# USB-C receptacle > 24-pin reversible plug designed to replace all other USB plugs by carrying all USB data protocols (and some others) and power levels (in either direction, up to 240 W) **Wikidata**: [Q50294844](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q50294844) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/usb-c-receptacle ## Summary The USB-C receptacle is the 24-pin female connector port designed to accept a USB-C plug. As part of a connector system intended to replace all previous USB ports, it supports reversible plug orientation, power delivery up to 240 W in either direction, and various data protocols including Thunderbolt and DisplayPort. ## Key Facts * **Pin Configuration:** Features a 24-pin interface designed for a reversible plug orientation. * **Power Capability:** Supports power delivery up to 240 Watts in either direction (source or sink). * **Classification:** It is a subclass of both the **USB-C** connector system and the general **USB receptacle** class. * **Replaces:** Intended to replace all legacy USB receptacles, including USB 2 Standard-A/B, USB 3 Standard-A/B, Micro-AB, Micro-B, and Powered-B. * **Variations:** Exists in three primary defined versions: Full-Featured, USB 2, and Power-Only. * **Complementary Part:** Connects with the **USB-C plug**. * **Standards Body:** Managed by the **USB Implementers Forum** (USB-IF). * **Official Name:** Designated officially as "USB Type-C receptacle" or "USB-C receptacle." ## FAQs ### Q: What is the difference between the USB-C receptacle types? A: There are three main types: the **Full-Featured** receptacle supports all data speeds (USB4, Thunderbolt, DisplayPort) and power; the **USB 2** receptacle supports power and USB 2.0 data speeds only; and the **Power-Only** receptacle supports power delivery but omits data connections entirely. ### Q: Can the USB-C receptacle provide power? A: Yes, it is designed to carry power levels up to 240 Watts in either direction, meaning it can receive power to charge a device or provide power to accessories. ### Q: What legacy ports does the USB-C receptacle replace? A: It is designed to replace virtually all previous USB connectors, including Standard-A, Standard-B, Micro-AB, Micro-B, and Powered-B receptacles across USB 2.0 and USB 3.x generations. ## Why It Matters The USB-C receptacle represents a universal shift in connectivity standards, addressing the long-standing fragmentation of USB ports. By consolidating the physical interface for data transmission (ranging from USB 2.0 to USB4 and Thunderbolt) and power delivery (up to 240 W) into a single, compact, reversible form factor, it simplifies hardware design for manufacturers and reduces cable clutter for consumers. Its ability to handle high-definition video (DisplayPort) and high-speed data alongside significant power loads allows a single port to serve as a charging interface, a data transfer hub, and a video output simultaneously. This versatility has driven its adoption across a wide range of devices, from smartphones and laptops to power supplies and docking stations, establishing it as the standard "port of the future" for modern electronics. ## Notable For * **Universality:** It is the single connector type designed to supersede the confusing array of legacy USB-A, USB-B, and Micro-USB ports. * **Reversibility:** The receptacle accepts a reversible plug, eliminating the frustration of inserting cables in the wrong orientation. * **High Power Delivery:** Capable of handling bidirectional power flow up to 240 W, accommodating everything from earbuds to high-performance laptops. * **Protocol Agnosticism:** The Full-Featured version is designed to carry non-USB protocols, specifically Thunderbolt and DisplayPort, over the same physical connection. ## Body ### Definition and Design The **USB-C receptacle** is a 24-pin female connector classified as a subclass of the USB-C system and the broader USB receptacle family. It is distinct from the **USB-C plug** (the cable connector) and is designed to accept that plug in a reversible orientation. The system was created to consolidate the connector ecosystem, replacing legacy standards such as the USB 3 Standard-A, USB 2 Micro-B, and USB Powered-B receptacles. ### Variations and Specifications While the physical interface remains consistent, the internal wiring and capabilities of the receptacle vary based on the device's needs: * **USB Full-Featured Type-C Receptacle:** This is the most advanced version, supporting all USB versions, high power levels (up to 240 W), and alternate modes like Thunderbolt and DisplayPort. It contains the full complement of pins required for high-speed data transmission. * **USB 2 Type-C Receptacle:** Designed to replace legacy USB 2.0 ports, this version supports the full 240 W power capability but omits the high-speed data lines required for USB 3.x, USB4, or alternate video modes. It is limited to USB 2.0 data rates. * **USB Type-C Power-Only Receptacle:** The simplest implementation, used in power supplies or passive devices. It supports power delivery up to 240 W but entirely omits connections for data communication. ### Capabilities The USB-C receptacle facilitates power flow in either direction (sink or source) up to a maximum of 240 Watts. It is standardized by the **USB Implementers Forum**. The official nomenclature includes "USB Type-C receptacle" and "USB-C receptacle," with strict language guidelines provided by the USB-IF regarding its product packaging and description. ## References 1. [Source](https://www.usb.org/usb-type-ctm-cable-and-connector-specification) 2. [Source](https://www.usb.org/sites/default/files/usb_type-c_language_product_and_packaging_guidelines_20230320.pdf) 3. [Source](https://www.usb.org/document-library/usb-type-cr-cable-and-connector-specification-release-24)