Since the autumn of 2013, the updated USB 3.1 standard has adopted specifications, bringing us TYPE-C connectors. Compared with USB 3.0, the transmission power can reach up to 100W and the data transmission rate is reversed. However, it is worth noting that these three innovations are only twice the score of a new standard and can be applied together (then the device or cable will receive USB 3.1 certification) or separately. For example, technically speaking, within TYPE-C wires, you can organize at least USB 2.0 on four wires and two pairs of contacts.

USB 3.1, TYPE-C, and power supply

The new USB PD (Power Transfer) standard is responsible for transferring truly important power. According to regulations, for USB PD certification, devices and wires must be able to transmit current in both directions (between the host and the device) with up to 100 watts of power. Meanwhile, the transmission of electricity should not interfere with the transmission of data.

USB TYPE-C and backward compatibility

USB, as a standard, has strong post compatibility. Find an old 16MB flash drive that only supports USB 1.1, plug it into port 3.0, and start using it. Connect a modern hard drive to a USB 2.0 connector, and if it has enough power, everything will start up, but the speed will be limited. If that's not enough, there are special adapters available; They use the power circuit of another USB port. The speed will not increase, but the hard drive will work.

The situation with USB 3.1 and TYPE-C connectors is the same, with only one modification: the new connector is geometrically incompatible with the old connector. However, manufacturers have actively started producing TYPE-A<=>TYPE-C cables, as well as various adapters, adapters, and splitters.