What is USB-C? We explain it to you

If you are currently buying a new smartphone or a new laptop, you will probably stumble over the term «USB Type C» again and again. And you are probably wondering: What is USB-C anyway?

1. More speed in loading and data stream

Many devices are now equipped with a new USB connection. These are USB Type C or just USB-C. Both the plug and the socket are much smaller than the old USB type. But this is not the only change compared to the previous connections, because USB-C promises many advantages in data transmission, when charging a device and when connecting the cable.

The innovation is mainly in the speed of the transmission rate. As a result, electricity, data as well as audio and video can be transported between the devices. Whether a USB-C connection really brings all of these advantages always depends on whether the device really supports faster technology. Not every cell phone that has such a connection must automatically work on Full Speed. But even more details later.

Tipp: A helpful explanation of the different USB types and generations can be found in our overview.

2. What is the advantage of USB-C?

The most obvious advantage is that the new connection is very small and compact. Due to its new construction, it is also twist -proof. So it can be inserted into the socket as desired. You will never have to try it for a long time before you finally have the USB connector in the right position to introduce it.

Of course, this function is extremely practical and for many users it is probably also the property that makes them most frequently relieved in everyday life. But of course the USB Type C connection was not developed alone. His main function is the introduction of a fast, universal interface.

2.1. Data transmission

With the new USB standard, it is possible to transmit audio and video files in addition to the charging and data stream. The PCI Express and Thunderbolt transmission protocols are also supported. In addition, the USB-C connections replace numerous other connections such as HDMI, DisplayPort and 3.5mm audio tankers. So you only need a USB port with which you can transmit all the signals.

Some newer laptops such as the Apple MacBook or the Acer Chromebook even only have one or two USB-C ports. The disadvantage: if you want to connect several devices at the same time, you have to buy a docking station or a hub.

2.2. Transmission rate

With USB 3.1 a transmission rate of 10 Gbit/s is possible, with USB 2.0 only about 480 Mbit/s. The latest USB standard 3.2 even creates transfer rates of up to 20 Gbit/s. The cables contain two pairs of wires, each of which can be used in parallel with 10 Gbit/s each.

In reality, however, these speeds are often unavailable. Most of the time, the manufacturers still install 3.0 or 2.0 controllers in many devices. In addition, a USB-C connector must be available on both sides of the cable so that high-speed transmission is possible. On the other hand, if a type A or Type-B plug is on the other side, this naturally also leads to losses in the transmission.

A notice: If you want to use a USB-C cable on an older USB socket, you need an adapter. Also here, too, due to the older technology of the socket, no high-speed transfer rates are possible.

2.3. Charging function

USB connections have been used for charging in particular by smartphones for many years. Depending on the species, this can sometimes take a long time. USB 2.0 is just designed for 5 volts and 0.5 amps. In the case of type C devices, the loading time is significantly shortened because the technology allows a higher power consumption. Devices with up to 5 volts and 3 amps can be loaded here. This has the advantage that the electricity requirement of powerful laptops can also be satisfied.

3. Logos cause confusion

Due to the different USB generations and types, there are now many different interfaces that can be behind the standard. These are often characterized by appropriate symbols, but they are more confused than eliminating them. In addition, a binding use of these logos is not prescribed, so sometimes you do not know what kind of USB port you have at all.

For example, a USB with super speed can be seen from the «SS» labeling. An even faster USB 3.2 with Super Speed ​​Plus wears the logo «SS10». If there is also a Power Delivery mode, a battery symbol is printed. Thunderbolt, on the other hand, is marked with flash.

In order to know which functions your USB connection has in the end, you must first find out about the individual symbols.

4. Conclusion

The USB Type-C is a practical helper who not only shortens waiting times, but also makes numerous other connections superfluous as a universal interface. USB-C is a successful improvement, especially in the video and audio area, where ever larger amounts of data have to be transmitted.

However, since the introduction can only be hesitant, since the old USB standard still predominates, these advantages will probably still need a while until they have really arrived in society. Until then, it can only be hoped that the specifications will not become even more confusing and instead there will be standardization.

Another explanation of the USB-C connection can be found in the following YouTube video:

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