Is USB Type-C necessary in laptop?

In this article, I will explain in detail what USB Type C is and what the benefits of USB Type C are. Let's get started right away:

USB Type C
Benefits of USB Type C

USB [Universal Serial Bus] is a communication interface that allows devices from computing and charging applications to communicate with one another. There are various types of USB connectors. USB Type-A, USB Type B, and USB Type C are a few examples. Among these, USB Type C is the most common in today's devices.

USB Type C

USB-C [or USB Type C] is a 24 pin USB connector that is the successor to USB Type B and USB Type A connectors. It was first released in August 2014 by USB-IF [USB Implementer Forum]. It has a promising future and will eventually replace all previous USB cables.

It is heavily used in various applications like

Desktop Pc /Server
Smartphone
Tablets
Mobile
TV
Monitor
PowerBank
Mobile
Docking Station
Mobile HDD
Wall Output
Printers
Camera
Scanners
A/V switches etc...

There are lots of other devices still using USB Type B and USB Type C but it's 100% sure that USB Type C take over all devices in the future.

Benefits of USB Type C

USB Type C has many advantages over USB Type-A and USB Type and they are as follows :

1 Reversible

The USB plug is reversible, which is one of the most significant improvements in USB Type C. There is no USB cable that has only USB Type-A on both ends or only USB Type B on both ends. However, there is a USB Type C cable with a USB Type C connector on both ends, which eliminates the need to look at the USB Type C cable for connection. This enables USB Type C to connect to devices much faster and more conveniently than previous USB Connector designs.

fig. USB Type C connectors on both ends, and can be reversible

fig. USB Type-A and USB Type B connector cable, are not reversible

Kind of USB Type C cable.

USB Type C connector on both ends.
USB Type-A and USB Type C connector

2 Symmetrical

The USB Type C connector is symmetrical with round edges and can be plugged in, either way, i.e. you can connect to the USB Type C port by turning the USB Type C connector upside down. This allows for faster device connection than previous USB Type-A and USB Type B ports.

fig. devices and required power [source: keysight technologies]

FYI: OnePlus is the first mobile company to adopt a USB Type C port in smartphones.

The flow of power is bidirectional in USB Type C, whereas it is one direction only in the previous version, which has less power than USB Type C.

5 Durable

USB Type C is said to have a longer lifetime than USB Types A and B. USB Type-A is designed to withstand at least 1500 times of insertion and removal. USB Type C is designed to withstand 10000 insertion and removal cycles.

Also, in USB Type B and USB Type-A, a leaf-spring is located in the device's [laptop/monitor/tablet] jack, and when you connect and disconnect the USB cable from the port, more USB Type ports of expensive devices are stressed. As a result, the USB port will become a problem, but in USB Type C, the leaf-spring is located in the USB cable, and the USB cable bears more stress rather than the USB port in the devices. As a result, the less expensive cable will fail rather than the more expensive components such as laptops and smartphones.

fig. unplugging usb cable.

6 Size

USB Type C side with smaller in height and width than USB Type-A and USB Type B connector.

Height and Width of USB Type C Standard is 8.25 mm * 2.4 mm.
Height and Width of USB TYpe A Standard is 12mm * 4.5mm
Height and Width of USB TYpe B Standard is 8.45mm * 7.26mm [source]

fig. USB Type C Receptacle

USB Type C helps in making USB ports cleaner in laptops and smartphones.USB Type C is slim enough for smartphones.

7 EMI and RFI

Improved EMI [Electromagnetic interference] and RFI[radio frequency interference] mitigation features are present in the USB Type C standard. It has proper protection against EMI and RFI.

So there is less chance of electrical failure in USB type c components also less electrical disturbance within the radio frequency spectrum

8 Support

Widely supported by large tech laptops and smartphone manufacturers like Apple, Dell, Samsung, Asus, Hp, and many more, etc.It is universally supported and accepted.

As USB Type C is developed by USB Implementer Forum. In this group, there are over 700 companies including Dell, Samsung, Asus, Hp, Microsoft, etc.

Example: Scandisk also has a 32 GB flash drive with USB Type C, Nokia N1 tablet also has a Type C connector, In its upcoming generation of Thunderbolt, Intel has included a USB C port.

9 Compatibility

USB Type C was originally intended to be a universal solution. In a different configuration, USB Type C can be used to implement third-party interfaces. With the help of an adapter, USB Type C can use alternate modes for compatibility with connectors such as HDMI, Display Port, MHL, and even D-Sub [VGA]. DisplayPort Alternate Mode is supported by USB Type C. USB-C cables can deliver Ultra-HD 4K video resolution to USB-C and HDMI monitors.

10 Safer and Secure

The USB-IF[USB Implementers Forum] has announced the launch of a USB Type-C authentication program to protect against non-compliant USB chargers and USB malware threats by implementing this program at the hardware level.

If your phone detects a suspicious USB type-c cable plugged in, it will interrupt the flow of current and data to the phone. If everything is in order, only current will begin to flow and the connection will be established.

Similarly, authentication could keep malicious USB drives out of your laptop. If a non-signature USB device is discovered, your laptop will not allow the connection.

Many brands are working to become USB-IF certified. Belkin USB-C Cables Are of one the USB-IF Certified. This means Belkin USB-C cables meet all electrical, mechanical, and environmental standards, ensuring an optimal user experience.

11 Manufacturer Independent Port

USB-C charger is common among modern phones, tablets, and even laptops [almost all Apple's Laptops]. So, we do not have to rely on the manufacturer charger as the only source of the safe charger. We can use other manufacturer chargers as well. So, if you have two laptops of different brands then you can charge them with the same cable.

12 Compliance with Thunderbolt3

Intel's Thunderbolt3 specification is electrically compatible with the USB C port.

Independence

USB Type C is found in almost all devices. It is not required to use the USB Type C cable charger of that specific device. It is also possible to use a charger from a different manufacturer. If both laptops have USB Type C, then any USB Type C charger will work.

Also read: What is USB upstream/downstream port on the monitor ?

Conclusion:

Because of all the above advantages, USB Type C can be the future of USB Connector.

FAQ:

Why do people love USB - C?

Ans: In short, because of its speeds, smaller size, compact, reversible, high power deliverable, and durability.

Are all USB-C cables the same?

Ans: All USB -C cables are not the same. Some USB Type C cables support 480 Mbps,5 Gbps, 10 Gbps, etc.

Does Apple use USB C ?

Ans: Apple laptops have USB-C charging ports, but iPhones still have USB-A charging ports. Android phones have already begun to use the USB-C port for charging, and it is hoped that the iPhone will follow suit. As a result, this USB C port will be nearly universal.

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