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What are the new functions of USB TYPE-C compared to TYPE-A and TYPE-B interfaces?

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Author : PURPLELEC
Update time : 2024-03-15 09:39:32
  USB Type-A and Type-B cables, interfaces, and connectors are ubiquitous on everything from smartphones to PCs, video games, backup power supplies, and cars. As technology continues to evolve toward better, thinner, and more energy-efficient devices, native cable assemblies have been a bottleneck to innovation in the field. In mid-2014, the USB Type-C standard was released, bringing the existing benefits of USB standards (2.0, Gen1, Gen2) to a growing ecosystem of new platforms.
  USB Type-C PIN structure:
USB Type-C PIN
  1. Four pairs of differential pins for use with Gen1, Gen2 USB or in alternate mode with third-party peripherals. The presence of 4 pairs enables Type-C to use composite arrangements such as USB 3.1 with 2-lane DisplayPort. A2, A3, B2, B3, A10, A11, B10, and B11 represent SS differential pins.
  2. Two pairs of non-SuperSpeed differential pins for USB 2.0. – A6, A7, B6, B7.
  3. Four pins are used for VBUS and grounding (VBUS: A4, A9, B9, B4 and grounding: A1, A12, B1, B12).
  4. Two pairs of CC (configuration channels) are used for power supply and sideband use. CC – A5, B5, Sideband – A8, B8.
  5. The presence of multiple pins for each function enables Type-C to be used in flip mode.
  New functions and features of USB TYPE-C
USB Type-C PIN
  1. Overall dimensions: The Type-C interface has a relatively smaller and thinner 24-pin plug assembly, which can replace the existing plug assembly - mini plug and micro plug. Type-C is thinner than the thinnest "micro-B" (also suitable for SS/SSP) plugs available. So, one cable for all your devices - and even thinner components.
  2. Backward compatibility: Because the underlying standard remains unchanged, it is seamlessly backward compatible with available assemblies. All the latest devices, whether it’s Apple’s MacBook or Google’s Pixel phone, Samsung Galaxy S8, etc., support the Type-C standard.
  3. Power supply requirements – Type-C complies with the Power Delivery specification. A Type-C cable assembly in a device or host can be used as a power source or sink to provide or consume power. This is possible because of Power Delivery's power role change capabilities and power negotiation capabilities to a higher power. The power supply delivers 100 watts of power, which is enough to charge a laptop. So, using a Type-C cable, you can charge and even power your device.
  4. Ease of use: Type-C is reversible and can be connected in either direction, which solves a very basic problem with native USB plugs, which is that the plug doesn't fit the first time. There are repeating pins available to help the cable connect in a straight or flipped orientation.
  5. Alternate Mode: This is one area where Type-C is proven to be more than just USB. Using Alternate mode, the Type-C cable can connect to third-party peripherals other than USB. Some of the peripherals supported include Display Port, MHL, Thunderbolt 3, and most recently HDMI. Alternate mode must be performed using a VDM (Vendor Defined Message) exchange on the CC pin (power supply). This is another way to reduce form factor by supporting multiple peripherals on the same connector.