The USB 3.0 Promoter Group recently announced that the redesign of the current USB has been finalized.
The new USB, named the USB Type-C, looks to present solutions to several issues involving the current design of the USB device's plugs and receptacles.
First and foremost among the current problems, which has frustrated users since the early days of the USB, is the need to plug in the device the "right way up."
The USB Type-C will come with a reversible plug that will allow the device to be plugged into the USB port either way.
"Interest in the USB Type-C connector has not only been global, but cross-industry as well," said the chairman of the USB 3.0 Promoter Group, Brad Saunders.
"This specification is the culmination of an extensive, cooperative effort among industry leaders to standardize the next generation USB connector as a long-lasting, robust solution."
The group describes the entirely new design of the USB Type-C to be tailored for the upcoming new designs of technology products. The new design is robust enough to use with tablets and laptops and slim enough to use with smartphones, and the size of the USB Type-C will be similar to the of the USB 2.0 Micro-B with the opening of the receptacle measuring approximately 8.4 millimeters by 2.6 millimeters.
Due to the new design, the USB Type-C's plugs and receptacles will not be compatible with older USB plugs and receptacles. Cables and adapters to allow the USB Type-C to be used with existing USB products will be developed so that consumers can continue using their older USB devices.
The new USB, however, supports USB 3.1 SuperSpeed and 100W of USB Power Delivery.
The USB Type-C is able to support scaled power charging, and is created to be able to support additional USB performance requirements for future devices. Durability is pegged at 10,000 cycles, with the capacity for power delivery through standard cables set at 3A and through connectors set at 5A.
The members of the USB 3.0 Promoter Group include Hewlett-Packard, Intel, Microsoft, Renesas Electronics, Texas Instruments and STMicroelectronics.
With the release of the specifications for the USB Type-C, the information has been transferred to the USB Implementers Forum, which will be in charge of managing the project and establishing a program for compliance and certification.
Several developer conferences that will discuss the technical details of the USB Type-C and its methods of implementation are currently being planned.
