USB 3.1 makes USB Type-C a reality

February 01, 2023

Multi-Port Type-C Charger / Desktop Usb Charging Station / Usb Charger Station

In the electronics industry, USB Type-C exists in the minds of every system designer. This interface combines data, power, and video into a single connector interface. It gives designers a real chance of not using a cylindrical power jack connector in a brand new platform. USB Type-C supports USB 2.0 and USB 3.1 and offers alternate (Alt) mode options, such as DisplayPort for video. The USB Type-C introduces an inherent power supply of 15W and an enhanced power supply of up to 100W when adding USB power transfer (USB PD). This interface introduces a smaller, thinner, and more robust socket that can support data rates up to 20Gbps. This cable supports two-way and two-sided flipping, and can be connected to one host or one client device in either direction. System designers are thinking about how to provide these desirable features and flexibility to users.

So what does the new notebook platform look like? Some system designers will have the option of including only one full-featured Type-C port and USB-PD for enhanced power. This super port will support Alt mode video. In order to save costs and reduce complexity, a designer may want to use other ports to provide simplified features, such as the 15W inherent Type-C power supply, and USB data support.

A major consideration is to replace the previous USB port with a USB Type-C while minimizing the impact on existing platforms. This article outlines how to convert a USB 3.0 legacy port to a USB 3.1 Type-C port with minimal changes.

Type-C USB 3.1 implementation
The USB Type-C is the same connector on both ends - the same socket on the host and client devices, the same plug on both ends of the cable. Figure 1 shows a USB Type-C socket pin diagram. It should be noted that the 24-pin interface uses a symmetrical arrangement, which makes cable flipping more convenient.

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