near-universal support for devices that output digital and analog audio, adhering to the Audio Device Class 3.0 and Audio Adapter Accessory Mode specifications. [4], A device with a Type-C connector does not necessarily implement USB, USB Power Delivery, or any Alternate Mode: the Type-C connector is common to several technologies while mandating only a few of them.[5][6]. USB-C (formally known as USB Type-C) is a 24-pin USB connector system with a rotationally symmetrical connector. ", "A Google Engineer Is Publicly Shaming Crappy USB-C Cables", "A Google Engineer is Testing USB Type-C Cables So You Don't Have To", "Be careful about which USB-C cables you buy off the Internet", "Laptops are getting destroyed by cheap USB-C cables", "Google Engineer Reviews Defective USB Cables on Amazon - Fortune", "In response to the Type-C cable discussions", "USB-C audio: Everything you need to know", "Bring back the headphone jack: Why USB-C audio still doesn't work", "Android 5.0 Lollipop supports USB DAC audio devices, we go ears-on", "Hands-on: Apple's new USB-C headphone adapter is your cheapest option for analog audio on Pixel", "Google engineer warns USB-C, Qualcomm Quick Charge are incompatible - ExtremeTech", "Qualcomm says it's fine to fast-charge your phone over USB-C", "Qualcomm Quick Charge 4: Five minutes of charging for five hours of battery life", "Apple opposes EU plans to make common charger port for all devices", "In a setback for Apple, the European Union seeks a common charger for all phones", "USB-C will be mandatory for phones sold in the EU 'by autumn 2024', "EU to Require One Connector for Phones, Electronics in Europe", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=USB-C&oldid=1101025502, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles containing potentially dated statements from 2018, All articles containing potentially dated statements, Articles with unsourced statements from November 2021, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, Digital audio / video / data connector / power, SuperSpeed differential pair #1, TX, positive, SuperSpeed differential pair #1, TX, negative, USB 2.0 differential pair, position 1, positive, USB 2.0 differential pair, position 1, negative, SuperSpeed differential pair #4, RX, negative, SuperSpeed differential pair #4, RX, positive, SuperSpeed differential pair #2, RX, positive, SuperSpeed differential pair #2, RX, negative, USB 2.0 differential pair, position 2, negative, USB 2.0 differential pair, position 2, positive, SuperSpeed differential pair #3, TX, negative, SuperSpeed differential pair #3, TX, positive. Read more:Every USB Device Under Threat. Well see more devices fully support the technology, but for now, Googles Pixel devices are a good example. In addition, DisplayPort and MHL Alternate Modes can transmit on one, two, or four SuperSpeed lanes, so two of the remaining lanes may be used to simultaneously transmit USB3.1 data.[56]. USB-C supports both USB 3.1 and 3.0 standards (more on that later). The male connector (plug) has only one high-speed differential pair, and one of the CC pins (CC2) is replaced by VCONN, to power optional electronics in the cable, and the other is used to actually carry the Configuration Channel (CC) signals. Its first important to recognize that USB-C and USB 3.1 are different from each other. That said, with how new the technology is, many of us dont understand how it all works exactly. Other devices may have fallback mode to 2.0, in case the 3.x connection fails. It may have a rubbish name, but USB Type-C is the most important technology to hit the tech space in years. USB-C cables that do not have shielded SuperSpeed pairs, sideband use pins, or additional wires for power lines can have increased cable length, up to 4m. These USB-C cables only support 2.0 speeds and do not support alternate modes. The audio adapter may optionally include a USB-C charge-through port to allow 500mA device charging.
This means not only will devices charge far faster, but almost anything can be powered via USB 3.1 and the tiny USB Type-C connector. This allows for charge-through hub or docking station applications where the USB-C device acts as a USB data host while acting as a power consumer rather than a source. [10] USB-C to USB-C cables supporting 5A current must contain e-marker chips (also marketed as E-Mark chips) programmed to identify the cable and its current capabilities. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. [2] The designation C refers only to the connector's physical configuration or form factor and should not be confused with the connector's specific capabilities, which are designated by its transfer specifications (such as USB 3.2). Nonetheless, he stands by his design. USB-C essentially takes the foundation that micro-USB was built on and improves upon it. The first version or specification of the connector (version 1.0) was originally published in 2014. verified purchaser.
On the other hand, when a passive set of USB-C headphones or adapter is used, analog audio is sent through the USB-C port. [88][89][90] The Commission and the Parliament have agreed to order the implementation of a USB-C common power supply for all devices by autumn 2024. [citation needed]. Analog signals use the USB2.0 differential pairs (Dp and Dn for Right and Left) and the two side-band use pairs for Mic and GND. Whats more Type-C will launch before the end of the year and mass adoption should begin as soon as early 2015. Nevertheless, the MIC and AGND pins must have automatic swap capability, for two reasons: firstly, the USB-C plug may be inserted either side; secondly, there is no agreement, which TRRS rings shall be GND and MIC, so devices equipped with a headphone jack with microphone input must be able to perform this swap anyway.[60]. 2022 Forbes Media LLC. Recent iPhone 6 leaks show Apple is working on its own form of reversible USB Type-A. [85] Qualcomm responded that it is possible to make fast charge solutions fit the voltage demands of USB-C and that there are no reports of problems; however, it did not address the standard compliance issue at that time. [12], Devices may be hosts (with a downstream-facing port, DFP) or peripherals (with an upstream-facing port, UFP). The adapters for video Alt Modes may allow conversion from native video stream to other video interface standards (e.g., DisplayPort, HDMI, VGA or DVI). USB-C is fantastic. New Hack Is Undetectable And Unfixable. Many refer to the connector as USB Type-C, but its more commonly referred to as USB-C. Its basically a 24-pin reversible connector allowing for the transportation of data and energy. [53], The USB SuperSpeed protocol is similar to DisplayPort and PCIe/Thunderbolt, in using packetized data transmitted over differential LVDS lanes with embedded clock using comparable bit rates, so these Alternate Modes are easier to implement in the chipset.[30]. Legacy adapters (i.e. In 2016, Benson Leung, an engineer at Google, pointed out that Quick Charge 2.0 and 3.0 technologies developed by Qualcomm are not compatible with the USB-C standard. Because this is not being developed in conjunction with the USB-IF, it would give Apple the potential to charge license fees for it and is therefore likely to detract from the companys desire to drive adoption of Type-C. Read more: iPhone 6 Leaks Show New Cable Design. For example, micro-USB 2.0 has a meager 5-pins. [50], All Thunderbolt 3 controllers both support "Thunderbolt Alternate Mode" and "DisplayPort Alternate Mode". Using these cables would have a potential consequence of damaging devices that they are connected to. about 3 months ago Plugs are found on cables and adapters. [7][3], USB Type-C and USB-C are trademarks of USB Implementers Forum.[8]. Thunderbolt3 40Gbit/s passive cables are only possible <0.8m due to limitations of current cable technology. And, thanks to the implementation of USB-C, you can even use your phones battery reserves to charge other devices. How Do Employee Needs Vary From Generation To Generation. But it will not recharge my RTK Surveyor or android phone from the USB port on my desktop. To put this in perspective, a typical 15.4-inch laptop will consume around 60-65 watts on average. Some, such as mobile phones, can take either role depending on what kind is detected on the other end. Another quick thing to mention is USB-Cs support of USB 3.1. On devices that have omitted the 3.5mm audio jack, the USB-C port can be used to connect wired accessories such as headphones. An Alternate Mode dedicates some of the physical wires in a USB-C3.1 cable for direct device-to-host transmission of alternate data protocols. Be sure to check out, Why we had to wait for USB-C to get a reversible plug: co-inventor explains. There are also cables which can carry only USB2.0 with up to 480Mbit/s data rate. The engineering specification states that an analog headset shall not use a USB-C plug instead of a 3.5mm plug. The Pixel and Pixel XL use Android 7.0 Nougat to showcase everything that USB-C 3.1 can do. [78][79], When a defective USB-C cable or power source is used, the voltage seen by a USB-C device can be different from the voltage expected by the device. However, to connect a USB2.0/1.1 device to a USB-C host, use of Rd[57] on the CC pins is required, as the source (host) will not supply VBUS until a connection is detected through the CC pins. The conversion by the DAC and amplifier is done on the phone; the headphones or adapter simply passthrough the signal. More. This cable is much thinner and flexible than its 3.1 counterpart and is perfect for USB to serial applications as well as for direct connection to basic microcontrollers. The presence of the audio accessory is signalled through the configuration channel and VCONN. Apple was also one of the first computer companies to make the switch to USB-C, first in the 12-inch MacBook in 2015, and later in the MacBook Pro in 2016. It combines the small size of Micro USB with the speed and power delivery potential of USB Type-A. Some wit once described USB-A cables as the only binary option that requires three attempts. Hence, the source (host) does not require any connection management circuitry, but it lacks the same physical connector so therefore USB-C is not backward compatible. For dual-lane data transfers, all four differential pairs are in use. Thats the textbook definition anyway. USB 3.2, released in September 2017, replaces the USB3.1 standard. VBUS and GND provide 5V up to 900mA, in accordance with the USB3.1 specification. An increasing number of motherboards, notebooks, tablet computers, smartphones, hard disk drives, USB hubs and other devices released from 2014 onwards include the USB-C sockets.
[71] A USB-C multiport adapter converts the device's native video stream to DisplayPort/HDMI/VGA, allowing it to be displayed on an external display, such as a television set or computer monitor. The four high-speed lanes, two side-band pins, and (for dock, detachable device and permanent cable applications only) two USB2.0 data pins and one configuration pin can be used for alternate mode transmission. Connectors are a major source of confusion for people just beginning electronics. This resistance must be less than 800ohms which is the minimum "Ra" resistance specified in the USB Type-C specification). Wire colors for differential pairs are not mandated. Brad is a tech enthusiast, writing and tinkering with all things technology since 2011. Hes known for his op-eds and diary pieces, exploring his experience of Apple products over time, for a more rounded review. This pin is not connected in the plug/cable. They are marked with a SuperSpeed+ (SuperSpeed 10Gbit/s) logo. The latter has a bandwidth capability of 5GBp/s while USB 3.1 upgrades that 10GBp/s. After the game changing 'BadUSB' hack announced last month it is unclear if USB Type-C or the USB 3.1 specification has been altered in any way to stop it. [76], Some non-compliant cables with a USB-C connector on one end and a legacy USB-A plug or Micro-B receptacle on the other end incorrectly terminate the Configuration Channel (CC) with a 10k pullup to VBUS instead of the specification mandated 56k pullup,[77] causing a device connected to the cable to incorrectly determine the amount of power it is permitted to draw from the cable. Reversible USB Type-A design from Apple patent. [52], DisplayPort Alt Mode 2.0: USB 4 supports DisplayPort 2.0 over its alternative mode.
Additionally, vendors may support proprietary modes for use in dock solutions. You will notice each type has a different form factor and the same is true for USB Type-C.
All Rights Reserved, This is a BETA experience. It preserves existing USB3.1 SuperSpeed and SuperSpeed+ data modes and introduces two new SuperSpeed+ transfer modes over the USB-C connector using two-lane operation, with data rates of 10 and 20Gbit/s (1 and ~2.4GB/s). The mode, if supported, is entered when both CC pins are shorted to GND. The modes are configured using vendor-defined messages (VDM) through the configuration channel. Also due to the fine pitch of the USB-C receptacle, the VBUS pin from the cable may contact with the CC pin of the USB-C receptacle resulting in a short-to-VBUS electrical issue due to the fact that the VBUS pin is rated up to 20V while the CC pins are rated up to 5.5V. To overcome these issues, USB Type-C port protection must be used between USB-C connector and USB-C Power Delivery controller.[80]. It is transparent to any data transmission mode, and can therefore be used together with any of them as long as the CC pins are intact. Currently, DisplayPort is the most widely implemented alternate mode, and is used to provide video output on devices that do not have standard-size DisplayPort or HDMI ports, such as smartphones and laptops. His interests include reading, entrepreneurship, the gym, and of course, queso. I write about technology's biggest companies. Those who attack Apple do so primarily because of its preference for proprietary technologies over wider industry standards and once more this could prove a problem for USB Type-C. Using full-featured Type-C cables for Alternate Mode connections provides some benefits.