USB Type-C - what is it? Connector type, cable. Testing three USB type-C cables

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

The two most famous devices that already have a USB Type-C port are the new Google Chromebook Pixel and the new Macbook. However, USB 3.1 and Type-C connectors will become standard over the next few years.

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

The USB 1.1 port can transfer data at a speed of 12 Mbps, that is, 1.4 megabytes per second. In those days, a floppy disk was 1.4 megabytes, so it was fast. The USB 2.0 port was released in 2000, which could theoretically handle 480 Mbps. However, its actual average speed is approximately 280 Mbps, which is about 35 megabytes per second.

The USB 3.0 port was announced in 2008 and allows theoretical speeds of up to 5.0 Gbps. However, the actual speed achieved is around 400 Megabytes per second, not bad, right?.

On desktop PCs, USB 1.1, 2.0 and 3.0 ports used the same type of connector, and then micro-B or mini-B on peripheral devices (phone, camera, etc.).

The situation has changed somewhat with the advent of USB 3.1 ports. As you'd expect, the USB 3.1 port is even faster than its predecessors, with speeds so fast that it can be used to connect 4K displays. This means that in the future, in laptops and PCs, we will not see HDMI or VGA connectors, users will see a new type of port. In other words, type “A” and “B” are already history. The new connector is called USB Type-C. So, what does the new USB Type-C port give us, and why can’t Type-A and B provide it?

Firstly, the new USB Type-C connectors are not large. This means that we will no longer need mini or micro ports, which means there will be no confusion with choosing the right cable. The Type-C connector is small enough for smartphones and powerful enough for PCs and even servers.

Secondly, the USB Type-C port can handle 100W of power, which means it can be used not only to charge smartphones, but also to power many other devices that previously required a different power source (power supply). In the future, your printer may only need one cable – USB Type-C, which will provide both power and data transfer.

Thirdly, the Type-C cable is double-sided - now it doesn’t matter how you connect it. There is no longer any need to worry about which side to connect the cable to.

Finally, the USB Type-C cable uses a new small connector on both ends, no longer using Type A on one end and Type B on the other. Now you can really connect the cable any way you want, and it will just work!

The two most famous devices that already have a USB Type-C port are the new Google Chromebook Pixel and the new Macbook. However, USB 3.1 and Type-C connectors will become standard over the next few years. Since it is backward compatible, you will need a passive adapter to connect devices running on previous versions of USB ports. So that companies that adopt new technology will not alienate their existing customers.

Adam Rodriguez, Product Manager at Google stated that “We are proponents of USB Type-C. You'll see it in many Chromebooks and Android devices in the near future." It is worth noting that the Type-C connector can be obtained by devices that do not even support USB 3.1 yet. For example, mid-range smartphones may use the new connector without actually having support for the new USB standard. This will make the transition to a new connector type easier, but it can cause some confusion when the port doesn't deliver as much speed as expected.

The latest line of Type-C (and USB 3.1) ports take the best of the beloved USB and make it even better, providing a universal connector size that will work well with both types of devices - mobile phones and personal computers.

Over the past years, Apple has been systematically reducing the number of ports in MacBooks. The 13-inch MacBook Pro, released in 2012, had eight of them (including a headphone/microphone input and AC for power), and the thin Air of 2015 with an 11-inch screen already had four. , there are only two left: 3 ,5mm audio jack and universal USB Type-C, which simultaneously serves for charging, data transfer and connecting monitors. Vesti.Hi-tech looked into what the “USB of the future” is and what it is needed for.

What is this?

USB Type-C is a new super-fast connector based on the USB 3.1 and 2.0 specifications. It has a lot of advantages over USB “versions” of previous generations. Firstly, the Type C connector is symmetrical, like the Lightning plug in i-devices, which means that users no longer have to guess which side to insert the “flash drive” into the computer - with Type-C this can be done without looking at all. Moreover, such a cable is also double-sided: the same connectors are used on both sides, which allows you to connect it to the device at either end.

Secondly, the dimensions of USB Type-C are very close to Lightning in iPhones and microUSB (more precisely, USB 2.0 Micro-B) in Android smartphones. Compactness (~8.4x2.6 millimeters) allows the connector to be used in devices of any type: from personal computers and ultra-thin laptops to smartphones, tablets and other electronics. Thirdly, USB Type-C is compatible with the USB 3.1 2nd generation standard, which means its data transfer speed can be very high - up to 10 gigabits per second (~1.25 gigabytes per second).

Fourthly, USB Type-C is a universal connector, and this is perhaps its most important quality. The new USB connector can be used for anything: to connect flash drives, monitors, external hard drives and other peripheral devices, for charging (compatible with the USB Power Delivery 2.0 standard with a “recharge” power of up to 100 watts), as well as for transmission of video and other multimedia content.

Is USB Type-C the same as USB 3.1?
No. USB Type-C cables and ports can be used for USB 3.1, however, depending on the host controller and devices, they may only be compatible with USB 2.0 or 3.0.

The specifications of the new MacBook say that its Type-C port is compatible with USB 3.1 Gen 1, which means its maximum data transfer speed is limited to 5 Gbps. USB 3.1 Gen 2 has twice the bandwidth at 10 Gbps.

What is USB Power Delivery?
The USB PD standard allows devices to send and receive up to 100 watts of power over a single connection while simultaneously exchanging data. The latest Apple laptop, for example, is capable of outputting 4K video to an external monitor via USB Type-C while simultaneously charging via the same port. In terms of power, 100W is more than enough to charge high-end laptops. For comparison, USB 2.0 (the most common connector on smartphones and tablets) can carry up to 2.5 watts, while most laptops need 20-65 watts.

Which devices support USB Type-C?
The 12-inch MacBook was the first laptop, but not the first device with USB Type-C. For the first time, support for the newest connector was implemented in . It uses Type-C for charging and data transfer. True, the “Nokiev” implementation of the port is based on outdated USB 2.0, and not USB 3.1 or USB PD.

The drive, clad in a stylish aluminum case, will be available in three versions: with 500 GB, 1 TB and 2 TB of memory

Cable for connecting LaCie hard drive to computer

MSI's first Type-C motherboard

Soon it will be the turn of smartphones to support USB Type-C. According to Google engineer Adam Rodriguez, his company is "very committed" to the new connector, and we'll see it in Android devices and Chromebooks in the "near future."

What are the disadvantages of USB Type-C?
The main drawback of the new USB connector is that it is not compatible with current ports on PCs and laptops. To create a connection, for example, via microUSB, miniUSB or full-size USB, you will need to buy a special adapter or adapter. They will have to be used during a “transition period” (perhaps a year or two) until the new connector is widespread. But in the future, a laptop, smartphone and tablet (produced by different companies) will be able to be charged with just one wire.

USB-C (Digital AV Multiport Adapter)

In the meantime, if you want to charge Apple's latest laptop with a monitor and a LaCie drive, you'll need to spend nearly $80 for a reversible USB-C connector with HDMI, USB 3.0, and a power port. For the same amount, you can buy a VGA USB-C adapter in the Apple online store. An adapter that “turns” USB Type-C into a regular USB 3.0 port will cost $19.

Google has also already started selling accessories for the new ports. A Type-C to DisplayPort cable costs almost $40, a Type-C to Type-A cable costs $13.

Another disadvantage of USB Type-C is that it does not detach as easily as the MagSafe magnetic connector familiar to Apple laptop users. Therefore, if someone accidentally touches the wire connected to the new MacBook, he will pull the computer along with him, which is fraught with falling and damage.

Finally, USB Type-C is not as fast as the Thunderbolt 2 interface found in the MacBook Air and Pro models. Via the “lightning-fast” port, data is transferred at speeds of up to 20 Gbit/s in both directions, while via USB 3.1 1st generation (this is the “version” implemented in the new MacBook) – up to 5 Gbit/s.

The USB Type-C port is the successor to the original micro USB port; today it can already be found in smartphones in 2017, as well as external batteries, headphones and other devices. Galagram tells why the new Type-C is better than regular micro USB, as well as what bonuses owners of equipment with the new port standard receive.

3 Key Benefits of USB Type-C

It charges gadgets faster

The USB Implementers Forum, which is the industry association behind the development of the port, worked out the bugs in its micro USB creation and created USB Type-C with better specifications. Chargers with the new port are faster and typically charge smartphones at 15W. This is five times faster than most chargers using the old port. And most importantly, it does not put extra strain on your battery.

Charging both ways

Not only do both ends of the cable look the same, they can also do the same thing on both ends, meaning you can tell which direction the current is flowing. In some cases, this leads to funny results when your smartphone starts charging the power bank.

If you have a lot of battery left, you can help a friend by charging his smartphone using just a Type-C cable. To do this, connect both smartphones with this cable and direct the current in the desired direction, that’s all!

Transfer data from smartphone to smartphone

You just need to open the file explorer on the device where you want to receive the files. This is a pre-installed application on many smartphone brands, but otherwise you can simply find it in the settings.

How USB Type-C works

USB (Universal Serial Bus) is a standard that defines cable, connectors, and digital communication. Its first version appeared in 1998 and replaced the PC interfaces that were popular at the time. The USB Type-C connector appeared in 2014. It has more pins than its predecessor, and they are arranged symmetrically. As a result, it doesn't matter which way you insert the cable - it's double-sided and works the same way.

This is a two-way 24 pin port

There are many differences between USB connectors and versions. They have different electrical characteristics, power ratings and data transfer rates. USB A and B connectors only have 4 pins, while USB 3.1 Type-C has 24 pins (standard pinout), which are needed to support higher currents and faster data transfer. In addition, the USB 3.1 standard increases data transfer speeds up to 10 Gb/s, and it also has innovative ways to charge devices.

The Type-C port specification requires the connector to withstand 100,000 connections per connector without signs of wear. If you connect the port, for example, two to three times a day, the cable should last more than 12 years. To meet these requirements and handle increased power flow, USB-C cables are usually made thicker than a classic micro USB cable.

What is Type-C for?

Many Android smartphones still have a micro USB port. In most cases, devices are charged through it at a voltage of 5V and a current of 2A. Faster charging speeds can only be achieved outside of the USB specification: Qualcomm Quick Charge, OnePlus Dash Charge, Oppo Vooc and Samsung Adaptive Fast Charge are manufacturer standards that only work on devices of a certain brand.

Transfers more power than micro USB

The Type-C port provides up to 100W of power using an open, free, common power system limited only by the cable, power supply, or charging target. To minimize heat buildup and wear on electronic components, Type-C compatible devices constantly match voltage and current to each other. To recognize them, look for the USB logo on the charger, which was adopted in August 2016.

Can transmit HDMI and audio signals

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

Xiaomi and LeEco are getting rid of the 3.5 mm port in favor of Type-C

Most users, when choosing a new smartphone, tablet or laptop, find an unfamiliar interface in the device description. It's called a USB Type-C connector. What port is this? Few people really know about him. Although USB Type-C promises to become a new trend and will gradually be implemented on all devices that are equipped with classic USB. After all, it offers increased speed and improved functionality. Want to know more? We will be happy to tell you in more detail about USB Type-C and why it is gradually being introduced into many gadgets.

Currently, almost all devices are equipped with a USB connector (more precisely, USB type-A). From PCs to smartphones and various storage devices with laptops. USB is the ubiquitous and most popular standard.

It first appeared in the world in November 1995. The standard itself was called USB 1.0. It did not receive wide distribution. But its “brother” USB 1.1 in the late 90s of the last century began to be present on the back panel of almost everyone. True, manufacturers of peripheral devices did not immediately switch to this standard. It took a couple of years for keyboards, mice, printers and other accessories to begin to come with a USB port.

Finally, in 2001, the USB 2.0 standard was developed, which is still the most widespread today. It provided data transfer speeds of almost 500 Mbit/s. But the real breakthrough was the USB 3.0 specification. After all, the transmission speed within this interface was 5 Gbit/s. What other innovations came with it? 5 additional contacts appeared, and the maximum current increased from 500 mA to 900 mA.

The last step towards the emergence of USB Type-C was the adoption of the 3.1 standard. This happened in 2013. It is this standard that introduced the new Type-C connector (replacing the usual Type-A), with support for power up to 100 W and double the data transfer speed compared to USB 3.0 (up to 10 Gbps).

Learn more about USB Type-C and its benefits

So what is USB Type-C? Essentially, this is a new modification of the standard USB. Moreover, externally this connector looks like a thinner port. Its dimensions are only 8.34x2.56 mm. This is about 1/3 of the “old” USB Type-A. That is, the dimensions are very close to lightning in iPhones and micro usb in Android smartphones.

The shape of the connector is oval and symmetrical. Due to this, users do not have to guess which side to insert the flash drive or end of the cable into the device, as was the case before. This can be done without looking at all, in the dark, or with one hand. Thus, USB Type-C is very convenient. And also safe. After all, you can connect the connector in any position without fear of breaking the connector.

What other advantages does USB Type-C have? There are quite a lot of them:

Versatility and compatibility. Can operate in many modes and support different protocols. That is, if desired, it is easy to connect HDMI, VGA, DisplayPort cables and other options for connecting a PC or laptop to peripherals to this connector. True, special adapters will be required. After all, how else can you “shove” a bulky and huge connector from a printer or mouse into a thin modern port? In addition, the USB 3.1 standard is highly compatible with previous versions of USB. To connect old peripherals to the Type-C port, you only need an adapter.
Compactness. Due to its miniature size, it can be used in netbooks, smartphones, tablets and other various devices. At the same time, by actively introducing the USB Type-C interface, you can make equipment even more elegant, thinner and more compact.
Ability to power other devices. As we have already noted, USB 3.1 increased the maximum transmitted power to 100 W (with the USB Power Delivery specification!). For comparison, the average laptop requires about 60 watts. That is, it can be easily charged via USB Type-C (which has already been implemented on the new MacBook and Google Pixel Chromebook). While the USB 2.0 port provides current transmission of only a maximum of two and a half watts. This is enough for a maximum of incomplete and long-term recharging of a weak smartphone. It turns out that when connecting various peripheral devices via USB Type-C, you can do without an additional power source, limiting yourself to one cord.
High speed. When using the USB 3.1 standard, a data transfer speed of 10 Gbps is achieved. This is truly an excellent indicator. At least it's far from the record. After all, it is not as fast as the Thunderbolt 2 interface, implemented in MacBook Air and Pro models, where the speed reaches 20 Gbps.

What happens? The release of USB Type-C implies a complete replacement of outdated USB connection technologies. This is what this interface was designed for. His “mission” is to make sure that all sorts of options like mini or micro USB do not need to be released at all. Also, the new standard is intended to make all cords that are used to charge devices universal. The idea is good, but how implemented is it now?

Are there any disadvantages?

Does USB Type-C have any disadvantages? It couldn't have happened without them. Experts attribute the following to the disadvantages:

Due to their small size, the physical design of the connector and plug turned out to be quite fragile. Although numerous tests have shown that the mechanical life of the USB Type-C connector is about 10,000 connections. And this is no less than USB 2.0.
Another drawback is that adapters are required to fully work with USB Type C. Otherwise, many devices simply cannot be connected through this interface.
USB Type-C should only work with cables, accessories, and gadgets that can withstand a certain voltage level. Otherwise, there is a high risk that the cord and/or device will catch fire. Something similar happened with the flagship model Samsung Galaxy Note 7, during the use of which cases of the device exploding were repeatedly recorded. Therefore, to connect via USB Type-C, you should not purchase cheap products from China. Only reliable, proven brands.

For reference! If you need a cord not only for connection, but also for recharging, then you should check whether it supports USB Power Delivery. In turn, to connect via HDMI, MHL or DisplayPort you will need a USB-C cable with an alternative mode function.

Is there a difference between USB Type-C and USB 3.1?

Is USB Type-C the same as USB 3.1? Of course not. It's correct to say this: USB 3.1 is the main data transfer protocol for Type-C. Moreover, the latter is simply a geometric shape. No more. It can accommodate USB 2.0, and its “descendant” – 3.0. Hypothetically, nothing prevents us from implementing USB 1.1 within this port and plug of the “venerable old man”.

By the way, some manufacturers do this. Take the same Nokia N1 tablet. It is equipped with a new USB Type-C connector, but inside it is the same familiar and familiar USB 2.0 bus logic.

Modern devices with USB Type-C

Note that there are still few devices with USB 3.1 these days. The technology is new. Therefore, the standard did not have time to be implemented and become widespread. Devices with a USB Type-C cable/connector are not very widely represented on the market.

If we talk about smartphones, then these are:

Google Nexus 6P
Google Nexus 5X
Microsoft Lumia 950 XL
Meizu Pro 6
Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+
LG Nexus 5X, etc.

Of course, that's not all. “USB Type C” with full support for USB 3.1 is available on the MSI Z97A Gaming 6 motherboard. Popular motherboards ASUS X99-A and ASUS Z97-A also support USB version 3.1. (only they don’t have a Type-C connector).

It won’t be difficult to find flash drives with a new port on the shelves of computer stores. For example, SanDisk recently introduced a 32 GB drive with two connectors: the classic USB Type-A and USB Type-C. And this is not an isolated example. Thus, the range of the well-known manufacturer of computer components LaCie includes an external hard drive for a MacBook with support for USB 3.1 Type-C. This interface is also available on the Transcend JetFlash 890.

At the same time, formally the first device equipped with a USB Type-C port was the Nokia N1 tablet. It was then “supported” by a MacBook with a 12-inch display. The creators of the Apple laptop also decided to introduce the public to the new USB Type-C by equipping their model with this connector.

It turns out that USB Type-C is still a rarity? Essentially, yes. But the gradual implementation of this interface has begun and this is the most important thing.

Why is USB Type-C still not popular?

Many experts confidently say that one day USB Type-C will replace the variety of USB port options, becoming the only standard for various devices - laptops, PCs, smartphones, tablets, players, etc. In the future, most likely, this connector will indeed be replaced and a 3.5 mm headphone port, and an HDMI interface, used nowadays for video transmission.

However, why has USB Type-C not yet become mega-popular and widespread? Everything is extremely simple. In the event of a complete transition to this standard, all existing equipment will have to be scrapped. Be it a smartphone, tablet, PC, flash drive, etc.

What if you use adapter cables, all kinds of splitters and adapters? This is not an option. If the connected device does not support USB 3.1, then the connection is simply pointless, because the maximum data transfer speed and power support will not be achieved.

Therefore, it takes time for the old ports to become a thing of the past, and for USB Type-C to be able to painlessly replace them. How much will it take? Probably a couple of years. The process can only be accelerated by the support of “big” companies that will actively implement this standard. At the same time, it is possible that progress will soon offer us a new interface that can send USB Type-C into “retirement” ahead of schedule.

It is impossible to imagine a modern person without electronic devices. Smartphones, tablets, music players and laptops are found in almost every family today. Each of these devices has its own use 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 for short is called USB.

Today it is truly 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 suitable for it? This guide will help you determine 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 complete with the appropriate cables. Does it matter which one is used, and what are all these differences for? This is really important for now, but it may change in the future.

In the mid-1990s. The universal bus became an industry standard that made it possible to streamline the connection of computer peripherals. It has replaced a number of earlier interfaces and is now the most popular connector type in consumer devices.

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

If the standard was meant to be universal, why are there so many different types? Each of them serves a different purpose, mainly ensuring compatibility when new devices with better specifications are released. Below 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, laptops, and netbooks typically have multiple ports of this shape. Additionally, 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. The USB Type-A pinout is as follows:

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

All versions of USB standards retain 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 to provide faster data transfer speeds. They are located so as not to interfere with the operation of pins of previous versions of the standard.

Type-B

This is an almost square-shaped connector that is mainly used to connect printers, scanners and other devices with their own power to a computer. Sometimes it can be found on external drives. These days, this type of connector is much less common than Type-A connections.

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

Again, as with Type-A, physical compatibility between different versions does not indicate support for speed or functionality.

Basic Concepts

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

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

The most popular USB standard is Type A, which can be seen at the end of almost every USB cable inserted into a host slot today. Most often, desktop computers, game consoles and media players are equipped with Type-A ports.

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

Benefits of USB

The standard simplifies the installation and replacement of equipment by reducing all communications to serial data transmission over twisted pair cables and identification of the connected device. If you add grounding and power here, you get a simple 4-wire cable, 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 you have a cable with the appropriate connectors, the connection will not work without it. Additionally, since wires carry both power and data, connecting two hosts without an intermediary device can be disastrous, causing high currents, short circuits, and even fires.

Mini

The connector was standard for mobile devices before the advent of micro-USB. As the name suggests, mini-USB is smaller than normal 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 it supports high data transfer rates (up to 480 Mbps) and OTG capabilities. The shape is easily recognizable thanks to the compact 5-pin design.

The Lightning connector is not a USB standard, but rather 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. This will likely be the start of a trend.

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

Nuances of micro-USB

Those of you who have an Android phone or tablet definitely have a micro USB cable as well. Even the most die-hard Apple fans can't avoid them, as they are the most common type of connector used for things like external power boxes, speakers, etc.

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

When shopping for a micro-USB cable, it may be tempting to go for the cheapest option, but as is often the case, this is a 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 reputable manufacturer, even if it costs a little more.

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

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

If you frequently charge from third-party USB ports to comply with safety precautions or when the device charges slowly, a special cable that prevents data transfer can solve the problem. An alternative is a network adapter.

Another issue that can be problematic is the fact that the connectors on most USB cables (except USB-C) are not interchangeable and often require several attempts to connect correctly. Some manufacturers have attempted to fix this. However, 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, a laptop and a smartphone. What do you need to do to copy files from the disk to your 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 an intermediary.

And that's 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 various electronic devices play an important role. The demand for them is so high that tens of millions of USB cables are produced every year around the world.

Technologies are constantly evolving and improving, as are the associated peripheral devices. The same trend of upgrades holds true for USB connectors, but with so many versions and types of USB standards, it can become difficult to keep track of which USB is best suited for which functions. To do this, it is necessary to understand their basic differences.

USB types

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

The USB 1.1 standard (1998) is designed for a throughput of 12 Mbps, a voltage of 2.5 V and a current of 500 mA.

USB 2.0 (2000) is distinguished by the “HI-SPEED” marking on the USB logo. Provides speeds of 480 Mbps at a voltage of 2.5 V and a current of 1.8 A.

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

USB 3.1, available since 2015, provides speeds of 10 Gbps at 20 V and 5 A.

The latest standard provides higher throughput and is mostly backward compatible with earlier versions. Standard-A connectors are identical to previous versions of Type-A, but are usually colored blue to distinguish them. They are fully backwards compatible, but the increased speeds are only available if all components are USB 3 compatible. The Standard-B and micro versions feature additional pins for increased throughput and are not compatible with previous versions. Older USB Type-B and Micro-B cables and connectors can be used with USB 3.0 ports, but will not improve speed.

Type C Connector Specifications

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

From a physical point of view, the connector is similar to the existing USB Micro-B variant. Its dimensions are 8.4 x 2.6 mm. Thanks to its small form factor, it can easily fit into even the smallest peripherals used today. One of the many advantages of Type-C over other existing solutions is that it allows connections 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 upside down.

Type-C supports the USB 3.1 standard and provides a maximum speed of 10 Gbps. It also has a significantly higher power output of up to 100W at 20V and 5A. Since laptops typically consume 40-70W, this means Type C easily covers their power requirements. Another functionality offered by USB Type-C is bidirectional 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 in 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, which will eventually eliminate the tangled tangle of wires in your desk drawer.

Although the specifications were first published in 2014, the technology only really took off in 2016. Today, it has become a viable replacement not only for older USB standards, but also for 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 new standards: USB 3.1 provides more bandwidth and USB Power Delivery provides better power delivery.

Connector shape

USB Type-C is a new tiny connector that's barely the size of a microUSB. It supports various new standards such as USB 3.1 and USB PD.

The usual connector that everyone is familiar with is Type-A. Even after the transition from USB 1.0 to 2.0 and further to modern devices, it remained the same. The connector is just as chunky as before and only connects when oriented correctly (which obviously never works the first time). But as devices got smaller and thinner, massive ports simply weren't suitable anymore. This led to many other forms of USB connectors such as Mini and Micro.

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

Type-C has many advantages. The orientation of the connector doesn't matter, so you no longer have to flip the plug over and over again trying to find the right position. This is a single form of USB connector that everyone should accept, so you don't have to have a lot of different USB cables with different plugs for different devices. And there won’t be many different ports taking up scarce space on increasingly thin gadgets.

Moreover, Type C connectors can also support multiple 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 the Apple Multiport Adapter, which allows you to connect HDMI, VGA, USB Type-A and Type-C. Thus, the many connectors on regular laptops can be reduced to one type of port.

Nutrition

The USB PD specification is also closely intertwined with Type-C. Currently, a USB 2.0 connection provides up to 2.5W of power. This is only enough to charge your phone or tablet. The specification, supported by the USB-C standard, provides power supply of up to 100 W. This connection is bidirectional, 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 usually requires up to 60 W.

Apple's MacBook and Google's Chromebook Pixel use USB-C for charging, eliminating all proprietary power cables. At the same time, it becomes possible to charge laptops from portable batteries, which are usually used to charge smartphones and other electronics. And if you connect the laptop to an external display powered from the mains, then its battery will be charged.

However, keep in mind 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 throughput of 10 Gbps, which is twice the data transfer speed of first-generation Thunderbolt and USB 3.0.

But Type-C is not the same as USB 3.1. This is just the shape of the connector, and the technology behind it can be based on standards 2.0 or 3.0. For example, the Nokia N1 tablet uses USB Type C version 2.0. However, these technologies are closely related. When purchasing, you just need to pay attention to 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, unlike the basic standard, is not backward compatible. You can't plug older USB devices into today's tiny Type-C port, and you can't plug a USB-C plug into a larger, older port. But this does not mean that you will have to get rid of all the old peripherals. USB 3.1 is still compatible with previous versions, 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 Type-C USB connectors and larger Type-A connectors, like the Chromebook Pixel. This way, users will be able to gradually migrate from older devices by connecting new ones to USB Type-C. But even if the computer is manufactured with only Type C ports, adapters and hubs will fill this gap.

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