If you have read about or purchased a new laptop recently (either Mac or PC), you may have noticed that a new type of USB port has replaced some or all of the previous types of USB ports that have been around for years. This new port is called USB-C and a USB-C connector is pictured above.
At first glance, it appears similar to a micro USB connector, although it is more oval-shaped and slightly thicker. Unlike all previous USB ports, USB-C has no up or down orientation, so you don’t have to flip it around to plug it in. And the cables have the same connector on both ends, so you don’t have to figure out which end goes where.
Over a USB-C connector, different protocols can be implemented. The default protocol is USB 3.1, but unfortunately there are also USB 3.1 ports that look like the original somewhat larger more rectangular ports. These USB 3.1 ports are called USB 3.1 Type-A (yes I know this is very confusing).
USB-C connectors support simultaneous transmission of data (including audio signals and video signals) and power delivery, which means one can connect a wide variety of devices (with the right adapter).
Another protocol that USB-C supports is Thunderbolt 3, which adds up to 40Gbps bandwidth, reduced power consumption, and increased power delivery, enough to daisy chain more than one device to a single USB-C port (again with the right adapter).
Because USB-C ports have begun to be widely delivered by various computer manufacturers, a whole lot of adapters have become available. This is important so that you have a lot of options in supporting both older and newer peripherals.
When you purchase your next computer, be sure you understand what ports the computer comes with and what additional expenditures will be required (if any) to connect your existing equipment to your new computer.
At first glance, it appears similar to a micro USB connector, although it is more oval-shaped and slightly thicker. Unlike all previous USB ports, USB-C has no up or down orientation, so you don’t have to flip it around to plug it in. And the cables have the same connector on both ends, so you don’t have to figure out which end goes where.
Over a USB-C connector, different protocols can be implemented. The default protocol is USB 3.1, but unfortunately there are also USB 3.1 ports that look like the original somewhat larger more rectangular ports. These USB 3.1 ports are called USB 3.1 Type-A (yes I know this is very confusing).
USB-C connectors support simultaneous transmission of data (including audio signals and video signals) and power delivery, which means one can connect a wide variety of devices (with the right adapter).
Another protocol that USB-C supports is Thunderbolt 3, which adds up to 40Gbps bandwidth, reduced power consumption, and increased power delivery, enough to daisy chain more than one device to a single USB-C port (again with the right adapter).
Because USB-C ports have begun to be widely delivered by various computer manufacturers, a whole lot of adapters have become available. This is important so that you have a lot of options in supporting both older and newer peripherals.
When you purchase your next computer, be sure you understand what ports the computer comes with and what additional expenditures will be required (if any) to connect your existing equipment to your new computer.
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