Terminology » Other Wireless » USB Type-C: Features, Specifications, and Pin Diagrams

USB Type-C: Features, Specifications, and Pin Diagrams

usb type-c interface connector power delivery data transfer

This article outlines the features and specifications of the USB Type-C interface, including the pin diagrams for both the receptacle and plug. USB has become a ubiquitous interface, replacing older serial and parallel connections in numerous devices. Major players like Apple and Google have embraced USB Type-C connectors and cables in many of their products.

  • The USB Type-C design, as discussed here, aligns with USB revision 3.1.
  • It boasts a data transfer speed of up to 10Gbps.
  • It can handle a maximum power output of 20V/5A.
  • Power delivery is bi-directional, offering flexibility in charging.
  • It’s commonly found in devices like tablets, smartphones, and laptops.
  • It maintains backward compatibility with USB 2.0 LS/FS/HS capabilities.
  • It incorporates features to mitigate EMI/RFI (Electromagnetic Interference/Radio-Frequency Interference).

The features of USB Type-C are particularly well-suited for compact, power-hungry smartphones. The standard is managed under the USB PD (Power Delivery) specification. USB PD oversees power delivery and functionalities over USB Type-C connectors and cables.

USB Type-C interfaces are broadly categorized as:

  • USB Type-C Receptacle
  • USB Type-C Plug

USB Type-C Receptacle Pin Diagram

USB Type-C Receptacle Interface

Figure-1: USB Type-C Receptacle pins

The following table details the signals present on the USB Type-C receptacle pins:

PIN (Signal Name)DescriptionPIN (Signal Name)Description
A1 (GND)Ground ReturnB12 (GND)Ground Return
A2 (SSTXp1)Positive Half of first superspeed Tx differential pairB11 (SSRXp1)Positive Half of first superspeed Rx differential pair
A3 (SSTXn1)Negative half of first superspeed Tx differential pairB10 (SSRXn1)Negative half of first superspeed Rx differential pair
A4 (VBUS)Bus powerB9 (VBUS)Bus Power
A5 (CC1)Configuration ChannelB8 (SBU2)Sideband Use
A6 (Dp1)Positive Half of the USB 2.0 Differential Pair-Position-1B7 (Dn2)Negative Half of the USB 2.0 Differential Pair-Position-2
A7 (Dn1)Negative Half of the USB 2.0 Differential Pair-Position-1B6 (Dp2)Positive Half of the USB 2.0 Differential Pair-Position-2
A8 (SBU1)SideBand UseB5 (CC2)Configuration Channel
A9 (VBUS)Bus PowerB4 (VBUS)Bus Power
A10 (SSRXn2)Negative Half of second superspeed Rx differential pairB3 (SSTXn2)Negative Half of second superspeed Tx differential pair
A11 (SSRXp2)Positive Half of second superspeed Rx differential pairB2 (SSTXp2)Positive Half of second superspeed Tx differential pair
A12 (GND)Ground ReturnB1 (GND)Ground Return

The USB PD specification employs BFSK (Binary Frequency Shift Keying) on the VBUS pins and uses the BMC (Bi-phase Mark Coding) protocol on the CC signal line. USB PD version 2.0 defines these functionalities, along with a protocol for negotiating high power with the port partner. It also supports alternate modes such as DisplayPort and MHL (Mobile High-Definition Link) over USB Type-C signals.

USB Type-C devices are categorized into:

  • USB Type-C Device: Supports up to 5V/3A.
  • USB Type-C Device with PD capabilities: Supports 20V/5A operations and multiple interfaces using alternate modes.

USB Type-C Plug Pin Diagram

USB Type-C Plug Connector Interface

Figure-2: USB Type-C Plug pins