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

The USB-C Breakout by purecrea is a compact and versatile breakout board designed to provide easy access to the pins of a USB-C connector. This component simplifies prototyping and testing of USB-C connections by exposing the connector's pins in a user-friendly format. It is ideal for engineers, hobbyists, and developers working on USB-C-based projects, such as power delivery, data transfer, or custom USB-C peripherals.

• Prototyping USB-C power delivery circuits
• Testing USB-C data communication protocols
• Developing custom USB-C devices or adapters
• Educational purposes for learning USB-C pinouts and functionality
• Debugging USB-C connections in existing systems

The USB-C Breakout board by purecrea is designed to meet the needs of modern USB-C applications. Below are the key technical details:

• Connector Type: USB Type-C (Receptacle)
• Voltage Rating: Up to 20V (USB-C Power Delivery supported)
• Current Rating: Up to 5A (depending on the connected cable and power source)
• Pin Access: All 24 pins of the USB-C connector are broken out
• Board Dimensions: 25mm x 20mm
• Mounting Holes: 2 x M2 holes for secure mounting
• PCB Material: FR4, 1.6mm thickness
• Connector Orientation: Vertical USB-C receptacle

The USB-C connector has 24 pins, which are broken out on the purecrea USB-C Breakout board. The table below describes the pin configuration:

1. Power Supply: Connect the VBUS pin to your power source (5V to 20V, depending on your application). Ensure the power source can handle the required current (up to 5A for USB-C power delivery).
2. Ground Connection: Connect the GND pins to the ground of your circuit.
3. Data Lines: Use the D+ and D- pins for USB 2.0 communication or the TX/RX pairs for USB 3.0/3.1 SuperSpeed data transfer.
4. Configuration Channels (CC1 and CC2): Use these pins for USB-C orientation detection and power delivery negotiation. For basic applications, connect a pull-down resistor (typically 5.1kΩ) to one of the CC pins to indicate device presence.
5. Sideband Use (SBU1 and SBU2): These pins are used for alternate modes, such as DisplayPort. Ensure proper configuration if using these features.

• Voltage and Current Limits: Do not exceed the rated voltage (20V) or current (5A) to avoid damaging the breakout board or connected devices.
• Orientation Detection: USB-C connectors are reversible. Use the CC1 and CC2 pins to detect the orientation and configure your circuit accordingly.
• Signal Integrity: Keep data lines (D+, D-, TX, RX) as short as possible to minimize signal degradation, especially for high-speed USB 3.0/3.1 communication.
• ESD Protection: Consider adding external ESD protection components to safeguard the breakout board and connected devices.

The USB-C Breakout can be used to power an Arduino UNO or communicate with it via USB. Below is an example of powering the Arduino UNO:

// Example: Powering Arduino UNO via USB-C Breakout
// Connect the VBUS pin of the USB-C Breakout to the VIN pin of the Arduino UNO.
// Connect the GND pin of the USB-C Breakout to the GND pin of the Arduino UNO.

void setup() {
  // No specific setup required for power-only connection.
}

void loop() {
  // Your Arduino code goes here.
}

1. No Power Output on VBUS Pin:

   • Ensure the USB-C cable is connected to a power source.
   • Verify that the power source supports the required voltage and current.
   • Check for proper orientation using the CC1 and CC2 pins.

2. Data Communication Not Working:

   • Verify the connections to the D+, D-, TX, and RX pins.
   • Ensure the connected device supports the desired USB protocol (e.g., USB 2.0 or USB 3.0).
   • Check for signal integrity issues, such as long or improperly routed wires.

3. Overheating or Damage:

   • Ensure the voltage and current do not exceed the rated limits (20V, 5A).
   • Check for short circuits between pins.

Q: Can I use this breakout board for USB-C Power Delivery (PD)?
A: Yes, the breakout board supports USB-C Power Delivery. However, you will need additional circuitry to negotiate the desired voltage and current levels via the CC pins.

Q: Is the breakout board compatible with alternate modes like DisplayPort?
A: Yes, the SBU1 and SBU2 pins can be used for alternate modes. Ensure proper configuration and additional circuitry as required.

Q: Can I use this breakout board to charge my phone?
A: Yes, you can use the breakout board to charge devices. Ensure the power source provides the correct voltage and current for your phone.

Q: Does the breakout board include ESD protection?
A: No, the breakout board does not include built-in ESD protection. It is recommended to add external ESD protection components for sensitive applications.