Underlying Support: Multiple Functions of USB-C

You may think of the old USB Type-A port as simply a data port for connecting peripheral devices such as a drive or mouse. However, USB-C, depending on the implementation of a specific port, can achieve more functions. One of the most useful skills of USB-C, when designed in this way, is to provide sufficient power to charge the host device, such as a laptop or smartphone. In fact, many lightweight laptops use the USB-C port instead of the traditional connector as the only option to connect to the AC adapter.

USB-C supports sending video signals and power simultaneously, which means you can connect to and power devices such as the local DisplayPort, MHL, or HDMI, or connect to any other device, provided you have a suitable adapter and cable. The USB-C specification even considers the factor of audio transmission through interfaces, but so far, it has not replaced the 3.5mm headphone jack on computers like it does on smartphones and tablets.

Be sure to check the specifications of any computer you want to buy, as not all USB-C ports are the same. So far, every one we have seen supports data transmission and power transmission of connected devices through USB-C (although it is not necessary to charge the host device). However, although the USB-C standard supports connecting DisplayPort and/or HDMI displays through adapters (via DisplayPort on the USB protocol), not every PC manufacturer connects these ports to the graphics hardware of each system. Some USB-C ports on the system may support video output connections, while other ports may not; Or not at all. So it's important to pay attention to details.

Thunderbolt 3: Achieve higher speeds on USB-C

Perhaps the most useful protocol supported by the USB-C port is Thunderbolt 3. This increases support for throughput up to 40Gbps while reducing power consumption and enabling the transmission of up to 100W of power through interfaces.

The USB-C port that supports Thunderbolt 3 means that you only need one cable to power and transmit a large amount of information (including video data from up to two 60Hz 4K monitors), and even transmit this information between complex devices such as computers, which many notebook computer manufacturers have already taken advantage of. Some models of Apple's MacBook Pro have four such interfaces, which is the most we have seen so far, and its expansion potential is greater than your previous USB version.

Now, just like using DisplayPort on USB-C, not every USB-C port has Thunderbolt 3 support. Check the Thunderbolt 3 label on a device's specification sheet or file. Some devices may have multiple USB-C ports, and only some devices support the Thunderbolt 3 specification.

The uncertainty of Thunderbolt will change with the upcoming USB4 standard. The USB 4 port supports Thunderbolt 3 speed by default, while maintaining backward compatibility with USB 3. Some new devices may have both USB 4 and USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 ports, both of which will use the physical connector shape of USB-C. However, mainstream devices with USB 4 ports have not yet been launched in the market.

Adapters and cables

The USB-C is electrically compatible with the old USB3.0 port. However, due to the new shape of the port, if you want to connect anything without a USB-C oval, you need an adapter or cable with a suitable plug.

Sometimes a new laptop comes with these; In other cases, you may need to purchase separately. For example, Apple sells various USB cables and adapters for connecting USB-C to other technologies such as Lightning or Ethernet. If you browse online retailers, you can also find various personal computers. Some even support older or more esoteric protocols to ensure that the devices you owned years ago can work on today's hardware. For example, it is easy to find the USB-C-to-DVI adapter, but we have also encountered some adapters that are divided into two RS-232 serial connections.

However, the good news is that if you purchase a pair of regular USB-C cables, they will be compatible with any generation of USB-C devices.

In addition, newer PC and Mac interfaces are now widely integrated with USB-C. Only one USB-C port is not a problem: you can find the USB-C docking solution from PC manufacturers such as Dell and HP, as well as third-party accessory manufacturers such as Belkin and OWC. These interfaces can charge your laptop, allow you to access additional ports (including Ethernet, HDMI, USB 3.0, and VGA), and add support for multiple monitors.

Do you need USB-C?

The availability of USB-C ports is increasingly becoming a consideration when purchasing a PC. If you purchase an ultra-thin laptop, it will almost certainly have at least one USB-C port, which will automatically bring you into the ecosystem. If you prefer a desktop computer, you will definitely find ports there, at least one on the I/O panel on the motherboard side, and possibly more on high-end and gaming consoles. Some desktop and after-sales computer cases also have one installed on the front panel.

Even if you don't need USB-C now, you will still need it soon. We have only scratched the surface of what the USB-C interface can do, but one thing is certain: the next generation of cross platform connectors is rapidly replacing old devices, just as the original USB standard replaced Apple Desktop Bus (ADB), FireWire, parallel, PS/2, SCSI, and serial ports on Mac and PC computers.

USB-C is indeed a port that can control all of these functions.