USB-C

USB-C
source
Name	USB-C
Caption	A standard USB-C plug
Type	Digital audio/video/data connector/power
Designer	USB Implementers Forum
Design date	August 2014
Manufacturer	Various
Production date	Since 2014
Superseded	USB-A, USB-B, USB Micro-B
Width	8.24 mm
Height	2.40 mm
Electrical	5 V, 20 V
Max voltage	20 V
Max current	5 A
Data bandwidth	Up to 40 Gbit/s
Data devices	Multiple
Data style	Serial
Cable	Reversible
Physical connector	24-pin
Num pins	24

USB-C. Officially known as USB Type-C, it is a 24-pin USB connector system with a rotationally symmetrical connector. The specification was published by the USB Implementers Forum and was finalized in August 2014. It is designed to replace various older connectors like USB-A and USB Micro-B across a wide range of devices, from smartphones to laptops, by combining high-speed data transfer, video output, and power delivery into a single, compact, and reversible cable.

Overview

The development of this connector was driven by the need for a universal, future-proof port that could simplify the user experience and reduce electronic waste. Unlike its predecessors, the connector's reversible design eliminates the frustration of incorrect insertion. It is a central component of modern USB4 and Thunderbolt specifications, enabling a single-cable docking solution for laptops and desktop computers. Its adoption has been accelerated by mandates from regulatory bodies like the European Commission.

Technical specifications

The connector supports the USB 2.0, USB 3.2, and USB4 communication protocols, with data transfer rates reaching up to 40 Gbit/s in the latest implementations. It is also an integral part of the USB Power Delivery specification, which allows for power delivery up to 240 watts. The interface can carry alternate modes, such as DisplayPort and HDMI video signals, through the same port. These capabilities are managed via configuration channel pins that negotiate power contracts and data protocols between the host and device.

Connector and cable features

A key physical feature is its flippable, oblong design, which measures 8.4 mm by 2.6 mm. The cable assembly typically contains multiple wire pairs to support SuperSpeed USB data lanes and VESA's DisplayPort Alt Mode. Cables are marked with certified logos, like those from Intel for Thunderbolt 3 compatibility, to indicate their supported capabilities. The use of electronically marked cables helps prevent damage from incompatible high-wattage power delivery.

Comparison with other USB standards

Compared to the rectangular USB-A connector, it is significantly smaller and reversible, unlike the older standard which only fits one orientation. It offers substantially higher power and data throughput than the once-common USB Micro-B connector used for charging Android (operating system) smartphones. While the larger USB-B connector is still found on some peripherals like printers, the newer standard is intended to consolidate these into one form factor. Its performance envelope surpasses that of USB 3.0 and aligns with the capabilities of the Thunderbolt interface.

Adoption and applications

Widespread adoption began with its inclusion in Apple Inc.'s MacBook (2015 model) and has since become ubiquitous on devices from Samsung Electronics, Google, and Microsoft. It is the mandated charging port for portable electronics in the European Union under the Radio Equipment Directive. The connector is used for charging Nintendo Switch consoles, connecting peripherals to Dell and HP Inc. laptops, and enabling docking stations for Lenovo workstations. Its role in fast charging technologies has been promoted by initiatives like Qualcomm's Quick Charge, further cementing its position as a universal standard.