# USB 2 Type-C connector > the versions of the Type-C connectors that replace all other USB 2 connectors and carry all power levels (up to 240 W in either direction), omitting the connections required for the higher data rates of USB 3, USB4, Thunderbolt, and DisplayPort **Wikidata**: [Q134482544](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q134482544) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/usb-2-type-c-connector ## Summary The USB 2 Type-C connector is a version of the USB-C standard that replaces legacy USB 2 connectors (Type-A, Type-B, Micro, etc.) while supporting power delivery up to 240 watts in either direction. Unlike higher-speed USB-C variants, it omits connections for USB 3, USB4, Thunderbolt, and DisplayPort, focusing solely on USB 2.0 compatibility. ## Key Facts - **Subclass of**: USB-C, designed to replace all legacy USB 2 connectors. - **Power delivery**: Supports up to 240 watts in either direction (sink/source). - **Excluded features**: No connections for USB 3, USB4, Thunderbolt, or DisplayPort. - **Replaces**: USB 2 Type-A, Type-B, Standard-A, Micro, and other legacy USB 2 connectors. - **Used by**: USB Power Delivery, USB 1.0, USB 1.1, and USB 2.0. - **Official name**: USB 2.0 Type-C connector (as per USB-IF specifications). - **Publication date**: Introduced on 2014-08-11. - **Different from**: Full-Featured Type-C, Power-Only Type-C, and all legacy USB 2 connectors. - **Aliases**: USB 2.0 Type-C connector, Type-C USB 2 connector, Type-C USB 2.0 connector. ## FAQs ### Q: What is the main purpose of the USB 2 Type-C connector? A: The USB 2 Type-C connector replaces legacy USB 2 connectors (Type-A, Type-B, Micro) while supporting power delivery up to 240 watts in either direction. It omits connections for higher-speed protocols like USB 3, USB4, Thunderbolt, and DisplayPort. ### Q: Can USB 2 Type-C connectors carry data at USB 3 speeds? A: No, USB 2 Type-C connectors do not support USB 3 speeds or protocols. They are limited to USB 2.0 data rates and power delivery. ### Q: How does USB 2 Type-C differ from full-featured USB-C? A: USB 2 Type-C lacks connections for USB 3, USB4, Thunderbolt, and DisplayPort, focusing solely on USB 2.0 compatibility and power delivery. Full-featured USB-C supports all these protocols. ### Q: What legacy USB connectors does USB 2 Type-C replace? A: USB 2 Type-C replaces USB 2 Type-A, Type-B, Standard-A, Micro, and other legacy USB 2 connectors, providing a unified replacement. ### Q: Is USB 2 Type-C backward compatible with USB 1.0/1.1? A: Yes, USB 2 Type-C supports USB 1.0, USB 1.1, and USB 2.0, making it backward compatible with older USB standards. ## Why It Matters The USB 2 Type-C connector addresses the need for a universal replacement for legacy USB 2 connectors while maintaining power delivery capabilities. By standardizing on USB-C, it simplifies device connectivity, reduces cable clutter, and supports high-power charging. However, its exclusion of higher-speed protocols means it is not suitable for devices requiring USB 3, USB4, or Thunderbolt. This makes it ideal for power-hungry devices like laptops, chargers, and external drives that rely on USB 2.0 data rates. The connector’s reversible design and compact form factor further enhance user convenience, though it does not support the advanced features of newer USB standards. ## Notable For - **Universal replacement**: First to replace all legacy USB 2 connectors under a single standard. - **Power delivery**: Supports 240W power in either direction, useful for charging and powering devices. - **Reversible design**: Eliminates orientation issues common with other USB connectors. - **Backward compatibility**: Works with USB 1.0, 1.1, and 2.0 devices. - **Exclusion of high-speed protocols**: Focuses solely on USB 2.0, simplifying design for power-focused applications. ## Body ### Design and Compatibility The USB 2 Type-C connector is part of the broader USB-C standard, introduced on 2014-08-11. It replaces legacy USB 2 connectors (Type-A, Type-B, Micro) while maintaining compatibility with USB 1.0, 1.1, and 2.0. The connector omits connections for USB 3, USB4, Thunderbolt, and DisplayPort, making it a power-focused variant. ### Power Delivery USB 2 Type-C supports power delivery up to 240 watts in either direction, making it suitable for high-power charging and powering devices. It is compatible with USB Power Delivery, enabling efficient energy transfer. ### Replacement of Legacy Connectors The connector replaces USB 2 Type-A, Type-B, Standard-A, Micro, and other legacy USB 2 connectors. This unification simplifies device design and reduces the need for multiple connector types. ### Official Standards The USB 2 Type-C connector is officially named the "USB 2.0 Type-C connector" by the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF). It is defined in the USB Type-C specification, which was released on 2025-05-11. ### Differences from Other USB-C Variants Unlike full-featured USB-C connectors, USB 2 Type-C lacks connections for USB 3, USB4, Thunderbolt, and DisplayPort. It is also distinct from power-only USB-C connectors, which focus exclusively on power delivery without data support. ### Media and Documentation The connector is illustrated in the "USB connector illustration, to scale, grouping, Type-C, USB 2" image on Wikimedia Commons. Additional details are available in the USB Type-C specification and product guidelines published by the USB-IF. ## References 1. [Source](https://www.usb.org/document-library/usb-type-cr-cable-and-connector-specification-release-24) 2. [Source](https://www.usb.org/sites/default/files/usb_type-c_language_product_and_packaging_guidelines_20230320.pdf)