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  • USB-C : Connectivity has changed

  • 2.4mm thin

  • Reversible orientation

  • 1 Cable to Power, Sync, Charge, and Transfer Data

The USB-C Advantage

USB Implementers’ Forum (USB-IF)

USB Implementers’ Forum (USB-IF) is a non-profit organization to promote and support the Universal Serial Bus. Its main activities are the promotion and marketing of USB, Wireless USB, USB On-The-Go, and the maintenance of the specifications, as well as a compliance program.

It was formed in 1995 by the group of companies that developed USB. Notable members include Apple Inc., Hewlett-Packard, NEC, Microsoft, Intel, and Agere Systems.

What is USB-C?

USB-C connectors allow for the transfer of video, data and power.  The cables are reversible, meaning that they can be inserted in any orientation, similar to the Apple Lightning connector found on current iPads and iPhones. 

What You Need to Know before buying a USB-C Charger, Adapter or Cable

Power, Charge and Sync with just a single cable. Too good to be true? No. The reality of being able to connect your laptop and power it with a single cable has arrived thanks to USB-C. 

USB-C Connectivity, Convenience, & Caution

 

Together with the EU’s legislation insisting on a common standard for consumer-electronics charging that goes into effect in 2017, USB-C represents a watershed moment for proprietary ports and connectors. Laptop computer manufacturers will be adopting universal USB-C as the standard for users to dock, connect, and charge their laptops.

Inserting your laptop into a manufacturer specific dock at the start of each day will become history. With the backing of Apple, HP, Microsoft, Intel and other members from the USB Implementers Forum, USB-C will become the default connector of choice for the tech industry.

Connectivity

USB-C connectors allow for the transfer of video, data and power. The cable connector  is reversible, meaning it can be inserted in either orientation, similar to Apple’s Lightning connector. This eliminates the frustration of inserting the cable upside down. 

Convenience

USB-C has the capability to combine power, video and data in one, 2.4mm thin connector.

Caution

USB-C comes in different flavors, and while the industry works out the best way to clarify the differences, here’s what you need to know before selecting a USB-C cable or adapter.

It’s possible that your USB-C port is not configured to support all three features in a single cable: power delivery, data transfer, and/or DisplayPort Alternate Mode.  In fact, a lot aren’t. For instance, the HP Pavilion X2 does not support DisplayPort Alternate Mode.

Understand that the host device dictates what the cable can transfer, not the cable, although the cable can limit performance.

Don’t just buy any USB-C cable or adapter and expect it to do everything you want it to without first checking your device’s USB-C capabilities. 

5 Different USB-C Power Profiles

There are 5 different USB power profiles, each delivering a different amount of power. The profile your USB-C device requires and allows is dictated by your device.  It’s not a setting you can change.

Dependent upon the power requirements of your device, one of five USB-C power profiles will be used:

Of the USB-C devices listed below, the ChromeBook Pixel and MacBook allow for charging via its USB-C port. USB-C ports have the capability of transferring power. 

As the Chromebook Pixel’s power specifications require 60W delivered at 20V/3A, profile 4 is dictated by the Pixel’s motherboard.

When selecting a USB-C charger (or powered port) and cable, you’ll need to be sure that both can support the power that your device requires.