USB Speeds and Capabilities
Q: What is USB 4.0?
A: USB4 is the latest generation of USB specification which can meet transmission speeds of up to 40Gbps max providing significantly faster transfer speeds as compared to USB 3.0, 20Gbps and USB 2.0, 5Gbps. USB4 is compatible with USB 3.x/2.0 and Thunderbolt 3 and supports display functionality.
Q: What is the difference between USB-A vs. USB-C?
A: Opening shape of USB-C is different from USB-A. USB-C is smaller with a reversible connector design that allows for easier connection. USB-A is bigger and has to mate right side up because of its rectangular, horizontal shape with the bottom portion dedicated to pin connectors. This creates a one-sided USB connection that only works when the connector is mated correctly. USB-C transmits faster data speeds up to 100W at 20V and USB-A has a maximum speed of 12Mbps (megabits per second)
Q: Will a Micro-USB charger work with a USB Type-C port?
A: No, Micro-USB and USB type-C are not compatible to each other due to the differences in the size and shape of the Micro-USB and USB Type-C connectors.
Q: Is it possible to add a USB Type-C port to a USB 3.0 port?
A: USB 3.0 is a version of USB spec that defines data transmission speed, charging power etc. parameters. USB Type-C is a kind of USB connector structure type, that can perform multiple versions of USB spec. (e.g. USB-C (USB 2.0), USB-C (USB 3.1), USB-C (3.2)
Q: What are the advantages of a USB Type-C connector?
A: USB-C can support 100W MAX charging power and 40Gbps MAX transmission speed with a reversible connector design that allows for easier connection.
Q: Is Thunderbolt 3 the same as USB Type-C?
A: Thunderbolt 3 and USB Type-C use the same type of connector. However, Thunderbolt 3 can transfer data up to 40 Gbps as compared to USB Type-C’s performance of transferring data up to 20 Gpbs. If a USB type-C connector can support Thunderbolt 3, it will be marked with a “thunderbolt” on the connector.
Q: What is the fastest USB data connection available?
A: The fastest USB data connection available on the market is USB4 with data transfer speeds of 40 Gbps. TE plans to offer USB4 very soon. TE’s fastest USB connection is USB Type-C transmitting data speeds up to 100W at 20V
Q: What USB connector allows for reversible insertion?
A: USB Type-C connector allows for reversible insertion.
Q: What is special about TE's USB Type-C receptacles?
A: TE's USB Type-C receptacles provide high quality performance especially in harsh environment with IPX8 water proof level. TE has proprietary technology of water proof design to ensure long waterproof durability and 10000 mating cycles. The distinctive design on the back of the receptacle shell provides industry leading EMI performance while the enhanced board retention features provide added durability for applications with demanding mating cycles. TE's receptacles also offer one of the smallest dual row SMT footprints, saving valuable board real-estate.
Q: Does TE offer a water-resistant version of USB Type-C?
A: Yes, TE offers IPX4 and IPX8 water-proof versions of USB Type-C.
Q: What types and options should be considered when designing for micro USB 2.0?
A: Learn more about micro USB versatility in this brief overview.
Q: Looking for an efficient interconnect with speeds up to 5 Gbps?
A: TE Connectivity’s offering of USB 3.0 provides 5 Gbps data rates for 10x performance over USB 2.0.
Q:What are the primary applications for USB?
A: The primary applications are the consumer products that we are all most familiar with including small/home appliances, smart phones, PCs and ultraportables, wearables, gaming devices, and other mobile devices.
Q: What are the advantages of the micro USB connectors with integrated ESD protection?
A: There are several advantages: enhanced reliability due to the fact that the ESD impact is diverted at the connector; reduction of component count leads to board space saving, assembly cost, and also logistic cost of quality; integrated ESD protection provides engineers with design freedom to place the connector almost anywhere on the device; and reduced cross talk leads to optimized performance for USB 2.0 connectors (high speed beyond current 480 Mbps).
