USB Type C and Power Delivery - GoARKS/USB-C-thru GitHub Wiki

USB has come a long way since the release of USB 1.0 in 1996. As shown above, the connector has gone through its share of releases. The latest USB Type-C is revolutionizing the market, with a set of all-inclusive and very useful features.

  • Delivers a throughput of 10Gbps

  • Provides up to 20V of power

  • Provides a plug and receptacle in a small form factor

  • Supports multiple standards like USB 2.0, 3.0, 3.1, Thunderbolt, Display Port, and MHL through alternate mode

  • Allows for reversible plug orientation and cable direction

  • Allows for role swap between host and device

  • Allows for bidirectional power supply

  • Provides for an optimized power supply

USB Type-C aims to bring in a universal connector for multiple interfaces. USB Type-C is governed by two important specifications, namely the "Universal Serial Bus Type-C Cable and Connector Specification Revision 1.1" and the "Universal Serial Bus Power Delivery Specification Revision 2.0".

USB Type-C

The USB Type-C Cable and Connector specification covers the mechanical, assembly and connection detection and configuration part of the USB Type-C ecosystem. The USB Type-C interface on a host or on a device is generally a receptacle connector. USB Type-C plug interface is a connector that is present in a cable or a device like mouse or a flash drive. The 24-pin double-sided connector is similar in size to the Micro-B USB connector, with a type-C port measuring 8.4 mm (0.33 in) by 2.6 mm (0.10 in).

USB Power Delivery

The USB Power Delivery revision 2.0 specification was released as part of the USB 3.1 suite. It covers the Type-C cable and connector with four power/ground pairs and a separate configuration channel, which now hosts a DC coupled low-frequency BMC-coded data channel that reduces the possibilities for RF interference. Power Delivery protocols have been updated to facilitate Type-C features such as cable ID function, Alternate Mode, increased VBUS currents, and VCONN-powered accessories.

So USB Type-C covers the connection and configuration of the of the Device and the Host. Power delivery establishes a contract between the Host and the Device which includes negotiation of power, identification of roles and setting a mode (USB 2.0, 3.0, 3.1, Thunderbolt, Display Port or MHL).

USB Type-C Signals

Configuration Channel Pins

CC1/CC2/CC*‚ The Configuration Channel signal or the CC signal is used to detect connection, orientation and also configure the devices into their operating modes. Based on the connection orientation, one of the CC line acts as VConn Signal to provide power to the other end.

Power Pins

VBUS‚ VBUS pins are for USB bus power and can carry up to 20V/5A and are available only after connection detection. VCONN ‚VCONN pin is used to provide power to the attached plug and is applied via the unused CC pin based on connection orientation.

Auxiliary Pins

SBU1/SBU2‚ The Side Band Use pins are provided for adding additional functionality either through the future USB specification or during Alternate Mode functionality or as Audio Accessory.

USB 2.0 Pins

DP/DM‚ The D+ and D- pins are used to support USB 2.0 in all three modes of Low Speed, Full Speed and High Speed. These pins are provided as pairs in a receptacle to support plug-flipping feature and is shorted in the plug connector.

Super Speed Pins

RXn+/RXn-, TXn+/TXn, These lines are used to implement the Rx and Tx of USB 3.1 super speed interface. These signal lines are shared by other interfaces when in alternate modes.