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The days of fiddling about trying to get a USB cable to connect to your computing device the right way round – first time – are almost over.
A new type of USB standard has been developed that means cables can be plugged in upside-down and still connect correctly, similar to Apple’s Lightning connection. This means however it won’t be compatible with existing USB connections.
The USB 3.0 Promoter Group – comprised of HP, Intel, Microsoft, Renesas Electronics, STMicroelectronics and Texas Instruments – has announced the completion of the next-generation USB Type-C specification.
It’s designed to work with mobile products, laptops, tablets and PCs, and the new cable and connector supports USB performance at SuperSpeed USB 10 Gbps (USB 3.1) and USB Power Delivery up to 100W.
It’s similar in size to a USB 2.0 Micro-B, has reversible plug orientation and cable direction and supports scalable power charging. It has a receptacle opening of 8.4mm x 2.6mm and durability of 10,000 cycles, with power delivery capacity of 3A for standard cables and 5A for connectors.
“Interest in the USB Type-C connector has not only been global, but cross-industry as well,” said Brad Saunders, USB 3.0 Promoter Group Chairman.
“Representatives from the PC, mobile, automotive and IoT industries have been knocking down our door anticipating this new standard. This specification is the culmination of an extensive, cooperative effort among industry leaders to standardise the next generation USB connector as a long-lasting, robust solution.”
The USB 3.0 Promoter Group also developed the USB 3.1 specification that was released in July 2013.
