What Is USB Type C Port. The USB Type-C connector is clearly here to stay, as evidenced by the increasing number of gadgets that support it. USB Type-C port connector. Here’s why that’s a good thing, as well as how to decipher its nuances and where it’s going.
In the world of personal electronics, settling on a single standard to rule them all is a lofty goal. At best, you’ll find yourself in a format war. With one group emerging victorious for a few years until a whole new technology eliminates it. VHS ate Betamax, then DVD, which faded in the face of Blu-ray (which knocked off its major rival, HD DVD). And is now facing its own demise at the hands of online streaming services.
But USB-C is different, and its moniker (Universal Serial Bus) emphasizes that it is genuinely universal. USB Type-C port connections may now found on a wide range of devices. Ranging from simple external hard drives to high-end laptops and the most recent smartphones. While every USB-C type port connector appears to be the same, not all of them have the same features. Although USB-C now widely used, it does not perform the same functionalities everywhere. By a long shot, no.
Here’s a rundown of what USB-C can achieve and which characteristics to look for when purchasing your next USB-C gadget.
Table of Contents
What Is USB-C?
The USB-C connector is an industry standard for delivering data and power over a single wire. The USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF)(Opens in a new window). A consortium of companies that has developed, certified, and shepherded the USB standard throughout the years, created the USB-C connector. Apple, Dell, HP, Intel, Microsoft, and Samsung are among the more than 700 companies that make up the USB-IF.
This broad support by big dogs critical, as it explains why PC manufacturers have been so quick to embrace USB-C. In comparison, the prior Apple-promoted (and developed) Lightning. And MagSafe connectors had limited adoption outside of Apple products and eventually became obsolete owing to USB-C.
In the hopes of simplifying digital life. The European Union will compel gadgets to adopt USB-C for battery charging starting in 2024.
Is USB-C the Same as Micro USB or USB 3.0?
At first glance, the USB-C connector resembles a micro USB or rectangle USB 3.0 connector. But it’s somewhat thicker and oval in shape to fit its finest feature: flippability.
The USB-C connector, like Lightning and MagSafe, has no up or down orientation. You’ll never have to flip the connector over to plug it in if you line it up correctly; the “right way” is always up. Standard cables also feature the same connector on both ends, eliminating the need to figure out which end belongs where. That hasn’t always been the case with all of the USB cords we’ve used over the last two decades. The majority of the time, each end has a distinct connector.
USB-C and USB 3.2: The Numbers Beneath the Port
The numbers that assign to the ports where USB-C gets difficult. The most popular USB-C connector speed is 10 Gigabits per second. (The 10Gbps transfer rate is theoretically twice as fast as USB 3.0.) “USB 3.2 Gen 1×2” refers to USB-C ports that handle this maximum speed.
The only snag that USB ports with 10Gbps speeds can found in the original. Larger design (the USB Type-A rectangles we’re all familiar with) and referred to as “USB 3.2 Gen 2×1”. With the exception of a few PCs, 10Gbps USB ports with Type-C physical connectors are becoming more widespread. Note that some earlier USB-C ports only support 5Gbps transfers. Therefore seek for “USB 3.2 Gen 1×2” or “10Gbps” certification to ensure that USB-C port can handle 10Gbps data. All of these ports, however, are backwards compatible, but only to the speed of the slowest piece.
You perplexed yet? Complicating issues even more: The numbering method for USB 3 has been in flux. Making references to these ports a bit of a muddle. Until recently, many USB-C ports in Gen 1 . And Gen 2 variants carried USB 3.1 label (“USB 3.2” was not yet reality). And some spec sheets still refer to the older designation, along with SuperSpeed branding. In an unexpected turn of events, the USB-IF chose to phase out the use of “USB 3.1”. In favor of these numerous varieties of USB 3.2, as seen in this handy decoder chart.
USB 3 References
The USB 3.2, USB 3.1, and SuperSpeed designations on each line are all the same. With the exception of the names. If you see a USB 3.1 label, contact the device manufacturer. Or reseller directly to find out what the port’s maximum transfer speeds are.
Some USB-C connectors, as seen above, use the USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 specification, which has a maximum speed of 20GBps. Because this standard doubles the data lanes within a USB-C connection to reach the 20Gbps transfer speed. The USB-IF chose “2×2.” These ports aren’t widely available. And they likely to phase out in favor of new type of USB-C port. That supports USB4 (more about which in moment).
Is it possible to go from USB-C to DisplayPort?
Your old USB Type-A port may thought of solely as data port for attaching drives or devices such as mice. However, depending on how the connector implemented, USB-C can accomplish a lot more. When configured correctly, one of USB-most C’s valuable abilities is to transmit enough power to charge the host device. Such as a laptop or smartphone. In fact, many lightweight laptops with USB-C ports use them as the only option for connecting. An AC charger instead of a classic barrel-style connector.
Because USB-C can deliver video and power at the same time. You might be able to connect to and power a native DisplayPort, MHL. Or HDMI device, or connect to nearly anything else if you have the right adaptor and cables. (For further information about adapters, see the section below.) Although the USB-C specification includes audio transmissions through the interface. It has yet to completely replace the 3.5mm headphone jack on computers, as it has on phones and tablets.
ALSO READ: How To Make Bootable USB For Kali Linux Using Rufus
Check the specifications of any PC you considering purchasing, as not all USB-C ports created equal. Every one we’ve seen so far supports data transfers as well as connected-device power delivery through USB-C. (though not necessarily charging of the host device). However, while the USB-C standard allows you to connect DisplayPort. And/or HDMI monitors to your computer through an adaptor (using the DisplayPort-over-USB protocol). Not every PC manufacturer has connected the connections to their graphics hardware. Some USB-C ports on a machine may enable video output, while others do not; or none at all. Additionally, some devices, such as Macs, add extra levels of security. Or other requirements to connect USB-C accessories. Such as requiring user authorisation before the attachment can interact beginning with macOS 13 Ventura. It’s crucial to pay attention to the details.
Is Thunderbolt the Same as USB-C?
Thunderbolt, which is already in its fourth version, is perhaps the most valuable technology that a USB-C port can offer. Thunderbolt 4 delivers up to 40Gbps of throughput, as well as lower power consumption. And the ability to transport up to 100 watts of power via the interface.
A single connection is all you need to push power and transfer a significant quantity of data. (Up to and including video data for two 60Hz 4K monitors) to. And from even a complex device like a computer with a USB-C port that supports Thunderbolt. Which many laptop manufacturers have taken advantage of. Apple’s MacBook Pro models include as many as four Thunderbolt connectors, which is the most we’ve seen so far. And it allows you more extension potential than previous generations of USB.
USB Thunderbolt 4
Now, just like with DisplayPort over USB-C, not every USB-C port will support Thunderbolt. To be sure, look for Thunderbolt details on a device’s spec sheet or literature. Some products may have many USB-C ports, however only a few support the Thunderbolt standard.
For most users, Thunderbolt 4 doesn’t offer any significant advantages over Thunderbolt 3. And the two protocols appear to be very identical at first glance. Both use the USB Type-C physical connector and have a maximum throughput of 40 Gigabits per second. So speed isn’t an issue. Both have a charging power of at least 15 watts and up to 100 watts.
Thunderbolt 4 advances Thunderbolt by doubling the minimum visual and data requirements from Thunderbolt 3. 4th Thunderbolt can provide a video signal to two 4K displays or one 8K display. But Thunderbolt 3 can only send a video signal to one 4K monitor. Thunderbolt 3 systems must also support a 16Gbps data throughput over PCI Express. But Thunderbolt 4 will quadruple that to 32Gbps. Users who frequently transfer large video. Or data files from storage drives to their PC for editing may find this useful.
Adapters, Cables and USB-C Hubs
Older USB 3.0 ports are electrically compatible with USB-C. However, owing of the newer port’s form, adapters. Or cables with the right plugs required if you wish to connect anything that isn’t USB-C oval.
These sometimes include with new laptops; in other circumstances, you may need to purchase them individually. Apple, for example, supplies USB cables and adapters for connecting USB-C to other technologies like Lightning and Ethernet. If you look via online merchants, you can locate a selection of these for PCs. Some even support older or obscure protocols, ensuring that a gadget you bought years ago will work with today’s hardware. For example, USB-C to DVI adapters are widely available. But we’ve also seen versions that divide into two RS-232 serial connections.
The good news is that a handful of standard USB-C cables will work with anything. That supports USB-C, regardless of generation. It should noted, however, that this does not apply to Thunderbolt. Despite the fact that Thunderbolt 3 and 4 use the same physical connector as USB-C. You’ll need a Thunderbolt-specific cable to ensure compatibility and maximum speed. Both ends of this cable will have a USB-C connector, however each will have a lightning symbol on it. It’ll also be a lot more expensive than a conventional USB-C cable. For additional information on the cable concerns, visit our Thunderbolt 4 primer.
The Best USB and USB-C Hubs
Furthermore, USB-C now frequently integrated in modern docks for PCs and Macs. It’s not an issue if you just have one USB-C port. USB-C docking solutions are available from both PC manufacturers like Dell and HP. And third-party accessory producers like Belkin and OWC. These docks may charge your laptop, provide additional ports (such as Ethernet, HDMI, USB 3.0, and VGA). And allow you to connect multiple monitors.
Do You Need USB-C?
When purchasing a computer, the existence (or absence) of a USB-C connector is becoming increasingly important. If you purchase an ultrathin laptop, it will almost surely include at least one USB-C connector. Which will automatically integrate you into the ecosystem. If you prefer desktops, you’ll find the ports there as well. With at least one on the motherboard’s I/O panel and perhaps more on high-end and gaming machines. One can also found on the front panel of some desktops and aftermarket PC cases. (However, desktop DIYers should be aware that a USB-C port on the front. Or top of a PC case will require a particular USB-C header connector on the motherboard end. Which will only found on late-model motherboards.)
Even if you don’t require USB-C right now, you will in the near future. We’re only scratching the surface of what USB-C can achieve, but one thing is certain. Just as the original USB standard replaced Apple Desktop Bus (ADB), FireWire, parallel, PS/2, SCSI. And serial connections on Macs and PCs, the next generation of cross-platform connectors is swiftly replacing the old guard. USB-C is certainly the one-port-to-rule-them-all solution.
