# USB-C > 24-pin reversible connector that supersedes all previous USB connectors **Wikidata**: [Q20026619](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q20026619) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USB-C) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/usb-c ## Summary USB-C is a 24-pin reversible-plug serial digital connector system designed to replace all other USB connectors by carrying all USB data protocols (and some others) and power levels (in either direction, up to 240 W). It features a revolutionary reversible design that eliminates the need to orient the plug correctly. ## Key Facts - USB-C was introduced on August 11, 2014 - It features a 24-pin reversible plug design with point reflection symmetry - It supports power delivery up to 240 W in either direction - It can carry all USB data protocols (USB 1.0, 1.1, 2.0, 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, USB4 1.0) as well as Thunderbolt and DisplayPort - It's officially named "USB Type-C connector" but also referred to as "USB-C connector" - It has multiple variants including USB Full-Featured Type-C, USB 2 Type-C, and USB Type-C Power-Only connectors - It was designed to replace all legacy USB connectors including Type-A, Type-B, Lightning, and Mini DisplayPort - The connector system has 50 sitelinks across various platforms - It's part of the USB connector family and classified as an electrical connector system ## FAQs ### Q: What makes USB-C connectors different from previous USB connectors? A: USB-C connectors feature a 24-pin reversible design that eliminates the need to orient the plug correctly. Unlike previous USB connectors which were not reversible, USB-C can be inserted in either direction. It was designed to replace all previous USB connectors by supporting all USB data protocols and power levels (up to 240 W) as well as other protocols like Thunderbolt and DisplayPort. ### Q: What power delivery capabilities does USB-C support? A: USB-C supports power delivery up to 240 W in either direction, meaning devices can both send and receive power through the connector. This high power delivery capability enables USB-C to power laptops, monitors, and other high-power devices that previously required dedicated power adapters. ### Q: What protocols can be carried through a USB-C connector? A: USB-C connectors can carry all USB data protocols (USB 1.0, 1.1, 2.0, 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, USB4 1.0) as well as Thunderbolt, USB Power Delivery, and DisplayPort. This makes it a versatile connector that replaces the need for multiple specialized ports. ### Q: What are the different variants of USB-C connectors? A: USB-C is available in three main variants: USB Full-Featured Type-C (supports all USB data rates, Thunderbolt, and DisplayPort), USB 2 Type-C (replaces USB 2 connectors but omits connections for higher data rates), and USB Type-C Power-Only (carries power but omits data connections; prohibited in detachable cables). ## Why It Matters USB-C represents a significant evolution in connector technology by standardizing a single interface for both power and data transfer. Its reversible design and high power delivery capabilities up to 240 W have simplified device connectivity and reduced cable clutter across consumer electronics. By replacing multiple legacy connectors like USB Type-A, USB Type-B, Mini DisplayPort, and Lightning with a single universal standard, USB-C has made devices more versatile and user-friendly. The connector's ability to support multiple protocols including USB, Thunderbolt, and DisplayPort has enabled the consolidation of ports on laptops, tablets, and smartphones, allowing manufacturers to create thinner, more streamlined designs. Additionally, its bidirectional power delivery has enabled innovations like laptop charging via USB ports and power sharing between devices. ## Notable For - Reversible 24-pin design that eliminates the need for proper orientation when connecting - Universal replacement for all previous USB connector types, supporting both power and data - Exceptional power delivery capability of up to 240 W in either direction - Protocol-agnostic design supporting USB, Thunderbolt, DisplayPort, and USB Power Delivery - Multiple variants (Full-Featured Type-C, USB 2 Type-C, Power-Only) for different use cases ## Body ### Overview USB-C is a 24-pin reversible-plug serial digital connector system that was introduced on August 11, 2014. It was designed to replace all other USB connectors by carrying all USB data protocols and power levels in either direction, up to 240 W. The connector system is officially named "USB Type-C connector" but is commonly referred to as "USB-C connector." ### Technical Specifications - Features 24 electrical contacts (pins) arranged in two rows of 12 pins each - Pinout includes VBUS (power), GND (ground), and D+/D- (data) lines - Has point reflection symmetry, allowing the plug to be inserted in either direction - Supports a wide range of power delivery capabilities up to 240 W in both directions - Designed for point reflection, allowing the plug to be inserted upside down ### Connector Variants USB-C is available in several variants to accommodate different use cases: - USB Full-Featured Type-C connector: Supports all USB data rates and power levels (up to 240 W), Thunderbolt, and DisplayPort - USB 2 Type-C connector: Replaces USB 2 connectors, carries power up to 240 W, but omits connections for higher data rates - USB Type-C Power-Only connector: The simplest version, carries power up to 240 W but omits data connections; prohibited in detachable cables ### Protocol Support USB-C connectors are protocol-agnostic and can carry: - USB data protocols (USB 1.0, 1.1, 2.0, 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, USB4 1.0) - Thunderbolt protocols (Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 5) - DisplayPort - USB Power Delivery ### Replaced Connectors USB-C was designed to replace all legacy USB connectors including: - Mini DisplayPort - DisplayPort connector - Lightning connector - USB 3 Standard-A connector - USB 3 Standard-B connector - USB Powered-B connector - USB 3 Micro-B connector - USB 2 Standard-A connector - USB 2 Standard-B connector - USB 2 Micro-B connector ### Related Components The USB-C ecosystem includes several related components: - USB-C plug: The male end of the connector - USB-C receptacle: The female port that accepts the plug - USB-C locking connector: A variant that prevents accidental disconnection - USB-C-to-legacy adapter: Converts USB-C to older connector types - USB-C cable and connector specification: Defines the technical standards - USB-C port controller interface specification: Defines how devices communicate via USB-C ## 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)