# USB Full-Featured Type-C connector > the USB Type‑C connectors that replace all other USB connectors, allowing for all USB data rates and power levels (up to 240 W in either direction), Thunderbolt, and DisplayPort **Wikidata**: [Q134482543](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q134482543) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/usb-full-featured-type-c-connector ## Summary The USB Full-Featured Type-C connector is the USB-C variant designed to replace all other USB plugs and receptacles while carrying every USB data protocol, high-power charging, and alternative signals such as Thunderbolt and DisplayPort. It supports all USB data rates and power levels up to 240 W in either direction and is based on the USB-C 24-pin reversible-plug connector system. ## Key Facts - Official name: USB Full-Featured Type-C connector (documented by USB-IF; naming referenced in USB Type‑C specification and packaging guidelines). - Publication date for the USB Type-C connector family: 2014-08-11. - Power capability: supports USB power levels up to 240 W in either direction. - Connector design: based on the USB-C 24-pin reversible-plug serial digital connector system. - Replaces: intended to replace all other USB connectors (including USB 3 connectors). - Supported USB protocols: compatible with USB 1.0, USB 1.1, USB 2.0, USB 3.0, USB 3.1, USB 3.2, and USB4 (USB4 1.0). - Also supports: Thunderbolt (including Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4) and DisplayPort alternate mode. - Used by: USB Power Delivery (for negotiated power delivery profiles). - Distinct from: USB 2 Type-C connector, USB Type-C Power-Only connector, and older USB 2 connectors. - Commons category / illustration image available: "USB Full-Featured Type-C connectors" and an SVG illustration of the connector. ## FAQs ### Q: What does "Full-Featured" mean for a Type-C connector? A: "Full-Featured" means the Type-C connector supports the full set of USB data protocols and power levels and also carries alternate signals such as Thunderbolt and DisplayPort. It implements the complete USB-C feature set rather than a limited subset (e.g., power-only). ### Q: How much power can a Full-Featured Type-C connector deliver? A: It supports USB power levels up to 240 W in either direction, using negotiated power delivery mechanisms. ### Q: Is a Full-Featured Type-C connector compatible with older USB versions? A: Yes. It is defined to carry all USB versions listed (USB 1.0 through USB4 1.0), allowing compatibility with older USB protocols when supported by the host and device. ### Q: Can Full-Featured Type-C carry Thunderbolt and video signals? A: Yes. Full-Featured Type-C can carry Thunderbolt (including Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4) and DisplayPort alternate-mode signals. ## Why It Matters The USB Full-Featured Type-C connector centralizes data, video, and power into a single, reversible connector standard, simplifying cables and ports across devices. By supporting every USB data rate and power up to 240 W, it enables high-performance data transfer, multi-protocol interoperability (including Thunderbolt and DisplayPort), and substantial power delivery for charging laptops and other high-power devices. This reduces the need for multiple connector types and adapters, streamlines product design, and helps consumers use a single cable for charging, data, and video. The connector’s backward-compatible handling of legacy USB protocols allows gradual ecosystem migration while providing a forward-looking path for higher bandwidth and power needs. In short, the Full-Featured Type-C connector plays a central role in unifying connector standards across computing, mobile, and peripheral devices. ## Notable For - Supporting all USB data protocols (from USB 1.0 up through USB4 1.0) and power levels up to 240 W. - Carrying alternate high-speed protocols such as Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4, and DisplayPort. - Replacing all previous USB plug and receptacle types as part of the USB-C connector family. - Being based on the USB-C 24-pin reversible-plug design, enabling a reversible plug orientation and compact form factor. - Being explicitly distinct from power-only and USB2-only Type-C variants. ## Body ### Overview - The USB Full-Featured Type-C connector is a subclass of the USB-C connector family. - It is designed to replace all other USB connectors by providing a single connector able to carry all supported USB protocols and power levels. - The USB Type-C connector family publication date is 2014-08-11. ### Mechanical and electrical design - The connector uses the USB-C 24-pin reversible-plug serial digital connector system. - The reversible design allows insertion in either orientation. - Electrical capabilities include carrying negotiated power delivery profiles up to 240 W in either direction. ### Supported protocols and uses - Carries USB data protocols: USB 1.0, 1.1, 2.0, 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, and USB4 (USB4 1.0). - Supports USB Power Delivery for negotiated power levels and power role negotiation. - Supports alternate-mode signals such as DisplayPort. - Supports Thunderbolt protocols, including Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4. ### Relationship to other connectors and variants - The Full-Featured Type-C connector is intended to replace older USB connectors, including USB 3 connectors. - It is different from limited variants such as the USB 2 Type-C connector and the USB Type-C Power-Only connector, which support fewer protocols or functions. - The Full-Featured plug and the Full-Featured receptacle are the matching plug/receptacle pair intended to provide the complete feature set. ### Documentation and naming - The official name "USB Full-Featured Type-C connector" is documented by USB-IF guidance and the Type‑C specification materials. - Illustrations and commons media exist under the category "USB Full-Featured Type-C connectors." ### Image and media - An SVG illustration of the USB Full-Featured Type-C connector is available (file: USB_connector_illustration,_to_scale,_grouping,_Type-C,_Full-Featured.svg). ## 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) 3. [Source](https://www.usb.org/document-library/usb-32-revision-11-june-2022) 4. [Source](https://www.usb.org/sites/default/files/USB4%20Specification.zip) 5. [Source](https://www.usb.org/document-library/usb4r-specification-v20)