USB Type C is one of the latest types of USB connector, and it has rapidly gained popularity. Part of the reason is because of its shape — it's symmetrical, unlike Micro-USB, but more importantly, it can handle significant amounts of data. Numerous smartphones, tablets and even laptops and computers are now compatible with the USB-C standard, and it's not just because of data. As a result, there are thousands of USB-C cables on the market.
USB-C Cables
The term USB-C refers to the shape of the connector. USB-C has a rectangular shape with circular ends, making it look symmetrical. However, not every USB-C cable is the same. Confusing the matter slightly is the fact that USB-C cables can have different speeds:
- USB 2.0: Can handle data speeds of up to 480 Mbps
- USB 3.1 Gen 1: Can handle speeds of up to 5 Gbps
- USB 3.1 Gen 2: Can handle speeds of up to 10 Gbps
- Thunderbolt 4: Can handle speeds of up to 40 Gbps
In addition, USB-C cables can handle power. At a bare minimum, they must carry at least 20V at 3A, for a total of 60W of input power. However, some cables are capable of carrying 20V at 5A, which results in more rapid charging speeds. Both types of cable are marked as Power Delivery cables. However, the more powerful cables have an E-Mark chip, which tells the device that they are capable of handling the additional power.
What Devices Are Compatible With USB Type C Cables?
Numerous devices are compatible with USB-C cables. Most flagship smartphones and tablets use the USB-C standard, with the exception of Apple, which still uses the Lightning connector for its iPhone and most of its iPad brands. A very large proportion of PCs and laptops manufactured in the last couple of years are compatible with USB Type C cables, with some utilizing them for power.
There are also signs that Apple might be converting: Various generations of iPad Pro now have USB-C ports, and that means they can use USB-C cables the charging. It may be a matter of time before Apple converts to this standard.
Who Is USB Type C Designed For?
USB-C is designed for everyone. It's an easy-to-use connector that just slots in, and it can be found on mice, keyboards and numerous other peripherals that require a removable connector. Those who need high-speed data transfer find it ideal for use with external hard drives and other external data storage devices — especially those with video footage or large datasets.
In addition, because it's quite a new standard, it's likely to remain compatible with a variety of devices is for years to come.
Innovative Designs from AZIO
The full range of products provided by AZIO Corporation utilizes the latest in USB Type C technology. By implementing this, we ensure our products will be able to operate efficiently for many years to come. We stock a wide range of computer accessories that combine the effectiveness of modern technology with the vintage aesthetics that we all know and love. When you're looking for USB Type C devices that stand out from the crowd, look no further than AZIO.