El USB Type C has revolutionized the way we connect and charge our electronic devices, from mobile phones and tablets to laptops and accessories. Its compact, reversible design and high capacity for transfer data and energy, have made it the preferred standard in the modern technology industry. However, not all users are aware of the full extent of its advantages, compatibility, and differences compared to previous USB connectors.
What is USB Type-C and what are its main features?
USB stands for Universal Serial Bus, a technology designed to connect, transfer data, and power electronic devices. USB Type C It is the most recent evolution of this connector, characterized by its small size, oval shape and fully designed reversible, making it easy to connect the cable in any direction without worrying about orientation.
This feature, although simple, solves one of the most common problems with traditional USB connectors, where it was common to try several times before getting the correct direction. USB Type C is identical on both sides, which significantly increases the comfort and speed of use
In addition, the compact design of USB-C has allowed increasingly thinner and lighter devices adopt this connector as standard, eliminating the need for multiple ports for different functions such as charging, data transfer or video output.
- 24 contact pins that allow multiple functions (data, power, video and audio).
- Small size compared to USB-A and USB-B.
- Symmetrical and reversible connector, can be connected from either side.
How is USB Type-C different from other connectors?
There are different types of traditional USB connectors such as USB Type A (the classic rectangular one used in computers and USB sticks), the USB Type B (common in printers and scanners), the MiniUSB, MicroUSB (the protagonist in mobile phones until recently), each with its own forms and limitations.
The arrival of USB Type C has meant unification, as it can replace both large and small connectors, offering:
- Universality in the connection, eliminating confusion between connectors.
- higher transmission speed (up to 10 Gbps or more, depending on the associated standard).
- Greater electrical charging capacity (supporting from 60W to 240W in Power Delivery EPR versions).
- Support for multiple protocols such as USB, DisplayPort, HDMI, Thunderbolt and more, via alternate mode.
Important: Although the USB-C connector always has the same shape, Not all USB-C cables and ports offer the same performance.. They can vary in speed, charging capacity, video support, depending on the internal technology (USB 2.0, USB 3.0, USB 3.1, USB 3.2, USB4, Thunderbolt, etc.).
Data transfer speeds and supported standards
El USB Type C can support different communication standards:
- USB 2.0: speed up to 480 Mbps (megabits per second).
- USB 3.0/3.1 Gen 1: up to 5 Gbps (gigabits per second).
- USB 3.1 Gen 2: up to 10 Gbps.
- USB 3.2 and USB4: up to 20 Gbps and 40 Gbps respectively.
- Thunderbolt 3 and 4: Up to 40 Gbps, also allowing 4K/8K video transfers and high-speed connections for external drives.
This versatility has allowed you to connect external SSDs, UHD monitors, docking stations, and charge high-performance laptops with a single cable.
La available speed It depends on both the cable and the device you connect the USB-C to. For example, a USB-C cable with USB 3.1 technology will be much faster than one with USB 2.0, even if they both have the same connector.
Charging capacity: Power Delivery (PD) and bidirectionality
One of the biggest advantages of USB Type C is its high capacity to transfer energy. Thanks to standards such as USB Power Delivery (USB PD), allows charging devices with powers from 15W, 45W, 60W, 100W and up to 240W (in the case of Extended Power Range or EPR).
This not only allows the fast charge mobile phones and tablets, but also laptops, game consoles, and external displays. It's important to note that, to maximize power, both the cable, adapter, and device must support the corresponding PD profile.
- Standard load profiles: 5V, 9V, 12V, 15V and 20V, automatically adapting to what the device needs.
- Bidirectional charging: It allows one phone to charge another, or a laptop to charge a mobile phone, and vice versa, as long as both support it.
- Smart charging: The system negotiates the ideal amount of current and voltage to prevent damage.
For loads above 100W (up to 240W), the cable must be EPR (Extended Power Range) and that both the device and the charger are compatible. For example, in high-drain laptops and some mobile workstations.
Compatibility, adapters and accessories
The USB Type C stands out for its Huge compatibility with adapters and converters, making it easy to connect modern devices with older peripherals and a wide variety of accessories. You can find USB-C to USB cables and adapters:
- USB-A (for traditional memory sticks and drives)
- micro USB
- HDMI (for video output on monitors and televisions)
- VGA (for older projectors and displays)
- DisplayPort
- Ethernet (connection to wired networks)
- SD card reader
USB Type C has made it possible for ultra-thin notebooks and modern mobile phones have fewer physical ports, allowing them to concentrate charging, data and video in a single connector. However, it is essential to ensure the cable quality and that it is compatible with the standard that your devices need, to avoid overheating or slowdown problems.
Alternative protocol support: video, audio, and more
USB Type C not only transmits data and power, but can also transport video and audio signals using alternative protocols such as:
- HDMI: direct connection to high definition televisions and monitors.
- DisplayPort: Supports resolutions up to 5K or dual 4K at 60Hz.
- Thunderbolt 3/4: Enables speeds of up to 40 Gbps and professional connections for video editing, large file transfers, and device daisy chaining.
- MHL and VGA: For compatibility with older monitors and projectors.
Thanks to these possibilities, you can easily convert your laptop or mobile phone into a complete multimedia station or connect multiple peripherals via USB-C hubs.
Safety criteria and recommendations for use
Although USB Type-C has improved safety with smart charging technologies and higher quality materials, there may still be risks of using low-quality cables or uncertified. A defective cable can cause damage to the device or even a fire hazard.
- Avoid excessively cheap cables or cables from unknown brands.
- Make sure the cable or adapter supports the maximum voltage and current required by your device.
- Check your device specifications before purchasing additional cables or chargers.
- Not all USB-C ports support video output, so make sure your device supports it if you need it.
Fast charging, video transfer, and Thunderbolt support require certified cables and devices.
Security against threats: juice jacking and risks in public places
Public USB ports, such as those in airports or shopping malls, may be vulnerable to techniques such as juice jackingThis method allows cybercriminals to access device data or install malware while appearing to simply charge the battery. Therefore, it is recommended:
- Avoid charging your phone in unknown, unprotected USB ports.
- Use USB charge-only cables to prevent unauthorized data transfer.
Compatibility with future developments and European standardization
El USB Type C It is designed as the standard of the present and the future. The global trend, and especially in the European Union, is unify all electronic devices under the USB-C standard, eliminating the need for multiple chargers and reducing electronic waste.
- USB-C is already mandatory on many types of devices (mobile phones, tablets, laptops, headphones, among others).
- This encourages interoperability and helps users have a single charger for all their devices.
Tips for choosing your USB Type-C cable
Before purchasing a USB-C cable or device, check:
- That supports the transfer speed and charging power you need (USB 3.1, 3.2, Thunderbolt 3 or 4, Power Delivery, etc.).
- The manufacturer's quality and certification. Choose recognized brands.
- The presence of e-markers on cables for high loads or professional data transfer.
- Which adapters and accessories are compatible with your current devices.
Some devices may require active cables to achieve certain maximum speeds or power, especially in the case of high-resolution monitors or professional docking stations.
Frequently asked questions about USB Type-C and its common uses
- Does USB-C replace HDMI, DisplayPort or VGA? Not necessarily, but it can transmit video and audio signals with suitable adapters, making it many times more versatile and compact.
- Can all USB-C cables charge any device? No. Power and speed depend on the supported standard. A basic USB 2.0-only cable can charge and transfer data, but at a lower speed and power.
- Can I use USB-C to connect older peripherals? Yes, with suitable adapters (USB-C to USB-A, MicroUSB, etc.).
- Can a USB-C cable be used for Ethernet? Yes, there are very useful USB-C to Ethernet adapters for ultra-thin laptops without a network port.
- What is the difference between Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C? Thunderbolt 3 uses the USB-C connector but adds advanced transfer and daisy chain capabilities.
Key advantages of USB Type-C over other connectors
- Simplify connections being universal and reversible.
- Supports fast charging and electrical bidirectionality.
- Allows fast transfers of data, audio and video even in 4K and 8K resolutions.
- Facilitates the connection of multiple devices and peripherals with adapters and hubs.
- It is prepared for the future thanks to the constant evolution of standards and global implementation in new devices.
Precautions and best practices for use
To ensure the best experience and prevent damage:
- Do not use low quality cables nor that they are not certified.
- Avoid continuous exposure to high temperatures during charging.
- Check compatibility of your device before purchasing USB-C adapters or accessories.
- Be wary of "miracle" cables that promise absolute compatibility with everything without limitations.
What devices use USB Type C?
- Smartphones mid-range and high-end of practically all brands.
- Tablets and convertibles.
- Ultra-thin laptops and workstations.
- Handheld video game consoles and accessories.
- Modern monitors that support charging and video transfer through the same port.
- External hard drives and SSDs.
- Media centers, hubs, and docking stations.
USB Type-C in everyday life: practical examples
- Charge your smartphone, tablet, wireless headphones, and laptop with the same charger.
- Connect your laptop to one or more high-resolution monitors using only one cable.
- Transfer large files at high speed between external drives, cameras and other devices.
- Connect your mobile to the television or projector for presentations, games or multimedia content.
Video: Visual Analysis of USB Type C
Do you have questions about the features, benefits, or compatibility of USB Type-C? Find out more in our video tutorial on the Todoandroid.es YouTube channel:
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Explore the world of USB Type C It means entering a standard capable of adapting to current and future connectivity needs. With its reversible design, high speed, great charging capacity, and compatibility, it's the most versatile and universal connector on the market, present in an increasing number of everyday devices and peripherals. If you haven't tried USB-C yet, we encourage you to do so and discover all its advantages for yourself. Are you already using it? Tell us about your experience in the comments!