Term of the Moment
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Redirected from: Type C
Definition: USB Type C
The latest USB connector. Introduced in 2014, Type C was designed to replace all previous USB plugs and sockets. Within a year, Android phones began to support USB C, and starting in 2015, Apple began to replace its proprietary Lightning interface with USB-C. See USB and Lightning connector.
Video and Bi-Directional
Type C supports HDMI and DisplayPort video as well as MHL, which enables mobile devices to plug into a TV, monitor or projector. For example, MHL may be able to connect to a display and charge the device at the same time. See HDMI, MHL and DisplayPort.
More Speed and Power
Type C supports USB 3.2 at 20 Gbps and power up to 20 volts/5 amps. See USB 3.2 and USB Power Delivery.
Beware Non-Compliant A-to-C Cables
USB Type C can draw more current than early Type A ports deliver. Therefore, if Type C devices are connected to older Type A ports, the cable must be designed with a 56K Ohm resistor to prevent damage.
Type C Is Reversible
Easy to Spot
USB-C Is Replacing Micro USB
Rather Innocuous
The Mess
Use A or C
Conversion to Type C
What Were They Thinking?
A Different Type A and C in Europe
Video and Bi-Directional
Type C supports HDMI and DisplayPort video as well as MHL, which enables mobile devices to plug into a TV, monitor or projector. For example, MHL may be able to connect to a display and charge the device at the same time. See HDMI, MHL and DisplayPort.
More Speed and Power
Type C supports USB 3.2 at 20 Gbps and power up to 20 volts/5 amps. See USB 3.2 and USB Power Delivery.
Beware Non-Compliant A-to-C Cables
USB Type C can draw more current than early Type A ports deliver. Therefore, if Type C devices are connected to older Type A ports, the cable must be designed with a 56K Ohm resistor to prevent damage.
Type C (right) plugs into the socket in either direction. Type A does not. See reversible plug.
USB Type C ports are easy to detect as is evident on these two Samsung Galaxy smartphones.
Type C has replaced the Micro USB interface, especially on high-end products.
USB Type C sockets are identified by their rounded sides, such as this one on a pair of Meta Quest VR goggles. See Meta Quest.
Type C was designed to replace this mess and has pretty much done so on new devices, although some cheaply made products still use Micro USB. Printers continue to use USB B, and USB C-to-B cables are available; however, many people prefer to use Wi-Fi. See USB Type B.
Kingston's microDuo USB flash drive plugs into Type A and C. (Image courtesy of Kingston Technology Corporation.)
As soon as Type C debuted, conversion cables came to market.
Adopting Type C all the way has brought many new laptops on the market without a single Type A port. To plug in the countless USB drives we have, a C-to-A adapter is required.
The standard electrical outlet in Europe is Type C and has nothing to do with USB. (Image courtesy of Recreational Equipment, Inc.)