How to Use Adafruit USB Type C Breakout: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The Adafruit USB Type C Breakout board is a versatile and compact breakout board that simplifies the use of USB Type C connectors in electronic projects. USB Type C connectors are known for their reversibility and high-speed data transfer capabilities. This breakout board is particularly useful for hobbyists, engineers, and designers who want to incorporate USB Type C ports into their projects without the hassle of dealing with a complex connector.

• Power delivery for electronic devices
• Data transfer interfaces for microcontrollers
• USB connectivity for custom-built computers or peripherals
• Prototyping USB Type C enabled devices
• Charging ports for battery-powered projects

• Voltage Rating: 5V to 20V
• Current Rating: Up to 3A (with proper cable)
• Data Transfer: USB 2.0 speed (up to 480 Mbps)
• Dimensions: 31mm x 10mm x 3mm

1. Power Connections: Connect the VBUS pin to your power source (5V-20V) and the GND pin to the common ground in your circuit.
2. Data Connections: Connect the D+ and D- pins to the corresponding data pins on your microcontroller or USB interface chip.
3. Channel Configuration: The CC1 and CC2 pins are used to determine cable orientation and set the current mode for power delivery. These pins can be left unconnected for basic applications.

• Ensure that the power source does not exceed the maximum voltage rating of 20V.
• Use a proper USB Type C cable capable of handling the current if you are using the breakout for power delivery.
• For data transfer applications, ensure that the microcontroller or USB interface chip supports USB 2.0 speeds.
• Always double-check connections before powering up the circuit to prevent damage to the breakout board or other components.

// This example demonstrates basic USB Type C power delivery using the Adafruit breakout board.
// It does not handle data transfer.

void setup() {
  pinMode(5, OUTPUT); // Assuming VBUS is connected to digital pin 5
  digitalWrite(5, HIGH); // Enable power delivery
}

void loop() {
  // Your code here to interact with other components
}

• No Power Delivery: Check the cable and ensure it is properly connected and capable of delivering power.
• Data Transfer Not Working: Verify that the D+ and D- connections are correct and that the microcontroller supports USB 2.0.

• If the device is not powering on, ensure that the VBUS and GND connections are secure and that the power source is within the specified range.
• For data transfer issues, use a multimeter to check the continuity of the D+ and D- lines.
• If using the breakout for power delivery, ensure that the CC pins are configured correctly for the desired power mode.

Q: Can I use this breakout board for USB 3.0 or higher speeds? A: No, this breakout board is designed for USB 2.0 speeds only.

Q: Is it possible to use this board for USB Power Delivery (PD)? A: While the board can handle power delivery up to 3A with the proper cable, it does not include the necessary communication protocol handling for full USB PD compliance.

Q: How do I know if my USB Type C cable is inserted correctly? A: The CC1 and CC2 pins are used to automatically detect the orientation of the cable. You do not need to worry about the cable orientation with this breakout board.

Q: Can I use this breakout board to charge devices? A: Yes, as long as the device's charging requirements do not exceed the breakout board's specifications and you use a suitable USB Type C cable.