Learn about USB Type-C and USB-C
Learn about USB Type-C
What is USB-C and why do you want it
USB-C is the new standard for charging and data transfer. It's already in tools like the latest laptops, phones, and tablets, and will eventually make its way to anything that uses the older and larger USB port.
The USB-C connector is a new, compact and reversible connector that is easy to connect. USB-C cables can transmit more power, allowing them to power larger devices such as laptops. It also transfers data twice as fast as USB 3 at 10Gbps. Although the connections are not backward compatible, the standards are there, allowing adapters to work with older devices.
Despite the fact that the USB-C specification was initially published in 2014, this technology took off last year. It started to look like a viable alternative not only to older USB standards but also to Thunderbolt and DisplayPort ports. The introduction of a new USB audio standard with USB-C is also being tested as a potential alternative to 3.5mm audio communication. Other emerging standards, such as USB 3.1 for higher speeds and a USB power supply for increased power delivery through USB connections, are closely related to USB-C.
The Type C connection has a redesigned shape.
The new microphysical connector for USB Type-C is about the size of a micro USB connector. Many new and interesting USB standards, such as USB 3.1 and USB Power Delivery, can be supported via a USB-C (USB PD) connection.
A USB Type-A connection is the most common type of USB connector. This connector remained the same as we progressed from USB 1 to USB 2 and then to our current USB 3 devices. It's bigger than before, and there's only one way to connect it (obviously not the one I tried last time). However, as the tools have become smaller and thinner, these huge USB ports have become obsolete. This led to the emergence of a large number of new USB connections, including micro and micro connectors.
This ugly set of communications in all its forms for various devices is finally coming to an end. The USB Type-C connection standard introduces a new standard for the ultra-micro connector. It's the same size as the old USB Type-A plug. Each device must be able to use this communication standard. Whether you're connecting an external hard drive to your laptop or charging your smartphone with a USB charger, you'll only need one cord. This small connection is small enough to fit into an ultra-slim laptop but powerful enough to plug in all laptop accessories. On both ends of the cable are USB Type-C connections.
There is a lot you like about USB-C. It's reversible, which means you won't have to rotate the connector three times to get the right direction. It's a single USB connection model that all devices should support, so you won't have to have a bunch of different USB cables with different connector shapes on hand. In smaller devices, you won't have more bulky ports that take up unnecessary space.
Alternate modes on USB Type-C ports can support a range of protocols, allowing you to use adapters to output HDMI, VGA, DisplayPort and other types of connections from a single USB port. The Apple USB-C Digital Multiport adapter is an excellent example because it combines HDMI, VGA, larger USB Type-A connections, and a smaller USB Type-C connector into one port. In most laptops, the clutter of USB, HDMI, DisplayPort, VGA, and power connectors may be reduced to one type of port.
USB Type-C, USB Power Delivery, Power Delivery
The USB PD and USB Type-C standard are closely related. A USB 2.0 connection now provides up to 2.5W of electricity, which is enough to charge your phone or tablet but not so much. This power connection can be increased to 100 watts using the USB PD specification, which is supported by USB-C. It is bidirectional, which means that the device may send and receive electricity. This power can be connected while the gadget is also transmitting data over the connection. This type of power transfer can charge a laptop, which usually consumes up to 60 watts of electricity.
Both the new Apple MacBook and the new Google Chromebook Pixel have their own USB-C charging connectors. All laptop charging wires can become obsolete thanks to USB-C, which allows charging anything using a traditional USB connection. You can also use one of the portable battery packs that you use to power mobile phones and other mobile devices to charge your laptop. You can use the micro–USB Type-C connector to connect the laptop to an external monitor using a power cable, and the external monitor will charge the laptop while using it as an external monitor.
Can you charge any device with any charger?
But, at least for now, there is a problem. The fact that the device or cable supports USB-C does not automatically mean that it supports USB PD as well. As a result, make sure that the equipment and cables support both USB-C and USB-PD.
USB-C and USB 3.1 transfer speeds
Should you upgrade flash drives from USB 2.0 to USB 3.0?
A new USB standard, USB 3.1, has been developed. The theoretical bandwidth of USB 3 is 5 Gbps, while USB 3.1 has a potential bandwidth of up to 10 Gbps. This doubles the bandwidth, making it faster than the first-generation Thunderbolt port.
However, USB Type-C is not the same as USB 3.1; it is simply a connection format using only USB 2 or USB 3 as the primary technology.
On the other hand, USB Type-C is not the same as USB 3.1. USB Type-C is a connection format only, where USB 2 or USB 3.0 is the only technologies available. In fact, the Nokia N1 Android tablet has a USB Type-C connection, but behind it are USB 2.0 ports, not USB 3.0. These techniques, however, are intertwined. When buying hardware, just pay attention to small printing and make sure that the devices (and cables) you buy support USB 3.1.
Backward compatibility
Although the actual USB-C connection is not backward compatible, the USB standard itself is compatible. Old USB devices cannot be connected to an existing micro-USB-C port, and the USB-C connection cannot be connected to an older and larger USB port. However, this does not mean that you should throw away all your previous accessories. Since USB 3.1 is backward compatible with previous USB versions, all you need is a physical adapter with a USB-C connection on one end and an old USB port on the other. Your previous tools can then be connected directly to the USB Type-C connector.
In the near future, many laptops, such as Google's Chromebook Pixel, will include USB Type-C connectors and larger USB Type-A ports. You will be able to gradually move away from your old devices and replace them with USB Type-C peripherals. Adapters and hubs will fill the gaps even if you buy a computer with only USB Type-C ports, such as the new Apple MacBook.
Switching to USB Type-C is worth it. It has caused a stir on newer MacBooks and other mobile devices, but not only Apple or mobile technology is to blame. Over time, USB-C will be found in an increasing number of devices of all types. In the future, USB-C may replace the Apple Lightning connection on iPhones and iPads. Aside from being a proprietary protocol that Apple may charge a license fee for, Lightning has few benefits compared to USB Type-C. Imagine a time when your Android friends ask for a fee and you don't have to worry about it. Sorry, I just received a queue for the iPhone charger!