# USB 2 Type-C receptacle

> the version of the USB Type-C receptacle that replaces all legacy USB 2 receptacles and carries power up to 240 W in either direction, omitting the connections required for the higher data rates of USB3, USB4, Thunderbolt, and DisplayPort

**Wikidata**: [Q134307521](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q134307521)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/usb-2-type-c-receptacle

## Summary
The USB 2 Type-C receptacle is a 24-pin reversible connector that replaces all legacy USB 2 receptacles while supporting power delivery up to 240W in either direction. It omits the high-speed data connections required for USB 3, USB 4, Thunderbolt, and DisplayPort protocols. This connector was published on August 11, 2014, as part of the USB Type-C specification.

## Key Facts
- Published on August 11, 2014, as part of the USB Type-C specification
- 24-pin reversible connector design that replaces all legacy USB 2 receptacles
- Supports power delivery up to 240W in either direction
- Omits connections required for USB 3, USB 4, Thunderbolt, and DisplayPort data rates
- Compatible with USB 1.0, USB 1.1, and USB 2.0 protocols
- Official name: USB 2.0 Type-C receptacle
- Has 24 leads as part of its construction
- Classified as both a USB 2 Type-C connector and USB-C receptacle
- Replaces USB 2 Type-A, Type-B, Type-AB, Standard, and Micro receptacles
- Features a front view schematic available in USB documentation

## FAQs
### Q: What is the main difference between USB 2 Type-C and full-featured USB-C receptacles?
A: USB 2 Type-C receptacle omits the high-speed data connections required for USB 3, USB 4, Thunderbolt, and DisplayPort protocols, focusing only on USB 2.0 data transfer and power delivery up to 240W.

### Q: What power levels can USB 2 Type-C receptacle support?
A: USB 2 Type-C receptacle can carry power up to 240W in either direction, making it suitable for high-power devices and bidirectional charging applications.

### Q: Which legacy USB connectors does USB 2 Type-C receptacle replace?
A: USB 2 Type-C receptacle replaces USB 2 Type-A, Type-B, Type-AB, Standard, and Micro receptacles, consolidating multiple connector types into a single reversible design.

## Why It Matters
The USB 2 Type-C receptacle represents a significant advancement in connector standardization and power delivery technology. By replacing multiple legacy USB 2 connector types with a single reversible design, it eliminates the frustration of trying to insert connectors the wrong way and reduces manufacturing complexity. The ability to deliver up to 240W of power in either direction enables new use cases like laptop charging, external display power delivery, and bidirectional power sharing between devices. This connector serves as the foundation for the broader USB Type-C ecosystem while providing a cost-effective solution for devices that don't require high-speed data transfer capabilities. Its adoption helps streamline device design, reduce electronic waste from multiple cable types, and create a more unified user experience across different manufacturers and device categories.

## Notable For
- First USB connector to deliver up to 240W power in either direction
- Replaces five different legacy USB 2 receptacle types with a single design
- Features reversible plug orientation, eliminating incorrect insertion attempts
- Supports bidirectional power delivery for charging and power sharing applications
- Maintains compatibility with all USB 2.0, 1.1, and 1.0 devices while using modern Type-C form factor

## Body
### Technical Specifications
The USB 2 Type-C receptacle features a 24-pin configuration arranged in a reversible design that allows insertion in either orientation. The pinout includes GND (ground) on pin A1, N/C (no connection) on pins A2 and A3, Vbus (power) on pins A4 and A9, CC1 (configuration channel) on pin A5, D+ and D- data lines on pins A6 and A7, and SBU1 (sideband use) on pin A8. This configuration supports USB 2.0 data transfer rates while maintaining the physical compatibility of the Type-C standard.

### Power Delivery Capabilities
The receptacle supports USB Power Delivery up to 240W, enabling it to power everything from smartphones to high-performance laptops and even some small appliances. The bidirectional power delivery allows devices to both receive and provide power through the same connector, facilitating applications like laptop charging, power banks, and device-to-device charging scenarios.

### Compatibility and Usage
USB 2 Type-C receptacle is compatible with USB 1.0, 1.1, and 2.0 protocols, making it backward compatible with a wide range of devices. It's commonly used in applications where high-speed data transfer is not required but reliable power delivery and the convenience of the Type-C form factor are desired. This includes charging docks, power adapters, and simple peripheral connections.

### Design Advantages
The reversible design eliminates the frustration of trying to insert connectors the wrong way, while the single connector type reduces manufacturing costs and inventory requirements. The 24-pin configuration provides all necessary connections for USB 2.0 functionality while maintaining the compact size and durability expected from Type-C connectors. The connector's design also includes features for orientation detection and configuration channel communication for power delivery negotiation.

## 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)