USB-C or USB Type C connector is symmetrical in shape for power and transferring data between devices. Unlike the old USB Type-B, the USB-C is a faster standard for connectors and cables. It has grown to be a versatile tool for different functions with emerging future uses. The future could as well see the USB-C has the connector standard for all devices because of its improved power delivery and data transfer speed.
Read more: USB Type-C is not perfect. Top 5 issues facing USB-C connector
It has also proven to be a sufficient replacement to the USB Type-A connector and female receptor end for hosts and peripherals. We will be discussing the various uses of the USB-C. As it is very much compatible with USB 3.1 anyway and can work with older versions of USB.
Data transfer
One of the primary functions of the USB-C is data transfer, however, the speed with which it does this is quite impressive. The USB Type-C supports the USB 3.1 transfer standards which comes in two generations. The Gen 1 offers a decent 5Gbps while the Gen 2 offers even more at 10Gbps. This is using the USB Type-A (USB 3.1) and the USB Type-C on the other end. However, using the USB-C on both ends delivers even more speed. No wonder the Macbook Pro adopts the USB Type-C port exclusively.
Power
For the most part of the power usage function of MicroUSB, it works with only small devices like phones. However, the advent of the USB PD which utilises USB Type-C standard can deliver up to 100watts rather than the meagre 15W of the pre-existing MicroUSB. You now have laptops and other larger devices having a USB charging port making it a more of Universal terminal.
Audio
The USB Type-C is fast replacing the 3.5mm audio jack from before has a means of audio input or output. Lately, smartphones have been ditching the conventional audio jack for one single port – USB-Type C. Whilst the audio jack can perform only one task, the USB-C port is multifunctional and delivers stellar audio quality too.
Ethernet
This is one of the numerous use of the USB-C port showing its versatility when it comes to usage. All you need is a USB-C to Gigabyte Ethernet adapter and you’re good to go. Due to the increased speed of the USB-C port it is a great option delivering decent speed.
Video Output
Since the speed of the USB-C has gone up to the extent that it can convey high resolution video signal. The USB-C can also function has a cable for connecting your device to the an external display be it your TV or projector. You don’t have to look for multiple cables instead you can easily use the USB-C cable if the monitor has a USB-C port present has a direct port.
In segue, the USB-C is the standard used by Thunderbolt 3 cables, USB PD and also in Alternate mode connections. All of which have proven to be very useful as a means data transfer, power and other connections.
You can also read for more details: 5 uses of Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C)
