The USB Type-C port has at least one indisputable and obvious advantage over the micro USB port - you can insert the connector into it by either side (like Lightning). But USB Type-C also has its drawbacks, we will talk about them today.

1.USB Type-C does not support fast charging

Currently, no smartphone with a USB Type-C cable is compatible with technologies that support fast charging (such as Qualcomm Quick Charge 2.0). Perhaps it will appear in the future, but definitely not on those smartphones that have already been released.

2. USB Type-C does not guarantee high data transfer rates

USB Type-C is only a connector form factor, not a data exchange standard. The USB Type-C cable itself can comply with different standards - USB 2.0, 3.0 and 3.1. Even if the cable supports USB 3.1, the data transfer rate through it will be limited by the port of the smartphone or computer. In theory, data via USB 3.1 can be transferred at speeds of up to 10 gigabits per second, but in reality, this speed will most likely be unattainable even under ideal conditions.

3.USB Type-C is not widely used

Surely you often asked your friends for a charger or cable to charge your discharged smartphone. In the case of USB Type-C, this will not work - hardly anyone has such a cable. You can ask for a micro USB cable from any passer-by. They may refuse, but almost everyone has it ..

4.USB Type-C is expensive

Worst of all, if the cable is lost or becomes unusable - a micro USB cable is very cheap in computer stores, and USB Type-C is not available in all retail outlets, and you will have to pay much more money for it. In addition, there is no guarantee that the new cable will be of the same quality as the one that came with the smartphone, there is a great risk of running into a fake.

5.USB Type-C does not support familiar accessories

If you have already bought various accessories for your smartphone, such as portable chargers, OTG adapters, flash drives, speakers, etc., be prepared that they will be incompatible with USB Type-C. Finding accessories that support this standard is currently quite difficult.

All this does not mean that the USB Type-C standard is bad, just its time has not come yet. In addition, purchasing a USB Type-C to micro USB adapter can solve many compatibility issues.

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 today 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 widely used 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 led to the creation of the 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.

The standard consists of 24 pins: two rows of 12 each. 8 pins of USB 3.1 interface are used for data exchange at high speed. Pins B8 and A8 (SUB1 and 2) are used to send analog signals to the headphones (right and left), A5 and B5 (CC1 and 2) are used to select the power mode. There are also ground (GND) and power (V +) pins.

Benefits of Type-C

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

• Security... The connector is reversible, i.e. you can connect the cable in any position. This ensures complete safety and safety of the gadget from breakdowns, which are accompanied by bent or broken contacts.
• Versatility... Fully compatible with all legacy standards starting with USB 1.1.
• Independence... Type-C supporting USB 3.1 can supply up to 100W of power to connected devices. Simply put, when connecting, there is not only a full-fledged power supply, but also recharging the batteries of other gadgets, as from "".
• Compactness... The connector has very small dimensions, therefore it is actively used in the production of modern tablets and tablets.

disadvantages

From a technical point of view, USB Type-C is almost perfect. So why hasn't it become the most popular yet? Why are manufacturers in no hurry to equip their equipment with them? There are no obstacles for technical equipment, but there are good reasons that slow down this process.

First of all, it has a unique physical structure, therefore, to connect most gadgets, you need adapter cables, all kinds of splitters and adapters. If the connected device does not support USB 3.1, such a connection simply loses its meaning, since the maximum data transfer speed and power support will not be provided.

Most of the released computer, mobile, audio and video equipment is equipped with Type-A, Type-B Mini / Micro, which do not have support for USB 3.1 or even 3.0. The massive move to USB Type-C will reduce demand for existing products that lack it. Regardless of the desires and hopes of users, manufacturers deliberately push back effective technology and slow down its spread.

Second, even with two Type-C plug-in devices, it may not be possible to get the full benefit. This is due to the imperfect technology of processing and transmitting information of certain categories of devices. For example, you can sync your smartphone and personal computer / laptop via Type-C. However, data transfer in both directions will be limited, since the hard drive will not be able to provide the maximum speed.

Yes, new technology is available, it is being used, but there is still a long way to go before a complete transition. You need to understand that in the event of a complete transition to USB Type-C, you will have to send all outdated equipment for recycling.

Good day, Geektimes! Have you heard of USB Type-C before? The one that is reversible, fast-fashion-youthful, charges the new MacBook, makes your hair silky smooth and promises to be the new connectivity standard for the next ten years?

So, firstly, this is a type of connector, not a new standard. The standard is called USB 3.1. Secondly, we need to talk about the new USB standard, and Type-C is just a nice bonus. To understand what is the difference, what is behind USB 3.1, and what is behind Type C, how to charge an entire laptop from a USB cable and what else can be done with the new USB Type-C:

Briefly about the main thing

USB as a standard appeared almost twenty years ago. The first specifications for USB 1.0 appeared in 1994 and solved three key problems: the unification of the connector through which the equipment expanding the functions of the PC was connected, simplicity for the user, and high speed of data transfer to and from the device.

Despite the certain advantages of USB connection over PS / 2, COM and LPT ports, popularity did not come to it immediately. The explosive growth of USB experienced in the early 2000s: first cameras, scanners and printers were connected to it, then flash drives.

In 2001, the first commercial implementations of the USB that we are familiar and understandable appeared: version 2.0. We have been using it for the 14th year already and it has a relatively simple structure.

USB 2.0

Any USB 2.0 and below cable has 4 copper conductors inside. Two of them carry power, the other two carry data. USB cables (according to the standard) are strictly oriented: one of the ends must connect to the host (that is, the system that will manage the connection) and it is called Type-A, the other - to the device, it is called Type-B... Of course, sometimes devices (such as flash drives) do not have a cable at all, the “to the host” connector is located right on the board.

On the host side, there is a special chip: a USB controller (in desktop computers, it can be either part of the system logic, or it can be taken out as an external microcircuit). It is he who initializes the operation of the bus, determines the connection speed, the order and schedule of the movement of data packets, but these are all details. We are most interested in connectors and connectors of the classic USB-format.

The most popular connector that everyone has used is the classic size USB Type-A: it is located on flash drives, USB modems, at the ends of the wires of mice and keyboards. Slightly less common are full-size USB Type-B: usually printers and scanners are connected with this cable. The mini version of USB Type-B is still often used in card readers, digital cameras, and USB hubs. The micro-version of Type-B, through the efforts of European standardizers, has become de facto the most popular connector in the world: all current mobile phones, smartphones and tablets (except for the products of one fruit company) are produced with a USB Type-B Micro connector.

Well, probably no one really saw USB Type-A micro and mini format. Personally, I will not name a single device with such connectors. I even had to get photos from Wikipedia:

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All these connectors have one simple thing in common: inside there are four contact pads that provide the connected device with both power and communication:

With USB 2.0, everything is more or less clear. The problem with the standard was that there are not enough two conductors for data transmission, and the specifications developed in the middle of the first decade did not provide for the transfer of large currents through the power circuits. External hard drives suffered the most from these limitations.

USB 3.0

To improve the characteristics of the standard, a new USB 3.0 specification was developed, which contained the following key differences:

• Five additional contacts, four of which provide additional communication lines;
• Increase the maximum throughput from 480 Mbps to 5 Gbps;
• Increase in maximum current from 500 mA to 900 mA.

In addition, there are 4 more connectors that are electrically and mechanically compatible with USB Type-A version 2.0. They allowed both USB 2.0 devices to be connected to 3.0 hosts and 3.0 devices to 2.0 hosts or via a 2.0 cable, but with limited power and data transfer rates.

USB 3.1

Since the fall of 2013, specifications have been adopted for the updated USB 3.1 standard, which brought us the connector Type-C, transferring up to 100W of power and doubling the data transfer rate over USB 3.0. However, it is worth noting that all three innovations are just parts of one new standard that can be applied all together (and then the device or cable will receive USB 3.1 certification), or separately. For example, technically, inside a Type-C cable, you can organize at least USB 2.0 on four wires and two pairs of contacts. By the way, such a "trick" was done by Nokia: its Nokia N1 tablet has a USB Type-C connector, but inside it uses a regular USB 2.0: with all the restrictions on power and data transfer speed.

USB 3.1, Type-C and power

A new standard is responsible for the transfer of really serious capacities. USB PD(Power Delivery). According to the specifications, for USB PD certification, the device and cable must be capable of transmitting current with a power of up to 100 watts, and in both directions (both to and from the host). In this case, the transmission of electricity should not interfere with the transmission of data.

So far, there are only two laptops that fully support USB Power Delivery: the new MacBook and the Chromebook Pixel.

Well, then, who knows, maybe we'll put such sockets at home?

USB Type-C and backward compatibility

USB as a standard is strong in its backward compatibility. Find an ancient 16 megabyte flash drive that only supports USB 1.1, plug it into the 3.0 port and go. Connect a modern HDD to a USB 2.0 connector, and if it has enough power, everything will start, just the speed will be limited. And if not enough, there are special adapters: they use the power circuits of another USB port. The speed will not increase, but the HDD will work.

The same story is with USB 3.1 and the Type-C connector, with only one amendment: the new connector is geometrically incompatible with the old ones. However, manufacturers have actively started production of both Type-A wires.<=>Type-C, and all kinds of adapters, adapters and splitters.

USB Type-C and tunneling

The data transfer speed of the USB 3.1 standard allows you not only to connect drives and peripherals, charge a laptop from the network via a Type-C cable, but also connect, say ... a monitor. One wire. And a USB hub with multiple 2.0 ports inside the monitor. 100 W of power, speed comparable to DisplayPort and HDMI, a universal connector and just one cable from the laptop to the monitor, the power supply of which will power the display and charge the laptop. Isn't that wonderful?

What's on USB Type-C now?

Since the technology is young, there are very few devices on USB 3.1. There are not many more devices with a USB Type-C cable / connector, but still not enough for Type-C to become as widespread and natural as Micro-B, which any smartphone user has.

You can wait on Type-C personal computers already in 2016, but some manufacturers have taken and updated the line of existing motherboards. For example, USB Type-C with full USB 3.1 support is available on MSI Z97A Gaming 6 motherboard.

ASUS does not lag behind: motherboards ASUS X99-A and ASUS Z97-A support USB 3.1, but, unfortunately, lack Type-C connectors. In addition, special expansion cards have been announced for those who do not want to upgrade their motherboard or give up a pair of USB 3.1 ports.


SanDisk recently introduced a 32GB flash drive with two connectors: classic USB Type-A and USB Type-C:


Of course, don't forget about the recent passively cooled MacBook with just one USB Type-C port. Let's talk about its performance and other delights sometime separately, but about the connector - today. Apple ditched both its magical MagSafe charging and other connectors on the case, leaving one port for power, peripherals and external displays. Of course, if one connector is not enough for you, you can buy an official HDMI splitter adapter, classic USB and a power connector (the same Type-C) for ... $ 80. :) It remains to be hoped that Type-C will come to Apple mobile devices (and this will finally end the zoo with wires for smartphones), although the chances of such an update are minimal: was it in vain that Lightning was developed and patented?


One of the peripheral manufacturers - LaCie - has already released a stylish external drive with USB 3.1 Type-C support for the new MacBook.

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. Universal Serial Bus bandwidth increases and 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 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 the latest USB Type-C port. 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 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, 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 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 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, 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, a USB Type-C flash drive 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 expulsion 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 perform their functions perfectly. The principle of support, which has been applied in computer technology for many years, is not going to be violated. 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 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 an externally powered monitor and charge the laptop's battery while watching video content. In the event that storage devices, such as an external drive, are connected to the display, you can access the information stored on the media from the laptop.

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 the standard is still at the moment, do not provide a complete absence of dangers, 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 insufficient quality 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 must check that the actual specifications of the port correspond to the required parameters.

It would seem that the USB Type-C standard has just begun to earn a reputation for itself in the world of mobile technologies, but 2015 has already managed to give us a certain number of devices that have tried on a new interface: the memories of OnePlus 2, Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P are still fresh.

There is no doubt that the number of such devices will grow relentlessly this year. The largest manufacturers will continue to fight for the consumer, supplying Type-C connectors not only to their flagship models, but also to offerings in lower price segments.

If you regularly use external batteries or other portable chargers, sharpened for microUSB, it will add to you a headache: in order to continue to benefit from your favorite accessories, be ready to fork out for a dozen different adapters.

But there is an alternative option - an external battery, or the so-called Power Bank, with an already built-in connector for the USB Type-C connector, which, among other things, has a number of significant advantages over competitors: recharging the device through a Type-C connection is much faster, and you don't have to carry all the necessary adapters with you.

On the pages of online stores, you can find dozens of different names of portable chargers. It looks like it's time to figure out which items are worth buying. Taking into account the brand, rating and positive reviews, we have compiled a small subjective list for you. And if the power banks presented below are not in your local store, their cost allows you to order them on ebay, amazon or another online platform without any problems with customs.

The 20,100mAh Anker PowerCore + will set you back around $ 51. For this money, you get a device with a LED charge indicator, two USB ports with an output current of 2.4 A, and one USB Type-C port. Actually, the kit itself consists of a "power bank", a USB / USB Type-C cable for recharging the battery, a case and a wire for microUSB.

Note that Anker PowerCore + boasts several unique finds that are responsible for the legitimate power of your. The proprietary PowerIQ technology replicates the charging protocols of each plug-in gadget, making the procedure safe and as efficient as possible. VoltageBoost will also be useful: it determines the resistance of the cable, thereby ensuring process stability. Unfortunately, Anker PowerCore + does not support Qualcomm Quick Charge 2.0 technology.

The external battery CHOETECH with 10400 mAh inside costs $ 32. There are two USB ports on board, one of which is compatible with Qualcomm's Quick Charge 2.0 technology. The USB Type-C connector can be used to connect to a Macbook, Nexus 6P or Pixel C. Includes the Power Bank itself and a USB / USB Type-C cable. There is also a guarantee for 18 months. The device charges both via microUSB and via the USB Type-C interface.

In fact, the CHOETECH doesn't look very impressive when compared to the Anker model. It costs $ 20 cheaper, but half of the capacity is lost somewhere along with the price. Only its modest weight and size, as well as support for Quick Charge 2.0, can tip the scales in favor of CHOETECH.

The price of the RAVPower 20,100 mAh power bank is about $ 60. Discreet design - a black box with a four-point LED-indicator - clearly contrasts with excellent functionality: microUSB connector responsible for recharging RAVPower; one more USB port is ready to cooperate with Qualcomm Quick Charge 2.0 and 3.0 technologies; speed is provided by USB 3A Type-C interface.

The iSmart port is a peculiar feature of the battery. With its help, RAVPower recognizes the type of connected device and optimizes its operation based on the information received.

It is noteworthy that the declared 20,100 mAh should be enough to bring the Galaxy S6 back to life five times; to restore the full charge of the iPhone 6S, you will have about 8 attempts. Also RAVPower is able to protect your device from overcharging and keep its sensitive microcircuits healthy.

All in all, RAVPower is a great choice for those who dream of a large portable battery with tons of additional features and Qualcomm's Quick Charge support. What else can you say, a luxurious thing with an equally “luxurious” price.

The Talentcell 10400 mAh power supply is the cheapest accessory on our list. Its cost is $ 27. It is charged via microUSB 2.0, there is a USB Type-C connector. The battery status is indicated by a small LED indicator. In the package you will find a Power Bank and a Type-C cable. You can use Talentcell with any gadget, except for the 12-inch handsome Macbook. This wonderful battery also allows you to charge two smartphones at the same time.

If you do not have extra funds to buy an expensive “power bank”, Talentcell is ready to offer its services. The project's reviews are quite good, but if you are still confused by a little-known brand, think about purchasing the options discussed above.

And again, a product with a not too big name, but an attractive price. Such is the dilemma: for $ 32 you can buy Talentcell and two Big Mac Menus or iVoler with its 10000 mAh battery, standard USB port and Type-C interface. The lack of support for Qualcomm Quick Charge here is compensated by the possibility of "mega" fast charging from 0 to 100 percent in 3.5 hours.

It seems to us that it is better to take TalentCell and eat, but the additional option was still worth considering - after all, fast food is a harmful thing.