Type c what is. USB Type-C: Everything You Wanted to Know. Below I have presented a list of the most interesting devices with a USB Type-C interface.
The process of mass adoption of the USB interface in PCs and peripherals began in the late 90s of the last century. Only a few years have passed, and USB has become the de facto standard for connecting peripheral devices, practically replacing other solutions such as serial and parallel ports, PS / 2, etc.
Moreover, the business was not limited to computers and peripheral equipment. Convenience, ease of connection and the versatility of the USB interface contributed to the spread of this solution in other areas, in particular, in mobile devices, consumer audio and video equipment, automotive electronics, etc.
Since the process of improving PCs, mobile devices and other equipment is ongoing, from time to time there is a need to refine the USB interface in order to improve key characteristics (in particular, throughput), expand functionality, introduce new connectors, etc. All this allows you to adapt the existing solution to the changing needs of the industry.
One of the most notable innovations in recent years is the introduction of SuperSpeed \u200b\u200bmode, which appeared in the USB 3.0 specification. The final text of this document was approved at the end of 2008, and over the next couple of years this decision was widely disseminated.
However, a lot of time has passed since then, and the time has come for the next improvements. In the coming year, the IT industry and you and I expect a number of, without exaggeration, revolutionary innovations. It is about them that we will talk about in this review.
SuperSpeedPlus Mode
In the summer of 2013, the USB specification version 3.1 was approved. The main innovation that this document legitimized was the SuperSpeedPlus mode, which doubles the bandwidth of the USB data transfer bus: from the previous 5 to 10 Gb / s. For compatibility with older equipment, it is possible to work in SuperSpeed \u200b\u200bmode (up to 5 Gb / s). Thus, a USB 3.1 connection will allow (at least theoretically) to transfer data at speeds over 1 GB / s and practically reach the HDMI 1.4 interface (the bandwidth of which is 10.2 Gb / s).
What does this mean in practice? The bandwidth of 10 Gb / s is enough for broadcasting high-definition video (Full HD) with a frame refresh rate of up to 60 Hz or stereoscopic recordings in the same resolution with a frequency of up to 30 Hz. Accordingly, USB 3.1 can be viewed as a full-fledged alternative to specialized interfaces (such as DVI and HDMI) for broadcasting high-definition video signals from PCs and mobile devices to monitors, projectors and other devices.
USB Type C connector
One of the revolutionary innovations that will affect the field of PCs, as well as peripheral and mobile devices in the near future is the introduction of a new type of USB interface connector. The USB 3.0 Type C plugs and receptacle specification was developed by the USB 3.0 Promoter Group and was finalized in August 2014. The design of USB Type C connectors has a number of important features that it makes sense to talk about in detail.
First, USB Type C plugs and sockets are symmetrical. In a USB Type C socket, the plastic tongue is located exactly in the middle, and the contact pads are located on both sides. Thanks to this, the plug can be plugged into such an outlet both in a straight position and in an inverted position by 180 °. This will greatly simplify the lives of users, who will finally be relieved of the need to determine the correct orientation of the plug at random (which is especially important when connecting cables to the system unit installed under the table).
Secondly, the USB Type C specification calls for the use of balanced cables that have the same plugs on both sides. Accordingly, the sockets installed on the host devices and on the peripheral equipment will be the same.
And thirdly, the USB Type C connector will not have mini and micro versions. It is envisioned that USB Type C outlets and plugs will be the same for desktop and laptop PCs, peripherals, home appliances, mobile devices, power supplies, and more. Accordingly, only one unified cable is required to connect devices of any type.
The dimensions of the USB Type C socket are approximately 8.4x2.6 mm, which allows you to easily place it in the case of even small-sized devices. There are several design options for sockets for mounting both on the surface of the printed circuit board and in a special cutout (the latter option allows you to reduce the thickness of the device case).
The design of USB Type C plugs and sockets is designed for 10 thousand connections and disconnections - which corresponds to the reliability indicators of USB connectors currently used.
The first public demonstration of USB Type C connectors and cables took place as part of the IDF Fall 2014 Forum, which was held in early September in San Francisco (USA). One of the first mass-produced devices equipped with a USB Type C connector was the tablet announced in mid-November.
Of course, the physical incompatibility of the USB Type C connector with older types of outlets is not good news for end users. Nevertheless, the developers from the USB 3.0 Promoter Group decided to take such a radical step in order to expand the functionality of the USB interface, as well as create a reserve for the future. To connect new devices to equipment equipped with connectors of older types, adapter cables will be produced (USB Type C - USB Type A, USB Type C - USB Type B, USB Type C - microUSB, etc.).
USB Power Delivery 2.0
One of the reasons for the current popularity of the USB interface is the ability to transfer not only data, but also power over a single cable. This allows you to simplify the connection procedure as much as possible and reduce the number of wires used. When working with mobile devices, this property of the USB interface provides the ability to transfer and synchronize data from a PC, and at the same time recharge the gadget's battery by connecting just one cable. The same can be said about the low-power periphery. Thanks to the ability to transmit power via an interface cable, we have long been relieved of the need to use external power supplies for some peripheral devices - in particular, flatbed scanners, low-power speaker systems, etc. Due to this, it was possible to reduce not only the number of wires on the desktop, but also the occupied sockets under it.
However, the rapid development of mobile devices in recent years has led to a significant change in the requirements not only for the bandwidth of the data bus, but also for the parameters of the power supply supplied over the USB connection. To charge low-power devices (such as MP3 players or wireless headsets), a current of 500 mA is sufficient (and this, recall, is the maximum value for standard USB ports 1.1 and 2.0). However, for normal charging of modern smartphones and tablets, power supplies are required that can deliver a current of 2 A or more.
A similar situation is observed in the segment of peripheral devices. The USB power is sufficient to provide power to a 2.5 ”external hard drive or desktop flatbed scanner with a CIS sensor. However, even USB 3.0 (in which the maximum current was increased to 900 mA per port) does not allow supplying electricity to a small inkjet printer or, for example, an LCD monitor.
In order to expand the capabilities of the USB interface to provide power to external devices, the USB Power Delivery 2.0 specification was developed. This document regulates the supply of power to devices with a power consumption of up to 100 watts, and in any direction - both from the host device to the peripheral, and vice versa. For example, a laptop will be able to receive power from a monitor to which it is connected via USB.
Of course, the possibilities of supplying power to external devices are limited by the design features of a PC or other device acting as a power source. That is why the USB Power Delivery 2.0 specification provides three profiles - for devices with power consumption up to 10, 60 and 100 W. In the first case, the supply voltage is 5 V, and the maximum current in the load circuit can reach 2 A. The second profile provides for the use of a supply voltage of 12 V, and the third - 20 V. The maximum current in the load circuit in both cases is limited to 5 A.
It should be noted that in order to power a heavy load, both devices must support the corresponding USB Power Delivery 2.0 profile. Obviously, the maximum power will be limited by the capabilities of the device acting as a power source. There are other aspects to keep in mind.
In the event that the current in the power circuit does not exceed 2 A, USB connectors of any currently existing types can be used to connect devices. Connecting a more powerful load is possible only through the USB Type C connectors (which were already mentioned above) and the corresponding cables. You should also pay attention to the fact that, unlike USB Type C connectors, the design of standard cables is designed for a maximum current of 3 A. Thus, to connect a more powerful load, you will need a special cable.
The introduction of the USB Power Delivery 2.0 specification will significantly expand the possibilities for transferring power over the USB interface bus. The implementation of this solution in the future will allow using the USB ports of a desktop computer to recharge not only smartphones, tablets, etc. gadgets, but also mobile PCs - netbooks, laptops, etc. In addition, the range of peripheral devices will be significantly expanded, which can receive the current required for operation via the USB interface bus and, accordingly, do without separate power supplies. LCD monitors, powered speakers and more will be added to this list.
Alternative modes
Another important innovation that will become available with the transition to the use of the USB Type C connector is support for functional extensions (Functional Extensions). A special case of functional extensions are the so-called Alternate Modes (AM). With their help, manufacturers will be able to use the physical connection of the USB interface to implement the specific capabilities and functions of certain devices.
For example, the Audio Adapter Accessory Mode allows you to use a physical USB connection to broadcast analog audio to headphones, external speakers, and other equipment. It will be possible to connect headphones or an external speaker to a device equipped with a USB Type C connector and supporting Audio Adapter Accessory Mode through a special adapter equipped with a 3.5 mm mini-jack socket.
Support for alternative modes is one of the features of a new class of USB devices - USB Billboard Device Class. Manufacturers wishing to develop their own alternate modes need to obtain a unique identifier (SVID) from the USB-IF organization.
In 2014, the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) developed the DisplayPort Alternate Mode specification. This solution allows you to use two pairs of USB cable conductors (TX + / TX– and RX + / RX–) for broadcasting an uncompressed digital AV stream. At the same time, it is possible to transfer data (in Low Speed, Full Speed \u200b\u200band Hi-Speed \u200b\u200bmodes via D + / D– pair), as well as power supply via the same interface cable. Thus, by connecting two devices that support DisplayPort Alternate Mode, you can broadcast audio and video signals, transfer data in both directions at speeds up to 480 Mbps, as well as supply power - all through one cable!
Devices supporting DisplayPort Alternate Mode can also be connected to equipment that does not have USB Type C ports (in particular, monitors, TVs, etc.). The specification of this mode provides options for connecting to DisplayPort, HDMI or DVI using special adapters.
In November 2014, the MHL consortium announced the development of an alternative MHL Alternate Mode, which will allow broadcasting uncompressed audio and video signals (including high and ultra-high definition) from mobile devices equipped with a USB Type C connector to external equipment (monitors, TVs, projectors etc.) using a standard USB cable. Specialists from Nokia, Samsung Electronics, Silicon Image, Sony and Toshiba took part in the development of the specification.
The introduction of alternative modes will significantly expand the functionality of the USB interface and greatly simplify the procedure for connecting devices of various types.
Conclusion
Concluding this review, we will once again list the most important innovations, the process of implementation of which in serial devices equipped with a USB interface will begin in the near future.
The SuperSpeedPlus data transfer mode described in the USB specification version 3.1 will increase the maximum bandwidth of this interface to 10 Gbps. Of course, this is less than HDMI 2.0 and Thunderbolt 2 (which, recall, provide data transfer rates up to 18 and 20 Gbps, respectively). However, 10 Gbps is enough to transfer uncompressed high-definition video with frame rates up to 60 Hz. In addition, representatives of USB-IF said that in subsequent versions of USB it is quite possible to increase the bandwidth up to 20 Gb / s - fortunately, the design of the new USB Type C connectors and corresponding cables has a certain margin for further development.
The introduction of support for the USB Power Delivery 2.0 specification will significantly increase the maximum power supplied by the USB connection. Accordingly, the range of peripheral and mobile devices that can be powered via the interface cable will be expanded. The widespread implementation of this solution will significantly reduce the number of cables and external power supplies used, reduce the number of occupied outlets and more efficiently use electricity.
The advent of USB Billboard Device Class devices with support for alternative modes will open up completely new possibilities. Moreover, each manufacturer will be able to create their own modes for devices of various types, taking into account their specifics.
Of course, one of the revolutionary changes that will affect the areas of PCs, peripherals and mobile devices, household appliances, etc., will be the introduction of the USB Type C connector, which (as expected) will replace the USB plugs and sockets currently in use. On the one hand, the move to a single connector for all types of devices will greatly simplify the lives of users and reduce the number of cables to a minimum. But on the other hand, the industry and users will have to go through a very difficult and painful generational change. Previous solutions were distinguished by maximum compatibility: the design of conventional USB Type A and Type B plugs allows you to easily connect them to the corresponding version 3.0 sockets. Now, to connect devices of different generations, you will have to use additional devices.
The USB 3.1 specification provides backward compatibility with earlier versions of the interface. However, with the advent of serial devices equipped with a USB Type C connector, users will inevitably face the need to purchase adapters and adapters that provide the ability to connect new devices to older equipment with USB Type A, Type B and other types of sockets. Considering that currently about 4 billion devices equipped with a USB interface are produced annually, this problem will be very relevant for at least five to six years to come.
It should also be noted that it will be possible to fully realize the potential of the USB version 3.1 interface and the USB Type C connector in practice only when users have accumulated at least a minimum amount of equipment equipped with these new products. Obviously, in the case of interaction between two devices of different generations, the functionality and maximum bandwidth of the interface will be limited by the characteristics of the USB controller of the older device.
According to experts from the well-known Taiwanese resource DigiTimes, serial models of PCs, as well as mobile and peripheral devices equipped with a USB 3.1 interface and USB Type C connectors, will go on sale in the first half of 2015. In turn, leading developers of operating systems and software have already announced their readiness to release updates to implement USB 3.1 support in their products.
Why is the new USB standard really better than the usual USB ports of phones, tablets or laptops, and which devices already have USB Type-C connectors? The CHIP editors answer all these questions.
First, a little important information: the designations USB Type-C and USB 3.1, as they say, go toe-to-toe, since they mean virtually the same thing. When the numeric designation USB 3.1 is used, it usually refers to the baud rate.
If you come across the name USB Type-C, it usually means directly the type of connector for connecting devices. First, let's compare the previous USB 3.0 standard with the new USB 3.1. All details can be found in the table below.
Comparison of USB 3.0 and USB 3.1
Best USB Type-C Devices
What USB Type-C devices are currently available? The first of these was the 12-inch MacBook, in which this connector was generally the only one. The current Nexus 6P and 5X googlephones are also equipped with USB 3.1 - and indeed, more and more manufacturers are integrating a new standard port into their smartphones.
In the following table, we have compiled a list of the most interesting USB Type-C devices for you.
USB Type-C: these devices already have it
The USB connector can no longer be connected incorrectly
USB Type-C: Type C plug (left) can be used either sideThis is what makes USB Type-C so incredibly convenient: It is symmetrical. You no longer have to think about how to get the right plug into the socket. Previously, this property of the connector was a great advantage for Apple products, iPad or iPhone, and now it is becoming available to the general public. This cable can be inserted either way.
We will also mention one more significant advantage over the USB 3.0 standard: due to the increased maximum transmitted power to 100 W, various peripheral devices, for example, monitors or speakers, will be able to connect via USB 3.1 in the future without an additional power source. The 5A amperage also significantly shortens the charging time of the mobile phone.
In 2015, Apple released its first gadget equipped with a new and surprisingly single USB Type-C port. , which has only one port, caused a flurry of discontent among the fans of the company.
And then it endured, 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 MacBook Pro series, completely abandoning the classic USB 2.0 / 3.0, and indeed any additional ports ...
Almost three years have passed since the MacBook was released, but users still have questions about the operation of the newfangled USB Type-C port. I am especially concerned about the selection of cables and accessories.
In this article we will deal with all the nuances of the new standard. I will try to present the material so that after reading it there are no more questions, and everything will become known about the USB Type-C ports in MacBook and MacBook Pro.
Where USB-C came from and where the problem crept in
The USB standard itself appeared back in 1994. USB 1.0 was conceived as a universal port for connecting all kinds of equipment to a PC. It began to be actively used only in the 2000s.
USB 2.0... Then it was time for USB 2.0. USB 2.0 cables are strictly oriented and come 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 supply.
The maximum data transfer rate for USB 2.0 is 480 Mbps... The main drawback of the standard is too low currents ( no more than 500 mA), which often caused problems when connecting external drives.
USB 3.0... Determined to eliminate the shortcomings of USB 2.0, engineers are developing a new standard - USB 3.0. Blue USB was significantly faster and was able to transfer data at speeds up to 5 Gbps.
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 for the updated USB 3.1 Type-C standard were approved. Since then, life has ceased to be the same.
What is USB Type-C?
Despite the fact that engineers had already released three iterations of the USB standard, the main question remained open to them. It was necessary to provide normal food.
The pitiful current of 900 mA to power the same laptop battery for 8-10 thousand mAh is clearly not enough. In addition, more demanding power 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, Ethernet.
Instead of 8-pin USB 3.0, there is 24-pin USB 3.1 Type C. Why are there so many? Judge for yourself:
The new USB Type-C specification opened up a number of new possibilities for users at once.
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 and power up to 100 W in both directions.
Secondly, the impressive data transfer rates. Thunderbolt 3 Alternate Mode can transfer data at speeds up to 40Gbps. Of course, with certain "if", but more on that below.
Thirdly, it can transmit video with a resolution up to 5K. The speed here with a margin 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 is bilateral. A logical continuation of the Lightning cable, but now not only for Apple devices.
What then is installed in MacBook and MacBook Pro?
Before we figure out the choice of cables and USB Type-C accessories, you need to understand those USB Type-C ports that are installed in MacBooks.
Alas, USB Promoter Group chopped a lot of USB 3.1 firewood, spawning several generations of ports and finally confusing users.
Unraveling this Gordian knot.
So here are all the generations of MacBooks 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 is stupid to overpay for support of this specification when choosing a cable.
MacBook 12 ″ supports video transmission via HDMI, VGA and DisplayPort (with appropriate adapters), but it will not work with Thunderbolt devices.
MacBook Pro 2016 and newer are much more interesting. Until the recent update, the 13-inch MacBook Pro models only had Thunderbolt 3 support (the ones on the left).
As of 2018, all four ports on TouchBar models are fully full-speed capable. For 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 it has certain limitations.
1. For charging
USB Type-C supports charging power up to 100W. The set with MacBooks comes 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 61W. With MacBook Pro 13 and 15 inches 87W respectively.
And 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 "", say, 2018, then charging will take place at 61 watts. That is, one and a half times slower.
This is true for other certified charging cable manufacturers as well.
Is it possible connect your MacBook to a charging with increased power? Can. Instead of the included 29W power supply, you can power it with a 15-inch 87W MacBook Pro charger. It's okay, but there won't be a miracle and the MacBook won't charge faster.
And yes, it is not harmful. The MacBook will only take as much as it can. By the way, the story is the same with the iPad.
To finally solve the problems with charging and get a cable "for all occasions", you can opt for the original 2-meter USB-C cable for 1,490 rubles.
2. To transfer video signal like HDMI
You've decided to connect an external monitor or TV to your MacBook or MacBook Pro. Let's figure out what to use to transfer a video stream in conjunction with USB Type-C.
First and foremost, determine which input port your external monitor or TV is equipped with.
For HDMI... There is a universal option that will not only add a standard USB 2.0 / 3.0 port and HDMI to MacBooks, but also duplicate 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 pass by). 0.8 meters of such a cable will cost 3,190 rubles.
The same option can be used for charging (up to 100W). Having overpaid 2 thousand rubles and buying this cable instead of a USB Type-C charging cable, you will get a truly universal cord that supports data transfer at speeds up to 40 Gb / s.
Important... Don't chase length. Thunderbolt 3-capable 2-meter and half-meter cables are two different things.
But here it is worth making some clarity.
3. For connecting USB 2.0 / USB 3.0 devices
Perhaps the only case when there are no problems with adapters. The same standard USB Type-C -\u003e USB adapter for 1,490 rubles. capable of delivering up to 5 Gbps.
This is exactly what the USB Type-C port is designed for in the 12-inch MacBook family.
4. For maximum data rate (5K and 4K 60Hz)
40 Gbps is the maximum capacity of USB Type-C gen 2 with Thunderbolt 3 support. But this is under ideal conditions.
To achieve 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 simple. Thunderbolt 3 cords fall into two categories: passive and active... And you should pay attention to this if speed is important to you.
The former, with a length of two meters, transmit data at half the speed, that is, at the level of 20 Gbit / s, or even less.
The active ones have a special transmitter that controls the transmission rate along the entire length of the cable. Such laces maintain speed.
Is it really time for one unified connector to charge any device? More recently, such an assumption could be laughed at. But even Apple is giving up on the sly, and the MacBook with its USB Type-C is the first confirmation of this.
Nirvana is still far away, first you need to finish off the periphery. Everything in order: before talking about the problems of the new port, you need to remember what kind of "beast" it is.
One ring One connector to rule them all
The idea of \u200b\u200ba USB Type-C connector is to replace all the others, whether it's charging, HDMI port or a regular USB flash drive socket. No more "I have a cable on the other side" or "I can only connect one monitor". Found the port, inserted the device, everything worked. Idyll.
Oh well. In practice, this "freedom" has created a lot of confusion. It is not enough to make a universal connector - it needs at least universal cable.
The fact is that the USB Type-C port has 24 pins through which breakthroughs of signals of different protocols pass. Here's what can be summed up in this universal connector.
- USB 2.0
The first devices equipped with a USB Type-C port actually worked in USB 2.0 mode and transmitted data at a speed of 480 Mbps. There are still tablets and smartphones using this protocol (hello Nokia N1).
- USB 3.1 gen 1 (3.0, SuperSpeed \u200b\u200bUSB)
Flies at speeds up to 5Gbps, backward compatible with USB 1.x and USB 2.0. Most likely, the blue port on your computer works with this protocol. MacBook is no exception.
- USB 3.1 gen 2
The upgraded version of USB 3.0 is also backward compatible. The data transfer rate has grown to 10 Gbps, and the power to 100 watts. Almost Thunderbolt!
- Alternate Mode (AM)
Other non-USB protocols can be mixed into the Type-C connector. For example, Thunderbolt, HDMI, MHL, or DisplayPort. But not all peripherals understand this Alternate Mode.
- Power Delivery (PD)
The best part is charging via USB Type-C. Power Delivery supports 5 standard power supply profiles - up to 5V / 2A, up to 12V / 1.5A, up to 12V / 3A, up to 12-20 / 3A and up to 12-20V / 4.75-5A. Compliance with any profile is determined automatically.
- Audio Accessory Mode
Yes, analog audio can also be sent through the USB Type-C ports.
The hardest part is finding the right wire
Ok, everything is clear with the port, it remains to buy a cable. But beginners usually face three problems:
1. The old protocol in the new connector
"New" USB Type-C cable for 150 rubles from Aliexpress? Careful, an ancient USB 2.0 might be hiding inside. It's not even about the reputation of Chinese entrepreneurs, many well-known brands are ready to sell Type-C cable with the old protocol inside at a bargain price.
2. A heap of specifications
Yes, everything is signed in the title. But how can an ordinary person figure out who doesn't care about all these new specifications? Which selects the wire according to the shape of the connector? No way. He just figured out the difference between USB 2.0 and 3.0 wires.
And outputting an image via USB Type-C is not an easy undertaking. In addition to Display Port and HDMI, there are three more generations of Thunderbolt that can also connect monitors. It is not enough to find a suitable cable - the device must clearly understand that it is connected to it through Alternate Mode.
3. Will it charge?
Will be, if the name contains "charge" or "PD". But there is a catch here: a cable that supports charging via USB Type-C must meet the required profile and be certified. What is fraught with? At best, slow charging, at worst, on fire.
Why you can't insert the first cable you see
Because you can ruin everything. There are three reasons:
1. Low baud rate
Of course, to connect to an external hard drive or smartphone, almost any wire with the necessary connectors will do. But you should make sure that it works with the required protocol (for example, with USB 3.0), otherwise the data transfer speed will drop.
2. Bad picture or lack of it
If the cable is going to connect the MacBook and the monitor, make sure the wire is transmitting the correct frequency. Remember Thunderbolt 3 doesn't work with previous generations.
3. 100 W current is no joke
PD cables are a little more complicated. The power threshold has been lifted - which means that you need to be more careful, because in the event of a cable marriage, sad consequences are possible. Not so long ago, a man's laptop and a couple of other devices burned down. Of course, this is an isolated case, and your MacBook is unlikely to burn out. But over time, the battery or power controller can be damaged.
So, if a wire is needed to charge a laptop, forget about nouns for two hundred parts.
But for smartphones with USB 2.0 adapters, everything is not so bad. You can buy any USB Type-C to USB 2.0 cable and quietly charge your phone.
What to do?
Of course, USB Type-C is the future. There are more and more devices with new connectors and soon the time will pass when you took the first wire that came across without hesitation.
You need to glue labels on USB Type-C cables. Seriously, how else to distinguish a deshman, for an external hard, from an expensive one that can charge any device?
The best option is to use original wires. Well, if you really buy, then only cool USB 3.1 with Power Delivery support. These cost from 1,500 rubles and more. With connectors from Alternate Mode, the situation is simpler, but the price tag is about the same.
Over the past years, Apple has systematically reduced the number of ports in MacBooks. The 13-inch MacBook Pro, released in 2012, had eight (including headphone / mic and AC input for power), while the thin 2015 11 "Air had four., Only two left: 3 , 5-mm audio jack and universal USB Type-C, which serves simultaneously for charging, data transfer and connection of monitors. What is the "USB of the future" and what it is for, Vesti.Hi-tech sorted out.
What is it?
USB Type-C is a new super fast connector based on the USB 3.1 and 2.0 specifications. It has a lot of advantages over the USB "versions" of previous generations. Firstly, the type C connector is symmetrical, like the Lightning plug in i-devices, which means that users no longer have to guess which side to insert the flash drive into a computer - with Type-C it can be done without looking at all. Moreover, such a cable is also two-way: the same connectors are used on both sides, which allows you to connect it to the device at any end.
Secondly, the dimensions of USB Type-C are very close to Lightning in iPhones and microUSB (more precisely, USB 2.0 Micro-B) in Android smartphones. Compactness (~ 8.4x2.6 mm) allows using the connector in devices of any type: from personal computers and ultra-thin laptops to smartphones, tablets and other electronics. Thirdly, USB Type-C is compatible with the USB 3.1 Gen 2 standard, which means that the data transfer rate over it can be very high - up to 10 gigabits per second (~ 1.25 gigabytes per second).
Fourthly, USB Type-C is a universal connector, and this is perhaps its most important quality. The new USB connector can be used for anything: to connect flash drives, monitors, external hard drives and other peripherals, for charging (compatible with the USB Power Delivery 2.0 standard with up to 100 watts of "feed" power), as well as for transmission of video and other multimedia content.
Is USB Type-C the same as USB 3.1?
No. USB Type-C cables and ports can be used for USB 3.1, however, depending on the host controller and devices, may only be compatible with USB 2.0 or 3.0.
The specifications of the new MacBook say that its Type-C port is compatible with USB 3.1 Gen 1, which means that the maximum data transfer rate on it is limited to 5 Gb / s. The bandwidth of the USB 3.1 Gen 2 standard is twice as high at 10 Gbps.
What is USB Power Delivery?
The USB PD standard allows devices to send and receive up to 100 watts of electricity over a single connection while exchanging data in parallel. Apple's latest laptop, for example, is capable of outputting 4K video to an external monitor via USB Type-C while charging via the same port. In terms of power, 100W is more than enough to charge high-performance laptops. In comparison, USB 2.0 (the most common connector on smartphones and tablets) can transfer up to 2.5 watts, while most laptops need 20-65 watts.
What devices support USB Type-C?
The 12-inch MacBook was the first laptop, but not the first USB Type-C device. The newest connector was first supported in. It uses Type-C for charging and data transfer. True, the "Nokia" port implementation is based on outdated USB 2.0, not USB 3.1 or USB PD.
The drive, clad in a stylish aluminum case, will be released in three versions: with 500 GB, 1 TB and 2 TB storage
Cable for connecting the LaCie hard drive to the computer
MSI's first Type-C motherboard
It will soon be the turn of smartphones to support USB Type-C. According to Google engineer Adam Rodriguez, his company is "very committed" to the new connector and we'll see it in Android devices and Chromebooks in the "near future".
What are the disadvantages of USB Type-C?
The main disadvantage of the new USB connector is that it is incompatible with current ports in PCs and laptops. To create a connection, for example, via microUSB, miniUSB or full-size USB, you will need to buy a special adapter or adapter. They will have to be used during a "transition period" (perhaps a year or two) until the new connector becomes widespread. But in the future, a laptop, smartphone and tablet (and produced by different companies) can be charged with just one wire.
USB-C (Digital AV Multiport Adapter)
In the meantime, if you want to charge Apple's latest laptop with a monitor and LaCie drive, you'll need to spend almost $ 80 on a reversible USB-C connector with HDMI, USB 3.0 and power. For the same amount, you can buy a USB-C VGA adapter from the Apple online store. An adapter that "converts" USB Type-C into a regular USB 3.0 port will cost $ 19.
Google has already started selling accessories for the new ports. A Type-C to DisplayPort cable costs almost $ 40, a Type-C to Type-A cable costs $ 13.
Another disadvantage of USB Type-C is that it does not detach as easily as the MagSafe magnetic connector familiar to Apple laptop users. Therefore, if someone accidentally touches the wire connected to the new MacBook, he will pull the computer with him, which is fraught with falling and damage.
Finally, USB Type-C is not as fast as the Thunderbolt 2 interface found in the MacBook Air and Pro models. The lightning-fast port transfers data at speeds up to 20 Gb / s in both directions, while USB 3.1 of the 1st generation (this "version" is implemented in the new MacBook) - up to 5 Gb / s.
