A small note on the USB Type-C
We have been using USB interface on our mobiles, personal computers, tablets and other measurement devices like oscilloscopes for sometime now. We are aware of the difficulties of plugging in the USB practically. You always plug-in one way, it doesn't fit in and then goes the other way. What about having a USB connector which can be plugged in either way on the same lines as Apple’s Lightning connector? That is what USB type-C differentiates from previous versions of the connectors. Apple was the first vendor to incorporate USB Type-C.
Few important points on USB Type C:
USB Type C is not a standard but a type of connector
24-pin connector
Availability of USB2.0, USB3.1 in single connector (super speed and high speed)
Option for two pairs of USB2.0 with one pair connected
Option for two pairs of USB3.1 with one pair connected
power of 5V available
Dimensions of 8.6mmx2.6mm
Option for current delivery of 1.5A and 2.0A @5V, USB 3.1 can offer 5000mA and up to 100W of power.
Type C has USB3.1 but backward compatible with USB3.0
USB3.1 can support upto 10Gbps data transfer speed
Where does USB Type C help for electronics manufacturers as well as customers?
The audio jack could be avoided by using charging, data and audio on the same connector. This makes the life of hardware and layout engineer more tough. This also helps mobile phones, tablets to look more sleek as audio jack can be removed.
As the power that can be transferred is up to 100W, a single connector can suffice power, data requirements.
The USB Type C supports Thunderbolt, Display port option as well.
What are the challenges in USB Type C designs?
Handling the 10Gps data rate. This requires careful PCB routing
For a firmware engineer, writing driver for the USB Type C
For a test engineer, Understanding the USB specifications to come up with the pass criteria
Finding the right test equipment
Passing the USB Type C complianc tests
Designing test zigs which help to test the USB Type C for compliance
Understanding the termination requirements and performing simulation
What are the advantages of USB Type C connector?
No need of separate connector for host and device. so, the hassles of Type A and Type B USB are eliminated
Both USB2.0 and USB3.0 are available in the same connector
Can be connected in reverse direction as well
We till now know that USB host can charge the peripheral device. Now with USB Type C, even peripheral can charge back the Host if required.
How to use USB Type C if my electronics accesory doesn't support?
Adaptors are available to convert other types of USB converters to Type C
Links below for few devices:
http://www.amazon.in/Eatech-Female-Adapter-Connector-Converter/dp/B01LCVOY8E?tag=googinhydr18418-21&tag=googinkenshoo-21&ascsubtag=6899b20c-649e-426a-b611-b1fccef2e827
Where is USB-C seen these days?
In Macbook from APPLE
In HTC 10 (3.1, Type-C 1.0 reversible connector) mobile phone
LG G5 mobile phone (3.0, Type-C 1.0 reversible connector, USB On-The-Go)
Galaxy Note 7 phone
Google Pixel phone
OnePlus 2
Nexus 6P
Nexus 5X
What all oscilloscopes have the USB Type C compliance package?
Oscilloscopes have a test packages integrated into them which helps designers and test engineers to test the given interfaces for compliance. Similarly various oscilloscope vendors have integrated USB Type C compliance. The automated test package is so easy to test that even the test engineer need not understand the actual USB Type C specifications. These oscilloscopes help to validate the physical layer specifications of the interface. Some of the equipment which has testing capabilities are,
Textronix BERTScope series
Textronix MSO7000 series
N8840A USB Power Delivery Electrical and Protocol Compliance Test Software from Keysight technologies
Infiniium Z-Series Oscilloscopes from KeySight
GRL-USB-PD analysis software from GRL controls the test equipment
R&S®RTE1034 from Rohde & Schwarz
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