USB 3.1 & USB Type-C™ - The new connection standard
What is USB Type-C™?
In August 2014, USB 3.1 was published by the USB Implementers Forum (USB IF) as an interface for data and power supply One of its innovations is the USB Type-C™ plug. The novel elliptic shape of this 24 Pin plugcharacterize it and makes it easy to differentiate from other USB plugs. USB 3.1 is said to be the future-proof interface for every application whereby it would fulfill its partial name "universal" much more than every other USB version before.
USB 3.1 = flexible, fast & strong
Most important improvements of this specification are 1 the double-sided usability of plug and cable, 2 the doubled data transfer rate and 3 the increased capability for power supply and charging functionality, for details see below.
1 Comfortably flexible application
The USB Type-C™ plug is double-sided usable, so it can be plugged into the jack in both directions - that means a convenient novelty in comparison to older USB connectors. With USB Type-C™ it doesn't matter any longer where "top" or "bottom" are, because the plug fits into the port independently of its rotation direction. Also with a USB Type-C™ to USB Type-C™ cable, there is no difference between "start" or "end". Which cable end has to be connected to the host and which to the device doesn't matter, because both cable connectors are equally functional.
2 Higher speed
The data transfer protocol of the earlier predecessor USB 3.0 is now called SuperSpeed USB 3.1 Gen 1. With this protocol data rates of up to 5 Gbps are possible. The fastest transfer mode is the protocol SuperSpeed USB 10 Gbps (USB 3.1 Gen 2). It enables data rates of up to 10 Gbps.
The USB Type-C™ plug can be used for all USB connections, so also for older USB devices and cables. To achieve the highest possible data rate of 10 Gbps, it is important that both of the connected devices, as well as the used cable, do support the protocol USB 3.1 Gen 2. Only in this case the data transfer can work at this rate.
3 Power supply & the specification Power Delivery
USB 3.1 supports USB Power Delivery 2.0 (shortened: USB PD) that specifies the power supply. Thereby a maximum power consumption of 5 A and 20 V (100 watt) is possible. Power supply works in both directions.
Via USB it is not only possible to charge Smartphones or Tablet PCs. Thanks to USB Type-C™ and USB PD it is also possible to supply power to bigger or high-performance devices like e.g. displays or laptops. Precondition is the USB PD support of the devices on the one hand and of the cable on the other hand. In this way, for example, a display with USB Type-C™ connector and USB PD support that is connected to a power adapter can charge a laptop while signals can simultaneously be transferred from the laptop to the display.
By the way: The designation USB Type-C™ within the name of a device or product does not in every case guarantee that this device is equipped with USB 3.1 Gen 2 or USB PD. It is advisably to read the product specifications thoroughly.
More features & advantages
Upgraded functions
The protocol diversity the USB Type-C plug can deal with has been significantly extended. Beside USB 2.0 / USB 3.1 Gen 1 / USB 3.1 Gen 2, also DisplayPort™, PCI Express, Thunderbolt™, HDMI or MHL signals are compatible now. Via an USB Type-C connection™ the transfer of audio and video signals even parallel to the USB data stream and charging current is possible. Furthermore, a VGA display can be connected with an appropriate converter.
Increased durability
Not only because of the abovementioned both-sided usability, the USB Type-C™ plug is much more robust than its predecessor. According to the USB IF the plug is designed in a way that it withstands 10.000 mating cycles. That means in absolute terms a Smartphone could be charged once a day for 329 months (= plug in / pull out again), for example. Compared to these 10.000, for the USB 3.0 type-A plug a lifespan of up to 5.000 mating cycles is stated.
Slim and resistant design
The USB Type-C™ connector has a slim design similar to the Micro USB connector, but is robust enough to be completely suitable for use in laptops, tablets or other mobile devices. The USB Type-C™ jack with its small measurements of only 8.4 x 2.6 mm is ideally suitable for slim smartphones as well as desktop PCs and entertainment electronics devices.
Compatibility
With USB Type-C™ connectors - using adapters or cables - connections can also be made to different USB devices, that means to Non-USB-Type-C™ devices. In this way, pre-existing hardware or peripheral devices can still be used.
Saving resources
As a consequence of its functionalities, the USB Type-C™ interface will gain more and more importance. So already today and also in future at an increasing rate, fewer power adapters for connected devices are and will be needed. For example a laptop can be connected to a docking station that supplies the laptop and other devices with power.
Improved EMC
Not least, USB Type-C™ can reduce malfunctions of involved devices because the electromagnetic compability has been upgraded.
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The DP Alt Mode of the USB Type-C™ connector
The USB Type-C™ connector of the MacBook and Chromebook has, additionally to the USB data line, another function. This function is called DP Alt Mode. It allows to connect a display adapter to the appropriate USB Type-C™ port of a MacBook or Chromebook. In case this port supports the DP Alt Mode, the signal can be transmitted to the display via the adapter or cable. Provided the DP Alt Mode support is given, appropriate USB Type-C™ to DisplayPort™, HDMI, DVI oder VGA adapters can be used in order to connect corresponding monitors.
The relationship between USB Type-C™ and Thunderbolt™ 3
Basic idea of the USB Type-C™ interface is to transfer various kinds of data or signals via a single cable. The initially in 2009 by Intel and Apple introduced standard Thunderbolt™ was following the same purpose. From the middle of 2015, Thunderbolt™ 3 makes also use of the both-sided applicable USB Type-C™ plug. Thunderbolt™ 3 is using the same female jack like USB Type-C™ and supports all USB Type-C™ functions. In addition, the Thunderbolt™ 3 controller has a USB 3.1 controller integrated.
Delock USB 3.1 / USB Type-C™ product examples
Cable USB Type-C™ plug > HDMI plug (DP Alt Mode)
Connectors:
1 x USB Type-C™ plug >
1 x HDMI-A 19 pin plug
High Speed HDMI with Ethernet (HEC) specification
Signal direction: USB Type-C™ input > HDMI output
Resolution up to 3840 x 2160 @ 60 Hz (depending on monitor / system)
Transfer of audio and video signals
Supports 3D displays
Supports HDCP 1.4 and 2.2
Gold-plated connectors
Length: ca. 2 m (without connectors)
Also available in cable lengths
Item 85290 ca. 1 m
Item 85292 ca. 3 m
Cable USB Type-C™ male > DisplayPort™ male (DP Alt Mode)
Connectors:
1 x USB Type-C™ male >
1 x DisplayPort™ 20 Pin male
DisplayPort™ 1.2 specification
Chipset: Cypress
Signal direction: USB Type-C™ input > DisplayPort™ output
Resolution up to 3840 x 2160 @ 60 Hz (depending on monitor / system)
Transfer of audio and video signals
Supports 3D displays
Supports HDCP 1.4
Gold-plated connectors
Length: ca. 1 m (without connectors)
Also available in cable lengths
Item 85256 ca. 2 m
Item 85257 ca. 3 m
Cable SuperSpeed USB 10 Gbps (USB 3.1 Gen 2) Type-A male >
USB Type-C™ male
Cable SuperSpeed USB 10 Gbps (USB 3.1 Gen 2) Type-A male > USB Type-C™ male
Connectors:
SuperSpeed USB 10 Gbps (USB 3.1 Gen 2) Type-A male >
SuperSpeed USB 10 Gbps (USB 3.1 Gen 2) USB Type-C™ male
Host = USB Type-A; Device = USB Type-C™
Data transfer rate up to SuperSpeed USB 10 Gbps
Cable gauge:
30 AWG data line
22 AWG power line
Resistor: 56 kΩ
Cable diameter: ca. 4.5 mm
Length: ca. 1 m (incl. Anschlüsse)
Also available in cable length
Item 83869 ca. 0,5 m
Cable Thunderbolt™ 3 (20 Gbps) USB Type-C™ male >
male passive • 1 m • 5 A
Cable Thunderbolt™ 3 (20 Gbps) USB Type-C™ male > male passive • 1 m • 5 A
Connectors:
1 x Thunderbolt™ 3 USB Type-C™ 24 pin male >
1 x Thunderbolt™ 3 USB Type-C™ 24 pin male
Chipset: Cypress E-Marker
Data transfer rates
• Thunderbolt™ 3 up to 20 Gbps
• DisplayPort™ 1.2a up to 21.6 Gbps
• SuperSpeed USB up to 10 Gbps
• Thunderbolt™ Networking up to 10 Gbps (Peer-To-Peer)
Supports PCI Express 3.0 protocol (4 lanes)
Supports DisplayPort™ 1.2a protocol (8 lanes, HBR2 and MST)
Cascadable up to 6 Thunderbolt™ devices (Daisy Chain)
Cable gauge:
32 + 34 AWG data line
24 + 34 AWG power line
Gold-plated connectors
Triple shielded cable
Cable diameter: ca. 4.4 mm
Length: ca. 1.0 m (without connectors)
Also available with
Item 84844 ca. 0.5 m • 5 A • 40 Gbps
Item 84846 ca. 1.5 m • 5 A • 20 Gbps
Item 84847 ca. 2.0 m • 3 A • 20 Gbps
Adapter USB Type-C™ male >
DisplayPort™ female (DP Alt Mode)
Adapter USB Type-C™ male > DisplayPort™ female (DP Alt Mode)
Connectors:
USB Type-C™ male >
DisplayPort™ 20 pin female
Chipset: ST 042K46
DisplayPort™ 1.2 specification
Resolution up to 4096 x 2160 @ 60 Hz (depending on monitor / system)
Transfer of audio and video signals
Gold-plated connectors
1 x ferrite core
Cable length: ca. 20 cm (without connectors)
Similar items
Item 62726 Adapter USB Type-C™ male > VGA female (DP Alt Mode)
Item 62728 Adapter USB Type-C™ male > DVI female (DP Alt Mode)
Item 62729 Adapter USB Type-C™ male > HDMI female (DP Alt Mode)
Adapter USB Type-C™ > 1 x Serial DB9 RS-232 + Adapter DB25
Connectors:
Cable
1 x USB Type-C™ male >
1 x serial RS-232 DB9 male with screws
Adapter
1 x serial RS-232 DB9 female with nuts >
1 x serial RS-232 DB25 male with screws
Chipset: FTDI FT232RL
Data transfer rate up to 1 Mbps
FIFO: 512 byte
Cable length: ca. 1.8 m (incl. connectors)
Audio Adapter USB Type-C™ male > Stereo Jack female
Connectors
1 x USB Type-C™ male >
1 x 3.5 mm 4 pin stereo jack female
Chipset: Cmedia CM119B
USB 2.0 and USB Audio Device Class 1.0 specification
Gold-plated connectors
Cable diameter: ca. 2 mm
Cable length: ca. 14 cm (incl. connectors)
PCI Express Card > 1 x external USB Type-C™ 3.1 female +
1 x external USB Type-C™ 3.1 (DP Alt Mode) female
PCI Express Card > 1 x external USB Type-C™ 3.1 female + 1 x external USB Type-C™ 3.1 (DP Alt Mode) female
Connectors:
external
1 x SuperSpeed USB 10 Gbps (USB 3.1 Gen 2) USB Type-C™ female
1 x SuperSpeed USB 10 Gbps (USB 3.1 Gen 2) USB Type-C™ female
(DP Alt Mode capable)
1 x DisplayPort™ 20 Pin female (for DP Alt Mode function)
internal
1 x PCI Express x1, V3.0
Chipset: Asmedia ASM1142
DisplayPort™ 1.2 specification
Data transfer rate up to SuperSpeed USB 10 Gbps
Resolution up to 3840 x 2160 @ 60 Hz (depending on monitor / system)
Power supply via PCI Express interface
Supports eXtensible Host Controller Interface (xHCI) specifikation 1.1
Connectors:
external
1 x SuperSpeed USB 10 Gbps (USB 3.1 Gen 2) USB Type-C™ female
1 x SuperSpeed USB 10 Gbps (USB 3.1 Gen 2) USB Type-C™ female (DP Alt Mode capable)
1 x DisplayPort™ 20 Pin female (for DP Alt Mode function)
internal
1 x PCI Express x1, V3.0
Chipset: Asmedia ASM1142
DisplayPort™ 1.2 specification
Data transfer rate up to SuperSpeed USB 10 Gbps
Resolution up to 3840 x 2160 @ 60 Hz (depending on monitor / system)
Power supply via PCI Express interface
Supports eXtensible Host Controller Interface (xHCI) specifikation 1.1
Close application example item 89582
USB Type-C™ 3.1 Docking Station
Connectors:
Front site
1 x Gigabit LAN 10/100/1000 Mbps RJ45 female
1 x mini DisplayPort™ 20 pin female
1 x VGA 15 pin female
1 x USB Type-C™ female (power supply)
Back side
3 x USB 3.0 Type-A female
1 x Headset 3.5 mm 4 pin jack
1 x SD / SDHC / SDXC / MMC slot
1 x Micro SD / SDHC / SDXC slot
1 x USB Type-C™ male
HDMI and DisplayPort™ ports support: extended and mirrored,
resolution up to 2560 x 1440 @ 60 Hz or 3840 x 2160 @ 30 Hz
(depending on monitor / system)
VGA resolution up to 1920 x 1080 @ 60 Hz
Cable length: ca. 18 cm (incl. connectors)
Dimensions (LxWxH): ca. 13.7 x 7.5 x 1.7 cm
Connectors:
Front site
1 x Gigabit LAN 10/100/1000 Mbps RJ45 female
1 x mini DisplayPort™ 20 pin female
1 x VGA 15 pin female
1 x USB Type-C™ female (power supply)
Back side
3 x USB 3.0 Type-A female
1 x Headset 3.5 mm 4 pin jack
1 x SD / SDHC / SDXC / MMC slot
1 x Micro SD / SDHC / SDXC slot
1 x USB Type-C™ male
HDMI and DisplayPort™ ports support: extended and mirrored, resolution up to 2560 x 1440 @ 60 Hz or 3840 x 2160 @ 30 Hz (depending on monitor / system)
VGA resolution up to 1920 x 1080 @ 60 Hz
Cable length: ca. 18 cm (incl. connectors)
Dimensions (LxWxH): ca. 13.7 x 7.5 x 1.7 cm
External USB 3.1 Gen 1 Hub USB Type-C™ >
3 x USB Type-A + 2 Slot SD Card Reader
External USB 3.1 Gen 1 Hub USB Type-C™ > 3 x USB Type-A + 2 Slot SD Card Reader
Connectors:
1 x SuperSpeed USB (USB 3.1 Gen 1) USB Type-C™ male >
3 x SuperSpeed USB (USB 3.1 Gen 1) Type-A female
1 x SD slot
1 x Micro SD slot
1 x 5 V DC jack
Chipsets
Hub: Genesys Logic GL3520
Card Reader: Genesys Logic GL3224
Data transfer rate up to SuperSpeed USB 5 Gbps
Card Reader supports following memory cards:
1. Slot Secure Digital
SD, SD3.0 UHS-I, SD High Capacity (SDHC), SD Ultra, SDHC Ultra, SDXC, MMC-I,
MMC-II, MMC 4.0, Mini SD, Mini SDHC, MMCmobile, RS-MMC, RS-MMC 4.0
2. Slot micro Secure Digital
MicroSD, Micro SDHC, Micro SDHC Ultra, T-Flash, MMCmicro
1 x ferrite core
USB cable directly on the hub (length ca. 15 cm)
Dimensions (LxWxH): ca. 9 x 4 x 1.3 cm
Connectors:
1 x SuperSpeed USB (USB 3.1 Gen 1) USB Type-C™ male >
3 x SuperSpeed USB (USB 3.1 Gen 1) Type-A female
1 x SD slot
1 x Micro SD slot
1 x 5 V DC jack
Chipsets
Hub: Genesys Logic GL3520
Card Reader: Genesys Logic GL3224
Data transfer rate up to SuperSpeed USB 5 Gbps
Card Reader supports following memory cards:
1. Slot Secure Digital
SD, SD3.0 UHS-I, SD High Capacity (SDHC), SD Ultra, SDHC Ultra, SDXC, MMC-I, MMC-II, MMC 4.0, Mini SD, Mini SDHC, MMCmobile, RS-MMC, RS-MMC 4.0
2. Slot micro Secure Digital
MicroSD, Micro SDHC, Micro SDHC Ultra, T-Flash, MMCmicro
1 x ferrite core
USB cable directly on the hub (length ca. 15 cm)
Dimensions (LxWxH): ca. 9 x 4 x 1.3 cm
2.5″ External Enclosure SATA HDD >
SuperSpeed USB 10 Gbps (USB 3.1 Gen 2)
2.5″ External Enclosure SATA HDD > SuperSpeed USB 10 Gbps (USB 3.1 Gen 2)
Connectors:
external
1 x SuperSpeed USB 10 Gbps (USB 3.1 Gen 2) USB Type-C™ female
internal
1 x SATA 6 Gbps 22 pin
Chipset: Asmedia ASM1351
Data transfer rates up to SuperSpeed USB 10 Gbps
Suitable for 2.5″ SATA HDDs / SSDs:
• HDD height up to 9.5 mm
• SATA HDD / SSD up to 6 Gbps
• HDDs / SSDs up to 3 TB
• Supports 5 V HDD / SSD
LED indicator for power and access
Dimensions (LxWxH): ca. 13.2 x 8 x 1.3 cm