Designing with USB-C: Lessons Learned

USB-C solved all those problems the previous USB connectors suffered from:

  • Now get up to 5V@3A with a very simple detection mechanism that just requires 2 ADC pins, or 1 with a bit of additional hardware. No complicated multiplexing needed because they are not on data pins. For higher voltage/current, one can get up to 20V@5A with the new Type C Power Delivery standard though that is more complicated. Best of all, this is all standardised. Nothing is proprietary, and all USB-C devices support these (ok, maybe that’s optimistic… let’s just say all devices from reputable manufacturers do).
  • One connector rules them all – USB 1.1/2.0, 3.0/3.1/3.2, 4.0, even DP, HDMI, audio, and a few other things.
  • One cable rules them all – C to C is all that is needed (ok that’s a lie, there are actually two types of cables, one basic type for up to USB 2.0 @ 3A, and a fancier type that self-identifies their capabilities). Roles are determined electrically, not using connectors.

Matthew at Dubious Creations shares lessons learned using and designing with USB-C. See all of the tips in the post here.


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