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.
Adafruit publishes a wide range of writing and video content, including interviews and reporting on the maker market and the wider technology world. Our standards page is intended as a guide to best practices that Adafruit uses, as well as an outline of the ethical standards Adafruit aspires to. While Adafruit is not an independent journalistic institution, Adafruit strives to be a fair, informative, and positive voice within the community – check it out here: adafruit.com/editorialstandards
Stop breadboarding and soldering – start making immediately! Adafruit’s Circuit Playground is jam-packed with LEDs, sensors, buttons, alligator clip pads and more. Build projects with Circuit Playground in a few minutes with the drag-and-drop MakeCode programming site, learn computer science using the CS Discoveries class on code.org, jump into CircuitPython to learn Python and hardware together, TinyGO, or even use the Arduino IDE. Circuit Playground Express is the newest and best Circuit Playground board, with support for CircuitPython, MakeCode, and Arduino. It has a powerful processor, 10 NeoPixels, mini speaker, InfraRed receive and transmit, two buttons, a switch, 14 alligator clip pads, and lots of sensors: capacitive touch, IR proximity, temperature, light, motion and sound. A whole wide world of electronics and coding is waiting for you, and it fits in the palm of your hand.
Have an amazing project to share? The Electronics Show and Tell is every Wednesday at 7pm ET! To join, head over to YouTube and check out the show’s live chat – we’ll post the link there.