USB-C

The “C” in the name refers to the shape of the connector not the protocol that is used for the data transfer. (This is the case for all USB “types” which makes things confusing.)

Multiple protocols can use the same connector for input/output. For instance Thunderbolt can transfer over USB-C but not every port that can fit a USB-C is a Thunderbolt port. The device’s internal hardware determines the protocols available.

The USB-C connector can serve all of the following protocols (from slowest to fastest):

  • USB 1.0 (12mb/s)
  • USB 2.0 (480Mb/s)
  • USB 3.0 (5Gb/s)
  • USB 3.1 (10Gb/s)
  • USB 3.2 (20Gb/s)
  • USB 4 (40Gb/s)
  • Thunderbolt (40Gb/s)

A USB-C connector is equipped to just charge a device as well as transfer data.

The world is converging (often due to legislation) on USB-C as the global standard. It can be one connector for all existing protocols and future protocols (for about 15 years). Its physical design an form factor can support future advancements whilst using the same connector.

Ultimately USB-C will be surpassed by more another yet more advanced connector and associated protocols but for the time being we can stop using the older models.

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