Michal Ždanský USB is by far the most widely used peripheral in the technological world. Its version 3.0 brought the desired higher transfer speed a few years ago, but the real evolution comes only with Type-C, the version of USB that started to be talked about intensively this year.
At the CES fair, we could see Type-C in action, however, the discussion about the connector started especially in connection with the allegedly prepared revision of the 12-inch MacBook Air, which should rely heavily on the connector. The rumor about a single connector in the MacBook is very controversial and the exclusive use of a single port does not make any sense within the laptop, but the connector itself is nevertheless very interesting.
It combines some of the advantages of the connectors used exclusively by Apple - Lightning and Thunderbolt. At the same time, it is intended for all manufacturers of consumer electronics, and we will probably meet Type-C very often in the near future, because it will probably replace a large part of existing peripherals.
The Type-C standard was only finalized in the second half of last year, so its implementation will take some time, but it would not be surprising if Apple was one of the pioneers and deployed the new USB standard in the upcoming MacBook Air. After all, it already strongly supports its development. Type-C is primarily a double-sided connector, just like Lightning, so unlike previous generations of USB, it does not require correct-side connection.
The connector has a total of 24 pins, 15 more than USB 3.0. The extra pins will find their use, as USB Type-C capabilities extend far beyond data transfer. Type-C, among other things, can completely provide power for the notebook, it will ensure the transfer of current up to 5 A at voltages of 5, 12 or 20 V with a maximum power of 100 W. This connector will cover the demands of practically the entire range of MacBooks (the highest required power of MacBooks is 60 85W).
Another very interesting feature is the so-called alternative mode. Type-C uses four pairs of lines, each of which can carry a different type of signal. In addition to fast data transfer, DisplayPort is also offered, the support of which has already been officially announced. In theory, it will thus be possible to connect a docking station to one USB Type-C port, which will enable the transmission of a digital video signal with a resolution of at least 4K and will also serve as a USB hub for external drives or other peripherals.
The same is practically currently offered by Thunderbolt, which can simultaneously transmit a video signal and fast data. In terms of speed, USB Type-C still lags behind Thunderbolt. The transfer speed should be between 5-10 Gbps, i.e. below the level of the first generation of Thunderbolt. In contrast, the current Thunderbolt 2 already offers 20 Gbps, and the next generation should double the transfer speed.
Another advantage of Type-C is its small dimensions (8,4 mm × 2,6 mm), thanks to which the connector could easily find its way not only into ultrabooks, but also into mobile devices, tablets and smartphones, where it would replace dominant microUSB connector. After all, at CES it was possible to meet him in the Nokia N1 tablet. Due to the double-sided design and the ability to transmit high-resolution video, Type-C theoretically surpasses the Lightning connector in every way, but no one probably expects Apple to give up its proprietary solution in favor of USB, although it will be difficult to find a justification for using Lightning.
Either way, we may start seeing USB Type-C this year, and given its potential, it has a great chance of replacing all current connectors, including video outputs. Although there will be an unpleasant transition period of several years, which will be marked by reductions, the new USB standard represents the future of peripherals, for which a few chips will fly.
The highest required power for a macbook is 85w... That's what my 15ctka has :-)
"It combines some of the advantages of the connectors used exclusively by Apple - Lightning and Thunderbolt." - Thunderbolt is not used exclusively by Apple...
Can someone please explain to me why everyone hasn't been using Thunderbolt for a long time, which is obviously 5 years older than any USB? My Macbook Air has USB 2, it's been a year since then, and USB C, which is yet to be, is still slower than Thunderbolt, which is used for my laptop with USB 2. I don't understand..
well, probably because thunderbolt is exclusively a data carrier. where usb c will also carry the power supply. you can't charge anything with thnuderbolt.
I really hope that usb c will be widely expanded like the microusb drive. because, unfortunately, there is incompatibility of chargers, etc. it would take at least 15 years not to invent another new connector, just to improve usb c, which seems to be simply ideal.
This is nonsense, in 15 years usb c will be a prehistorically slow legend that will only be talked about in jokes ;-). However, it might be possible to establish some kind of standard for the cable, if they finally copied it from Apple and it is double-sided :-).
Well, that's how I thought about it, as you stated. to simply have one standard for all manufacturers and all devices (mobile devices – ntb mobile watch, etc., because it would be difficult to power an 800W power supply in a desktop PC).
it would be great to have an external drive connected with one cable, a second or a third screen and still charge it.
if I'm not mistaken, that's not true, they are portable disks via thunderbolt, which do not need to be charged otherwise, so thunderbolt must be charged..
Well, probably like usb 2.0 or 3.0. It can handle some small peripherals, but not the 85w macbook pro. What should be solved by usb c, which should also charge 60w airs. (I need the 85w)
But I was wondering why Thunderbolt didn't replace USB a long time ago.. USB still can't charge laptops either. Even USB 3.0 couldn't do what you're writing about.
The answer is the same as it was with FireWire - price.
and who has the patent for "type C" .. and how much they charge for use, that could probably be the biggest brake on massive deployment ..