USB-C
USB Type-C
Standard: USB-IF Last updated: 2024-01-15
USB-C is the universal connector that isn't quite universal. The same physical connector supports wildly different capabilities depending on the cable, the port, and the protocol negotiated. This is both its greatest strength (one cable for everything) and its biggest source of confusion (which cable for what?).
Quick Specifications
Max Speed
80 Gbps
Max Power
240W
Pins
24
Reversible
Yes
⚠️ Common Confusion Points
- A USB-C cable does NOT guarantee fast charging or data transfer - capabilities depend on the cable's rating
- USB-C is just the connector shape. The protocol (USB 2.0, 3.2, USB4, Thunderbolt) determines actual capabilities
- Not all USB-C cables support video output - look for DisplayPort Alt Mode or Thunderbolt
- USB4 and Thunderbolt 4 use the same connector but Thunderbolt requires Intel certification
- A cheap USB-C cable may only support USB 2.0 (480 Mbps) even though it physically fits USB4 ports
- Cable length affects maximum speed - longer cables often mean slower speeds
- 240W charging requires USB PD 3.1 EPR cables specifically - older PD cables max out at 100W
Protocols & Versions
| Protocol | Data Rate | Power | Max Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| USB 2.0 (2.0) | 480 Mbps | 7.5W (USB BC 1.2) | 4m |
| USB 3.2 Gen 1 (3.2 Gen 1) | 5 Gbps | Up to 100W (USB PD) | 2m |
| USB 3.2 Gen 2 (3.2 Gen 2) | 10 Gbps | Up to 100W (USB PD) | 1m |
| USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (3.2 Gen 2x2) | 20 Gbps | Up to 100W (USB PD) | 1m |
| USB4 Gen 2x2 (USB4 20Gbps) | 20 Gbps | Up to 100W (USB PD 3.0) | 0.8m at 20Gbps |
| USB4 Gen 3x2 (USB4 40Gbps) | 40 Gbps | Up to 100W (USB PD 3.0) | 0.8m passive, 2m active |
| USB4 Version 2.0 (USB4 80Gbps) | 80 Gbps | Up to 240W (USB PD 3.1 EPR) | 1m |
| Thunderbolt 3 (3) | 40 Gbps | Up to 100W | 0.5m passive 40Gbps, 2m active |
| Thunderbolt 4 (4) | 40 Gbps | Up to 100W | 2m passive |
| Thunderbolt 5 (5) | 80 Gbps (120 Gbps with Bandwidth Boost) | Up to 240W (USB PD 3.1 EPR) | 1m passive at 80Gbps |
USB 2.0 Features
Cable requirements: Any USB-C cable
USB 3.2 Gen 1 Features
Cable requirements: USB 3.x rated cable
USB 3.2 Gen 2 Features
Cable requirements: USB 3.2 Gen 2 rated cable
USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Features
Cable requirements: USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 rated cable, USB-C to USB-C only
USB4 Gen 2x2 Features
Cable requirements: USB4 certified cable
USB4 Gen 3x2 Features
Cable requirements: USB4 40Gbps certified cable
USB4 Version 2.0 Features
Cable requirements: USB4 80Gbps certified cable
Thunderbolt 3 Features
Cable requirements: Thunderbolt 3 certified cable
Thunderbolt 4 Features
Cable requirements: Thunderbolt 4 certified cable (also works as USB4)
Thunderbolt 5 Features
Cable requirements: Thunderbolt 5 certified cable
Connector Specifications
- Shape
- rectangular
- Pins
- 24 (2 rows)
- Width × Height
- 8.4 × 2.6 mm
- Depth
- 6.65 mm
- Reversible
- Yes
- Pin Pitch
- 0.5 mm
Electrical Specifications
- Max Voltage
- 48V
- Max Current
- 5A
- Max Power
- 240W
- Impedance
- 90Ω differential (SuperSpeed)
Compatibility
Backwards Compatible With
- USB 3.x (with adapter)
- USB 2.0 (with adapter)
Forward Compatible With
- USB4
- Thunderbolt 4/5
Can Adapt To
- USB-A
- HDMI
- DisplayPort
- Ethernet
- SD card
Can Adapt From
- USB-A
- Micro USB
- Lightning (with adapter)
Common Uses
- Smartphones (Android)
- Laptops
- Tablets
- Nintendo Switch
- External SSDs
- Monitors
- Docking stations
- Chargers and power banks
Buying Guide
Look for USB-IF certification and check the cable's rated speed (Gen 1, Gen 2, etc.). For Thunderbolt, look for the lightning bolt logo. For high-power charging (over 60W), ensure the cable explicitly states its wattage rating. When in doubt, check for logos: USB trident for USB speeds, lightning bolt for Thunderbolt.
Also Known As
Data Sources
- USB-IF USB Type-C Specification
Retrieved: 2024-01-15
- USB-IF USB4 Specification
Retrieved: 2024-01-15
- Intel Thunderbolt Technology
Retrieved: 2024-01-15