USB is the most successful wired interconnect standard. For almost 20 years, the classic USB connectors defined for Type-A host and Type-B device configurations made USB the ‘if it fits; it will work’ connection. This was a huge improvement over previous standards like RS232. The new USB Type-C connector is designed to take USB through the next 15-20 years, ensuring consumers continue to say “Sure it works; it’s USB.”

USB Type-C in Brief
The USB Type-C receptacle is about the same size as a high-speed-only Micro-B receptacle, and is considerably smaller than standard-A receptacles. USB Type-C cables are fully symmetrical. There is no host- or device-specific end of the cable. In addition, the connector can be flipped in the host or device USB Type-C receptacle. Users will love this improvement to USB.

USB Type-C is more than just a new connector. It defines a number of new capabilities starting with support for Power Delivery. The USB Power Delivery feature allows products like laptops to be powered from a monitor. Power Delivery could end the tyranny of “9 different power supplies for 11 different products” in the same way that standardized USB charger is now used to recharge many phones, tablets, e-readers, and other portable devices. USB Type-C connectors also support analog audio and can replace a standard headphone connector. Lastly, the new USB Type-C alternate mode allows TV sets, displays and docking stations to share or take over the USB cable. The “U” in USB does indeed mean “Universal.”

The USB Type-C specification was released at the same time as a major update to the USB 3.1 specification. However, USB Type-C is a separate specification and is applicable to all USB products and operating speeds. USB Type-C is not only a new mechanical connector. USB Type-C is a framework for the future and continued success, usefulness and relevance of USB for the next 10 to 20 years.

To be continued