The common pin counts for Type-C connectors are 6P, 12P, 16P, and 24P, with differences in functionality, application scenarios, and costs. Below is a detailed introduction:
1 Pin Definitions#
The pin function definitions for the Type-C connector are as follows:
| Pin | Name | Function Description |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | GND | Ground |
| A2 | SSTXp1 | SuperSpeed differential signal #1, TX, positive |
| A3 | SSTXn1 | SuperSpeed differential signal #1, TX, negative |
| A4 | VBUS | Bus power |
| A5 | CC1 | Configuration channel, used for detecting device connection, orientation, and for USB Power Delivery communication |
| A6 | Dp1 | USB 2.0 differential signal, position 1, positive |
| A7 | Dn1 | USB 2.0 differential signal, position 1, negative |
| A8 | SBU1 | Sideband use (SBU), used for transmitting non-USB signals, such as audio signals |
| A9 | VBUS | Bus power |
| A10 | SSRXn2 | SuperSpeed differential signal #2, RX, negative |
| A11 | SSRXp2 | SuperSpeed differential signal #2, RX, positive |
| A12 | GND | Ground |
| B1 | GND | Ground |
| B2 | SSTXp2 | SuperSpeed differential signal #2, TX, positive |
| B3 | SSTXn2 | SuperSpeed differential signal #2, TX, negative |
| B4 | VBUS | Bus power |
| B5 | CC2 | Configuration channel |
| B6 | Dp2 | USB 2.0 differential signal, position 2, positive |
| B7 | Dn2 | USB 2.0 differential signal, position 2, negative |
| B8 | SBU2 | Sideband use (SBU) |
| B9 | VBUS | Bus power |
| B10 | SSRXn1 | SuperSpeed differential signal #1, RX, negative |
| B11 | SSRXp1 | SuperSpeed differential signal #1, RX, positive |
| B12 | GND | Ground |
2 Differences Between Type-C Connectors with Different Pin Counts#
- 6P Type-C
- Function: Retains only Vbus, GND, CC1, and CC2. Vbus is used for power supply, GND is for grounding, CC1 and CC2 are used for PD device identification, carrying USB-PD communication to request power supply from the source. It lacks the D+ and D- differential signals of USB 2.0 and the high-speed transmission capabilities of USB 3.0.
- Application Scenarios: Suitable for devices that do not require USB communication and only need USB for power charging, such as toys, electric toothbrushes, fast-charging plugs, etc.
- Cost: Due to the fewer number of pins, the production process is relatively simple, resulting in lower costs.
- 12P Type-C
- Function: Adds data DP1/2, DN1/2, SBU1/2 on top of the 6P. DP1/2 and DN1/2 are used for USB 2.0 communication, enabling data transmission; SBU1/2 is used for transmitting non-USB signals, such as audio signals. It supports PD fast charging, audio devices, HDMI transmission, debugging mode, etc., but lacks the high-speed transmission capability of USB 3.0/3.1.
- Application Scenarios: Commonly used in small household appliances that do not require high data transmission speeds but need to support multiple functions. The MCUs used in these devices typically only support USB 2.0, making USB 3.0 functionality unnecessary.
- Cost: Compared to 24P, it saves some pins and related circuits, reducing costs, but is higher than 6P.
- 16P Type-C
- Function: Cuts out USB 3.0 TX1/2, RX1/2 from the 24P while retaining SBU1/2, CC1/2, and USB 2.0 D+/D-. Aside from lacking USB 3.0/3.1 high-speed transmission, its other functions are basically the same as 24P, also supporting PD fast charging, audio devices, HDMI transmission, debugging mode, etc.
- Application Scenarios: Suitable for devices that do not have high demands for high-speed data transmission, able to meet basic functionality while controlling costs.
- 24P Type-C
- Function: This is a fully functional Type-C interface, possessing all the features of the 12P and additionally offering USB 3.0/3.1 high-speed transmission capabilities. Its D+/D- provides compatibility for USB 2.0 data transmission differential pairs, with two sets of D+/D- differential pairs to support reversible insertion; GND and VBUS are used to provide ground and power signals, with a default VBUS voltage of 5V, which can be negotiated to support higher voltages and currents; RX and TX are separated to achieve full-duplex communication for upstream and downstream; CC pins are used for plug detection, orientation detection, reporting current support capabilities at the source end, and are used in PD fast charging and alternate mode; VCONN powers the EMarker chip contained within the Type-C cable.
- Application Scenarios: Widely used in various electronic devices that require high-speed data transmission and support for multiple functions, such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, monitors, etc.
- Cost: Due to the high number of pins and rich functionality, the procurement cost of this interface is relatively high.