What is USB Type-C Technology
The USB-C (also called USB Type-C) connector, is the newest USB technology currently in use that became available in 2015. This single cable allows you to connect multiple devices. The USB Type-C connector is smaller than the previous USB Type-A and USB Type-B cables. The new USB Type-C cable is downward compatible as long as you use an adapter.
The USB Type-C connectors connect to both hosts and devices, replacing various Type-B and Type-A connectors and cables with a standard meant to be future-proof. The 24-pin double-sided connector is similar in size to the micro-B connector, with a USB Type-C port measuring 8.4 millimetres (0.33 in) by 2.6 millimetres (0.10 in).
USB Type-C isn’t the same thing as USB 3.1, though. USB Type-C is just a connector shape, and the underlying technology could just be USB 2 or USB 3.0. In fact, Nokia’s N1 Android tablet uses a USB Type-C connector, but underneath it’s all USB 2.0—not even USB 3.0. However, these technologies are closely related. When buying devices, you’ll just need to keep your eye on the details and make sure you’re buying devices (and cables) that support USB 3.1. USB-C 3.1 cables are considered full-featured USB-C cables. Full-featured USB-C cables that implement USB 3.1 gen. 2 can handle up to 10 Gbit/s data rate at full duplex. They are marked with a SuperSpeed+ (SuperSpeed 10 Gbit/s) logo.
Warning
Many cables claiming to support USB-C are actually not compliant to the standard. Using these cables would have a potential consequence of damaging devices that they are connected to. There are reported cases of laptops being destroyed due to the use of non-compliant cables.
- The USB Type-C connector, has faster speed at 10Gpbs which is double over USB 3.0 standard.
- Increased power output 20 Volt (V), 5 Amp (A). This is greater than USB 3.0 which was only 5V and 1.8A.
- The power is bi-directional. All of the other versions were host to peripheral only. Apart from being able to charge a peripheral device, the Type C USB can also charge a host device. This means one solution will operate all your devices.
- In the new Type-C USB connector, both ends are host reversible plug orientation. In other words, the plug can be inserted on either end and it will work. This removes frustration when trying to insert the plug.
Currently, DisplayPort is the most widely implemented alternate mode, and is used to provide video output on devices. A USB-C multiport adapter converts the device's native video stream to DisplayPort/HDMI/VGA, allowing it to be displayed on an external display, such as a television set or computer monitor.
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