Why is it dangerous to insert anything into USB Type-C? The MacBook will burn out. USB Type-C: a universal connector for everything AC charger with type c connector

Advantages USB port 3.1:
★ fast
★ powerful
★ universal

Advantages of the Type-C connector:
★ durable
★ symmetrical

Now you are guaranteed to connect the USB cable to the device the first time.

⚠ It is necessary to distinguish between the concepts “ port" And " connector». Connector(socket) Type-C can be soldered to an old phone (instead of micro-USB), but port USB 2.0 will remain the old one - it will not increase charging and data transfer speeds. The only conveniences that will appear are the symmetry and reliability of the connector.

⚠ Thus, the presence of Type-C does not mean anything. Smartphone models with a new connector are sold, but with old port. The advantages listed in this article do not apply to such smartphones.

Assigning contacts

The connector contacts in the diagrams are shown from the outside (working) side, unless otherwise stated otherwise.

The port contains 24 pins (12 pins on each side). The “upper” line is numbered A1…A12, the “lower” line is numbered B1…B12. For the most part, the lines are identical to each other, which makes this port indifferent to the orientation of the plug. The contacts of each line can be divided into 6 groups: USB 2.0, USB 3.1, Power, Ground, Matching channel And Additional channel. Now let's take a closer look.

Actually, USB 3.1. High-speed data lines: TX+, TX-, RX+, RX- ( pins 2, 3, 10, 11). Speed ​​up to 10 Gb/s. In the cable, these pairs are recrossed, and what is RX for one device appears as TX for another. And vice versa. By special order, these pairs can be retrained for other tasks, for example, video transmission.

Good old . Low speed data lines: D+/D- ( pins 6, 7). This rarity was included in the port for the sake of compatibility with old low-speed devices up to 480 Mb/s.

Power supply plus - Vbus(pins 4, 9). Standard voltage is 5 volts. The current is set depending on the needs of the peripherals: 0.5A; 0.9A; 1.5A; 3A. In general, the specification of the port implies a transmitted power of up to 100W, and in case of war, the port is capable of powering a monitor or charging a laptop with a voltage of 20 volts!

GND - Mother Earth (pins 1, 12). Minus everything.

Matching channel(or configurator) - SS ( pin 5). This is the main feature of USB type-C! Thanks to this channel, the system can determine:

— The fact of connecting/disconnecting a peripheral device;
— Orientation of the connected plug. Oddly enough, the connector is not completely symmetrical, and in some cases the device wants to know its orientation;
— Current and voltage that should be provided to the peripherals for power or charging;
— The need to work in an alternative mode, for example, to transmit an audio-video stream.
— In addition to monitoring functions, this channel, if necessary, supplies power to the active cable.

Additional channel - SBU (pin 8). The additional channel is usually not used and is provided only for some exotic cases. For example, when transmitting video over a cable, an audio channel is transmitted over the SBU.

USB 3.1 Type-C pinout

The “striped color” here shows the contacts of the bare wire.

A strange decision was to mark the D+ and D- wires not as in USB 2.0, but vice versa: D+ white, D- green.

Wires are marked with a gray outline, whose color, according to Wikipedia, is not regulated by the standard. The author did not find any indication of the colors of the wires in official documentation.

Wiring Type-C connectors ▼

Typical diagram USB-C cable"fork-fork"▼

USB PD Rev.2 (USB Power Delivery) power/charge technology

The USB-C cable does not have such concepts as “connector-A” or “connector-B” - the connectors are now the same in all cases.

Device roles are designated with new terms:

DFP- active, power supply device (like a USB port) A)
UFP- passive, receiving device(like a USB port B)
DRP- a “two-faced” device that dynamically changes its status.
In addition, the charger is called Power Provider, charging - Power Consumer.

The distribution of roles is carried out by setting a certain potential on the CC contact using one or another resistor:

Active device ( DFP V bus.
The resistor value tells the consumer how much current he can expect:
56 ±20% kOhm - 500 or 900 mA
22 ±5% kOhm - 1.5 A
10 ±5% kOhm - 3 A

Adapters from USB 2.0 (3.0) to USB-C, used to connect new smartphones to old PCs or storage devices, are wired according to the DFP scheme, that is, they show themselves to the smartphone as an active device▼

Passive device ( UFP) is determined by the resistor between contacts CC and GND.
Resistor value: 5,1 kOhm

Adapters from USB-C to USB-OTG are wired exactly according to the UFP scheme, that is, they simulate a consuming device▼

⚠ USB PD Rev2 technology in which by contact CC agree current And voltage charge should not be confused with Quick Charge (QC) technology, where the contacts D− And D+ only consistent voltage charge. USB PD Rev2 is only supported in USB 3.1.
QC is supported without reference to the port version.

USB-micro-USB-C adapter

Wiring the Type-C to USB 3.0 OTG adapter board from different sides ▼

Analog audio via Type-C

The standard provides the ability to transmit analog audio through a digital port. This feature is implemented in HTC smartphones U series, HTC 10 Evo, Xiaomi Mi, LeTV. The author will be grateful if the reader adds to this list.

To work in this mode, use analog headsets with a Type-C plug. Adapters are provided to connect the classic one.

Analog audio is transmitted via Data−, Data+, SBU1 and SBU2 channels. The smartphone enters this mode if there is a headset or adapter in the plug between contacts A1-A5 and B1-B5 a resistance of less than0.8…1.2 kOhm. Instead of a resistor, I could see just a jumper.

Video over USB-C

To transmit video via USB 3.1, the “DisplayPort Alternate Mode” has been developed.
See the list of devices that support this mode.
In mode « Display Port» the purpose of the port contacts changes - two pairs TX2/RX2 turn into a video channel, and SBU1/2 handles the sound ▼

Discussion: 272 comments

Good afternoon. I'm trying to connect such a camera to a smartphone with a socket micro usb. I couldn’t find an OTG adapter micro usb male - usb type with female, I’ll try to solder it myself. Do you think it will be enough to connect them via USB 2.0 and short-circuit ID and GND for OTG?

Answer

Thank you, such a resistor is already in the cord connector. The question is how to ensure
Accelerated charging if the digital bus is busy?
Can't it be parallelized? (In the sense of a USB bus) with other devices? Is it possible digital signal control the charge current and voltage from the accelerated charging of the telephone parallel with the USB bus through which data goes to the radio, specifically control and video (digital miracast)

Answer

1. I'm afraid that accelerated charging will not be possible. You cannot branch the data bus - data transfer will not work.

   Question: what port version does your smartphone have - USB 2.0 or USB 3.1? And does the smartphone support the technology? fast charging QC. If yes, what version of QC is supported?
   Frankly, I don’t understand how you are going to charge your smartphone with an external source and work with the radio at the same time?

   Answer

Is the time really coming for one unified connector for charging any device? More recently, such an assumption could have been laughed at. But even Apple is slowly giving in, and the MacBook with its USB Type-C is the first confirmation of this.

Nirvana is still far away; first we need to finish the periphery. First things first: 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 ​​the USB Type-C connector is to replace everything else, be it charging, an HDMI port or a regular slot for a flash drive. No more “my cord is on the other side” or “I can only connect one monitor.” I found the port, inserted the device, everything worked. Idyll.

Oh well. In practice, this “freedom” has created great confusion. It’s not enough to make a universal connector - it requires at least universal cable.

The fact is that the USB Type-C port has 24 contacts through which signals of different protocols pass. That's what you can connect to this universal connector.

• USB 2.0

The first devices equipped with a USB Type-C port actually worked in USB mode 2.0 and transmitted data at a speed of 480 Mbit/s. Tablets and smartphones using this protocol are still found (hello, Nokia N1).

• USB 3.1 gen 1 (3.0, SuperSpeed ​​USB)

Flies at speeds up to 5 Gbps, backwards 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

Pumped up USB version 3.0, also backwards compatible. Data transfer speed has increased to 10 Gbit/s, and power to 100 W. Almost like Thunderbolt!

• Alternate Mode (AM)

The Type-C connector can accommodate other non-USB protocols. For example, Thunderbolt, HDMI, MHL or DisplayPort. But not all peripheral devices 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 USB Type-C ports.

The hardest part is finding the right wire

Ok, everything is clear with the port, all that remains is to buy a cable. But beginners usually face three problems:

1. Old protocol in a new connector
“New” USB Type-C cable for 150 rubles from Aliexpress? Be careful, there might be an ancient USB 2.0 hidden inside. It’s not even a matter of the reputation of Chinese entrepreneurs; many well-known brands are ready to sell a Type-C cable with the old protocol inside at a bargain price.

2. A bunch of specifications
Yes, everything is written in the title. But how can an ordinary person who doesn’t care about all these new specifications figure it out? Which one selects the wire according to the shape of the connector? No way. He just realized the difference between USB 2.0 and 3.0 wires.

And outputting images via USB Type-C is not the easiest undertaking. In addition to Display Port and HDMI, there are three more generations of Thunderbolt, which can also be used to connect monitors. It’s not enough to find a suitable cable - the device must clearly understand that it is connected to it via Alternate Mode.

3. Will it charge?
It will 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 the risk? At best, slow charging, at worst, fire of the device.

Why you can’t insert the first cable you come across

Because you can ruin everything. Here are three reasons:

1. Low speed data transmission
Of course, for connecting to an external hard drive or smartphone, almost any wire with the necessary connectors. But you should make sure that it works with the required protocol (for example, USB 3.0), otherwise the data transfer speed will drop.

2. Bad picture or lack thereof
If the cable will connect the MacBook and the monitor, make sure that the wire transmits the signal required frequency. Don't forget that 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 raised, which means you need to be more careful, because if the cable is defective, dire consequences are possible. Not long ago, a man’s laptop and a couple of other devices burned down. Of course it is single case, and your MacBook is unlikely to burn out. But over time, the battery or power controller may suffer.
So, if you need a wire to charge your laptop, forget about the nonames for two hundred square meters.

But for smartphones with USB 2.0 adapters, it’s 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 you came across without thinking.

USB Type-C cables need labels. Seriously, how else can you tell the difference between a cheap external hard drive and an expensive one that can charge any device?

Most best option- use original wires. Well, if you really buy, then only cool USB 3.1 with Power Delivery support. These cost from 1500 rubles and above. With connectors from Alternate Mode the situation is simpler, but the price tag is about the same.

Rapid development computer technology affects not only the main components of systems. Opportunities are increasing, including various interfaces. As for the most common connection method peripheral devices, - USB, - here, in general, we can state a multiple increase in productivity in recent years. Bandwidth The universal serial bus is increasing and its functionality is expanding. The connectors used to connect various USB devices are also undergoing changes. Today, many people hear about USB, what are the advantages and disadvantages of the solution - the topic of this article.

Modern computer connectors

Looking around the body of almost any laptop, you can find a number of different ports located on the sides. Among them there is always USB, almost always HDMI and some others. Modern models are often equipped with the latest USB Type-C port. Many people don’t know what kind of connector this is, but it would be worthwhile to familiarize yourself with the capabilities of the port. Presumably, the connector will replace many other solutions in the future and become a truly universal standard. This is facilitated by the technical characteristics of the new method of pairing a computer and peripherals. The USB Type-C port offers users faster data transfer speeds, improved functionality, and a new level of usability. In short, the future of the standard looks very promising.

Multiple uses for one cable

Creators USB Type-C used a very simple idea when developing the standard. The user must have a single type of cable, and his computer equipment is equipped with one type of port. By using a unified interface, you can connect anything you want. For example, using USB cable Type-C, can be connected inherently different devices, represented by hard drives, monitors, audio interfaces, smartphones, tablet PCs. Among other things, it becomes possible to use the connector in question even to charge a laptop.

USB-A

Today, almost all peripheral devices are connected to a PC via the usual USB-A connector. This port is firmly established in Computer World, has a familiar rectangular shape, and its use has become almost a standard for pairing flash drives with PCs and laptops, external keyboards, mice, hard drives, printers and many other devices. This monopoly is likely to be broken soon - the USB Type-C cable already takes its rightful place among the solutions used to connect many devices.

Change of concept

Various cables are used to connect devices to the now standard USB-A port. The main difference between them is the connector located on the opposite side of the cable connected to the computer. This is almost always a different type of connector. For example, micro-USB is used for smartphones, while mini-USB is often used for other gadgets. To connect the printer, you will need a USB-B cable, and to connect storage devices, you will need a micro-USB-B cable. This variety causes some inconvenience and difficulty, because a user who owns several devices always needs to have a whole set of cables at hand. Designed to be uniform for all devices, i.e., the universal USB Type-C cable greatly simplifies this situation.

New format

With the development of the standard, it became possible to install a single connector design for all devices, as well as the same connector at both ends of the cable. How can you tell when you pick up a USB Type-C cable that this is it? The solution is a thin connector, oval in shape and significantly smaller in size compared to previous cable and connector formats of this type. In addition, USB 3 Type-C received the most important characteristic represented by symmetry and reversibility. In general, it is very similar to the Lightning solution from Apple - very convenient, because you don’t need to waste time manipulating the cable to find the right way to connect.

Future

Probably today we can say that after a certain time, the USB Type-C connector will turn into the only universal port for all peripheral devices. Thus, USB-A, B, micro-USB and mini, which complicate life so much, will be replaced ordinary users to date. All cables should become the same and be able to be used for any device. Of course, quick unification will not happen; too many functional devices with connectors other than USB Type-C are in use today and will be in use for several more years.

At the same time, we should not forget: the expansion of new solutions has already begun. Eg, USB flash drive Type-C is no longer uncommon on the shelves of computer stores. In addition, the fact that flagship devices are released from the most famous brands, equipped with the port in question, indicates that the described situation, i.e., the displacement of outdated connectors from the market will occur sooner or later. For compatibility with older solutions, you will have to use a USB Type-C adapter for now.

Compatibility

After reading the above, you can think about what to do with already purchased devices equipped with connector types other than USB Type-C. It must be said that this issue should not cause much concern. A wide variety of adapters have already been developed, produced and sold, allowing you to connect any device with a USB connector, regardless of its type. Adapters such as mini-USB - Type-C, micro-USB - Type-C and others are already widespread and perform their functions perfectly. The security principle applied in computer technology for many years now, no one is going to break it. If a new laptop or computer has a USB Type-C port, an adapter for other types of connector is a completely applicable and effective solution.

Learn more about the benefits of the connector

Of course, a simple revision of the design of the connector and port will not be a compelling reason to encourage the user to upgrade all of his existing peripherals, but performance is far from the only advantage of the new solution. The new format supports the most modern USB 3.1 protocol, which brings with it an increase in data exchange speed and greater versatility compared to previous versions, which are used on devices equipped with USB-A.

Speed

More than two decades have passed since the presentation of the first version of the connector. At that time, the maximum speed at which data was transferred was 12 Mb/s. Today we can say, considering USBType-C, that this is the fastest interface for connecting peripheral devices from existing solutions. The USB 3.1 standard is capable of providing a data transfer rate of 10 Gb/s.

Performance

Additional advantages of the standard under consideration, of course, include performance, represented by the ability to provide power transmission of up to 100 W. This figure is enough to power almost any laptop, not to mention smartphones, tablets and other gadgets. In addition to energy, the new format supports the transfer of a huge amount of data per unit of time. For example, today video signals in 4K resolution are successfully transmitted via USB Type-C.

Versatility

Universal nature latest standard a wide range opens practical applications. Mass useful functions can be provided with a single cable. For example, you can connect an equipped USB-C laptop to the monitor with external power supply and charge your laptop battery while watching video content. When storage devices are connected to the display, e.g. external drive, from a laptop you can access information stored on the media.

Disadvantages of USB Type-C

This connector is a brilliant new format that is sure to become a ubiquitous solution in the very near future. At the same time, the initial stages of distribution and development, at which this moment The standard is still being determined and does not provide a complete absence of hazards and some confusion when using the connector.

Cheap accessories

The main problem that a user who decides to join the modern trends, are cheap low-quality accessories and cables. Due to the large amount of power transferred through USB Type-C connectors, using cables of insufficient quality may damage the paired devices. This factor must be taken into account by users without fail. When purchasing cables and adapters, you should choose products from reliable, trusted brands.

Confusion about standards

Another unpleasant issue that USB Type-C users may encounter today is caused by the fact that the standard in question relates more to the type of connector used than to the specifications of the interface itself. Therefore, it is quite likely that a device connected to a new connector will not work as fast as the owner of the device expected. The first generation uses USB 3.0 technology, providing a maximum speed of 5 Gb/s. The second generation of USB-C supports the 3.1 standard, the data transfer speed through which reaches 10 Gb/s. Problems with each of the ports arise due to the fact that they look the same, but during production ready-made solutions brands use different components even in lines of similar models. In other words, before purchasing a device with a USB Type-C connector, you need to check the compliance of the real technical characteristics port to the required parameters.

Recently, more and more buyers prefer smartphones with Android based with support for the new power port – USB Type-C. The microUSB port is currently in 1st place in use by manufacturers electronic devices, second place belongs to USB-C.

USB-C not only allows you to charge your smartphone faster, it can be inserted on either side, which is very convenient.

This topic raises many questions regarding the security and efficiency of using the new generation port, so this article contains answers to frequently asked questions regarding USB Type-C.

We've been using microUSB for quite a long time. This allowed many to avoid the need to buy additional chargers and cables for different gadgets (as long as all gadgets used this port).

When equipping devices with a USB-C port, we take into account the fact that it allows you to connect to any computer. USB-C can completely replace microUSB, miniUSB and the rectangular USB-A port that is used in laptops and computers.

Not everyone knows that the new port is more universal than other analogues existing today. USB-C shows more high speed data transfer between devices and charging speed. Using a modified port is a step forward. Considering that a huge number of gadgets with different types USB, this port will slowly but surely win the attention of users.

Will the battery charge faster using USB Type-C?

The answer is clear - yes! Let's figure out how it works. USB-C has significantly more power and speed than other cables used for smartphones and tablets. For example, Google's Pixel C tablet has such a cable and is equipped with a 15W charger that charges much faster than USB 3.0 charging. The Pixel 2 Chromebook from the same manufacturer is equipped with a 60W charger, using which for 15 minutes will provide 2 hours of productive work. MicroUSB is not capable of providing such impressive performance.

In the case of smartphones, using the Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X as examples, the charging speed using the 3.0 port and USB-C differs slightly (within 5-10 minutes). Therefore, there is no big difference in this case. When it comes to laptops and tablets, things get a lot more interesting.

What types of cables are there? USB-C

To help you be as productive as possible, most tablets and laptops that come equipped with USB-C come with a pair of cables. One has a USB-C port on both ends, and the other has a USB-C port on one end and a rectangular USB-A on the other end. You get the ability to connect to any device, plus the fastest charging and data transfer speeds with a USB-C cable on both ends.

Why haven't all gadget manufacturers switched to USB-C yet?

It is known that the release of smartphones and tablets is planned in advance. Therefore, not all manufacturers managed to switch to the new port format. Manufacturers had to choose one between two options, either leave the old port, or engage in overproduction and lose money. For example, a giant like Samsung, which has already invested significant resources in installing microUSB in helmets virtual reality Gear VR, it didn’t make sense to change your decision in favor of a new generation port, losing a fabulous investment.

How can I be sure I'm buying a safe cable?

First of all, you need to give preference to cables from the manufacturer of your gadget, if one is not included with it. These cables are designed to work specifically with your device, avoiding any risks. Although mistakes are possible here too. For example, Apple company in February of this year recalled the cable for USB-C port some devices. Unlike many other manufacturers, the company admitted its mistake and allowed customers to replace the faulty components.

If you do not want to buy a cable from the manufacturer of your device, make sure that another supplier will provide a quality product.

Or maybe USB-C is just a fad?

To counter this, I would like to say that the port is a standard that has already been adopted by Apple, Google, LG, HTC, as well as dozens of other companies in the world. This means that all electronic device users will switch to USB-C.

Lately, surprising people is even easier than it seems. When they showed us USB connector Type-C everyone just gasped, 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. It's just a new version 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 is widespread all over 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 of charger on the market. 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, it is almost impossible to find it in a short time. 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?