USB Type-C Connector is on the news today as they have introduced another new type of USB connector that is not directly compatible with any existing connectors. USB Type-C Connector Specifications Finalized article tells that today the USB-IF (USB Implementers Forum) announced that the latest USB connector which we first caught a glimpse of in April has been finalized. This Type-C specification tries to correct many of the issues with previous USB as a connector models. There are a lot of changes coming, with some excellent enhancements. Check USB Type-C Connector Specifications Finalized and Reversible USB Type-C connector finalized: Devices, cables, and adapters coming soon articles for details. The new connector is for example has reversible plug orientation, similar size to micro-USB, ertified for USB 3.1 data rates (10 Gbps) and support higher power charging.
With this new design, existing devices won’t be able to mate using the new cables, so there are specifications for adapter cables. There will be some time until this new connector becomes widely used. One issue on mobile devices might be the the fact that China, the EU, and the GSMA have all agreed that new mobile devices use Micro-USB for charging (solution could maybe be including a Micro-USB-to-Type-C adapter with every new smartphone).
241 Comments
Tomi Engdahl says:
Type-C plugs and receptacles are not physically compatible with Micro-B plugs. You need to use an adapter. Also, the plugs are still “male” despite being a hole-in-a-post design. I’d reckon that’s the sensible way to do it if you want to keep costs down, provide 360º shielding, and not have exposed contacts on a connector that can potentially provide up to 20 V, 5 A. The Type-C design also keeps the moving parts (spring contacts and retention latches) in the cable plug, which is generally easier / less costly to replace should they wear out / break.
Source: http://www.anandtech.com/show/8377/usb-typec-connector-specifications-finalized
Tomi Engdahl says:
USB Type-C, where is it?
http://www.engadget.com/discuss/usb-type-c-where-is-it-1seh/
Type-C connector and the USB 3.1 standard is the technology I’m most interested and excited about right now, followed by H.265, Wigig, SATA Express, DDR4 and super efficient, yet powerful ARM and Intel CPUs.
t’s supposed to be:
About the size of microUSB
Reversible and sturdy like Lightning
Nice click to it and tapered around the corners, like Lightning
Same plugs on both ends
If it’s really as they promised and takes off, it could replace USB Type-A, B, mini and micro, the hideous USB 3.0 micro-B.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Hands On with USB Type C: Reversible USB Connectors
by Joshua Ho on September 11, 2014 9:00 AM EST
http://www.anandtech.com/show/8518/hands-on-with-usb-type-c-reversible-usb-connectors
the USB Type C cable and USB 3.1 spec are designed with the future in mind. As a result, there are a lot of new features to talk about.
With USB 3.1, we see a few key improvements. Peak throughput goes to 10 Gbps from 5 Gbps, which translates to a peak of 1.25 GB/sec
USB Power Delivery 2.0 (PD) makes it possible for USB to supply up to 100 watts, and coexists with the BC 1.2 spec that is used in USB power adapters to charge phones so a single port would be able to provide power for both systems. In addition, USB PD 2.0 allows for power to go both ways without changing the direction of the cable, so a laptop would be able to send and receive power from the same port.
Finally, USB Type-C extensions mean that it’s possible to do all kinds of interesting applications over USB ports, such as sending audio and video data. It’s even possible for a USB Type C port to send PCI-E data through the connection for use cases such as a two in one convertible tablet.
This opens up the possibility for a dock scenario where a single cable to the monitor can charge a laptop and also mirror the laptop’s display onto the external monitor, and the external monitor would also be able to serve as a USB hub for a keyboard, mouse, headsets, flash drives, and other USB peripherals.
While I’m sure that there will be differences in the final product, the reversible plug works just like expected and could be quickly inserted from behind the back.
The USB-IF believes that this standard will show up in products shipping in 2015.
Tomi Engdahl says:
DisplayPort Alternate Mode for USB Type-C Announced – Video, Power, & Data All Over Type-C
by Ryan Smith on September 22, 2014 9:01 AM EST
http://www.anandtech.com/show/8558/displayport-alternate-mode-for-usb-typec-announced
Earlier this month the USB Implementers Forum announced the new USB Power Delivery 2.0 specification. Long awaited, the Power Deliver 2.0 specification defined new standards for power delivery to allow Type-C USB ports to supply devices with much greater amounts of power than the previous standard allowed, now up to 5A at 5V, 12V, and 20V, for a maximum power delivery of 100W. However also buried in that specification was an interesting, if cryptic announcement regarding USB Alternate Modes, which would allow for different (non-USB) signals to be carried over USB Type-C connector. At the time the specification simply theorized just what protocols could be carried over Type-C as an alternate mode, but today we finally know what the first alternate mode will be: DisplayPort.
Today the VESA is announcing that they are publishing the “DisplayPort Alternate Mode on USB Type-C Connector Standard.” Working in conjunction with the USB-IF, the DP Alt Mode standard will allow standard USB Type-C connectors and cables to carry native DisplayPort signals.
From a technical level the DP Alt Mode specification is actually rather simple. USB Type-C – which immediately implies using/supporting USB 3.1 signaling – uses 4 lanes (pairs) of differential signaling for USB Superspeed data, which are split up in a 2-up/2-down configuration for full duplex communication. Through the Alt Mode specification, DP Alt Mode will then in turn be allowed to take over some of these lanes – one, two, or all four – and run DisplayPort signaling over them in place of USB Superspeed signaling. By doing so a Type-C cable is then able to carry native DisplayPort video alongside its other signals, and from a hardware standpoint this is little different than a native DisplayPort connector/cable pair.
From a hardware perspective this will be a simple mux. USB alternate modes do not encapsulate other protocols (ala Thunderbolt) but instead allocate lanes to those other signals as necessary
Along with utilizing USB lanes for DP lanes, the DP Alt Mode standard also includes provisions for reconfiguring the Type-C secondary bus (SBU) to carry the DisplayPort AUX channel. This half-duplex channel is normally used by DisplayPort devices to carry additional non-video data such as audio, EDID, HDCP, touchscreen data, MST topology data, and more.
Tomi Engdahl says:
USB Power Delivery v2.0 Specification Finalized – USB Gains Alternate Modes
by Brett Howse on September 17, 2014 8:00 AM EST
http://www.anandtech.com/show/8539/usb-power-delivery-v20-and-billboard-device-class-v10-specifications-finalized
The last while has been a busy time for the USB 3.0 Promoters Group, with the new USB 3.1 Type-C Connector detailed last month.
With support for up to 10 Gbps, a new reversible Type-C connector, and up to 100 watts of power delivery, the USB group is trying to expand the already universal connector to be able to do much more than is possible with the current specification. To fulfill this mandate, they have now finalized the USB Power Delivery v2.0 spec, and the Billboard Device Class v1.0 spec.
The initial specification for USB only had provisions for 0.75 watts of power – 150 mA at 5 V. USB 2.0 bumped that to 500 mA, or 2.5 watts, and USB 3.0 specified 900 mA at 5 V, or 4.5 watts.
Battery Charging specification which allows up to 1.5 A at 5 V for a maximum of 7.5 watts of power but with no data transmission available.
Version 3.1 now supports 5 V, 12 V, and 20 V on the pins to allow the higher power output without excessive current, but even the current has been increased to a maximum of 5 A which is much higher than before.
USB Power Delivery is designed to increase the flexibility of USB, by providing enough power for many more devices, while at the same time still allowing data delivery.
The USB ports can be used for peripherals, or, a USB charger can be connected to any port to charge the laptop. Dedicated charging connectors will no longer be required.
Another change is that all devices must now negotiate the amount of power required, and that can be renegotiated if another devices requires additional power.
The final key is that the Power Delivery specification is not just for power, nor is it just for USB. The Power Delivery Specification allows Alternate Modes to be defined, and the system can negotiate to enable these modes, enter them, and exit them. These modes will be defined outside the scope of USB-IF specifications using Structured Vendor Defined Messages. This allows the ability to reconfigure some of the pins a USB Type-C connector exposes and will allow the cable to be used for many different purposes rather than just for USB.
Tomi Engdahl says:
NXP Paves Way For USB Type C Connectors In Mobile Devices
The new connector – at a size of 8.3mm x 2.5mm – will make SuperSpeed USB highly attractive for portable devices such as smartphones and tablet computers. Though slightly larger than the current Micro USB, the Type C connector will support faster charging. This makes it compatible not only for small mobile devices but larger devices such as tablet computers.
Another key advantage to this connector is that there is no ‘right way up’ and can be plugged in either way, making it more convenient for users.
- See more at: http://blog.nxp.com/nxp-paves-way-for-usb-type-c-connectors-in-mobile-devices/#sthash.p8ePJ2QX.dpuf
Tomi Engdahl says:
Introducing USB Type-C — USB for 21st Century Systems
http://www.eetimes.com/author.asp?section_id=36&doc_id=1325475&
Industry leaders are poised to start rolling out devices enabled with a new form of USB — USB Type-C — featuring a small, robust connector that can handle 20 Gbps and 100W.
Have you heard about USB Type-C? If not, then you’d better prepare yourself, because this little beauty is poised to take the world by storm. The USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) demonstrated USB Type-C at CES 2015, and industry leaders are expected to start launching USB Type-C-enabled products by mid-2015. This new USB incarnation offers so many advantages that I predict the rate of its deployment will make all of our heads spin like tops.
It seems strange to me that a lot of younger folks don’t actually remember a time before the USB (Universal Serial Bus) standard appeared on the scene
In order to address all of the connector-related issues presented on the previous page, a group of seven companies got together in 1994.
The result, of course, was the Universal Serial Bus, or USB for short. USB 1.0 was released in January 1996, but there were a number of “glitches” and “gotchas,” with the result that few USB 1.0 devices actually made it to the market. USB 1.1 was released in September 1998.
Now, if there’s one thing we know for sure, it’s that we have an ever-increasing demand to move more and more data around. USB 1.x specified data rates of 1.5 Mbps (megabits per second; known as Low Speed) and 12 Mbps (known as Full Speed). These bandwidths were OK for less-demanding applications — like mice and keyboards and even printers and scanners — but they were painfully slow when it came to transferring larger chunks of data.
This led to the USB 2.0 specification, which was formally standardized by the USB-IF toward the end of 2001.
USB 2.0 also augmented the existing speed variants with a higher data transfer rate of 480 Mbps (High Speed)
It soon became obvious that the Type-A and Type-B connectors were too large for certain applications, and that more compact versions were required for use with smaller devices
These newer versions include the Mini-A and Mini-B and Micro-A and Micro-B connectors
Observe that both the Mini and Micro connectors have five pins (unlike the Standard A and B connectors, which have four). This extra ID pin permits distinction of an A plug from a B plug. In the case of an A plug, the ID pin is connected to signal ground; in the case of a B plug, the ID pin is left unconnected. This capability is used to support things like USB On-The-Go (OTG), in which a device can assume the role of a Host (acting as the link master) or a Peripheral (acting as the link slave).
November 2008 saw the release of the USB 3.0 standard, which can support a SuperSpeed mode offering 5 Gbps. The really cool things about this is that a USB 3.0 port — which is usually colored blue — is backwards-compatible with USB 2.0 devices and cables.
In July 2013, the USB 3.1 specification was released. By means of a new encoding scheme — coupled with enhanced, fully-backwards-compatible versions of the same cables and connectors as USB 3.0 — USB 3.1 doubles the maximum bandwidth to 10 Gbps. This new transfer mode is officially referred to as “SuperSpeed USB 10 Gbps” or “SuperSpeed+” for short.
USB Type-C
There several different aspects to USB Type C, including the physical connector itself, a much more sophisticated power delivery scheme, and support for flexible new communication modes.
Let’s start with the 24-pin connector, which is both small (3mm high and 8mm wide) and robust (it’s rated for 10,000 mate/de-mate cycles).
USB Type-C
There several different aspects to USB Type C, including the physical connector itself, a much more sophisticated power delivery scheme, and support for flexible new communication modes.
Let’s start with the 24-pin connector, which is both small (3mm high and 8mm wide) and robust (it’s rated for 10,000 mate/de-mate cycles).
Unlike the vast majority of other USB cables, Type-C cables have the same male connector on both ends — it’s up to the things they are plugged into to “negotiate” with each other to determine who is in charge of doing what.
The specification supports data bandwidths up to 20 Gbps and facilitates alternate, non-USB, vendor-defined modes
The specification supports power delivery of up to 100W for faster charging (you’ll need the right type of cable to support the more advanced power delivery modes and higher power levels
In the case of the simpler power delivery and data transmission modes, passive (unintelligent) cables may be used. When it comes to the more advanced modes, intelligent cables will be required, where such cables contain an electronic ID
nitially, the DFP will supply 5V to the Vbus pins (i.e., the same as USB 2.0 and USB 3.x). USB 2.0 can supply at most 500mA per port, while USB 3.x boosted this up to 900mA per port. USB Type-C can support up to 100W per port (20V at 5A).
The end result is that — depending on its capabilities — sometimes a device may transmit both power and data; sometimes it may receive both power and data; sometimes it may transmit one and receive the other; and sometimes it may dynamically switch between all of the different possibilities. Once again, this is all subject to negotiation between the various devices.
Simple USB Type-C cables will be passive
So, to summarize USB Type-C in a nutshell, we have a single small, rugged, non-polarized connector — along with associated cables and sub-systems — that can support up to 100W for faster charging and up to 20 Gbps for faster data transmission. The whole shebang is extremely flexible and can support additional vendor-defined modes like audio and video.
Furthermore, at the present time, existing PHY devices, microcontrollers (MCUs), and application processors (APs) don’t include the hardware necessary to support the critical functions required to unlock the power of USB Type-C interfaces, including things like Cable Detect (CD), Power Delivery (PD), SuperSpeed+ Switch (SS) control, and Vendor-Defined Messaging (VDM).
All of this cries out for an FPGA-based solution.
As soon as USB Type-C-enabled devices like tablets, smartphones, MP3 players, and digital cameras start to appear on the scene, one of the first products we can expect to see are appropriate chargers
In order to support the more advanced power and data communication modes, some cables will also be equipped with an electronic ID that can inform the system as to that cable’s power capacity and the data bandwidths it can support.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Converting Existing USB Designs to Support USB Type-C Connections
http://www.synopsys.com/Company/Publications/DWTB/Pages/dwtb-convert-usb-design-type-c-2015q1.aspx?elq_mid=6272&elq_cid=303473&elq=f49b7b96d6f7487ebfb5557a6ab53eec&elqCampaignId=134
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 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.
Implementing USB Type-C Functionality on SoCs
USB Type-C’s ease of use, flexibility and adaptability comes at a cost for designers of products that will incorporate USB Type-C. While future USB PHYs and controllers will have full USB Type-C support and will be used to natively implement USB Type-C in new ASIC and SoC designs, consumers want USB Type-C now and will expect companies to immediately introduce products supporting it.
Converting USB 2.0 Device and Host SoCs to USB Type-C
To convert an existing USB 2.0 device to USB Type-C, the designer can short the two CC pins, add one Pull-Down resistor and route the USB D+/D- signals to both positions on the USB Type-C receptacle. No other changes are required. The device waits for Vbus to be valid, enables its D+ Pull-Up resistor (for a Full Speed or High Speed product), chirps (if a High Speed device) and USB enumeration occurs as normal.
Sadatan Vashistha says:
In this simple implementation of USB type C connector on existing USB2.0 device ,how much current can be drawn from a charger having type C plug?
Tomi Engdahl says:
USB Charger also gaining ground in high-power devices
Cypress Semiconductor says that it has completed the industry’s first new USB interface controller circuits of the samples. C-type USB bus will be a great revolution in the market, because it allows the connection of both ways, as well as 100 watts of charging power transfer.
Cypress, the CCG1 control circuit based on the programmable PSoC4 system circuit. This driver allows equipment manufacturer may be imported faster 3.1 standard interface according to their device in a few weeks.
A big change will be in charge performance increase in the previous 3.0 standard of 7.5 watts to 3.1 watts to one hundred. In practice, this means the USB charger concept for the expansion of a much more more powerful devices.
Market forecasts indicate that USB Type-C drivers are sold this year, 65 million dollar market moves forward. In 2019 driver circuits goes devices for 350 million dollars.
Source: http://www.etn.fi/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2400:usb-laturi-yleistyy-myos-suuritehoisissa-laitteissa&catid=13&Itemid=101
Tomi Engdahl says:
The quiet computing revolution built into Apple’s 12-inch MacBook
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-switch/wp/2015/03/10/the-quiet-computing-revolution-built-into-apples-12-inch-macbook/
But a tiny feature of the new laptop may end up being just as critical a development for the computing world: the new USB port.
The small plug — technically called “the USB Type C” — is the only one on Apple’s latest Macbook. That’s provoking some groans among road warriors who often need multiple ports to charge their phones, connect to a flash drive and keep their laptops charged at the same time. But inconveniences aside, it’s easy to see how Apple is forcing a major change in the industry.
Why is USB-C so important? Versatility. It enables the transfer of power, data and even a video signal — all at the fastest rates. In the MacBook, that’s allowed Apple to collapse all of the ports you’d ordinarily see on the side of a computer into one
USB-C is like a super-powered version of the old familiar USB ports that have been on laptops for years. It’s reversible, meaning there’s no right-side-up to the plugs. It can deliver more power, faster — so you can connect large external devices like monitors and hard drives with it. And the energy can flow both ways, so that you can charge a phone from your laptop (as before) or you can tell your phone to charge your laptop.
Apple is so confident in USB-C’s capabilities that it’s provided only one USB-C port on the 12-inch MacBook. That’s potentially problematic for people who need to charge their laptop and also connect a monitor at the same time. The decision also portends a robust industry for after-market adapters and splitters.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Microchip UPD100x Programmable USB Power Delivery Controller
http://www.mouser.ph/new/microchip/microchip-upd100x/
Microchip’s UPD100X programmable USB power delivery controller delivers an industry-standard power delivery and battery charging protocol. A single USB cable can be used for data, and simultaneously can deliver up to 100W of power from a single standard USB port which is 40 times the power compared to USB 2.0. With up to 100W of available power, designers can dynamically allocate this power to fast battery charging and system power.
Tomi Engdahl says:
The new MacBook’s single port comes with a major security risk
http://www.theverge.com/2015/3/16/8226193/new-apple-macbook-usb-type-c-security-risk-badusb
After years of development, USB Type-C is making a very big debut. Last week, Apple announced its new MacBook would come with just a single Type-C plug for both power and data, a move that allowed for the slimmest MacBook ever. A few days later, Google unveiled the new version of its flagship Chromebook Pixel with the same Type-C port. To the extent that hardware components can have a moment, USB Type-C is having one.
But while the new port is powerful, it also comes with serious security problems. For all its versatility, Type-C is still based on the USB standard, which makes it vulnerable to a nasty firmware attack, and researchers are also concerned about other attacks that piggyback on the plug’s direct memory access. None of these vulnerabilities are new, but bundling them together with the power cord in a single universal plug makes them scarier and harder to avoid. On a standard machine, users worried about USB attacks could simply tape over their ports, but power is the one plug you have to use. Turning that plug into an attack vector could have serious security consequences.
The biggest concern is the BadUSB vulnerability, first published last year.
Type-C has a lot of advantages over previous models, but security experts say it does little to fix the core problems of BadUSB. “The additional openness and flexibility of USB Type-C comes with more attack surface,” says Karsten Nohl, one of the researchers who first discovered BadUSB. “No solution for BadUSB is in sight even with this new standard.”
In part, that’s by necessity. USB is an open standard built on backwards compatibility and easy third-party access. You’ll need an adapter to plug in old USB devices to Type-C ports, but the old software protocols still work, leaving open the same vulnerabilities. Even giants like Apple and Google need to abide by the rules of the USB standard, which rule out some of the tough sacrifices necessary to securing the standard overall. The result for users is a major security flaw with no easy fix.
In practical terms, that means MacBook and Chromebook Pixel users are now exposed to what you might call a “borrowed charger” attack. The new chargers don’t have the firmware needed to carry the BadUSB virus, but it would be easy for an attacker to install it herself, then spend a day in a coffee shop waiting for some unsuspecting target to plug in.
Fixing the vulnerability at an ecosystem level is surprisingly difficult. No single company can change the way USB works, so the only real fix is to move away from the standard at large. In the past, Apple has built authentication chips into connectors like Lightning — primarily to protect Apple’s lucrative licensing business, but with stronger hardware security as a nice side effect. That’s not possible on an open standard like USB.
The best protection is simple: just avoid any chargers or devices you didn’t buy yourself. But it’s a serious downgrade in device security, set against major upgrades in power transfer and data speed.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Introducing USB Type-C — USB for 21st Century Systems
http://www.eetimes.com/author.asp?section_id=36&doc_id=1325475&
Industry leaders are poised to start rolling out devices enabled with a new form of USB — USB Type-C — featuring a small, robust connector that can handle 20 Gbps and 100W.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Introducing USB Type-C — USB for 21st Century Systems
http://www.eetimes.com/author.asp?section_id=36&doc_id=1325475&
Industry leaders are poised to start rolling out devices enabled with a new form of USB — USB Type-C — featuring a small, robust connector that can handle 20 Gbps and 100W.
Have you heard about USB Type-C? If not, then you’d better prepare yourself, because this little beauty is poised to take the world by storm. The USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) demonstrated USB Type-C at CES 2015, and industry leaders are expected to start launching USB Type-C-enabled products by mid-2015. This new USB incarnation offers so many advantages that I predict the rate of its deployment will make all of our heads spin like tops.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Design Implications of USB Type-C
http://www.eetimes.com/author.asp?section_id=36&doc_id=1326575&
USB Type-C is a very big deal for the USB community and IP developers. What are the gotchas? Is there no pain with this gain?
With USB, there’s always been a Type-A connector and a different Type-B connector and therefore different device slots to find and fit. But those “which way is up?” days are fast coming to close with the launch of USB Type-C, a universal bidirectional cable that’s being designed in as we speak to devices around the world.
“Type-C strictly speaking is not just a connector standard. It’s much more inclusive than the connector,” said Charles Qi, systems solution architect with Cadence. “It’s a very big deal for the USB community and a very big deal for IP developers as well.”
New design considerations
Here are some issues to be aware of:
In order to detect the cable orientation properly, there is an analog detection circuit to be designed around the configuration channel (CC) pin. Based on the detection, the USB 3.x port needs to selectively drive one of two sets of pins defined for the Type-C connector. This is called bus routing selection. This can be achieved through analog switches or two sets of transceivers that can be independently activated.
USB Type-C supports two additional current grades, 1.5A and 3A, to be delivered through the new cable, in addition to the 900mA and 500mA limits supported respectively by USB 3.1 and USB 2.0. USB Type-C allows the downstream facing port (DFP) to advertise its current sourcing capability through the CC pin.
Additionally, the USB Type-C cable may support the USB Power Delivery standard for up to 5A and 20V over VBus. So you have to make sure the other side can’t be damaged. This means there needs to be an automatic discovery mechanism through the cable to figure out what is the capability of the device that gets connected to the cable, Qi said.
The standard also defines an alternate mode for other functions to be negotiated over the cable, such as audio and display (Voila! Your two smart phones ports–USB + audio–now just became one). It also has the capability to handle debugging duties. Many alternate-mode functions are defined by the liaison work between other standard bodies and USB-IF.
“If you want to claim your USB solution natively supports the Type-C connector, from the IP support perspective, you need the logic to support detection of cable orientation on the CC pin, the logic to support bus routing selection accordingly, and the logic to support Type-C power advertisement and BMC-based power delivery messages over the CC pin,” Qi said.
“From an IP standpoint, the implication of Type-C is it’s no longer just USB,” Qi said. “There’s a single cable that has to serve multiple functions on the customer’s end device. Whatever function the customer wants to pass through that’s the only cable they’re going to get. They have to think about power through the cable, other functionalities that might come through, whether it’s audio, debug, high-resolution display. These are the issues they’re going to think through.”
Tomi Engdahl says:
USB 3.1 – my wishes granted: the Type C connector!
http://www.mentor.com/embedded-software/blog/post/usb-3-1-my-wishes-granted-the-type-c-connector–3120c18c-aeb2-42f8-a1c6-4e7bb9ed3120?contactid=1&PC=L&c=2015_04_27_embedded_technical_news
Tomi Engdahl says:
USB Type-C will turn your phone into a battery pack to charge other phones
http://mashable.com/2015/05/28/android-m-usb-c-battery-charging/
Here’s yet another reason to embrace the new reversible USB Type-C port.
It was only mentioned in passing at the Google I/O developers conference, but Google announced the ability for smartphones running Android M with USB Type-C (Apple simply calls it USB-C) ports to recharge other smartphones. The potential here is enormous.
Your phone’s battery can be used like an external battery pack for other devices. With a two-way USB Type-C cable, you could quickly “lend” a friend’s dying smartphone some quick power.
Whether or not you embrace it, USB Type-C is the future of connectivity. Not only is it reversible, but it’s also very versatile: It can provide power, output video and transfer data. On laptops, it’s a little more controversial; accessories still haven’t adopted USB Type-C (yet) and you’ll need to buy dongles or external docks to regain all your legacy ports.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Sebastian Anthony / Ars Technica UK:
Thunderbolt 3 embraces USB Type-C connector, doubles bandwidth to 40Gbps
Thunderbolt 3 integrates USB 3.1, optional 100W power delivery, 5K @ 60Hz display.
http://arstechnica.co.uk/gadgets/2015/06/thunderbolt-3-embraces-usb-type-c-connector-doubles-bandwidth-to-40gbps/
At Computex 2015, Intel has unveiled Thunderbolt 3. The headline feature: Thunderbolt 3 has changed connector from Mini DisplayPort to USB Type-C.
In addition to the new connector, Thunderbolt 3 now also supports USB 3.1 (up to 10Gbps), and the Thunderbolt transport layer sees its max bandwidth doubled from 20Gbps to 40Gbps. Thunderbolt 3 also offers an optional 100W of power, in accordance with the USB Power Delivery spec. Without USB PD, Thunderbolt 3 will provide up to 15 watts.
Thunderbolt 3 is backed by Intel’s new Alpine Ridge controller. USB 3.1 support is provided by integrating a USB 3.1 host controller into Alpine Ridge. There will be two flavours of the controller, one that uses four PCIe 3.0 lanes to drive two Thunderbolt ports, and another version that only uses two PCIe lanes connected to a single Thunderbolt port.
With the increase in max bandwidth, Thunderbolt 3 now supports up to two 4K @ 60Hz displays or a single 5K @ 60Hz display running off a single cable. The official Intel slide deck says that Thunderbolt 3 supports DisplayPort 1.2 (not 1.3), but there’s no mention of HDMI. The Alpine Ridge leak back in April said that HDMI 2.0 is supported, however.
The same leak also suggested that Thunderbolt 3 would be paired with Skylake, Intel’s next chip after Broadwell.
At launch, there’ll be one passive Thunderbolt 3 cable that supports Thunderbolt, USB 3.1, and DisplayPort 1.2, but with a max bandwidth of only 20Gbps. There’ll also be an active cable that allows for up to 40Gbps, but drops DisplayPort 1.2 connectivity.
The most exciting aspect of Thunderbolt 3 is its adoption of the USB Type-C connector. Type-C has a much smaller Z-height (about 3mm) than Mini DisplayPort (about 5mm)
With a total bandwidth of 40Gbps, Thunderbolt 3 offers a tantalising glimpse of “one cable to rule them all.” In theory, you could use Thunderbolt almost everywhere: to power your laptop, to power and drive your 4K monitor, and to power and connect all of your external peripherals.
Tomi Engdahl says:
One USB plug to rule them all? That’s sensible, but no…
Plugs that look the same, but aren’t. The man in Clapham PC World not keen
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2015/06/03/one_usb_plug_to_rule_them_all_no_wait/
It’s only taken thirty years, but we’ll soon have one plug that, on paper, does it all: power, video and all kinds of peripherals. Cue headlines about “one cable to rule them all”. And it’s reversible!
However, “soon” isn’t “now”. It’s going to be a confusing and expensive journey before the promises are fulfilled.
The last piece in the jigsaw fell into place yesterday at Computex, and cemented the USB-C socket as the winner. Intel announced that the third generation of Thunderbolt will support USB-C plugs.
So only one kind of plug is needed to support power, video and audio, and high-throughput data peripherals such as disk drives.
But that doesn’t mean one cable will support everything: there will be several different kinds of USB-C supporting different capabilities, ensuring confusion continues for some time to come.
The plugs may be the same, but the capabilities are defined by the gadgets at each end of it.
Since the expense is defined by the capabilities of the host controller, it all depends on how much the market-conscious manufacturer wanted to spend.
Most people who’ll see a USB-C socket won’t be getting Thunderbolt 3 performance, as the Thunderbolt hardware is a luxury-priced item that will continue to be in high-performance hardware, rather than the value mass-market.
So the industry is moving to “one plug”, but retains lots of different standards. At least in the bad old days, you knew you couldn’t plug your projector monitor into the modem port and expect it to work. It wouldn’t fit.
Right now we have two flavours of USB-C: Gen 1 (5Gbps) and Gen 2 (10 Gbps). The USB-C spec has a few performance characteristics that make it more capable and advanced than USB 3.0: asynchronous traffic flow, smarter power management and more throughput for power and data. But at its most basic, Gen 1 is USB 3.0 renamed, with the old feature set supporting the new physical plug.
Gen 2 is where the action is, but here, capabilities are moving along parallel (no pun intended) development tracks, moving at different (no analogy intended) speeds.
USB ‘Alternate Mode’ is what gives Type-C ports the ability to support other protocols, such as DisplayPort (or Thunderbolt). This requires the co-operation of the non-USB peripheral working groups, and it’s still very early days. (Type-C itself was only announced in December).
The power capabilities of Type-C have their own working group and spec: USB Power Delivery.
So clear consumer labelling is going to be needed, but the personal computer industry hasn’t done a fantastic job on this in the past, even on simple transitions.
Perhaps it would have been clearer to call USB Type-C “NooSB” or “Newport” (the council would be glad of the publicity) with something to label the feature set.
Even for a tech savvy user – as most of you are – it needs a bit of homework.
Tomi Engdahl says:
USB bus is a universal technique that can be found in almost all devices. However, the bus is no longer sufficient, for example, a video transfer of security cameras. HD and UHD- that is, ultra-high-definition video producing such a massive data stream that the old USB 2.0 to the bend. Fortunately, USB 3.0 is becoming.
The five mega pixel camera with 24 frames per second produces a rate of 2.4 Gbps data stream. On older serial-shaped buses such as USB 2.0 and WiFi 802.11n simply do not stay perched on the camera data.
For example, USB 2.0, the actual bandwidth is only 280-320 megabits per second (from 35 to 40 megabytes per second). Most devices only reach 200-240 Mbps. Continuous USB 2.0 -Transmission depends greatly on the software driver and platform optimization.
USB 3.0 is a very effective choice for developers of today’s embedded systems. Its two-bus architecture allows communication with older devices, while SuperSpeed USB bus of up to five gigabits per second data transfer rate.
C-type USB interface will spread quickly, for example, laptops. Cypress Semiconductor has now presented the final development package, which allows equipment manufacturers to develop their own C-USB interface to support in all different display types.
CY4501-package allows you to develop a connection with a laptop and a HDMI, DVI or even equipped with a VGA connection box. The package includes the necessary circuitry and software.
Platform also supports the new USB Billboard function. It allows equipped with a C-type USB output device can discuss with a device that does not support DisplayPort bus. DisplayPort is one of the Cypress driver circuit in an alternate interface mode. Such a connection only needs an HDMI / DVI / VGA protocol conversion circuit, which is offered in the Mega Chip In.
Sources:
http://etn.fi/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2958:vanha-usb-ei-riita-videon-siirtoon&catid=13&Itemid=101
http://etn.fi/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2950:usb-c-liitanta-kaikkiin-nayttoihin&catid=13&Itemid=101
Tomi Engdahl says:
USB Type-C Could Change Laptop/Smartphone Supply Chain
http://www.eetimes.com/author.asp?section_id=36&doc_id=1326973&
USB Type-C could solve the connectivity nightmare most users face when buying a new device. The new standard could disrupt the manufacturing and distributing of USB devices, but that is a good thing.
First Samsung launched a new smartphone, during the Mobile World Congress, equipped with USB Type-C, the Galaxy S6. Then Apple introduced their new MacBook, an ultralight notebook aimed at people on the move, with one USB Type-C and a headphone jack as the only physical ports.
Finally Google, not wanting to be left behind, introduced the new ChomeBook Pixel two months ago, equipped with two USB Type-C connectors, one on each side of the laptop.
The advantage for manufacturers in using the USB Type-C is enormous. It allows them to deliver power, data, and display over a single connector, cable, and port. About the same size as a micro-USB connector, it is good for over 100W, high-speed data (currently 10Gbps using the USB 3.1 specs) and a 4K display.
One nice feature of the USB Type-C is that it’s reversible; people no longer need to squint to plug in the cable.
However, this brand new port creates some problems for consumers and peripheral manufacturers. Currently, most devices use either the typical USB Type-A–found on most computers– or the Micro-USB featured on tablets and smartphones (except Apple devices). More than three billion USB connectors are shipped every year.
Tomi Engdahl says:
NXP secures USB Type-C connections
http://www.edn.com/electronics-products/other/4439969/NXP-secures-USB-Type-C-connections?_mc=NL_EDN_EDT_EDN_consumerelectronics_20150722&cid=NL_EDN_EDT_EDN_consumerelectronics_20150722&elq=fa79d8b1019f4bb4bd70ab61c4deea05&elqCampaignId=24056&elqaid=27165&elqat=1&elqTrackId=17a4bdb0b3914a79909115f8a3f3055b
NXP Semiconductors has added authentication and power delivery capabilities to its USB Type-C connectors to validate a device and determine whether specific functionality of that device should be enabled. These connectors can maximize battery life and prevent safety hazards or equipment damage from low-quality materials or noncompliant products. For example, they can detect counterfeit power supplies before they are used for rapid charging functions.
Offering data rates of up to 10 Gbps and 100 W of power, the USB Type-C connector and cable support the growing demands of computing, mobile, and consumer products. User-friendly Type-C connectors provide fully reversible plug orientation and cable direction, as well as the ability to transfer power and data simultaneously.
They also support different protocols, such as DisplayPort, MHL, and Thunderbolt.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Reversible Micro USB connector coming?
Micro-Flip is the reversible micro USB cable Android devices deserve [VIDEO]
http://phandroid.com/2015/08/11/micro-flip-reversible-micro-usb-cable/
But even with USB Type C launching later this year, it’s going to take some time before it catches on everywhere. Even when it does, what about all your current devices — cameras, Bluetooth speakers, portable chargers, tablets, smartphones, controllers — that still require an old fashioned micro USB connector? That’s where Micro-Flip comes in.
Micro-Flip uses a unique design with pins on both sides of the connector. This, coupled with Its unique shape, allows it to slide in easily no matter which way you shove it into your device. With already $14,848 pledged of its $15,000 Kickstarter goal and 12 days left to go, Micro-Flip is on the right track to getting funded. So far, the only tiers left available are for the $15 pledge which gets you a single 1M long cable (add $3 for 2M) and an adapter.
Micro-Flip reversible Micro USB
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/46674142/micro-flip-reversible-micro-usb
Tomi Engdahl says:
MicFlip – World’s First Reversible Micro USB
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/micflip-world-s-first-reversible-micro-usb#/story
MicFlip : World’s First Reversible Micro USB Cable
We reckon the MicFlip is a rare thing – 100% unique. No other company on the planet has developed a reversible USB cable that offers smartphone owners the flexibility to charge and connect in dual directions. There is a huge demand for this cutting edge technology and we’re anticipating a huge amount of interest from both Indiegogo supporters, and the public mobile accessories market.
We asked a multitude of people: what would you change about your micro USB cable? The answers were resounding. 75% of people said that they wished the plug at the end of the cable was reversible, to prevent those irritating moments where you can’t seem to get the cable inserted properly into the Micro USB port, no matter which way you turn it!
This seemed like such a simple request – and we were staggered to learn that no other company in the world is creating USB ports in this way. So we set to work! The MicFlip slots seamlessly into any USB port
Tomi Engdahl says:
It seems that Reversible Micro USB is already available without waiting for campaign to get their products shipped:
prolink 2.1A Dual Face Micro USB Plug Charging Data Cable For Cellphone
http://www.banggood.com/Prolink-2_1A-Dual-Face-Micro-USB-Plug-Charging-Data-Cable-For-Cellphone-p-984554.html?p=27131452996820140438
Tomi Engdahl says:
Bringing Gbit/s Ethernet into the USB 3.0 Fold
http://www.eetimes.com/document.asp?doc_id=1327497&
When the USB Implementers Forum came out a year or so ago with the specifications for its 2.4-mm-high connector plug USB 3.0 Type C connector, the organization’s intent was twofold. The first was to provide a much smaller alternative to its present 4.5-mm USB 3.0 Type-A standard connector on mobile phones and most consumer devices. The second was to provide manufacturers of PCs and tablets a way to move to a next generation of super thin systems by eliminating the need for the traditional, much larger, legacy connectors to external displays, hard drives, or other peripherals.
So far, Type C has been successful in replacing the connectors for such peripheral devices as HDMI for displays and PCI Express for storage. The one physical connector that remains to be replaced before the ultimate in thinness and low power is possible is the 1 Gigabit/second (Gb/s) Ethernet connection to the network. While there have been efforts by a variety of dongle and USB hub makers and a few laptop/PC manufacturers, few have met with success. Those that allow Ethernet connections via USB 3.0 Type C have operated at a much lower speed, usually only 40 to 60 percent of the full 1 Gb/s data rate.
A new offering from Cypress Semiconductor, the ARM Cortex-M0 based EZ-USB GX3 controller, may change all that. It offers an Ethernet to USB 3.0 download conversion rate of about 910 Mbps, close to the theoretical bandwidth of GigE and even closer to the real-world 950-Mbps throughput of most native GigE solutions.
To achieve near-Gb/s Ethernet downloads over USB, Cypress engineers have developed a proprietary burst transfer mechanism as well as an algorithm for carefully mapping Ethernet signals into the appropriate USB 3.0 signal frameworks. It works by first merging the incoming Ethernet packets into one supersized Ethernet data packet and then converting each supersize packet into USB data packets. Finally the USB data packets are organized and transmitted in separate USB microframes.
A bit more difficult was coming up with a method by which to maintain that near Gb/s Ethernet throughput without sacrificing the low power advantages of the USB User Forum’s Link Power Management policy.
One possible downside to the Cypress solution that company engineers anticipated was the lack of any established USB-Ethernet Device Class specification from which to create a standardized device driver, without which developers would have had to create custom drivers for any given operating system within which the GX3 is used.
Tomi Engdahl says:
USB Ain’t So Simple Anymore
USB Type C brings promises, potential consumer confusion
http://www.eetimes.com/document.asp?doc_id=1327449&
A number of chip vendors including Cypress Semiconductor, Texas Instruments, NXP Semiconductors, Lattice Semiconductor, Analogix Semiconductor and Pericom Semiconductor Corp. have had a busy summer rolling out new USB Type-C chips, an accelerated product launch that effectively ends an era of scarcity for USB Type C.
Some vendors have chosen this week’s Intel Developer Forum in San Francisco to strutt their stuff.
Clearly, USB Type C loaded with new features offers lots of promises to system vendors. But for consumers? Not so fast, said industry analysts. It may bring potential confusions, they cautioned.
The two most prominent USB Type-C system designs today still remain Apple’s 12-inch MacBook (which has one USB Type-C connector) and the Google Chrome Pixel notebook (with two Type-C ports)
“Additional Type-C products include Nokia N1 tablet, LaCie external hard disk drive and a SanDisk USB Type C thumb drive.”
The USB Type-C end-product landscape is quickly evolving and expanding
As the auto industry moves towards tighter integration with consumer mobile devices, Inouye expects Type-C to “afford them a more elegant solution to achieve their goals.”
Inouye also believes docking stations will be a key to the USB Type-C market, allowing consumers to “simply connect one cable to the dock instead of multiple cables.” With Type C, there’s no need to plug a power cable into the wall while using a USB cable, then adding another cable for video out.
3 basic categories
Aside from being a reversible connector, USB Type C’s advantages are many. Asked to break down USB Type C, IHS analyst O’Rourke described three basic categories:
USB 3.1 does data only. It is effectively the next-generation USB spec, offering 10Gbps data throughput
USB Power Delivery (2.0) offers up to 100 watts of power for charging
USB Alternate modes offer DisplayPort and/or SuperMHL over a Type C cable and connector.
Accordingly, chip vendors are coming up with a family of USB Type-C products with feature sets aimed at different applications.
Type C’s killer app: Power Delivery
Of all the different USB Type-C features, O’Rourke singled out “power delivery as the killer app of USB Type C.”
It allows simultaneous transmission of data and power from one device to another, he said. One scenario is a notebook plugged into a wall while connected to a tablet. The notebook can deliver data files while also powering the tablet.
Differing chip solutions
Since Cypress announced the industry’s first integrated, single-chip USB Type-C port controllers in February, other connectivity IC heavy weights have also joined the USB Type-C bandwagon this summer.
TI launched last month the first all-in-one USB Type-C and USB power delivery controller, which integrates a port power switch and port data multiplexer.
NXP introduced, also in July, what the company claims the industry’s first “secure USB Type-C solution,” integrated with authentication and power delivery capabilities. NXP claims that such an authentication feature is useful in validating a device. For example, it can help “detect counterfeit power supplies before they are used for rapid charging functions,” according to NXP.
Today’s USB Type-C chips come with different features and architectures.
Consumer confusion
The flip side of many features offered by USB Type C is the potential for consumer confusion.
“One of USB’s historical selling points has been its simplicity,” said O’Rourke. “It was on virtually every PC, CE and mobile device, and it delivered very fast data rates with very little need for consumers to get involved – they just plugged it in and it worked.”
Now that USB 3.1 Type C delivers raw data (at either USB 2.0 speeds or USB 3.1 speeds), he noted that it delivers video, either over USB, or over Display Port and SuperMHL Alternate modes. It also delivers power. O’Rourke asked, “Going forward, how will the consumer know which of his devices will have which implementation of USB Type C?”
ABI’s Inouye agreed. “In today’s market, a consumer can look at the back of their TV or monitor and look at the ports and determine if they need HDMI, Display Port, or MHL (HDMI ports that support MHL are labelled so),” he said. “In the future if devices simply have USB Type C ports without labels consumers might lose these visual cues and might plug in a Type C cable from their phone into the screen but get no video (e.g. if the phone supports MHL but the monitor only works with DP).”
According to O’Rourke, the USB Implementers Forum has announced a logo program that indicates power delivery, alt modes, and USB type. “But it can be difficult to communicate all of this via logos around a very small connector,” he pointed out.
Tomi Engdahl says:
USB Charging Past, Present, and Future – Type-C
http://plugable.com/2015/04/27/usb-charging-past-present-and-future-type-c
Eventually the USB Implementers’ Forum (USB-IF) designed a standard to resolve this issue, Battery Charging 1.2, and slowly it has been adopted into most modern devices, including later generations of the iPhone and iPad.
Today several chipset manufacturers make smart chipsets that try to intelligently detect what device you are using and emulate the best charging signal for that device. Most major phones and tablets are supported from Apple iOS, Android, and Windows Mobile based devices from many different manufacturers. For 2015 we have introduced a whole new line of dedicated smart chargers and an update to our bestselling USB 3.0 hub to be BC 1.2 compliant ensuring almost any USB device will charge at the fastest rate possible.
The future for USB charging appears bright with the introduction of USB Type-C, a new standardized universal connector that will hopefully become commonplace on future devices from cell phones to laptops. Currently there aren’t many USB Type-C devices on the market but the two that we’ve been testing have interchangeable power adapters thanks to cross-compatibility of the USB-IF Power Delivery standard.
The Apple MacBook 12″ with USB Type-C ships with a 29W power adapter. Looking at the specs written on the adapter it supports two power profiles of 5.2V at 2.4A and 14.5V at 2A (neither of which is a standard PD profile in the chart above)
The Google Chromebook Pixel [2] 2015 with USB Type-C ships with a 60W power adapter. It’s specs show support of 5V, 12V, and 20V at 3A (amperage for 5V and 12V is not labeled but we’re assuming for now that it supports 5V at 2A and 12V at both 1.5A and 3A as shown in the chart above)
What is perhaps more interesting though is that the Chromebook Pixel [2] 2015 charges at all (albeit at a slower rate and a warning message “Low power charger connected – Your Chromebook may not charge while it is turned on”) when using the MacBook power adapter. This may suggest that the MacBook power adapter is indeed capable of following at least some PD profiles but that they just aren’t labeled on the power adapter.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Google engineer names and shames dodgy USB Type-C cable makers
Cheap wires could bork your chargers, PCs, hubs, etc
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2015/11/05/google_engineer_ids_dodgy_usbs/
A Google engineer says some discount USB Type-C converter cables are substandard and could cause damage by drawing too much juice.
One of the big advantages of the USB Type-C design is never again having to guess which way up the plug has to be to fit in its hole; the other advantage is power transmission.
A Type-C 1.1 laptop, phone or other device can draw up to 3A, although it should lower this to between 0.5A and 1.5A when connected to an older power source, such as a USB 2.0 Type-A charger.
Googler Benson Leung has been doing some testing and the results are alarming: some cheaper converter cables and adapters are allowing too much current to flow through them.
“You may not just get weird behavior from your devices with these bad cables … What some of these vendors are doing is downright dangerous.”
The problems stem from manufacturers not complying with the interface’s specifications, specifically the use of resistors: a 56kΩ pull-up resistor should be connected to the Vbus pin to signal that one end of the cable or converter is a legacy USB device that can’t handle a 3A current draw.
Some converters do not feature this pull-up. So, for example, a Type-C gadget could attempt to draw 3A from a USB 2.0 host or charger via one of these dodgy cables, and cause damage to the wiring and electronics.
Cabling is a contentious issue in the industry, in part because unscrupulous vendors have tried, and succeeded, to skin consumers for massively expensive HDMI cables. Now the same trick appears to be in play for USB Type-C, so buyer beware.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Google engineer on a one-man crusade against bad USB C cables
http://www.epanorama.net/newepa/2015/11/05/google-engineer-on-a-one-man-crusade-against-bad-usb-c-cables-geek/
http://mobile.geek.com/latest/258439-google-engineer-on-a-one-man-crusade-against-bad-usb-c-cables?origref=
Tomi Engdahl says:
USB 3.1 implementation of USB Type-C
http://www.edn.com/design/analog/4440761/USB-3-1-Implementation-of-USB-Type-C?_mc=NL_EDN_EDT_EDN_today_20151112&cid=NL_EDN_EDT_EDN_today_20151112&elq=800f5e14c6c94569a99ed99dbf80d1a8&elqCampaignId=25702&elqaid=29251&elqat=1&elqTrackId=042f281568bb40c590ca647b9d137bfb
Universal serial bus (USB) Type-C offers a number of features, including a high level of flexibility and convenience to end users. System designers must choose available options carefully so that the overall system cost stays within a reasonable limit. Two choices that have the most impact on cost and complexity of the systems are native Type-C power of 15 W versus enhanced power capability and video support. This article discusses how to implement a USB Type-C port so that it will minimally impact an existing system.
In the electronics industry, USB Type-C is in the mind of every system designer. This interface consolidates data, power and video into a single connector interface. It is also bringing a real opportunity to eliminate power barrel jack connector from new platforms. USB Type-C supports USB 2.0 and USB 3.1, and provides options for alternate (Alt) modes such as DisplayPort for video. USB Type-C introduces native power capability of 15 W and an enhanced capability of up to 100 W with the addition of USB Power Delivery (USB PD). The interface introduces smaller, thinner and more robust connectors that are ready for data rates up to 20 Gbps. The cable is reversible and flippable and connects a host or a client device in either direction. System designers are thinking how to bring these desirable features and flexibility to their customers.
USB Type-C has the same type of connectors at both ends – same receptacles at the host and client devices and the same plugs at both ends of the cable. Figure 1 shows a USB Type-C receptacle pin map. Note that the 24-pin interface is arranged in a symmetrical fashion that facilitates flipping the cable.
In addition to a USB 3.1 TX, RX, and USB 2.0 D+, D– signals, two CC pins are used for channel configuration (CC) and USB-PD communications. A typical system implementation shorts two D+ signals and two D– signals with stub connections, which eliminates the need for a USB 2.0 multiplexer (mux) to accommodate for a plug flip.
A typical USB 3.1 implementation includes two basic functions: a CC controller to manage the link; and a USB 3.1 mux for RX and TX signals to choose the connected side relative to Type-C plug orientation. The CC controller needs the ability to configure itself as a downstream-facing port (DFP), upstream-facing port (UFP) or dual-role port (DRP), depending on the desired system behavior.
If a DFP supports USB 3.1 it is required to provide 5V power using VCONN for active electronics inside a USB Type-C cable.
USB Type-C also defines a DRP that alternately identifies itself as DFP and UFP until a stable attached state is established.
An easy conversion of an existing USB platform with legacy connectors to USB Type-C without a major system re-design requires a CC controller device. For USB SuperSpeed support, an additional device with a USB SuperSpeed mux function is also needed.
Some systems may require signal boosting for USB SuperSpeed signals to pass compliance at the connector.
USB Type-C offers audio accessory features that can provide headphone and microphone function through Type-C connector, eliminating a 3.5 mm audio port in some systems. Audio signals use D+, D– and USB signals. To provide audio functions an additional mux will be required
USB Type-C is expected to be hugely popular by electronics gadget lovers for its capability and flexibility.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Home> Analog Design Center > How To Article
USB 3.1 implementation of USB Type-C
http://www.edn.com/design/analog/4440761/USB-3-1-Implementation-of-USB-Type-C?_mc=NL_EDN_EDT_EDN_analog_20151105&cid=NL_EDN_EDT_EDN_analog_20151105&elq=57cfa83056d547389a0000b5a15ab187&elqCampaignId=25579&elqaid=29104&elqat=1&elqTrackId=5ed9edca712f4e468ce4bad768e2134b
Universal serial bus (USB) Type-C offers a number of features, including a high level of flexibility and convenience to end users. System designers must choose available options carefully so that the overall system cost stays within a reasonable limit. Two choices that have the most impact on cost and complexity of the systems are native Type-C power of 15 W versus enhanced power capability and video support. This article discusses how to implement a USB Type-C port so that it will minimally impact an existing system.
A key consideration is implementing USB Type-C in place of legacy USB connectors while minimally disrupting an existing platform. This article outlines how to convert a USB 3.0 legacy port into a USB 3.1 Type-C port with minimal changes.
Tomi Engdahl says:
USB Type-C connectors curtail EMI
http://www.edn.com/electronics-products/other/4440785/USB-Type-C-connectors-curtail-EMI?_mc=NL_EDN_EDT_EDN_today_20151111&cid=NL_EDN_EDT_EDN_today_20151111&elq=600f583a5c39442e923dd4ee2b78e501&elqCampaignId=25662&elqaid=29205&elqat=1&elqTrackId=b8458c0bc5194cc7af8f4542d036f723
TE Connectivity offers USB Type-C connectors with enhanced EMI shielding on the receptacle shell to help eradicate unwanted EMI leakage, while delivering speeds of up to 10 Gbps and bidirectional power of up to 100 W. With audio/video input in a single interface, the connectors also eliminate the need for multiple cords in a broad range of products, from slim handheld devices to robust industrial applications.
The 24-pin USB Type-C connectors are 3 mm high by 8 mm wide.
http://www.te.com/usa-en/products/connectors/input-output-connectors/multimedia-i-o/usb-connectors/usb-type-c.html?tab=pgp-story
Tomi Engdahl says:
USB Type-C – true Plug’n’Play
http://www.nxp.com/technologies/usb-type-c.html
Delivering data rates up to 10 Gbps and up to 100 W of power, USB Type-C is the new connector for all next generation products. Perfectly tailored for emerging product designs, it offers rich interface capabilities with ‘Alternate mode’ support. Together with these improved capabilities comes easier design and usability with fully reversible plug orientation and cable direction, making USB Type-C far more convenient for consumers and helping deliver a true Plug and Play experience. – See more at: http://www.nxp.com/technologies/usb-type-c.html#sthash.tS2BTvx4.dpuf
Tomi Engdahl says:
Power adapter employs USB 3.1 Type-C receptacle
http://www.edn.com/electronics-products/other/4440884/Power-adapter-employs-USB-3-1-Type-C-receptacle?_mc=NL_EDN_EDT_EDN_productsandtools_20151123&cid=NL_EDN_EDT_EDN_productsandtools_20151123&elq=0cf3ab58ae6b4953a41d2dc7888f9f37&elqCampaignId=25869&elqaid=29467&elqat=1&elqTrackId=744967868445426b863c9e159ecc30f8
A 45-W wall-plug adapter, the PSA45A-200Q from Phihong complies with USB Power Delivery 2.0 specifications and leverages a USB 3.1 Type-C receptacle to allow convenient charging of a wide range of consumer electronics. In addition, the PSA45A-200Q meets the U.S. Department of Energy Level VI and European Code of Conduct (CoC) V5 Tier 2 efficiency standards.
The PSA45A-200Q supplies three DC output voltages: 5 V at 3 A, 12 V at 3 A, and 20 V at 2.5 A, depending on the powered device. As such, it is capable of charging both Chromebook and MacBook computers.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Mobe-maker OnePlus ‘fesses up to flouting USB-C spec
Adapter and cable are fine with OnePlus’ own phones, but other kit could cook
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2015/11/27/mobemaker_oneplus_fesses_up_to_flaunting_usbc_spec/
In early November Google chap Benson Leung caused a stir when he wrote an analysis suggesting manufacturers of cables and power adapters weren’t paying attention to the USB Type-C spec. Manufacturers’ inattention, he worried, might result in devices being damaged as they suck down too much power.
Leung’s concerns appear to have been justified, as a manufacturer called OnePlus has ‘fessed up to designing a dodgy power supply.
“Recently it has come to our attention that two of our products, the OnePlus Type-C cable and the OnePlus USB Type-C adapter, are using a resistor that may not be fully compatible with some third-party devices,
Tomi Engdahl says:
Component Merchants Mouser Electronics is now selling Microchip’s new USB-driver circuit. It allows design makes it easy to add new C-type connector obey the USB connection.
Microschip new UTC2000 driver is backwards compatible with respect to the old USB ports and standards – supports USB 2.0 and 3.0-links. It supports authentication devices and a variety of cables, charging cables transferring power detection, and audio connections.
A driver is a very small size and packaged in 16-pin QFN housing. It operates from a single 4.5-5.5 volts results and supports charging up to 15 watts.
Source: http://etn.fi/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3762:c-tyypin-usb-yhteys-helposti-laitteeseen&catid=13&Itemid=101
Tomi Engdahl says:
All-in-One USB PD Compliance Tester
http://www.eeweb.com/news/all-in-one-usb-pd-compliance-tester
Saelig Company, Inc. introduces the MQP Packet-Master USB-PDT – the world’s first all-in-one comprehensive Power Delivery Compliance Tester, for testing protocol, measuring transmitter signal quality, receiver quality and interference rejection, and power load testing. The USB-PDT has been designed in conjunction with the USB-IF Power Delivery Compliance Plan. It is a complete Compliance Tester and development tool for USB Power Delivery, incorporating Analyzer, Exerciser, Compliance Tester, PD VBUS Generator, PD VBUS Load, VBUS Voltage and Current Monitor functions. The unit performs comprehensive PHY, Protocol and Power Compliance Tests on PD devices, and PHY and Protocol Tests on PD Cable Marker chips.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Salcomp’s USB-C charger based on FPGA circuits
Finnish Salcomp with others moving in it’s chargers to new C-type USB connector. Now the FPGA manufacturer Lattice Semiconductor, says that the new Speedy Salcomp’s charger base of the driver circuit.
Speedy is Salcomp’s 36-watt model, which can be connected to new devices containing C_tyypin the USB connector. The charger accepts various input voltages and input devices 3000 milliamperes battery power.
C-type USB connector is an important step in this development. Fitting the connector on both devices is increasing at a rapid pace, so the chargers need to keep up with the times.
new USB standard allows for devices to download up to 100 watts output
Salcomp’s Speedy Lattice LIF-UC-controller ensures a seamless connection to the AC / DC controller circuit. Because the driver is Lattice FPGA architecture are based, it can be programmed according to the requirements of different products in Salcomp.
Source: http://etn.fi/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3812:salcompin-usb-c-laturi-pohjaa-fpga-piiriin&catid=13&Itemid=101
Tomi Engdahl says:
Andrew Cunningham / Ars Technica:
Thunderbolt 3, with increased speed and USB Type-C ports, now found in high end offerings from major PC OEMs — Five years later, Thunderbolt is finally gaining some traction in PCs — Increasing speed and adopting USB Type-C ports seems to be paying off for Intel.
Five years later, Thunderbolt is finally gaining some traction in PCs
Increasing speed and adopting USB Type-C ports seems to be paying off for Intel.
http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2016/01/five-years-later-thunderbolt-is-finally-gaining-some-traction-in-pcs/
For many years, it looked like Thunderbolt was destined to be a modern version of FireWire: faster and smarter than contemporary USB interfaces, but so rare outside of Macs that there isn’t a very wide range of accessories beyond adapters and external hard drives. Thunderbolt versions 1 and 2 are available in most Macs sold between 2011 and now, but it has been included in just a handful of PC laptops and high-end motherboards.
Thunderbolt 3 is turning that around. The port is suddenly beginning to show up in high-end offerings from just about every major PC OEM, starting with some Lenovo workstation laptops and Dell’s new XPS lineup and continuing in laptops and convertibles from HP, Acer, Intel, and others.
Tomi Engdahl says:
A Look at USB Type-C and Power Delivery
http://www.eeweb.com/blog/david_maliniak/a-look-at-usb-type-c-and-power-delivery
With USB 3.1, the latest iteration of the serial-data protocol, comes a new smaller and universal connector: USB Type-C, the USB-IF’s answer to Apple’s Lightning connector
Even Apple itself has adopted USB Type-C for its latest MacBooks, a rare show of support from Cupertino for an open standard. Like Lightning, USB Type-C is reversible, but it offers other interesting features, such as the ability to handle other protocols using “alternate modes.” It also incorporates the new USB Power Delivery specification for improved power-supply capabilities over USB.
USB Type-C brings some new and different test challenges due to changes in link configuration and cable detection, among other things. Much of the new complexity comes from the amalgamation of two complementary USB-IF specifications: the Power Delivery 2.0 spec and the USB Type-C spec itself.
The two specifications have become linked together, but this wasn’t initially the intent. The higher voltage handling of PD 2.0 was intended for application in legacy USB connectors using FSK signaling. In the meantime, though, interest in FSK signaling vanished. Those interested in implementing the Power Delivery specification have migrated to USB Type-C, with emphasis on very thin notebooks, tablets, and smart phones. Another appealing aspect of the Type-C connector is its universality, which lends itself to the trend toward reduction of e-waste. The mobile market, in particular, is more than ready to settle on a universal charging cable.
As to what is included in the Power Delivery and Type-C specifications, the former defines element such as power delivery discovery, negotiation, and role swapping; biphase mark coding (BMC) and frequency-shift keying (FSK) signaling; and commands for the afore-mentioned alternate modes. The Type-C specification encompasses mechanical and electrical (physical-layer) parameters; the specs for active cables (electronically marked cables with signal-conditioning circuits); and, in a subsection called Functional Extensions, the logical state machines for alternate modes. Unfortunately, at this time there are no plans to merge these two complementary specifications, which would clear up lots of confusion for developers.
More:
http://issuu.com/eeweb/docs/02-2016_modern_test___measure_test/11?e=7607911/33195918
Tomi Engdahl says:
Shonky USB Type-C cable fries £1,000 Chromebook and two testing devices
You get what you pay for, it seems
http://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/2444856/shonky-usb-type-c-cable-fries-gbp1-000-chromebook-and-two-testing-devices
IT WAS GOING to happen sooner or later. A USB Type-C cable has borked a Chromebook Pixel as one Google engineer’s quest to warn of shoddy merch reaches a head.
Benson Leung has been on a crusade to make the public aware of dodgy USB Type-C cables that have been rushed out without full compliance with the specs.
As well as being reversible, USB Type-C is compliant with USB 3.1 and, as such, is cable of carrying not only data, but power. It has been designed ultimately to become the gold standard cable for devices.
But the addition of higher voltage carriage has meant that some sloppily made products have got it very wrong. Additionally, two generations of USB Type-C cable have already emerged, and the first doesn’t offer any significant advantage over microUSB.
The stakes were a little higher this time, and Leung has actually fried his £1,000 Chromebook Pixel with a dodgy cable.
Leung’s reviews are written against the product listings on Amazon. In this one he said: “This will probably be the last one I do for a little while because this cable (1-star review score, straight off) seriously damaged the laptop computer I am using for these reviews, a Chromebook Pixel 2015, and two USB PD Sniffer devices (Twinkie).
“I directly analysed the Surjtech cable using a Type-C breakout board and a multimeter, and it appears that they completely miswired the cable.”
“This is a total recipe for disaster and I have three pieces of dead electronics to show for it, my Pixel 2015 and two USB PD analysers.
“Needless to say, this cable is fundamentally dangerous. Do not buy this under any circumstances. I will be contacting Surjtech directly shortly.”
The rush to get USB Type-C compatible products to market has led to some major names getting it wrong.
http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=3305X620930&site=theinquirer.net&xs=1&isjs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fgp%2Fregistry%2Fwishlist%2FKF89JCHI0KT4%2Fref%3Dpdp_new_wl&xguid=34eef091b462aba463b5a9a0af8c8f73&xuuid=9a3cb88fb536be4e8fc34e34bca2bc14&xsessid=92a8bf2879aeeec87db748a5589d51df&xcreo=0&xed=0&sref=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theinquirer.net%2Finquirer%2Fnews%2F2444856%2Fshonky-usb-type-c-cable-fries-gbp1-000-chromebook-and-two-testing-devices&pref=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.uutistulva.fi%2F&xtz=-120
Tomi Engdahl says:
USB Type-C cable so bad it fries Google engineer’s Chromebook Pixel
Benson Leung, the Type-C cable testing vigilante, has finally met his match.
http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2016/02/google-engineer-finds-usb-type-c-cable-thats-so-bad-it-fried-his-chromebook-pixel/
Benson Leung, the Google engineer who moonlights as a tester of dodgy USB Type-C cables, has sadly performed his last act of tech vigilantism—at least for now. When testing a Surjtech 3M USB A-to-C cable, the cable was so bad that it fried his Chromebook Pixel laptop and two USB PD (power delivery) analysers.
At the time of publishing, it looks like the Surjtech cable has already been removed from Amazon, but Leung’s review lives on. Basically, as soon as the cable was plugged in and turned on, it completely fried the Vbus line on the Twinkie USB PD analyser. “This is permanent damage.
Not only did the cable kill the analyser, though, but it also fried both USB Type-C ports on Leung’s Chromebook Pixel
Upon further analysis, Leung found that the cable had killed the Chromebook’s embedded controller, a chip that manages tasks such as keyboard initialisation, USB charging, and reading temperature sensors. Unfortunately this meant that the laptop could no longer boot up
o find out what sort of devilry had fried his gear, Leung then analysed the cable with a breakout board and a multimeter. What he found was really quite shocking: “it appears that they completely miswired the cable. The GND pin on the Type-A plug is tied to the Vbus pins on the Type-C plug. The Vbus pin on the Type-A plug is tied to GND on the Type-C plug.”
And that’s not all! Later, after posting about his woes on Google+, Leung found a battery of further issues:
…
2) 10 kΩ resistor instead of 56 kΩ resistor used.
3) resistor hooked up as a Pull-down instead of a pull-up
4) Wire is COMPLETELY missing SuperSpeed wires. It is NOT actually a USB 3.1 cable, even though it has a blue connector on the A side and SuperSpeed logos.
If the miswiring was the only issue with the cable then Surjtech could plausibly defend this as a one-off manufacturing fault. Considering the three other compounding issues, though, it sounds like Surjtech just doesn’t know how to make a USB cable.
Google engineer leaves scathing reviews of dodgy USB Type-C cables on Amazon
Most cheap third-party USB Type C cables can’t carry the full 3.0A required by the spec.
http://arstechnica.co.uk/gadgets/2015/11/google-engineer-leaves-scathing-reviews-of-dodgy-usb-type-c-cables-on-amazon/
Tomi Engdahl says:
The USB Type-C Cable That Will Break Your Computer
http://hackaday.com/2016/02/04/the-usb-type-c-cable-that-will-break-your-computer/
USB has been on our desktops and laptops since about 1997 or so, and since then it has been the mainstay of computer peripherals. No other connector is as useful for connecting mice, keyboards, webcams, microcontroller development boards, and everything else; it’s even the standard power connector for phones. The latest advance to come out of the USB Implementers Forum is the USB Type-C connector, a device with gigabits of bandwidth and can handle enough current to power a laptop. It’s the future, even if Apple’s one-port wonder isn’t.
The cable of the future is, by default, new. This means manufacturers are still figuring out the port, and how to wire it up. You would think remembering ‘red = power, black = ground’ is easy, but some manufacturers get it so terribly wrong.
The latest cable he tested destroyed his test equipment, including a $1500 Chromebook Pixel 2.
The cable in question was a SurjTech 3M cable that has thankfully been taken down from Amazon. Swapping GND and Vbus weren’t the only problem – the SuperSpeed wires were missing, meaning this was effectively only a USB 2 cable with a Type-C connector. The resistor required by USB spec was the wrong value, and was configured as a pull-down instead of a pull-up.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Designers are busy designing new products and system-on-chips (SoCs) with USB Type-C support. This
white paper describes the key challenges and suggests solutions for designers of USB Type-C products
and SoCs with native USB Type-C support.
1.
The first challenge is supporting two SuperSpeed datapaths matching one or the other
orientation of the USB Type-C connector.
2.
The second challenge is partitioning the SoC and system design to support multiple variants
of product-specific hardware for USB Type-C. Designers must navigate the specification’s
requirements for precision analog circuitry plus high voltage/high current switches that can be
external discrete components, external dedicated USB Type-C controller chips, integrated in a
power management IC, or integrated in the SoC.
3.
The third challenge is partitioning additional USB Type-C management software that
can execute on the main processor, internal microcontroller, microcontroller in a power
management IC, or external dedicated USB Type-C chip.
Source: http://hosteddocs.emediausa.com/USB_Type-C_challenges_SYNOPSYS.pdf
Tomi Engdahl says:
USB-C Buck-Boost Battery Charger
http://www.eeweb.com/company-news/intersil/usb-c-buck-boost-battery-charger/
Intersil Corporation launched the industry’s first buck-boost battery charger that supports two-way power delivery in ultrabooks, tablets and power banks using the reversible USB Type-C™ connector. The single-chip ISL9237 Narrow VDC (NVDC) battery charger replaces competitive buck and boost two-chip charger solutions, eliminating a charger IC and inductor to reduce customer bill of materials (BOM) costs by up to 40%. The ISL9237 leverages Intersil’s patented R3™ modulation technology for acoustic noise-free operation, excellent light load efficiency and ultra-fast transient response to extend battery run-time.
The USB 3.1-compliant ISL9237 joins the emerging USB-C™ ecosystem as the first battery charger capable of providing buck-mode, buck-boost-mode, and boost-mode for 1-to-3 cell Li-ion batteries. It also supports USB On-The-Go (OTG) with a 5Vout reverse buck-mode, and reduces traditional two-stage charging to a single-stage buck-boost for improved efficiency. The USB Type-C interface connection enables delivery of data, video and power up to 100W over a single cable.
In charging mode, the ISL9237 takes input power from a wide range of DC power sources — AC/DC charger adapters, USB power delivery (PD) ports and any travel adapter — to charge battery packs with up to 3-series cell Li-ion batteries.
ISL9237′s wide 5V to 20V input voltage capability
Tomi Engdahl says:
Agam Shah / Computerworld:
DisplayPort 1.4 to support 8K displays, work with USB-C — Big changes are coming to the popular DisplayPort display standard, with version 1.4 promising support for 8K displays. — DisplayPort 1.4 will allow 8K displays to hook up to laptops, smartphones and other devices via a USB Type-C port
DisplayPort 1.4 to support 8K displays, work with USB-C
http://www.computerworld.com/article/3039966/computer-hardware/displayport-14-to-support-8k-displays-work-with-usb-c.html
DisplayPort 1.4 graduates from supporting 4K, though it’s not certain when devices will be compatible with the new standard
Big changes are coming to the popular DisplayPort display standard, with version 1.4 promising support for 8K displays.
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DisplayPort 1.4 will allow 8K displays to hook up to laptops, smartphones and other devices via a USB Type-C port. The new standard was announced by VESA (Video Electronics Standards Association) on Tuesday.
The USB Type-C connector is already gaining popularity, so DisplayPort 1.4 will be easy to implement in devices. There’s another 8K connector called SuperMHL under development that requires new ports but can also be slapped on USB Type-C connectors.
4K TVs are gaining popularity, but will be replaced by 8K in the coming years. Sharp was to first to retail an 8K TV for a whopping $133,000.
Microsoft to support 8K video resolutions with Windows 10
http://www.computerworld.com/article/2899929/microsoft-to-support-8k-video-resolutions-with-windows-10.html
8K displays aren’t here yet, but Microsoft’s looking forward with Windows 10
Microsoft is looking beyond 4K with Windows 10 and bringing 8K support to the operating system, years before TVs, monitors and content for that display resolution become widely available.
The 8K support for Windows 10 will be for displays larger than 27 inches, according to a slide presented at Microsoft’s WinHEC trade show in Shenzhen, China, last week.
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Large-screen TVs based on the 8K resolution have wowed many at trade shows like CES, but it’s still many years away from adoption. Users are still moving to from conventional HD to the new 4K standard, and it could be many years until PC displays start supporting 8K.
Tomi Engdahl says:
5 Reasons to Love the New USB 3.1 Connection System
http://www.eeweb.com/news/5-reasons-to-love-the-new-usb-3.1-type-c-connection-system
USB 3.1 increases the amount of power that can be transferred up to 100 W (5 Vdc, 20 A) with what is called VBUS, so that, for devices like laptop computers and similar high-power systems, you’ll no longer need a separate power cable to recharge them. In fact, it will be possible to charge your laptop computer using your cell phone!
USB 3.1 allows for data transfers at a blindingly fast 10 GB/s. This means that transferring, say, video files will seem relatively instantaneous compared to today’s “plug-and-wait.” The ability to move data at that rate also means that the standard can, and is designed to, support HDMI and DisplayPort. Therefore, in the future, you’ll be able to take out your smart phone, plug in a Type-C cable and HDMI adapter to an HDMI TV system, and play a 4K-resolution movie from it.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Ryan Whitwam / Android Police:
Amazon Updates Its Policies To Ban USB Type-C Cables That Are Not Fully Spec Compliant
http://www.androidpolice.com/2016/03/29/amazon-updates-its-policies-to-ban-usb-type-c-cables-that-are-not-fully-spec-compliant/
Googler Benson Leung has a new ally in his fight against bad Type-C cables on Amazon, and it’s none other than Amazon itself. Leung reports that Amazon has added a new line to its prohibited listing guidelines that bans cables that aren’t completely compliant with the Type-C specification. It’s not the end of the fight, but the tide may have turned in our favor.
The new text under prohibited items reads as follows.
Any USB-C™ (or USB Type-C™) cable or adapter product that is not compliant with standard specifications issued by “USB Implementers Forum Inc.
Leung is internet-famous for testing and reviewing Type-C cables on Amazon, making it clear which ones are safe to use with devices like the Nexus 6P, 5X, and Pixel C. Many of the cables on sale via Amazon have the wrong resistor, which can cause the cable to draw too much power and damage your ports.
Tomi Engdahl says:
A Google Engineer Who Works On USB Type-C Products Is Reviewing And Identifying Out-Of-Spec Potentially Dangerous Third-Party Cables And Adapters
http://www.androidpolice.com/2015/11/04/a-google-engineer-who-works-on-usb-type-c-products-is-reviewing-and-identifying-out-of-spec-potentially-dangerous-third-party-cables-and-adapters/
We’re seeing more and more devices come to the market with USB Type-C charging ports instead of MicroUSB. The new standard is reversible, more convenient, and potentially faster and more powerful than the previous Type-A one.
But not all USB Type-C accessories are created equal as Google engineer Benson Leung has discovered. He has been working on several products from the Pixel line that use the Type-C connector and thus knows the standard and its specification requirements very well. Upon testing some third-party Type-C cables and adapters, he and his team have noticed that a few of these are not compatible with the standard and are potentially dangerous to your device’s ports.
if you want some Type-C to Type-A cables, you may be better off picking one of his recommended choices.