An Informative Guide To The USB-C Connector
The USB Type-C cable is set to become the universal cable, which is thanks to the radical update of the USB Type-C connector. The innovative USB-IF has ultimately secured the multi-functional nature of the USB for the foreseeable future. In fact, some of the world’s most popular gadgets are believed to be incorporating the USB-C standard into their design; for example, the hotly anticipated update of the iMac, which will be released later this year, will reportedly feature a USB-C port.
Why has the world seemingly fallen for the USB-C? Well, it is similar to the USB connector many of us know, but offers improved versions of the standard USB’s capabilities.
While the consumer market may have fallen in love with the sleek, reversible form factor, it is the additional feature set that will secure the USB-C cable’s place in the marketplace, as it has the potential to transform both the entertainment and desktop environment for the better.
The Benefits of the USB Type-C Connector
In addition to the industry specification created back in August 2014, the USB Type-C connector features a reversible 24-pin interconnect, which has the capability to provide a developer with data speeds of up to 10Gb/s, not to mention a 100W continuous power flow. What’s more, the innovative connector also features ultra-high bandwidth capabilities, which are accessible with just a single connection.
How Does the USB Type-C Compare to other Connectors?
The aim of the USB Type-C connector is to replace all varieties of the USB cable, as it can vastly improve the cable’s capabilities, which can be used within a range of computing, display and charging applications. Thanks to the introduction of both Alternate Modes and USB Power Delivery, the USB Type-C cable’s raw potential can be realized within a variety of electronic applications.
The Stand Out Features of the USB Type-C Connector
In addition to providing superb support for the current generation USB2.0, USB3.0 and USB3.1, the USB Type-C connector will be able to support future USB specifications that reach up to 20Gb/s data rates. To put this into perspective, the USB3.1 only offers 10Gb/s.
What’s more, the connector allows a USB connection’s power configuration to be dynamically modified. The VBUS default 5V voltage can be reconfigured by up to 20V. Also, a 100W compatible electronically-marked PD USB Type-C cable allows the maximum current supplying capability to be raised to a maximum rate of 5A. The new Alternate Modes also enable third-party protocols to be transmitted over a USB Type-C cable, as they are available on a port-to-port basis with the power delivery protocol.
Developers can also enjoy faster battery charging times with the USB Type-C because it has been simplified with the power delivery protocol, thanks to the resistor pull-down/pull-up relationship over a dedicated set of control pins. Many developers also turn to the 24-pin connector because it provides both a quick and secure connection. Also, due to the connector’s reversibility, a developer can arrange the pins in a mirrored configuration.
The USB Type-C standard is becoming one of the most sought after products on the market which is expected to be incorporated into some of the biggest and best technologies as we move forward into the future. However, not all devices will require the full specification of the USB 3.1 Gen2 and 10Gps data rates. For engineers or developers looking to develop a simple connectivity application that features legacy equipment, they can turn to Microchip’s latest next generation hub integrated circuit (IC) for USB Type-C applications that are capable of supporting seven ports.
Devices can also expand to more than seven ports through the use of port splitting, which enables embedded applications to solely use the user interface for their internal USB connection. Engineers can also add built-in billboard support into a device, which can notify users when an unsupported device has been connected via a USB power delivery application. What’s more, Microchip is also offering additional support for the USB58xx and USB59xx families with the USBCheck, which is a free engineering service that can review schematics and layout designs.
The USB Type-C controller is, therefore, one of the most flexible and innovative solutions on the market because it is adaptable to a wide variety of applications and industries. The adaptable USB Type-C cable has, therefore, become a primary means of charging a range of mobile electronic devices, and the USB Type-C standard has ensured its use for many years to come.
