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How to Use type C port: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

Image of type C port
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Introduction

The USB Type-C port is a versatile 24-pin USB connector system, known for its two-fold rotationally-symmetrical design. This feature allows the connector to be inserted either way, enhancing user convenience. The Type-C port supports a wide range of protocols, including USB, HDMI, and DisplayPort, making it a popular choice for data transfer and power delivery in modern electronic devices.

Explore Projects Built with type C port

Use Cirkit Designer to design, explore, and prototype these projects online. Some projects support real-time simulation. Click "Open Project" to start designing instantly!
USB Type-C Powered LED Circuit with Resistor
Image of Scheme1: A project utilizing type C port in a practical application
This circuit consists of a USB Type-C port providing power to a red LED through a 1000 Ohm resistor. The resistor limits the current flowing through the LED, which lights up when the circuit is powered.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
FTDI to UART Adapter with J26 Connector
Image of J26 CLOSEUP: A project utilizing type C port in a practical application
This circuit connects an FTDI USB-to-serial converter to a standard serial interface via a J26 connector. It facilitates serial communication by linking the ground, transmit, receive, data terminal ready, and request to send signals between the FTDI chip and the J26 connector.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
NPN Transistor-Based Signal Interface with Relimate Connectors
Image of Mini cross: A project utilizing type C port in a practical application
This circuit appears to be a simple transistor-based switching circuit with multiple NPN transistors and resistors, interfaced through relimate connectors. The transistors are likely used to control the flow of current through various parts of the circuit, possibly for switching or amplification purposes, with the relimate connectors providing external connections for power and signal lines.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
ESP32 and BW16-Kit-1 Microcontroller Communication Hub with Buzzer Notification
Image of BiJiQ Wi-Fi To.oL: A project utilizing type C port in a practical application
This circuit features two ESP32 microcontrollers configured to communicate with each other via serial connection, as indicated by the cross-connection of their TX2 and RX2 pins. A BW16-Kit-1 microcontroller is also included, interfacing with one of the ESP32s through pins D26 and D27. Power is supplied to the microcontrollers through a step-down buck converter connected to a 5V Type C DC socket, and a buzzer is driven by one of the ESP32s, potentially for audio signaling purposes.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer

Explore Projects Built with type C port

Use Cirkit Designer to design, explore, and prototype these projects online. Some projects support real-time simulation. Click "Open Project" to start designing instantly!
Image of Scheme1: A project utilizing type C port in a practical application
USB Type-C Powered LED Circuit with Resistor
This circuit consists of a USB Type-C port providing power to a red LED through a 1000 Ohm resistor. The resistor limits the current flowing through the LED, which lights up when the circuit is powered.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Image of J26 CLOSEUP: A project utilizing type C port in a practical application
FTDI to UART Adapter with J26 Connector
This circuit connects an FTDI USB-to-serial converter to a standard serial interface via a J26 connector. It facilitates serial communication by linking the ground, transmit, receive, data terminal ready, and request to send signals between the FTDI chip and the J26 connector.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Image of Mini cross: A project utilizing type C port in a practical application
NPN Transistor-Based Signal Interface with Relimate Connectors
This circuit appears to be a simple transistor-based switching circuit with multiple NPN transistors and resistors, interfaced through relimate connectors. The transistors are likely used to control the flow of current through various parts of the circuit, possibly for switching or amplification purposes, with the relimate connectors providing external connections for power and signal lines.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Image of BiJiQ Wi-Fi To.oL: A project utilizing type C port in a practical application
ESP32 and BW16-Kit-1 Microcontroller Communication Hub with Buzzer Notification
This circuit features two ESP32 microcontrollers configured to communicate with each other via serial connection, as indicated by the cross-connection of their TX2 and RX2 pins. A BW16-Kit-1 microcontroller is also included, interfacing with one of the ESP32s through pins D26 and D27. Power is supplied to the microcontrollers through a step-down buck converter connected to a 5V Type C DC socket, and a buzzer is driven by one of the ESP32s, potentially for audio signaling purposes.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer

Common Applications and Use Cases

  • Smartphones and Tablets: For charging and data transfer.
  • Laptops and Desktops: For connecting peripherals and external displays.
  • Power Delivery: For charging devices with higher power requirements.
  • Audio/Video Transmission: For connecting to HDMI and DisplayPort devices.
  • Peripheral Devices: Such as external hard drives, USB hubs, and docking stations.

Technical Specifications

Key Technical Details

Parameter Value
Voltage Rating 5V to 20V
Current Rating Up to 5A
Power Delivery Up to 100W
Data Transfer Rate Up to 40 Gbps (USB 4.0)
Connector Type 24-pin, reversible
Protocols Supported USB, HDMI, DisplayPort, etc.

Pin Configuration and Descriptions

Pin Number Name Description
1 GND Ground
2 TX1+ Transmit Data Positive (SuperSpeed)
3 TX1- Transmit Data Negative (SuperSpeed)
4 VBUS Power Supply
5 CC1 Configuration Channel 1
6 D+ Data Positive (USB 2.0)
7 D- Data Negative (USB 2.0)
8 SBU1 Sideband Use 1
9 VBUS Power Supply
10 RX2+ Receive Data Positive (SuperSpeed)
11 RX2- Receive Data Negative (SuperSpeed)
12 GND Ground
13 GND Ground
14 RX1+ Receive Data Positive (SuperSpeed)
15 RX1- Receive Data Negative (SuperSpeed)
16 VBUS Power Supply
17 SBU2 Sideband Use 2
18 D- Data Negative (USB 2.0)
19 D+ Data Positive (USB 2.0)
20 CC2 Configuration Channel 2
21 VBUS Power Supply
22 TX2- Transmit Data Negative (SuperSpeed)
23 TX2+ Transmit Data Positive (SuperSpeed)
24 GND Ground

Usage Instructions

How to Use the Component in a Circuit

  1. Power Supply Connection:

    • Connect the VBUS pins (4, 9, 16, 21) to the power supply (5V to 20V).
    • Connect the GND pins (1, 12, 13, 24) to the ground of the circuit.
  2. Data Transfer:

    • For USB 2.0 data transfer, connect D+ (6, 19) and D- (7, 18) to the corresponding data lines.
    • For SuperSpeed data transfer, connect TX1+ (2), TX1- (3), RX1+ (14), RX1- (15), TX2+ (23), TX2- (22), RX2+ (10), and RX2- (11) to the corresponding data lines.
  3. Configuration Channels:

    • Connect CC1 (5) and CC2 (20) to the configuration channel circuitry to detect the orientation and power delivery capabilities.
  4. Sideband Use:

    • Connect SBU1 (8) and SBU2 (17) for additional functionalities like audio or alternate modes.

Important Considerations and Best Practices

  • Voltage and Current Ratings: Ensure that the power supply voltage and current ratings do not exceed the specified limits (5V to 20V, up to 5A).
  • Proper Grounding: Properly ground the GND pins to avoid noise and potential damage to the circuit.
  • Orientation Detection: Use the configuration channels (CC1 and CC2) to detect the orientation of the connector and configure the circuit accordingly.
  • Heat Dissipation: Ensure adequate heat dissipation, especially when using the port for high power delivery (up to 100W).

Example: Connecting to an Arduino UNO

To connect a USB Type-C port to an Arduino UNO for data transfer, follow these steps:

  1. Connect the VBUS pin to the 5V pin on the Arduino UNO.
  2. Connect the GND pin to the GND pin on the Arduino UNO.
  3. Connect the D+ and D- pins to the corresponding data pins on the Arduino UNO.
// Example code to read data from a USB Type-C port connected to an Arduino UNO

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(9600); // Initialize serial communication at 9600 baud rate
}

void loop() {
  if (Serial.available() > 0) {
    // Read incoming data from the USB Type-C port
    char incomingData = Serial.read();
    // Print the incoming data to the Serial Monitor
    Serial.print("Received: ");
    Serial.println(incomingData);
  }
}

Troubleshooting and FAQs

Common Issues Users Might Face

  1. No Power Delivery:

    • Solution: Check the VBUS and GND connections. Ensure the power supply voltage is within the specified range.
  2. Data Transfer Issues:

    • Solution: Verify the connections of the D+, D-, TX, and RX pins. Ensure proper grounding and check for any loose connections.
  3. Orientation Detection Failure:

    • Solution: Ensure the CC1 and CC2 pins are correctly connected to the configuration channel circuitry.
  4. Overheating:

    • Solution: Ensure adequate heat dissipation and check the current draw to ensure it does not exceed the specified limit.

FAQs

  1. Can I use the USB Type-C port for both power delivery and data transfer simultaneously?

    • Yes, the USB Type-C port supports simultaneous power delivery and data transfer.
  2. What is the maximum power delivery capability of the USB Type-C port?

    • The USB Type-C port can deliver up to 100W of power.
  3. Is the USB Type-C port compatible with older USB standards?

    • Yes, the USB Type-C port is backward compatible with older USB standards.
  4. How do I detect the orientation of the USB Type-C connector?

    • Use the configuration channels (CC1 and CC2) to detect the orientation of the connector.

By following this documentation, users can effectively utilize the USB Type-C port in their electronic projects, ensuring proper connections and optimal performance.