Yusb new. What is usb type c: advantages and disadvantages. More powerful charging

The first version of the Universal Serial Bus (USB) was introduced in 1995. It is USB that has become the most successful interface in the history of computing systems. Tens of billions of devices communicate with each other via USB, so the importance of this data transmission channel can hardly be overestimated. It looks like with the advent of the connector USB Type-C, our understanding of the capabilities and role of the universal tire may change dramatically. Before talking about the prospects, let's see what the new format universal connector offers.

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

The USB Type-C connector is slightly larger than the usual USB 2.0 Micro-B, but noticeably more compact than the dual USB 3.0 Micro-B, not to mention the classic USB Type-A.

The dimensions of the connector (8.34x2.56 mm) make it easy to use for devices of any class, including smartphones / tablets with a minimum reasonable body thickness.

Structurally, the connector has an oval shape. Signal and power outputs are located on a plastic stand in the central part. The USB Type-C pin group includes 24 pins. This is much more than the previous generation USB connectors. Only 4 pins were allocated for the needs of USB 1.0 / 2.0, and USB 3.0 connectors have 9 pins.

The first obvious benefit of USB Type-C is the symmetrical connector, so you don't have to worry about which side to connect the plug to the outlet. The age-old problem of devices with USB connectors of any format is now finally solved. At the same time, the solution to the problem is achieved by not trivial duplication of all contact groups. It uses some kind of autonegotiation and switching logic.

Another nice thing - 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 devices.

The outer shell of the connector does not have any holes or cutouts. Internal side latches are used to secure it in the connector. The plug must be reasonably secure in the connector. There should not be any backlashes similar to those seen in USB 3.0 Micro-B.

Many are probably worried about the physical reliability of the new connector. According to the declared characteristics, the mechanical life of the USB Type-C connector is about 10,000 connections. Exactly the same indicator is typical for USB port 2.0 Micro-B.

Separately, we note that USB Type-C is not a data transfer interface. This is a type of connector that allows you to connect a variety of signal and power lines together. As you can see, the connector is elegant from an engineering point of view, and most importantly, it should be easy to use.

Data transfer rate. 10 Gb / s is not for everyone?

One of the advantages of USB Type-C is the ability to use the USB 3.1 interface for data transfer, which promises an increase in bandwidth up to 10 Gb / s. However, USB Type-C and USB 3.1 are not equivalent terms and are definitely not synonyms. V USB format Type-C can be realized with the capabilities of both USB 3.1 and USB 3.0 and even USB 2.0. An integrated controller determines the support of a particular specification. Of course, USB Type-C ports are more likely to appear on devices that support high data transfer rates, but this is not a dogma.

Recall that even with the implementation USB capabilities 3.1 there may be differences in the maximum data transfer rate. For USB 3.1 Gen 1 this is 5 Gb / s, USB 3.1 Gen 2 is 10 Gb / s. By the way, the presented Apple Macbook and Chromebook Pixel have USB Type-C ports with a bandwidth of 5 Gb / s. Well, a clear example of the fact that the new interface connector is very versatile is the Nokia N1 tablet. It also comes with a USB Type-C connector, but its capabilities are limited to USB 2.0 with 480 Mb / s bandwidth.

The USB 3.1 Gen 1 designation can be called a marketing gimmick. Nominally, this port has the same capabilities as USB 3.0. Moreover, for this version of "USB 3.1" the same controllers can be used as for the implementation of the bus of the previous generation. At the initial stage, this technique will most likely be actively used by manufacturers, releasing new devices with USB Type-C for which maximum bandwidth is not required. When proposing a device with a new type of connector, many will want to present it in a favorable light, announcing the presence of not only a new connector, but also support for USB 3.1, even if only conditional.

It is important to understand that nominally, the USB Type-C port can be used for maximum performance connection at speeds up to 10 Gb / s, but in order to get such bandwidth, the connected devices must provide it. The presence of USB Type-C is not an indication of the actual speed capabilities of the port. They should be clarified in advance in the specifications of specific products.

Some restrictions also have cables for connecting devices. When using the USB 3.1 interface, for lossless data transfer at speeds up to 10 Gb / s (Gen 2), the cable length with USB Type-C connectors should not exceed 1 meter, for connection at speeds up to 5 Gb / s (Gen 1) - 2 meters.

Energy transfer. 100 W unit

Another important feature that USB Type-C brings is the ability to transfer power up to 100W. This is enough not only for powering / charging mobile devices, but also for the smooth operation of laptops, monitors or, for example, "large" external 3.5 ”drives.

In the original development of the USB bus, power transmission was a secondary function. The USB 1.0 port provided just 0.75W (0.15A, 5V). Enough for mouse / keyboard operation, but nothing more. For USB 2.0, the nominal current was increased to 0.5 A, which made it possible to get already 2.5 W. This was often enough to power, for example, external 2.5 ”hard drives. For USB 3.0, a current of 0.9 A is nominally provided, which, with a constant supply voltage of 5V, already guarantees a power of 4.5 W. Special reinforced connectors on motherboards ah or laptops were capable of delivering up to 1.5 A to speed up charging of connected mobile devices, but this is still 7.5 W. Against the background of these numbers, the ability to transmit 100 watts looks like something fantastic. However, in order for the USB Type-C port to fill the necessary capacity, support for the USB Power Delivery 2.0 (USB PD) specification is required. If there is none, the USB Type-C port will be able to supply 7.5 W (1.5 A, 5 V) or 15 W (3A, 5 V) to the mountain, depending on the configuration.

In order to streamline the power capabilities of the USB PD ports, a system of power profiles has been developed that allow for possible combinations of voltages and currents. Compliance with Profile 1 guarantees the ability to transfer 10 W of energy, Profile 2 - 18 W, Profile 3 - 36 W, Profile 4 - 60 W, Profile 5 - 100 W. The port corresponding to the higher profile maintains all the states of the previous downstream. 5V, 12V and 20V are selected as reference voltages. The use of 5V is essential for compatibility with the vast array of USB peripherals available. 12V is the standard supply voltage for various system components. 20V is proposed taking into account the fact that external power supply units for 19-20V are used to charge the batteries of most laptops.

Of course, it's good when the device is equipped with USB Type-C supporting the maximum USB PD energy profile. It is this connector that allows you to transfer up to 100 watts of energy. It is obvious that ports with similar potential may appear on some powerful laptops, special docking stations or motherboards, where separate phases will be allocated for the needs of USB Type-C indoor unit nutrition. The point is that the required power must be generated somehow and brought to the USB Type-C contacts. And for the transmission of energy of such power, active cables will be required.

It is important to understand here that not every port of the new format will be able to provide the declared power of 100 watts. There is a potential for this, but this issue must necessarily be resolved by the manufacturer at the circuitry level. Also, do not entertain the illusion that the above 100 W can be obtained, say, from a power supply the size of a matchbox, and now you can power your gaming laptop and a 27-inch monitor connected to it with a smartphone charge. Nevertheless, the law of conservation of energy continues to work, and therefore an external 100 W PSU with a USB Type-C port will still be the same weighty block as before. In general, the very possibility of transmitting energy of such power using a universal compact connector is, of course, a plus. At the very least, this is a great opportunity to get rid of the inconsistencies in the original power connectors, which are especially common among laptop manufacturers.

Another useful feature of USB Type-C is the ability to change the direction of power transmission. If the circuitry of the devices allows, the consumer can, for example, temporarily become a source of charge. Moreover, for the reverse energy exchange, even reconnecting the connectors is not required.

Alternative mode. Not USB single

The USB Type-C port was originally designed as a universal solution. In addition to direct USB data transfer, it can also be used in Alternate Mode to implement third-party interfaces. This flexibility of USB Type-C has been exploited by the VESA by introducing the ability to stream video through DisplayPort Alt Mode.

USB Type-C has four Super Speed USB lines (pairs). If two of them are dedicated to the needs of DisplayPort, this is enough to get a picture with a resolution of 4K (3840x2160). At the same time, the speed of data transfer via USB does not suffer. At its peak, this is still the same 10 Gb / s (for USB 3.1 Gen2). Also, the transmission of the video stream does not in any way affect the energy capacity of the port. Even high-speed 4 lines can be allocated for the needs of DisplayPort. In this case, modes up to 5K (5120 × 2880) will be available. In this mode, USB 2.0 lines are not involved, so USB Type-C will still be able to transfer data in parallel, albeit at a limited speed.

In the alternative mode, the SBU1 / SBU2 pins are used to transmit the audio stream, which are converted to the AUX + / AUX- channels. They are not used for the USB protocol, so there are also no additional functional losses here.

When using the DisplayPort interface, the USB Type-C connector can still be connected either way. The required signal matching is provided initially.

Connecting devices using HDMI, DVI and even D-Sub (VGA) is also possible, but this will require separate adapters, however, these must be active adapters, since for DisplayPort Alt Mode, Dual-Mode Display Port (DP ++) is not supported ...

Alternative USB mode Type-C can be used for more than just DisplayPort. Perhaps we will soon learn that this port has learned, for example, to transfer data using PCI Express or Ethernet.

Compatibility. Difficulties of the "transition" period

If we talk about the compatibility of USB Type-C with devices equipped with USB ports the previous generation, then it is not possible to connect them directly due to the fundamental differences in the design of the connectors. To do this, you need to use adapters. Their assortment promises to be very wide. Of course, it's not just about converting USB Type-C to other USB types. Display adapters for displays with traditional DisplayPort, HDMI, DVI and VGA ports will also be available.

Apple has offered several adapter options at the same time as the announcement of the new MacBook. A single USB Type-C to USB Type-A is priced at $ 19.

Given the presence of only one USB Type-C, the owner of a MacBook probably cannot do without a universal, more functional converter. Apple has introduced two of these adapters. One at the output has a pass-through port USB Type-C, VGA and USB Type-A, the second option is equipped with HDMI instead of VGA. The cost of these boxes is $ 79. A 29W PSU with native USB Type-C costs $ 49.

Google for the new Chromebook Pixel system offers single USB Type-C to Type-A (plug / socket) adapters for $ 13, for a converter to DisplayPort and HDMI you will have to pay $ 40. The 60W PSU is priced at $ 60.

Traditionally, one should not expect humane price tags for additional accessories from equipment manufacturers. Adapter manufacturers are anticipating the demand for their new products. Belkin is already ready to ship kilometers of conductors, but their cost is also not low ($ 20-30). The company also announced, but has yet to provide a USB Type-C to Gigabit Ethernet adapter. The cost has not yet been announced, there is only information that it will be available in early summer. It's funny, but it seems that up to this point, in order to connect to a wired network, you will need to use two adapters at once. It is possible that someone will be quicker than Belkin by offering an appropriate adapter earlier.

It will be possible to talk about a noticeable price reduction only after much less well-known companies from the "Celestial Empire" are tightly engaged in accessories with USB Type-C. Considering what prospects are opening up, we believe that they will not be the case.

USB Type-C devices. Someone must be first

Nominally, the tablet was the first device equipped with a USB Type-C port. At least, it was this device that became a harbinger of the fact that the ports of the new format left the development laboratories and "go to the people."

An interesting device, but, unfortunately, so far it is offered in a rather limited edition. The tablet has a native USB Type-C port, although it is used for data transfer USB protocol 2.0.

Perhaps the most iconic product to help boost the popularity of USB Type-C is its recent release. The 12-inch laptop is equipped with a single interface connector, so its owners will somehow become pioneers who will adapt to life with USB Type-C.

On the one hand, Apple obviously supported the development of the new standard, moreover, the company's engineers were directly involved in the development of USB Type-C. On the other hand, updated versions of the Macbook Air and MacBook Pro did not receive this connector. Does this mean that in the "heavier" category of devices of the manufacturer USB Type-C will not be registered in the coming year? Controversial. After all, surely Apple will not be able to resist updating the line of laptops after the autumn announcement of a new mobile Intel platforms with Skylake processors... Perhaps it is then that the Cupertines will allocate space on the interface panel for USB Type-C.

The situation with tablets and smartphones is even more controversial. Will Apple use USB Type-C for them instead of Lightning? In terms of capabilities, the proprietary connector is noticeably inferior to the new universal port, but what about the original peripherals that users of Apple mobile products have accumulated since 2012? We will find out the answers to these questions with the update or expansion of the iPhone / iPad lines.

Google has unveiled the second generation of stylish Chromebook Pixel laptops. Chrome OS systems are still quite niche solutions, but the quality Google systems captivating, besides, this time they are at the forefront of devices offering to join USB Type-C. Laptops are equipped with a pair of matching connectors. However, as a safety net, the Chromebook Pixel also has two classic USB 3.0 ports.

In general, Google representatives are very encouraged by the capabilities of the new connector, counting on the emergence of Android mobile devices with a USB Type-C connector in the near future. Uncompromising support for the largest platform holder is a powerful argument for other market players.

Motherboard manufacturers have been slow to add a USB Type-C port to their devices yet. MSI recently introduced MSI model Z97A GAMING 6, which is equipped with such a connector with a data transfer rate of up to 10 Gb / s.

ASUS offers an external USB 3.1 controller with a USB Type-C port, which can be installed on any board with an empty PCI Express (x4) slot.

Peripheral devices with native USB Type-C are not enough yet. Surely, many manufacturers were in no hurry with the announcement, waiting for the emergence of systems with which it would be possible to use products with USB Type-C. In general, it is typical situation when implementing the next industry standard.

Immediately after the announcement Apple MacBook LaCie has introduced a series of USB Type-C external portable hard drives.

SanDisk is already offering a USB 3.0 Type-A and USB Type-C flash drive for trial. A similar product is offered by the lesser-known Microdia.

We will surely see a significant expansion of the range of USB Type-C devices soon. The flywheel of change will slowly but surely unfold. The support of "big" companies can influence the situation and speed up this process.

Outcomes

The need for a universal compact connector that could be used to transfer data, video-audio streams and electricity has been long overdue. Considering the mutual interest of both users and equipment manufacturers, there are all the prerequisites for USB Type-C to "shoot".

Compact size, simplicity and ease of connection, along with ample opportunities promise the connector to repeat the success of its predecessor. The familiar USB port has been upgraded several times, but the time has come for fundamental changes. 10 Gb / s with the possibility of further scalability, power transmission up to 100 W and a picture with a resolution of up to 5K. Not a bad start? Another argument in the USB Type-C piggy bank is an open standard that does not require royalties from manufacturers. There is still much work to be done, but the result is visible ahead, for the sake of which it is worth walking this path.

Recent changes and improvements in USB technology expand the choice of interfaces for users. Initially, the USB Implementers Forum renamed USB interface 3.0 to USB 3.1 Gen 1. At the same time, the interface specifications remain the same. Then the forum introduced USB 3.1 Gen 2 and a new type of physical connector called USB Type C. We decided to shed some light on the situation around these standards and connectors.

USB 3.1 technology

USB 3.1 Gen 1 (formerly USB 3.0) is currently supported as standard by the latest operating systems MacOS, Linux and Windows. The interface provides a maximum theoretical bandwidth of 5 Gbps and current up to 3.4 Gbps and up to 900 mA of current for devices. Unlike USB 2.0, version 3.1 operates in full duplex mode, in other words, it can send and receive data at the same time.

USB 3.1 Gen 2 offers users double the bandwidth of Gen 1: 10Gbps. USB 3.1 Gen 2 is not a standard for Intel or AMD, but may be supported by third party drivers and controllers. Although Gen 2 has received minor protocol changes, it is backward compatible with Gen 1.

Scope of USB 3.1

So, USB 3.1 technology provides the user with significantly increased performance compared to USB 2.0. When using removable drives, faster data transfer will be provided: large video files and images. USB 3.1 will provide high resolution and frame rate support for cameras used in machine vision systems on production lines. Accordingly, PTZ cameras used both in video surveillance systems and in video conferencing systems without using a hardware codec can support 1080p60 and higher resolutions. Undoubtedly, this improves the quality and reduces the cost of video conferencing systems, and also allows users to connect their own devices to Skype and WebEx.

USB 3.1 pinout

Like USB 3.0, USB 3.1 has received additional pins to support SuperSpeed. The D + and D- pins remain the same, including (power) and (ground). To service the SuperSpeed tire, two additional twisted pairs, which provide bi-directional SuperSpeed data transmission: StdA_SSRX + and StdA_SSRX- (receive) and SSTX + and StdA_SSTX (transmit).

USB Type C

The new type of physical connector brings significant qualitative changes that set it apart from USB 3.1 Gen 1 and Gen 2. Type C supports data transfer rates up to 40 Gbps (Thunderbolt 3 alternate mode) and current with power up to 100 watts. Many have already appreciated the shape of the connector: it can be inserted either side. Both the connector and the connector are quite compact and much more durable than alternatives such as micro USB. The cables have been labeled with an electronic chip for proper use and to prevent situations where it is not compatible or when too much power is transmitted to a device that does not support it. Type C is backward compatible with USB 2.0, 3.1 Gen 1 and 3.1 Gen 2.

Type C can both consume and provide power. The same port can be used both for connecting a flash drive and for charging a laptop. In addition, charging from Type C devices such as smartphones and tablets is faster.

Alternative modes

USB Type C can work in so-called alternative modes, which allow transferring not only USB data through the connector and cables. At the same time, other physical protocols are involved, and with each of them the transmission of current with a power of up to 100 watts is provided.

DisplayPort Alternate Mode- Supports video transmission up to 4Kp60 4: 4: 4 with DisplayPort 1.3. Simultaneous transfer of USB 3.1 Gen 2 and USB 2.0.
Mobil High-Definition Link (MHL) alternative mode- Support for video transmission up to 4Kp60 (1 line) or up to 8Kp60 (4 lines) using MHL 1.0, support for USB 2.0 and 3.1 depending on the configuration.
Thunderbolt 3 Alternate Mode- Supports up to two displays up to 4Kp60 resolution, PCIe 3.0, DisplayPort, USB 2.0 and 3.1 transmission, depending on configuration.
HDMI Alternate Mode- support for HDMI 1.4b specification (4Kp30, 4Kp60 4: 2: 0), no support for USB 3.1 simultaneous transfer in any configuration.

Trends around USB-C

The features and benefits of USB Type C will certainly be reflected in the increased presence of the connector in mobile devices and laptops. Among devices with this type of connector, flash drives, various docking stations, monitors and adapters for outdated interfaces are expected. Up to two billion devices are expected to be shipped by 2019.

Can not imagine modern man without electronic devices. Smartphones, tablets, music players and laptops are now in almost every family. Each of these devices has its own application and therefore each functions in its own unique way. However, there is something that in one form or another unites them all. And this is the presence of USB ports.

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

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

Variety of options

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

In the mid-1990s. The universal bus became an industry standard that allowed for streamlining the connection of computer peripherals. It replaced a number of earlier interfaces and is now the most popular connector type in consumer devices.

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

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

Type-A

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

+ 5V - voltage +5 V.
D- - data.
D + - data.
GND - ground.

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

Type-B

This is a nearly square connector that is primarily used to connect printers, scanners, and other self-powered devices to your computer. It can sometimes be found on external drives. These days, this type of connector is much less common than Type-A connections.

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

Again, as with Type-A, the physical compatibility of different versions does not mean support for speed or functionality.

Basic concepts

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

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

The most popular USB standard is Type A, which can be seen on the end of almost every USB cable that plugs into a host slot today. Often Type-A ports equipped desktop computers, game consoles and media players.

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

USB advantages

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

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

Mini

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

+ 5V - voltage +5 V.
D- - data.
D + - data.
ID - host / receptor identifier.
GND - ground.

Micro

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

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

Type-C

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

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

Apple shocked the world when it introduced a new MacBook with a single USB-C port... Most likely, this will be the beginning of a trend.

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

Nuances of micro-USB

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

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

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

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

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

If you frequently recharge from third-party USB ports, to maintain safety measures, or when the device charges slowly, a special cable to prevent data transmission can solve the problem. An alternative is the network adapter.

The fact that most USB cable connectors (except USB-C) are not interchangeable and often take several tries to make can be a problem. correct connection... Several manufacturers have attempted to fix this. True, not all devices support this feature.

What is USB OTG?

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

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

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

USB cables

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

Technology is constantly evolving and improving, as are the corresponding peripherals. The same upgrade trend holds true for USB connectors, but with so many versions and types of USB standards, it becomes difficult to keep track of which USB is better suitable for performing certain functions. To do this, you need to understand their basic differences.

USB types

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

USB 1.1 (1998) is rated for 12 Mbps, 2.5 V, and 500 mA.

USB 2.0 (2000) features a “HI-SPEED” mark on the USB logo. Provides 480 Mbps at 2.5 V and 1.8 A.

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

USB 3.1, in effect since 2015, provides 10 Gbps at 20 V and 5 A.

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

Type C Connector Specifications

The name appeared in the headlines of technical magazines around the world when Apple released the 12 ”Macbook. This is the first laptop to include the Type-C design.

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

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

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

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

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

Connector shape

USB Type-C is a tiny new connector that barely matches microUSB. It supports various emerging standards such as USB 3.1 and USB PD.

The familiar connector that everyone is familiar with is Type-A. Even after moving from USB 1.0 to 2.0 and beyond to modern devices, it remains the same. The connector is just as massive as before and only plugs in when oriented correctly (which obviously never works the first time). But as devices got smaller and thinner, massive ports simply didn't fit. This led to the emergence of many other forms of USB connectors such as Mini and Micro.

Such an inconvenient set of connectors of various shapes for devices of all sizes is finally a thing of the past. Type C is the new standard for very small dimensions. It makes up about a third of the old USB Type-A. This is a single standard that all devices must use, so only one cable is required to connect an external drive to a laptop or charge a smartphone from a charger. This tiny connector is small enough to fit into an ultra-thin smartphone, but powerful enough to connect all your peripherals through it. The cable itself has the same type C connectors at both ends.

The Type-C has many benefits. The orientation of the plug does not matter, so you no longer have to flip the plug multiple times to find the correct position. This is a single form of USB connector that everyone should accept, so for various devices no need to have a large number of different USB cables with different plugs. And there won't be many different ports taking up the scarce space on ever thinner gadgets.

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

Nutrition

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

Apple MacBook and Chromebook Pixel Google the USB-C connector is used for charging, which finally eliminates the need for all proprietary power cables. In this case, it becomes possible to charge laptops from portable batteries, which are usually used to recharge smartphones and other electronics. And if you connect the laptop to an external display powered from the mains, then its battery will be charged.

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

Transfer rates

USB 3.1 is the latest universal serial bus standard with a theoretical bandwidth of 10 Gbps, double the data transfer rate of Gen 1 Thunderbolt and USB 3.0.

But Ture-C is not the same as USB 3.1. This is just a form of the connector, and the technology at its base can also be based on the 2.0 or 3.0 standards. For example, the Nokia N1 tablet uses USB Type-C version 2.0. However, these technologies are closely related. When buying, you just need to follow the details and make sure that the device or cable you are purchasing supports the USB 3.1 standard.

backward compatibility

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

In the near future, many computers will have both USB Type-C and large type A, as implemented, for example, in the Chromebook Pixel. Thus, users will be able to gradually migrate from old devices by connecting new ones to USB Type-C. But even if the computer is only made with Type C ports, adapters and hubs will fill that gap.

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

Apple's latest MacBook has a single USB Type-C port. But this form factor is not a corporation's own standard. USB Type-C is a new type of universal port standardized by the international USB-IF consortium. And over time, it will spread to all devices that today are equipped with a classic (if not "old") larger USB connector.

The variety of modern Apple MacBooks can be found on the pages of Bayon:

USB Type-C connector tightly intertwined with other new standards: high-speed USB 3.1 and "electrical" USB Power Delivery, whose task is to supply enough current to power various devices.

In this article, we will talk about the differences between USB Type-C and USB 3.1 and what are the similarities between the USB Power Delivery standard and the Type C port.

Type-C - the new form of the USB port

By its physical nature, USB connector Type-C is a slimmer port. The connector itself can support the existing USB 3.1 and USB Power Delivery standards (USB PD for short). In fact, 3.1 and PD are "logical" varieties of USB, while Type-C is just the size, shape and appearance of the port.

The most common USB connector belongs to the USB Type-A category. Even during the transition from the "ancient" USB 1.1 standard to the long-lived 2.0 (and to the fast 3.0, which is usually marked in blue), the connector remained the same. At one time it seemed miniature, but after years of technological development it looks very massive. Its other drawback is the ability to connect to the device exclusively with one specific side. Therefore, before attaching the connector to the port, make sure it is in the correct position.

But the USB bus is attractive to other devices too! And a large USB port of a classic form factor physically cannot be placed on the thin edges of smartphones, game controllers, digital cameras and all other gadgets, where this data transfer standard asks. This is how numerous connector standards were born, including the now widespread "micro" and "mini".

A variety of connectors and connectors of the Universal Serial Bus class

"Zoo" of various standard sizes of USB ports is nearing closure. The reason for this is the new USB standard Type-C, on whose side there is a huge advantage: the miniature geometric dimensions of the port. Its dimensions are approximately one third of the "old" USB Type-A. The new form factor fits into any device. No more wire collections: both an external hard drive and a smartphone charge require only one cable. At the same time, a tiny port can both fit into the body of a mobile device and serve as a source of electricity even for "gluttonous" peripheral devices. The cable ends on both sides with the same USB Type-C connectors.

Handsome "charging" men of various shapes and colors will not go anywhere, but the cable will be standard.

Unified Type-C standard

That's right: a single standard, and so many "goodies" at once. There is one more thing: "Type C" (this is the English transcription of the name) is also attractive for its two-sided nature. You can insert the connector into this connector by either side. You no longer have to consider the directionality of the lace in order to gently insert it into the port.
While USB Type-C is just beginning its triumphant march, data cables are an indispensable attribute of any computer "economy".

We recommend that you familiarize yourself with our products in this category: USB cables

USB class size Type-C can work in various modes - "protocols". In practice, this is expressed in the fact that one and only The port can also connect HDMI, VGA, DisplayPort cables or other types of connections between the computer and peripherals. Digital USB-C multiport adapter from Apple is a great example of the above. This adapter allows you to connect to your computer video outputs HDMI or VGA, large USB connectors of the old standard Type-A , and, of course, its native USB inputs Type-C ... A bunch of all kinds of USB, HDMI, DisplayPort, VGA and other connectors, which are now adorned with most laptops on all side faces, can be replaced with only one type of port. Something similar has happened with mobile computer speakers in recent years - they are increasingly connected to a computer via USB, rather than through specific ports.

USB Power Delivery Standard

Closely related to Type-C another fresh consortium standard is also included - USB PD. What is USB Power Delivery?

Many mobile devices- smartphones, tablets, handheld computers, are capable of charging from a computer when connected to it via USB. The USB 2.0 class port provides up to 2.5 watts of current transfer - enough for a leisurely recharging, but you didn't even have to think about more demanding devices: an average laptop, for example, requires up to 60 watts.

USB Power Delivery specifications allow for current transfer up to 100W. Moreover, the direction of the current can be two-way, so both devices connected by a USB cable can both give and receive electricity. Simultaneously with the provision of power supply, data transmission is also possible. Both the new MacBook and Google's Chromebook Pixel are capable of recharging their batteries when connected via USB Type-C. The new USB PD standard allows you to forget about the many types of cables and connectors for laptop power. Any device can be powered from a standard USB port. Any newfangled "external battery" can be a power source for a laptop. You can also connect your laptop to an external screen - and this display will share its current with the computer, while simultaneously showing the image sent to it by the computer via a small USB Type-C port.

All you need is support for USB Power Delivery technology. A regular USB Type-C port is not a guarantee of such electrical omnipotence. As Bayon noted at the beginning of this article, Type-C is just a new geometry for this connector; everything else will depend on the specific manufacturer of this device - whether developers want to equip their devices with Type-C ports with USB PD support.

Relationship between USB Type-C and USB 3.1

USB 3.1 is another milestone in the development of the USB bus. The theoretical bandwidth of USB 3.0 is limited to 5 gigabits per second. A new iteration, USB 3.1, doubles that figure to 10 theoretical gigabits / sec. This beautiful figure matches the speed of the first generation Thunderbolt port.

What is the difference between USB Type-C and USB 3.1?

The first (USB Type-C) is just the geometric shape of the connector, no more. Inside this "geometry" you can build in the old USB 2.0, and its descendant - 3.0, and their successor 3.1. In principle, nothing prevents from placing in Type-C even the logic of the frankly "museum" USB 1.1.

A practical example of the difference between USB Type-C and USB 3.1 is the Nokia N1 Android tablet. It is equipped with a new USB connector Type-C, however, there is a 2.0 bus logic inside (yes, not even 3.0). The corresponding data transfer rate. However, these two technologies are directly related to each other, even if they are not synonymous.

Backward compatibility of USB and new technologies of the standard

From a physical and geometric point of view, the USB Type-C connector is not compatible with its predecessors. And from a logical point of view, the developers have retained full backward compatibility. In other words, it will not be possible to "shove" the usual bulky connector from a printer or mouse into the thin new Type-C connector. It will not be possible to connect a modern USB flash drive or external HDD equipped with a Type-C cable to the classic USB port of a computer format familiar to everyone.

Now let's get back to the good. The USB 3.1 standard is fully compatible with previous versions of USB, so only a simple adapter adapter is required to connect old peripherals to the USB Type-C port. The devices will work, there will be no problems.

How to live in the era of USB Type-C?

In practice, most new computers will be equipped with both the new USB Type-C ports and the usual USB Type-A ports - at least for the foreseeable future. This process has already begun, as an example, let's take the same “Chromebook” Pixel. No need to change old peripherals (printers, scanners, flash drives with mice) to new devices with USB Type-C cables. And even if your future computer will be orthodoxly equipped exclusively with USB Type-C ports (as in the case of the MacBook), inexpensive and increasingly common adapters will help solve the problem.

Bottom line: Bayon's reflections on USB Type-C

Timely and welcome update, this new connector. The pioneers of USB Type-C are the developers of the MacBook, but this technology will soon spread far beyond the "apple universe". Over time, other ports will become a thing of the past, and the transition to a new era will be as painless as possible. Whatever readers may think of Apple, this time they gave way to a new standard that will be useful to everyone.

Moreover, the USB Type-C port can replace the Lightning interface, which is used only by smartphones and tablets of this corporation. Lightning doesn't have much of an edge over USB Type-C — it only benefits Apple because it receives royalties for its use.

The rapid development of computer technology affects not only the basic components of systems. The possibilities are increasing, including various interfaces. As for the most common way of connecting peripheral devices - USB - here, in general, we can state a multiple increase in performance in recent years. Bandwidth the universal serial bus increases, the functionality expands. The connectors used to connect a variety of USB devices are also subject to changes. Today, many people hear about USB, what are the advantages and disadvantages of the solution - the topic of this article.

Modern computer connectors

Glancing around the case of almost any laptop, you can find whole line various ports located on the sides. Among them there is definitely USB, almost always HDMI and some others. Modern models are often equipped with the latest USB Type-C port. What this connector is, many do not know, but it would be worthwhile to familiarize yourself with the port's capabilities. Presumably, the connector will replace many other solutions in the future and become a truly universal standard. This is facilitated by the technical characteristics of the new way of pairing the computer and peripherals. The USB Type-C port offers users faster data transfer speeds, improved functionality, and a new level of usability. In short, the future of the standard looks very promising.

Many applications of one cable

The creators of USB Type-C used a very simple idea in developing the standard. The user must have a single type of cable, and his computer equipment is equipped with one type of port. Anything can be connected by using a unified interface. For example, using a USB Type-C cable, you can connect essentially different devices, such as hard drives, monitors, audio interfaces, smartphones, tablet PCs. Among other things, it becomes possible to use the connector in question even for charging a laptop.

USB-A

Today, almost all peripheral devices are connected to a PC via the familiar USB-A connector. This port has firmly entered the computer world, has a familiar rectangular shape, and its use has become almost the standard for interfacing with PCs and laptops flash drives, external keyboards, mice, hard drives, printers and many other devices. This monopoly is likely to be broken soon - the USB Type-C cable is already taking its rightful place among the solutions used to connect a variety of devices.

Change of concept

Various cables are used to connect devices to the long-established USB-A port. The main difference between them is the connector located on the opposite side of the cable that connects to the computer. This is almost always a different type of connector. For example, micro-USB is used for smartphones, mini-USB is often used for other gadgets. You need a USB-B cable to connect your printer, and a micro USB-B cable to connect storage devices. This variety causes some inconvenience and complexity, because a user who owns several devices always needs to have a whole set of cables at hand. Designed to be the same for all devices, that is, the universal USB Type-C cable simplifies this situation many times over.

New format

With the development of the standard, it has become possible to establish a single connector design for all devices, as well as the same connector at both ends of the cable. How to understand, picking up a USB Type-C cable, what exactly is it? The solution is a slim, oval-shaped connector that is significantly smaller than previous cable and connector formats of this type. In addition, USB 3 Type-C has received an important characteristic, represented by symmetry and reversibility. In general, it is very similar to Apple's Lightning solution - very convenient, because you do not need to spend time manipulating the cable to find the right way to connect.

Future

Probably, today it can be argued that after a certain time, the USB Type-C connector will turn into the only universal port for all peripheral devices. Thus, there will be a replacement for USB-A, B, micro-USB and mini, which complicate the life of ordinary users today. All cables should be the same and be usable for any device. Of course, quick unification will not happen, too many workable devices with connectors other than USB Type-C are used today and will be in operation for several more years.

However, do not forget: the expansion of new solutions has already begun. For example, USB flash drive Type-C is no longer a rarity on the shelves of computer stores. In addition, the fact of the release of flagship devices from the most famous brands equipped with the port under consideration, suggests that the described situation, i.e., the ousting of obsolete connectors from the market, will sooner or later come. For compatibility with old solutions, you will have to use a USB Type-C adapter for now.

Compatibility

After reading the above, you can think about what to do with already purchased devices equipped with connector types other than USB Type-C. I must say that this issue should not cause much concern. A wide variety of adapters have already been developed, produced and sold, allowing you to connect any device with a USB connector, regardless of its type. Adapters such as mini-USB - Type-C, micro-USB - Type-C and others are already widespread and perfectly perform their functions. The security principle applied in computer technology for many years now, no one is going to break. If there is a USB Type-C port in a new laptop or computer, an adapter for other types of connector is a completely applicable and effective solution.

Learn more about the benefits of the connector

Of course, a simple design revision to which the connector and port have undergone will not be a weighty reason for encouraging the user to upgrade all the peripherals he has, but performance is far from the only advantage of the new solution. The new format supports the most modern USB 3.1 protocol, which provides an increase in the speed of data exchange and greater versatility in comparison with previous versions that are used on devices equipped with USB-A.

Speed

More than two decades have passed since the presentation of the first version of the connector. At that time, the maximum data transfer rate was 12 Mb / s. Today it can be argued, considering USBType-C, that it is the fastest interface for connecting peripheral devices from the existing solutions. The USB 3.1 standard is capable of providing a data transfer rate of 10 Gb / s.

Performance

The additional advantages of the standard under consideration, of course, should include the performance represented by the ability to provide power transmission up to 100 watts. This figure is enough to power almost any laptop, not to mention smartphones, tablets and other gadgets. In addition to energy, the new format supports the transmission of a huge amount of data per unit of time. For example, already today, a video signal in 4K resolution is successfully transmitted via USB Type-C.

Versatility

The versatile nature of the latest standard opens up a wide range of practical applications... Many useful functions can be provided with a single cable. For example, you can connect a USB-C equipped laptop to a monitor with external power supply and charge the laptop battery while watching video content. When storage devices are connected to the display, such as external drive, from a laptop you can access the information stored on the media.

Disadvantages of USB Type-C

This connector is a brilliant new format, no doubt claiming to be a ubiquitous solution in the very near future. At the same time, the initial stages of distribution and development, at which in this moment the standard is still found, does not provide a complete absence of hazards, as well as some confusion when using the connector.

Cheap accessories

The main problem that a user who decides to join modern trends may face is cheap, low-quality accessories and cables. Due to the large amount of power transmitted through the USB Type-C connectors, using inadequate cables can damage the paired devices. This factor must be taken into account by users without fail. When buying cables and adapters, you should choose products from reliable trusted brands.

Confusion in standards

Another unpleasant moment that users of USB Type-C may face today is caused by the fact that the standard in question relates more to the type of connector used than to the specifications of the interface itself. Therefore, it is quite possible that a device connected to a new connector will not work as fast as the owner of the device expected. The first generation uses USB 3.0 technology, providing a maximum speed of 5 Gb / s. The second generation USB-C supports the 3.1 standard, through which the data transfer speed reaches 10 Gb / s. Problems with each of the ports arise due to the fact that they look the same, but in the production of ready-made solutions, brands use different components even in the lines of similar models. In other words, before buying a device with a USB Type-C connector, you need to check the compliance with real technical characteristics port to the required indicators.