What is USB Type-C Cable?

What is USB Type-C cable?

USB Type-C was published by the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) in 2014, also known as USB-C. The size of USB-C connector is similar to Micro USB, but USB Type-C is reversible, which means it can be plugged in either facing up or down. 

According to the USB-IF definition, the USB Type-C connector can be used for USB3.2 Gen1, USB3.2 Gen2, and USB3.2 Gen2x2. However, not all the Type-C ports support USB 3.2 specifications. Some devices on the market with USB Type-C connector only supports the USB 2.0 specification. Please make sure to verify the specifications of your product before purchasing it.

USB Types

With all the different USB types available on the market, it can be really confusing to select the one that is compatible with your devices. The most well-known USB types are the Type-A and Type-C, where in fact, a few more USB types saw the light of day, with some still in use and some retired. In total, we can count up to 7 different common types of USB, including the Type-A, Type-B, Type-C, Mini-A, Mini-B, Micro-A and Micro-B.

Different USB versions work with different ports. USB 1.0 is the very first USB-IF announced version, it works with Micro-A and Mini-A ports, which is no longer being used. Here is a quick reference table where we can group which USB type are commonly used with which USB version:

The different versions of USB cables are directly tied with the functionality and speed of the USB cable; whereas, the type of USB cable essentially refers to the physical design of the plugs and ports.

‍

‍

The advantages of USB Type-C cable

1. Reversible plug

The best aspect of USB Type-C is its capability to be plugged in regardless of the orientation of the connector, much like Apple’s lightning cable which has had the same flexibility for quite some time now. The reversible plug design makes USB Type-C more user friendly and finally eliminates all that unnecessary fumbling around needed with USB Type-A.

2. Carry up to 100W power

USB Type-C can offer power delivery at up to 100 watts. This means that more devices can be charged from their USB ports, including laptops and tablets. 

3. Backwards compatible

The USB Type-C specification is backwards compatible with each USB standard. However, the USB 3.2 speed and power benefits will only come when connecting to other USB 3.2 compliant ports.

4. Replacement for the 3.5mm audio jack

USB Type-C has started replacing the aging audio jack. With support for digital audio, previous generations like Micro USB or 3.5mm ports are no longer needed. A single Type-C port fulfills all of these functions.

‍