USB Type-C: the new frontier of cable connectivity

Often when we think of USB technology we are convinced that it is a unique standard but it is a "false belief". Of USB connectorsin fact, there are three types: USB-A, USB micro-B and USB-C. For several years now, these connectors have been used to connect different devices to each other. Let's think, for example, of computers and smartphones that, thanks to these cables, can be connected immediately and without having to turn them off.

THEUSB Type-C offers very important advantages in terms of usability, thanks to the reversible design. But the benefits are also in terms of performance, with higher data rates and current ranges. However, care must be taken, as not all USB-C ports are the same and not all USB type C cables that we find on the market work the same way.

USB Type-C: the issues to keep in mind

When you want proceed with the purchase of a USB-C connector, we must remember that a cable that we connect to the device will not be just a cable. In short, if you accidentally insert a cable that is not compatible with the USB Type-C port, you could end up with the device out of order.

Another problem is the diversity of the ports on our devices, even if at first glance they may appear to be Type C. With USB-A it was easier, as anything that was plugged into the USB port worked. With USB Type-C, adapters and cables may not support all the features offered by the device.

The various problems are also added to the experiments of various manufacturers, such as that concerning Thunderbolt 3. Born from the collaboration between Intel and Apple, Thunderbolt 3 is capable of offering a transfer speed of 40 gigabits per second, despite using the same connector of a normal USB-C cable. The Thunderbolt 3 standard, however, only works with compatible cables.

So the main difference between the old USB-A and the USB-C is in the compatibility. While USB-A was practically universal and could connect to any cable, with USB-C, and the arrival of many new features, each manufacturer made specific cables for the ports of their devices.

What if you buy a device that only has USB Type-C ports? It is always possible to replace the cables of smartphones and various devices by purchasing compatible ones. Or you can opt for a cheaper solution, namely the purchase of adapters.

USB Type-C cables: be careful when purchasing

According to the experiences that run on the web, some users after purchasing certain USB Type-C cables, they found themselves with damaged devices. The problem seems to be that i poorly made cables they do not modulate the amount of current flowing from one device to another. There is therefore the risk of creating irreversible damage, if not by resorting to assistance.

There is not much clarity on USB Type-C, but the giants Google and Apple have organized the "USB Implementers Forum”To ensure the safety of these accessories. The forum provides modus operandi and certifications, complete with logos, for USB devices.

Another way to be sure is to useaccount Amazon di Benson Leung, engineer employed at Google. Leung opened the account to test the safety of the cables offered on the shop and review them in an exhaustive manner.

For now the only way to be relatively sure of a USB Type-C cable is not to resort to the cheaper solutions. Recommended rely on original accessories or, in the case of new purchases, the experiences of other users.