Whether or not a USB-C charger can deliver 30 W for phone charging isn’t the main point. The real issue lies in the uncertainty of whether you’re using the correct cable for the charging process. This uncertainty also applies when connecting a device to a monitor and knowing whether you can truly use it as intended.
A universal port. The USB-C connector has emerged as the universal standard for our devices, largely due to the European Union mandating its use for charging mobile phones, tablets, headphones, and other gadgets. Even Apple eventually conceded and replaced its traditional Lightning connector with USB-C.
Several connectors in one. The USB standard has undergone significant evolution over the years, which has led to the introduction of various connector types, each with distinct specs and features. While the USB-C connector aimed to unify these formats, it paradoxically removed the unique characteristics that previously differentiated each USB variant. In the past, different formats and colors provided an immediate visual cue regarding the expected features of a particular connector and cable. That clarity is no longer available.
Everything is now using USB-C. Not only do various versions of the USB standard utilize USB-C, but other standards for power, data, and video transmission are also adopting it, which complicates the landscape. Alternative modes allow non-USB protocols to run through USB-C cables, enabling you to connect DisplayPort, HDMI, and Thunderbolt monitors using them. Notably, the Thunderbolt 5 standard, announced in September 2023, also utilizes the USB-C connector.
Identifying cables… The emergence of Thunderbolt 5 offers a solution to the identification of cables and connectors. Thunderbolt cables now feature a plastic cap over the metal connector that includes the Thunderbolt logo along with a number indicating the version of Thunderbolt supported by that cable. This trend is gradually being adopted by USB cables as well, with caps displaying both the maximum data transmission speed and charging capacity. While not all manufacturers adhere to this labeling pattern, it’s certainly a desirable improvement.
…and connectors. Some USB-C connectors feature symbols that help identify their functions. However, this isn’t always the case, which can lead to confusion. For instance, laptops often have multiple USB-C ports, but typically only one of them is used for charging the device. Ideally, considering the variety of options available, each connector should have some form of identification so that users can easily understand how to utilize them effectively.
Suggestions, not impositions. The USB Implementers Forum, which certifies cables, has been working to address this issue for some time. It recommends that cables include identification labels. While some documents show examples of these labels, they haven’t been widely adopted in the industry.
This is where regulators need to step in. Regulators should ensure that cables and connectors are clearly labeled. This is crucial in light of the numerous standards and protocols that leverage the USB-C connector.
Image | Marcus Urbenz
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