The future belongs to the new USB Type-C: everything you need to know about the connector. The future of USB: Type C connector and other innovations Micro usb c connector

In 2015, Apple released its first gadget equipped with a new and, surprisingly, only USB Type-C port. , which has only one port, caused a storm of discontent among the company's fans.

And then it was tolerated, fell in love, and Apple to this day not only very successfully sells the 12-inch line of ultrabooks, but also equipped the USB Type-C series MacBook Pro, completely abandoning the classic USB 2.0/3.0, and indeed any additional ports.

Almost three years have passed since the release of the MacBook, but users still have questions about using the newfangled USB Type-C port. I am especially concerned about the selection of cables and accessories.

In this material we will understand all the nuances of the new standard. I will try to present the material in such a way that after reading it no more questions arise, but USB ports Type-C in MacBook and MacBook Pro has become known.

Where did USB-C come from and where did the problem creep in?

The USB standard itself appeared in 1994. USB 1.0 was conceived as a universal port for connecting all kinds of equipment to a PC. They began to actively use it only in the 2000s.

USB 2.0. Then it was time for USB 2.0. USB 2.0 cables have a strict orientation and are available in two types of connectors: USB Type-A And USB Type-B. With the growing popularity of mobile devices, two more types of connectors will later appear: USB Micro-B and USB Mini-B.

Data was transmitted over two cables, usually green and white, while black and red were responsible for power.

The maximum data transfer speed over USB 2.0 is 480 Mbit/s. The main disadvantage of the standard is that the currents are too low ( no more than 500 mA), which often caused problems when connecting external drives.

USB 3.0. Having decided to eliminate USB disadvantages 2.0, engineers are developing a new standard - USB 3.0. “Blue USB” became much faster and was able to transfer data at high speeds up to 5 Gbit/s.

Perhaps this was due to the appearance of four additional communication lines, and, as a result, an increase in the maximum current up to 900 mA.

In the fall of 2013, the specifications of the updated USB 3.1 Type-C standard were approved. Since then, life has ceased to be the same.

What exactly is USB Type-C?

Despite the fact that engineers had already released three iterations of the USB standard, they were still left with an open main question. It was necessary to provide normal nutrition.

A pathetic current of 900 mA is clearly not enough to recharge the same 8-10 thousand mAh laptop battery. In addition, more power-hungry accessories began to appear on the market, and the tendency of manufacturers to make devices thinner and more compact forced them to abandon ports such as HDMI, Thunderbolt, classic USB, and Ethernet.

Instead of 8-pin USB 3.0, 24-pin USB 3.1 Type C appears. Why are there so many of them? Judge for yourself:

The new USB Type-C specification has opened up a number of new opportunities for users.

Firstly, USB Type-C has a new USB PD standard, according to which this port and the corresponding cables must be capable of transmitting current power up to 100 W in both directions.

Secondly, the data transfer speeds are impressive. Thunderbolt 3 Alternate Mode can transfer data at speeds up to 40 Gbps. Of course, with certain “ifs”, but more on that below.

Thirdly, it can transmit video with a resolution of up to 5K. There is plenty of speed here and the need for HDMI simply disappears.

Finally, USB Type-C is convenient because no matter how you plug it in, it will work. It's two-sided. A logical continuation of the Lightning cable, but now not only for Apple devices.

What then is installed in the MacBook and MacBook Pro?

Before we figure out the choice of cables and USB Type-C accessories, we need to understand the USB Type-C ports that are installed in MacBooks.

Unfortunately, the USB Promoter Group made a lot of mistakes with the USB 3.1 specification, producing several generations of ports and completely confusing users.

Let's unravel this Gordian knot.

So that's it MacBook generations and the corresponding USB Type-C ports installed in them.

That is, you should immediately understand that if you have a 12-inch MacBook, you can forget about Thunderbolt 3 support, which means it’s stupid to overpay for support for this specification when choosing a cable.

The MacBook 12″ supports video transmission via HDMI, VGA and DisplayPort (with appropriate adapters), but it cannot be connected to Thunderbolt devices.

With MacBook Pro 2016 and newer, everything is much more interesting. Until the recent update, the 13-inch MacBook Pro models only had Thunderbolt 3 support (those on the left).

In 2018, all four ports in models with TouchBar fully support data transfer at full speed. For the 12-inch MacBooks, everything remains unchanged.

Choosing the right cable for specific tasks

The choice of USB Type-C cable directly depends on the task you are pursuing. This specification is very extensive and has certain limitations.

1. For charging

USB Type-C supports charging power up to 100 W. MacBooks come with a corresponding charging cable with a built-in controller that limits the maximum charging power.

The 12-inch MacBook comes with a cable with a maximum charging power of up to 61 W. With MacBook Pro 13 and 15 inches 87 W respectively.

This means only one thing: if you connect a 61-watt cable to an 87-watt charger and try to charge a MacBook Pro 15" from, say, 2018, it will charge at 61 watts. That is, one and a half times slower.

This also applies to other certified charging cable manufacturers.

Is it possible connect your MacBook to a higher power charger? Can. Instead of the included 29 W power supply, you can power it with an 87 W 15-inch MacBook Pro charger. This is not scary, but there will be no miracle and the MacBook will not charge faster.

And yes, it's not harmful. The MacBook will take exactly as much as it can. By the way, the story is the same with the iPad.

To finally resolve issues with charging and get a cable “for all occasions,” you can opt for the original 2-meter USB-C cable for RUB 1,490.

2. For transmitting video signal like HDMI

You decide to connect to a MacBook or MacBook Pro external monitor or TV. Let's figure out what to use to transmit a video stream in conjunction with USB Type-C.

First and foremost, determine which input port the external monitor or TV is equipped with.

For HDMI. There is a universal option that will not only add to MacBooks standard USB 2.0/3.0 port and HDMI, but also duplicates USB Type-C. Costs 5,490 rubles.

For VGA. A similar, but more archaic solution for VGA for the same 5,490 rubles.

For Thunderbolt 3. There are already several Thunderbolt 3 display models on the market (12-inch MacBooks are passing by). 0.8 meters of such cable will cost 3,190 rubles.

The same option can be used for charging (up to 100 W). Having overpaid 2 thousand rubles and bought instead USB charger With this Type-C cable, you will get a truly universal cord that supports data transfer at speeds up to 40 Gbps.

Important. Don't go for length. Two-meter and half-meter cables supporting Thunderbolt 3 are different things.

But, here it is worth bringing some clarity.

3. For connecting USB 2.0/USB 3.0 devices

Perhaps this is the only case when there are no problems with adapters. The same standard USB Type-C -> USB adapter for 1,490 rubles. capable of delivering up to 5 Gbit/s.

This is exactly what the USB Type-C port in the 12-inch MacBook family is designed to do.

4. For maximum data speed (5K and 4K 60Hz)

40 Gbps - this is the maximum USB Type-C gen 2 with Thunderbolt 3 support can transmit. But this is under ideal conditions.

To ensure this speed, the cable length must not exceed 18 inches or 45 centimeters. Otherwise, the speed drops sharply.

But even here everything is not so clear. Thunderbolt 3 cords fall into two categories: passive And active. And you should pay attention to this if speed is important to you.

The first, with a length of two meters, transmit data at half the speed, that is, at the level of 20 Gbit/s, or even less.

Active ones have a special transmitter that controls the transmission speed along the entire length of the cable. With such laces the speed is maintained.

Lately, surprising people is even easier than it seems. When they showed us the USB Type-C connector, everyone just gasped, because it’s so cool, now you can charge your device the first time even at night. But is it worth it? Maybe USB Type-C is not as good as it seems? Maybe he is not needed at all now? Yes maybe…

Lately, surprising people is even easier than it seems. When they showed us the USB Type-C connector, everyone just gasped, because it’s so cool, now you can charge your device the first time even at night. But is it worth it? Maybe USB Type-C is not as good as it seems? Maybe he is not needed at all now?

Yes, maybe being able to charge your smartphone when you're drunk is good. Or maybe this is just another marketing ploy by large companies so that you will once again buy yourself a new tablet or smartphone? In this article, we described five reasons why you don’t need USB Type-C right now.

1. USB Type-C does not mean “fast charging”

One of the most common myths about this connector is that it will charge your devices faster. This is wrong. This is just a new version of the connector. Type-C is the same as previous standards; fast charging has nothing to do with it. Despite the fact that it supports the USB 3.1 standard, which brings a number of improvements, you should not think that this will be the case on all smartphones.

OnePlus 2 is the most striking example of this. It has a USB Type-C connector, but it's USB 2.0, which doesn't give it any advantage other than a "universal" cable over older smartphones. In addition, there is not yet a single smartphone that supports new type connector and fast battery charging mode.

2. There won’t be huge data transfer speeds either.

The second myth is that it will allow you to transfer data at the speed of light compared to older solutions. Here, too, everything depends on industry standards such as USB 2.0, 3.0, 3.1. It is these standards that determine the data transfer speed, but not the shape of the cable.

3. You will have to keep it as the “apple of your eye”

If you are planning to go somewhere on vacation and forgot your MicroUSB cable at home, then there is nothing to worry about, because you can charge your smartphone with a charger from your tablet, or you can even use someone else’s cable for charging, because this standard distributed throughout the world.

But the owners of the same OnePlus 2 will have to endure for who knows how long and carry the cable all the time in their pocket or backpack. After all, if your smartphone’s battery dies, there will simply be nowhere to charge it. That is why devices with such connectors need to be purchased at least a year later, when there will already be a sufficient number of smartphones/tablets with this type on the market charger. So you shouldn’t chase the desire to get into the connector even at night, because this will lead to another significant problem that I described above.

4. The cable is rare and expensive

If you suddenly lose your cable, you will have a hard time. Firstly, in short time it is almost impossible to find. Secondly, if you find it, its value is much higher than you think. And all because now the demand for this product is minimal.

5. Old accessories will become useless

Surely, like me, you have a huge box of various trinkets and accessories for your smartphone. Once you buy a main device with a USB Type-C connector, they will all become useless in an instant. Since the “old” Type-A connectors are physically incompatible with the new cable type. Of course, special adapters will help you, but think about it, is it worth it?

USB Type-C is not only an improvement to the charging port of the device, but also an excellent opportunity to replace the 3.5 mm jack.

What is USB Type-C? What format is this? Now we will understand this using an example universal device Promate Unihub-C.

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First, a little theory. Today, this format is an actively promoted connector on the market for connecting to peripherals and recharging devices.

These can be not only smartphones, but also some laptop models. The main difference from other formats is balanced plug. It is universal and works regardless of the connection side.

Development and certification were carried out by the USB Implementers Forum group of companies.

This group includes the largest electronics manufacturers such as Microsoft, Dell, HP, Intel and Samsung.

Many manufacturers supported the innovation, and are already actively are starting to implement it in their new developments.

USB Type-C is the latest, but has already joined the ranks of standard formats and is becoming increasingly relevant.

From the point of view of physical appearance, such a connector differs from the standard designs of the MicroUSB and MiniUSB formats, as more technologically advanced modifications.

The new format specification is based on 24-pin USB device connectors.

We list the new characteristics of the modified format:

• number of signal pins – 24;
• USB format supported – USB 3.1;
• the implementation mode of third-party interfaces is now supported alternatively;
• the data transfer rate has been increased to a maximum of 10 Gbit/s;
• input current consumption is also increased, the maximum volume is 100 W;
• standard dimensions – 8.34x2.56 mm.

Previous USB types

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Before USB creation 3.1 supporting USB Type-C, earlier versions were used. It all started with USB 1.0, but it did not enter the device market due to inferior development.

It was replaced by a newer one and current version– USB 1.1. She became the first standard version, which all users quickly got used to.

The data transfer speed was only 12 Mbit/s, and the maximum current consumption was 100 mA.

Read also:TOP 12 Best USB flash drives for all occasions: for music, movies and backup data storage

After it they created the USB 2.0 version. It was presented at the beginning of the first quarter of 2000. There were main parameters increased.

Thus, the transmission speed increased to 480 Mbit/s. The maximum current consumption has also been increased - 1.8A to 2.5V.

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USB 3.0 was introduced to the public at the end of 2008 and immediately won the trust of users, as it brought much more improvements than expected.

To distinguish it visually from other versions, it was made blue. Data transfer speed has increased significantly e – as much as 5 Gbit/sec, but the current consumption did not increase much – 5V by 1.8A.

Read also:How to remove write protection from a USB flash drive - Solving basic problems

The newest version is USB 3.1. It was developed and released to the device markets in 2013. She received the most maximum improvements to date.

The updated version featured the highest data transfer speed - up to 10 Gbit/s, and energy consumption increased to 100V.

Comparison of characteristics of USB types

Types of connectors

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It is unlikely that many users remember such a connector as USB Type-A. Nevertheless, this connector is still used in PCs.

At the beginning of its existence, this connector was very popular, and appearance USB was almost no different from modern plugs.

The USB Type-B Mini connector was more popular. More often, it is used in modern mobile devices, cameras and other devices.

With its help, devices can be easily connected to a PC for data transfer. However, only the physical form was changed, and the standard remained the same - USB 2.0.

In order to somehow make the dimensions of smartphones and other mobile devices minimal, the format was optimized to Type-B Micro.

This connector format is used in 99% of smartphones and tablets based on . Even the very first smartphones have this connector.

The next step was to optimize USB to version 3.0, which, as we already said, introduced significant improvements to speed things up.

Devices using USB Type-C

Devices supporting this format are appearing in large numbers.

In the future it is planned to translate everything Android devices for this format. This will speed up the charging process of the device and the speed of data transfer between the device and PC.

Google has announced that their branded devices will already have connectors of this format.

Thus, it turns out that the devices of this company will no longer be so easy to charge or connect to a PC, because the Type-C format has not yet been fully formed on the market.

You can only purchase a USB adapter cable complete with the device itself, since finding it separately is not yet so easy.

Not all stores, which are most often within walking distance from us, are able to purchase such peripherals for sale.

It all follows from this that peripheral wires with a Type-C connector will be available for now only in specialized stores, and only if they are available.

However, there are companies that are already launched the production of USB hubs with Type-C support. For example, the Promate device is uniHub-C.

Such a device has several outputs at once - USB 3.1 Type-C with charging port, two USB 3.0 ports and a 4K HDMI port.

Key Features

• Allows you to charge your MacBook and at the same time be connected to USB 3.0 and HDMI devices
• The HDMI adapter allows you to connect a computer or laptop via USB 3.0 to a TV or any device that supports 4K resolution.
• USB 3.0 connection from either side.
• The hub is capable of working with last generation computers and smart devices that support USB Type-C ports.
• USB voltage - 5V, 900mA, data transfer speed - 5Gbps, support Windows 10/8/7 / Vista / XP, Mac OS X 10.2 (and higher)

The new USB Type-C standard is still not widely developed on the market, but manufacturers are gradually adopting the new technology. In smartphones, USB-C can already be called a new trend, because it is not only an improved charging connector, but also a means to abandon the traditional 3.5 mm headphone port. Today we will talk in more detail about USB Type-C, and this article will tell you what it is.

Today, almost all electronic devices are equipped with a USB connector. From desktop computers to smartphones and various storage devices with laptops. USB is a 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, you can count on one hand the number of devices on the market that use USB Type-C technology. Among computers, these are the latest laptops from Apple, from Google, a line from Samsung and several more hybrid devices. Among the smartphones - mainly the 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 currently actively developing industry data transfer standard for computers and mobile devices. The main and most significant innovation of Type-C is a modified connector - universal, symmetrical, 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, namely Apple, Samsung, Dell, HP, Intel and Microsoft. By the way, this is important to know, because USB Type-C was easily accepted by most PC manufacturers.

USB-C is the new standard

Main characteristics:

• 24 signal pins
• USB 3.1 support
• Alternate mode for implementing third-party interfaces
• Speed ​​up to 10 Gbps
• Power transmission up to 100 W
• Dimensions: 8.34x2.56 mm

USB Type-C and USB 3.1

USB versions

USB versions belong to a common standard, but they differ in maximum speed data transmission and power operation. Of course, there are many other factors.

USB 1.1
Although USB 1.0 is technically the first version of USB, it failed to fully reach the market. Instead, a new version of USB 1.1 was released - it became the first standard to which we are all accustomed. USB 1.1 can transfer data at 12 Mbps and consumes a maximum of 100 mA of current.

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

USB 3.0
USB output 3.0 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 was marked blue to valiantly distinguish it from older generations of USB. USB 3.0 can operate at speeds of up to 5 Gbps, using 5V at 1.8A for its operation. By the way, this version was presented in November 2008.

USB 3.1
The newest and most best version USB was released in July 2013, although it is still not widely used. USB 3.1 can provide users throughput up to 10 Gbps with a maximum power consumption of 5V/1A, or optionally 5A/12V (60 W) or 20V (100 W).

Type-A
Type-A is the 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 complex nature of the socket. Currently, both of these Type-A variations are considered obsolete.

Type-B
If Type-A has become one side of the USB cable we are used to, Type-B is the other. The original Type-B is a tall connector with beveled top corners. Commonly found on printers, although itself an extension of the USB 3.0 standard to introduce new connectivity options. The classic MiniUSB and MicroUSB are also available in Type-B versions, along with the absolutely clunky MicroUSB 3.0, which uses additional plugs.

Type-C
So, after Type-A and Type-B, we come, obviously, to the newest Type-C. 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, since USB-C involves a complete replacement of outdated USB connection technologies. Also, Type-C was designed in a special way so that additional variants such as Mini or Micro would not need to be released at all. This, again, is due to the intentions 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 on both sides, similar to Apple's Lightning technology - no more special sides for connection, 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 backwards compatible with existing USB options, but for such a use case, of course, you will need adapters.

Disadvantages of USB Type-C

Even more pressing and of significant concern USB problem Type-C is an unregulated connector, which has led to a number of dangerous accessories being sold. Some of these accessories, by using unsupported voltage levels, can fry the connected device. For example, this was the case with the flagship, which was magnificent at the start, which subsequently began to first ignite and then completely explode in the hands, trousers, cars and apartments of its owners.

This problem led to an obvious and only solution - a massive ban on the production and sale of non-original accessories with USB support Type-C. Thus, if an accessory does not meet USB Implementers Forum Inc. standard specifications, the product will not be approved for sale. Also, to check the operating status and authenticity of various third-party accessories, USB-IF has introduced software protected by 128-bit encryption, which will allow devices with this connector to automatic check connected device or accessory with USB-C.

Minuses:

• Design. The design of USB Type-C is good, but the design has suffered - it is quite fragile. Apple uses an all-metal plug in its Lightning, while Type-C uses an oval shape with the signal pins placed in the central part.
• Connector operation. Allowing USB Type-C to operate at unsupported voltage levels will likely cause the cable and/or device to catch fire.
• Compatibility. USB Type-C is an innovation in the USB world, but newest 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 additional adapters. This is an additional waste of money.

Benefits of USB Type-C

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

Pros:

• Symmetry. USB Type-C allows you to forget about situations where you have to remember which side to insert the cable into the connector. Also, from now on you don’t have to worry about not finding the right side of the USB in the dark.
• Compactness. The dimensions of USB Type-C are 8.4x2.6 mm - this 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, a tablet or a smartphone with one cable.

Strangely, I haven't met a single person who could actually say that they don't like the standard MicroUSB connector. Is it such a big problem to insert the cable correctly into the smartphone port? However, statistics supposedly show that users are incredibly irritated when they cannot immediately insert the cable correctly. Yes, it will probably be annoying if you try to do it by touch in the dark. Be that as it may, we have come to a new standard - USB Type-C, which may become a panacea for some problems and complaints. However, it is worth talking about the problems that USB Type-C may have.

1. USB Type-C does not support fast charging

One of the most common misconceptions about USB Type-C is that this port supports fast charging or very fast data transfer. This is wrong. USB Type-C is not a new standard that allows you to work with your smartphone in a different way. It's just physical new form, but in fact it could be USB 3.1, but some manufacturers hide the old USB 2.0 under this port. To make matters worse, I haven't come across any USB Type-C smartphones that actually support fast charging. So be careful.

2. USB Type-C does not support fast data transfer

The second misconception about USB Type-C is that it supports fast data transfer, almost at the speed of light. Again, this is not true. We can work with such a connector, but it will be USB 2.0, 3.0 or 3.1. So don't expect a smartphone with such a connector to spend less time loading a movie or a huge number of photos.

It is theoretically possible to get a speed of 10 Gbit/s, but provided that it is USB cable 3.1 Type-C. If your laptop or computer has an older USB connector, then there is definitely nothing to talk about. It will be a pipe dream for you to download a movie in 4k resolution in a few seconds.

3. USB-C Type can be a headache when traveling

If you suddenly forgot your MicroUSB cable while traveling, you can easily use a spare one and ask someone else to borrow one. I mean, it's not even a problem really. Standard MicroUSB cables are very common and everyone has one if they have a smartphone or tablet.

However, I can tell you about one unpleasant incident when the owner of the OnePlus 2 smartphone came to Berlin for the IFA 2015 exhibition, but accidentally forgot to take a USB Type-C cable with him. Believe it or not, this turned out to be a huge problem at the mobile technology exhibition, because no one could help - simply no one had the same cable. And this brings us to the next...

4. USB Type-C cable is rare and expensive

It’s strange, but no matter how hard manufacturers try to praise this type of USB, such a cable will still be very difficult to find. They are even more expensive and not all hardware stores have heard of them. This is due to extremely low demand. So, even if you have a lot of cash to buy a spare cable on the road, it is not a fact that you will find a store where you can buy a USB Type-C cable.

5. All current accessories become useless

If you have a bunch of additional accessories at home that you used with your old smartphone, then you will either have to discard them and buy new ones, or look for an adapter from MicroUSB to USB Type-C. Today, very few accessories are made with the new port, and they are not physically compatible with your new smartphone.