Micro usb connector types. What is USB Type-C? Connector type, cable

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 connection method peripheral devices, - USB, - here, in general, we can state a multiple increase in productivity in recent years. Bandwidth universal serial bus increases, functionality expands. The connectors used to connect a variety of USB devices are also subject to changes. Today many people hear about it USB Type-C... What it is, 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 a number of different ports located on the sides. Among them there is definitely USB, almost always HDMI and some others. Modern models are often equipped with newest port USB Type-C. What this connector is, many do not know, but it would be worthwhile to familiarize yourself with the capabilities of the port. 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 very simple idea... The user must have only one 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 USB cable Type-C, can be plugged in at its core different devices represented by 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 is firmly established in computer world, has a familiar rectangular shape, and its use has become almost a 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

To connect devices to the long-established standard USB-A port different cables are used. 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 became 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, there are too many workable devices with non-USB Type-With connectors is used today and will be in operation for several more years.

However, do not forget: the expansion of new solutions has already begun. For instance, USB flash drive Type-C is no longer a rarity on the shelves of computer stores. In addition, the fact that flagship devices are released from the most famous brands equipped with the port in question suggests that the described situation, that is, the ousting of outdated 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 backward compatibility principle applied in computer technology for many years now, no one is going to break. If you have a new laptop or computer USB port A Type-C 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 carries 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, 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 equipped USB-C laptop to the 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 are cheap substandard accessories and cables. In view of a large number the energy transmitted through the USB Type-C connectors, the use of cables of insufficient quality may 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 to provide maximum speed 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.

The new standard USB Type-C is still underdeveloped in the market, but manufacturers are gradually adopting the new technology. In smartphone manufacturing, USB-C is already a new trend, because it is not only an improved charging connector, but also a means of abandoning the traditional 3.5mm headphone port. Today we will talk in more detail about USB Type-C, and this article will tell you what it is.

Almost all electronic devices today are equipped with a USB connector. From desktops to smartphones to a variety of laptop drives. USB is the ubiquitous standard when it comes to connecting peripherals or transferring data between devices. The last major USB update came in 2013 with the release of USB 3.1, accompanied by the release of a new Type-C connector. As you can see, almost 4 years have passed since then, and Type-C has not taken root.

Currently on the market you can count on one hand the number of devices using USB Type-C technology. Among computers, these are the latest laptops from Apple, from Google, the line from Samsung and several other hybrid devices. Among smartphones, there are mainly flagships of the outgoing year:, and.

So why is USB Type-C better than its predecessors? Let's find out.

What is USB Type-C

USB Type-C is a new and rapidly evolving industry standard for data transmission for computers and mobile devices. The main and most significant innovation of Type-C is the redesigned connector - universal, balanced, capable of working on either side. The USB-C connector was invented by the USB Implementers Forum, a group of companies that developed and certified the new USB standard. It also includes the largest technology companies such as Apple, Samsung, Dell, HP, Intel and Microsoft. By the way, this is important to know, because therefore USB Type-C has been easily adopted by most PC manufacturers.

USB-C is the new standard

Main characteristics:

• 24 signal outputs
• USB 3.1 support
• Alternative mode for implementing third-party interfaces
• Speed ​​up to 10 Gbps
• Energy transfer up to 100 W
• Dimensions: 8.34x2.56 mm

USB Type-C and USB 3.1

USB versions

The USB versions refer to a common standard, but the difference lies in the maximum data transfer rate and operating power. Of course, there are many other factors as well.

USB 2.0
The second version of USB was introduced in April 2000. It provided the standard with a significant increase in the maximum data transfer rate - up to 480 Mbps. Also, USB 2.0 has become more powerful, consuming 1.8A at 2.5V.

USB 3.0
The USB 3.0 release brought with it not only the expected improvements in data transfer speed and power, but also new types of connectors. Moreover, USB 3.0 even got its own color - new version The standard has been marked in blue to valiantly distinguish it from older generations of USB. USB 3.0 can operate at speeds up to 5 Gbps, taking 5V to 1.8A for its operation. By the way, this version was presented in November 2008.

Type-A
Type-A is classic USB interface... The short and rectangular plug became the original design for USB and remains the standard connector for use at the host end of a USB cable to this day. There are also some variations of Type-A - Mini Type-A and Micro Type-A, but these have never been widely accepted by the public due to the intricate socket. Both of these Type-A variations are now deprecated.

Type-C
Thus, after Type-A and Type-B, we have approached, obviously, the newest Type-C. The Type-A and Type-B versions were supposed to work together with each other through backward compatibility, but the arrival of Type-C completely ruined these plans, as USB-C implies a complete replacement of legacy USB connectivity technologies. Also, the Type-C was specially designed so that additional variants of the Mini or Micro type would not need to be produced at all. This, again, is due to the intention to replace all current connectors with USB Type-C.

The main feature of the Type-C standard is the versatility or symmetry of the connector. USB-C can be used by both sides like Apple technology Lightning - no more special connection sides, which are also difficult to find in the dark. Also, the Type-C version is based on USB 3.1, which means it supports all the benefits latest version including the highest speed.

USB-C is still backward compatible with existing USB variants, but adapters will of course be needed for this use case.

Disadvantages of USB Type-C

Even more relevant and of great concern USB problem Type-C is an unregulated connector that has resulted in a number of dangerous commercially available accessories. Some of these accessories, through the use of unsupported voltage levels, can "fry" the connected device. For example, this was the case with the flagship that was magnificent at the start, which subsequently began to ignite at first, and then completely explode in the hands, trousers, cars and apartments of its owners.

This problem led to the obvious and only solution - a massive ban on the production and sale of non-original accessories with USB Type-C support. Thus, if an accessory does not meet the standard specifications of the USB Implementers Forum Inc., the product will not be eligible for sale. Also, to verify the operational status and authenticity of various third-party accessories, USB-IF has provided 128-bit encrypted software that will allow devices with this connector to automatically verify the connected USB-C device or accessory.

Minuses:

• Design. The USB Type-C design is good, but the design has suffered - it's rather fragile. Apple uses an all-metal plug in its Lightning, while the Type-C uses an oval shape with the signal pins in the center.
• Connector operation. Allowing USB Type-C to operate at unsupported voltage levels is likely to cause the cable and / or device to catch fire.
• Compatibility. USB Type-C is an innovation in the USB world, but latest generation leaves old devices in the past because it does not support working with them.
• Adapters. To fully work with USB Type-C on older devices, you will have to buy adapters. This is an additional waste of money.

Benefits of USB Type-C

Despite all of the above, USB Type-C can be confidently called a step forward for the industry. Installing this connector will allow manufacturers to make thinner computers and mobile devices with fewer ports, superior data transfer rates and headphone jacks. In the future, if USB Type-C hits the masses, the connector will be able to replace not only the 3.5 mm headphone port, but also HDMI - the interface used for video transmission. So USB Type-C will replace the usual connectors today and become a universal standard in any situation.

Pros:

• Symmetry. USB Type-C allows you to forget about situations when you have to remember from which side to insert the cable into the connector. Also, from now on, you can not be afraid not to find the right side of the USB in the dark.
• Compactness. The dimensions of USB Type-C are 8.4 x 2.6 mm, which allows manufacturers to make computers and mobile devices much thinner.
• Versatility. Thanks to the integration of a single connector, it will be possible to charge both a laptop and a tablet or smartphone with one cable.

Have you ever met a person who enthusiastically said: "My smartphone has Type-C"?

The debate about the modernity and the usefulness of the new interface has been going on for a long time. Some consider it the future, others - a utopia. The trouble is that both sides have strong evidence that they are right. To understand the situation, it is necessary to comprehensively study the issue.

Development

Not everyone remembers the first USB Type-A connector, which is still used in the latest computers, laptops and tablets. In the distant 90s, it had the same physical form, but a different standard - USB 1.1. In more detail, there were restrictions on the data transfer rate.

In 2001, the 2.0 standard was developed, which is the most widespread today. It provided data transfer rates up to 480 Mbps. At this moment, the era of creating a universal and high-speed connector for connection began.

The first generally accepted connector, which gained great popularity and distribution, was the Type-B Mini. It is successfully used in phones, cameras, camcorders and allows you to connect devices to a computer. However, this should not be considered a big breakthrough, only the form has changed, the standard has remained the same - USB 2.0. In other words, the transfer rate has not increased.

The desire to minimize the size of gadgets has led to the creation new Type-B Micro. He continues to be the protagonist of the overwhelming amount of modern technology, but he cannot offer users great advantages.

The real breakthrough was the USB 3.0 specification, which radically changed the way we look at many things. The new interface made it possible to increase the data transfer rate up to 5 Gbps. The changes also affected the internal structure. The new 3.0 introduces a 9-pin group (in 2.0 there were only 4 contacts).

The final step towards the emergence of Type-C was the adoption of the 3.1 standard, which remains the fastest and most efficient today. Users were able to transfer data at speeds up to 10 Gbps. The new standard also allows a 100W charge to be transmitted.

Benefits of Type-C

It is not so necessary, but simply another physical modification that has received USB support 3.1. But don't jump to conclusions, as there are a number of advantages that the new connector offers: