USB Type-C interface features or specifications
This page describes USB Type-C interface specifications/features. It mentions pin diagram of USB Type-C receptacle and pin diagram of USB Type-C plug.
As we know USB interface is one of the widely used interfaces in the world. It has replaced many serial and parallel interfaces on the devices and circuits. Apple and Google have taken initiative to incorporate USB Type-C specification based connectors and cables on most of the devices.
• The USB Type-C design of connectors and cables mentioned here is used in USB revision 3.1 .
• It supports data speed of 10Gbps.
• It supports max. power output of 20V/5A.
• Power direction is bi-directional.
• It is used in tablets, smartphones, laptops etc.
• It supports USB 2.0 LS/FS/HS capabilities.
• It supports EMI/RFI mitigation functionalities.
USB Type-C features are mainly targeted for compact power hungry smartphone devices. This specification is managed by other specification known as USB PD (Power Delivery) specification. USB PD manages power and functionalities over USB Type-C connectors and cables.
USB Type-C interface can be classified into following two types:
• USB Type-C Receptacle
• USB Type-C Plug
USB Type-C Receptacle pin diagram

Figure-1 depicts USB Type-C Receptacle pins. Following table-1 describes signals shown on USB Type-C receptacle pins.
PIN | (Signal Name), Description | PIN | (Signal Name), Description |
---|---|---|---|
A1 | (GND), Ground Return | B12 | (GND), Ground Return |
A2 | (SSTXp1), Positive Half of first superspeed Tx differential pair | B11 | (SSRXp1), Positive Half of first superspeed Rx differential pair |
A3 | (SSTXn1), Negative half of first superspeed Tx differential pair | B10 | (SSRXn1), Negative half of first superspeed Rx differential pair |
A4 | (VBUS), Bus power | B9 | (VBUS), Bus Power |
A5 | (CC1), Configuration Channel | B8 | (SBU2), Sideband Use |
A6 | (Dp1), Positive Half of the USB 2.0 Differential Pair-Position-1 | B7 | (Dn2), Negative Half of the USB 2.0 Differential Pair-Position-2 |
A7 | (Dn1), Negative Half of the USB 2.0 Differential Pair-Position-1 | B6 | (Dp2), Positive Half of the USB 2.0 Differential Pair-Position-2 |
A8 | (SBU1), SideBand Use | B5 | (CC2), Configuration Channel |
A9 | (VBUS), Bus Power | B4 | (VBUS), Bus Power |
A10 | (SSRXn2), Negative Half of second superspeed Rx differential pair | B3 | (SSTXn2), Negative Half of second superspeed Tx differential pair |
A11 | (SSRXp2), Positive Half of second superspeed Rx differential pair | B2 | (SSTXp2), Positive Half of second superspeed Tx differential pair |
A12 | (GND), Ground Return | B1 | (GND), Ground Return |
USB PD specification uses BFSK on VBUS pins. It uses BMC protocol on CC signal line. USB PD ver 2.0 defines these functionalities. It also defines protocol which negotiates high power with port partner. It also mentions other functionalities such as displayport, MHL over USB Type-C signals.
USB Type-C devices are classified into either of following categories:
• USB Type-C Device : This standalone device supports upto 5V/3A.
• USB Type-C Device with PD capabilities: This device supports 20V/5A operations as well as
multiple interfaces using other alternate modes.
USB Type-C Plug pin diagram

Figure-2 depicts USB Type-C Plug pins.
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