New reversible USB design has been finalised

Back in April we reported on plans for the new reversible USB 3.1 and now the USB 3.0 Promoter Group has announced that the design has been finalised. The USB Type-C connector is described as a ‘next generation USB connector‘ with a  ‘connector scheme tailored to fit mobile device product designs, yet robust enough for laptops and tablets.‘

[Image Courtesy of USB 3.0 Promoter Group]

We’ve all been there; try to insert a USB and still fail after flipping it 180 degrees. Like Apple’s Lightning connector though the new cable will be able to be plugged in regardless of which way up it is and of course, it will become an industry standard and not just a cable compatible with one manufacturer.

“Interest in the USB Type-C connector has not only been global, but cross-industry as well,” said USB 3.0 Promoter Group chairman Brad Saunders. “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 standardize the next generation USB connector as a long-lasting, robust solution.”

The receptacle opening comes in at 8.4mm x 2.6mm, similar to previous USB connectors. The cable will offer a power delivery of up to 100W and will be compatible with SuperSpeed USB at 10Gbps. Standard cables will provide 3A of power delivery capacity and connectors will offer 5A.

Unfortunately, they are not backward compatible and so expect to see new-to-existing adapters while the industry gradually makes the switch. But considering the companies that comprise the USB 3.0 Promoter Group (Hewlett-Packard Company, Intel Corporation, Microsoft Corporation, Renesas Electronics, STMicroelectronics and Texas Instruments), we expect the transition to be as smooth as possible.