Today the USB 3.0 promoter group announces the next USB standard. Similar in size to the USB 2.0 Micro-B, this new specification promises faster speeds, more power delivery, and a reversible connector. Not only has there been cross-company demand for a new standard, but cross-industry as well.
“Representatives from the PC, mobile, automotive and IoT industries have been knocking down our door anticipating this new standard,” says Brad Saunders, the USB 3.0 Promoter Group Chairman. Well, now this new standard is here.
The new specification allows for 10 Gbps speeds and USB Power Delivery up to 100W. The design of the Type-C connector is ‘entirely new’ which isn’t great for backwards compatibility, but is great for a better reversible plug design! The Type-C also enables full scalable power charging and is designed for future USB performance needs. Mechanical specs are as follows:
- Receptacle opening: ~8.4mm x ~2.6mm
- Durability: 10,000 cycles
- Improved EMI- and RFI-mitigation features
- Power delivery capacity: 3A for standard cables and 5A for connectors
Unfortunately the new Type-C will not work with the Type-B connectors which most phone and devices use today. To minimize issues with adoption there is a new spec which defines passive new-to-existing cables and adaptors to enable consumers to use the new connector with existing products.
This USB 3.0 Promoter Group is made up of HP, Intel, Microsoft, Renesas, STMicroelectronics, and Texas Instruments. These companies share a lot of common goals in the devices and connectivity fields. This benefits the consumer because now a single cable should be all that is needed to use a vast range of devices regardless of manufacturer.
Are you excited for a reversible USB Mini connector? Does this new specification have everything you want in a single cable?
Image courtesy of Arstechnica!
