9 Different Versions of USB Type-C Are Coming, Know Them to Avoid Confusion

Future belongs to the USB Type-C standard as it fulfills the promise of a single connector platform and fulfills the true ideology behind the original USB. But, there are as much as nine different implementations of USB Type-C. Read more to know about them and which one to buy to avoid the confusion.

The USB ports are something that should be put in list of the best inventions in the computing world as it is a lifesaver feature. However, the advent of USB Type-C is something that was long awaited. Slowly and gradually the PC manufacturers, chip makers, mobile devices and other players have started supporting the USB-C receptacles. 

But, not all USB Type-C ports are equal and each of them has their own use and importance. KitGuru has written an informative piece about the same showing all 9 types of USB Type-C ports. These nine different implementations of USB Type-C come with different functionalities. One of these, the new USB 3.1 specification introduces new reversible 24-pin USB type receptacle.

The USB Type-C brings new features, along with retaining the compatibility with the older USB standards. The main motive behind the USB Type-C and USB 3.1 is bring higher performance, improved power delivery, vendor-specific capabilities, and universal connectivity. Take a look at the nine different types of USB Type-C:

The USB 3.1 not only increases the data signing speeds to 10Gb/s, but it also brings the advantage of 128b/132b encoding schemes. Also, USB Type-C and USB 3.1 allow IHVs (independent hardware vendors) to bring their own functions to products.

USB Type-C receptacle could be used with any USB 2.0, USB 3.0, USB 3.1 and Thunderbolt 3 controller. This will allow the vendors to implement the Type-C standards to all range of devices consuming different power. So, different devices with same USB Type-C connector will support different data transfer rates of 480Mb/s, 5Gb/s or 10Gb/s.

Right now, the only fully supported implementation of the USB 3.1 Type-C can be made using Intel Alpine Ridge controller, which also supports Intel’s crazy powerhouse Thunderbolt 3. 

Apart from different types of ports, there are multiple varieties of USB Type-C cables as well. To show this complex situation, below is the list of legacy cable assemblies and adapters. Take a look:

These different situations are messy and could cause a great confusion in the minds of the buyers. As mentioned earlier, at the moment, the only perfect way to own a device with a USB 3.1 Type-C port is to buy a product that supports Intel’s Thunderbolt 3. If your new device fulfills this requirement, you are going to get a great performance experience as this port does every imaginable task.

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