Guide to USB Type-C

Table of Contents:

1. What is USB Type-C?
2. Key Features of USB Type-C
3. Comparison of different USB Connectors
4. USB Type-C Adapters or Converters
5. Frequently Asked Questions

What is USB Type-C?

USB Type-C is a new connector type. One cable type is all that you need for power, video, and data transfers across multiple devices, so long as the devices themselves support USB Type-C and various functionalities that USB Type-C has to offer. It offers a data transfer rate at incredible speeds, charge other devices, power mobile devices, and even support video transmission, all with one cable. USB Type-C connector is already supported by many device manufacturers.

Faster Data Transfer Speeds

USB Type-C can transfer data at up to 10Gbps^ speed with improved cables and connectors.

USB Power Delivery

USB Type-C cable supports up to 130W* of power transmission along the same cable for compatible devices compared to 2.5W on its predecessors, USB 2.0 or USB 3.0. This helps power devices like cellphones, and tablets and also charge compatible laptops or ultrabooks.

Alternate Mode

USB Type-C uses a 24-pin double-sided connector allowing for device manufacturers to enable Alternate Mode, which unlocks the ability to use alternate data protocols for direct device-to-host transmission. This allows you to output VGA, HDMI, DisplayPort, Thunderbolt, Ethernet, or other types of connections from a single USB Type-C port with the help of compatible adapters.

Reversible Connector

The USB Type-C is a new reversible connector that allows you to connect the cable to your device in any direction, unlike its predecessors.

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Key Features of USB Type-C

• Robust connector strong enough for laptops, tablets, and larger platforms.
• Reversible plug orientation and cable direction.
• Supports scalable power and performance to help future-proof your solution.
• A slim form factor that can be used on laptops, ultrabooks, and mobile devices.

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Comparison of different USB Connectors

Here is a comparison of different USB Connectors.

USB Type	Image
USB Type-A
USB Type-B
Mini USB
Micro USB
USB Type-A 3.0
USB Type-C

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USB Type-C Adapters or Converters

USB Type-C Adapters are the range of adapters that expand the connectivity from a single USB Type-C port to various display devices, Gigabit Ethernet, and USB-A 3.0

USB Type-C ports can support various different protocols using "alternate modes," which allows you to have adapters that can output HDMI, VGA, DisplayPort, or other types of connections from that single USB port. Dell’s USB Type-C to HDMI, USB Type-C to DisplayPort, and USB Type-C to VGA adapters allow you to streamline VGA, DisplayPort, and HDMI into a single type of port.

Key features of the USB Type-C Adapters are:

• USB Type-C to VGA and USB Type-C to HDMI adapters enable laptops or tablets with USB Type-C to connect with various displays/projectors/TVs using VGA and HDMI.
• USB Type-C to Gigabit Ethernet adapters enables laptops or tablets with USB Type-C to connect to the network using the RJ45 port.
• USB Type-C to USB-A 3.0 adapters enable laptops or tablets with USB Type-C to connect to legacy devices (for example, a mouse or a printer).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about USB Type-C.

Question: Will USB Type-C be backward compatible?
Answer: USB Type-C connector itself is not backward compatible with previous USB Types and may require appropriate adapters for connecting the devices together. Some older non-self-powered devices may not be compatible due to power requirements. Data transfer speeds are limited to the older device.

Question: What is the difference between USB Type-A and USB Type-C?
Answer: USB Type-A is the current connector type that is primarily used on most USB devices. USB Type-C is the new connector type. Due to the difference in connector shape, they are not compatible with each other. You need an appropriate adapter or converter for this.
USB Type-C has a reversible connector and is capable of Data, Video, and Power transmission along the same cable. See What is USB Type-C section? for more information.

Question: What type of devices use USB Type-C?
Answer: All standard devices like Tablets, Mobile devices, accessories, Audio or Video adapters, External Hard Disk Drives, and Monitors.

Question: How fast is USB Type-C compared to previous versions of USB, Serial-ATA, or Thunderbolt?
Answer: USB Type-C is a new type of connector. Depending on the device type and the protocols that are implemented, faster data transfer can be achieved.

Question: What are some key features and benefits of USB Type-C?
Answer: Reversible connector and the ability to use a single cable for data transfer, deliver video to a display, and power delivery are the key features of USB Type-C.

Question: Must I purchase all new cables?
Answer: USB Type-C is backward compatible with USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 protocols. However, due to the difference in the design of the USB Type-C plug or port, you may have to purchase compatible adapters which allow you to plug your legacy devices into a USB Type-C port.

Question: Can I charge my laptop with a USB power bank using the USB Type-C port?
Answer: Depending on your computer, you may or may not be able to charge your computer with a USB power bank using the USB Type-C port. The Setup and Specifications manual for your computer provides that information.

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Recommended Articles

Here are some recommended articles related to this topic that might be of interest to you.

• Guide to DisplayPort over USB-C
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the USB Ports on a Dell Computer
• USB PowerShare Feature on Dell Laptops
• How to Troubleshoot USB Port When it is Not Working
• Some Systems with USB Type-C Port Lack a Thunderbolt 3 Controller