Introduction
The USB-C connector, created in 2014 to address the limitations of earlier USB designs, was initially developed for consumer electronics. It is now steadily making its way into professional AV installations, symbolising a new era in systems integration. Known for its versatility, USB-C is now gaining traction in corporate environments where it enables high-definition audiovisual and data transmission plus power delivery through a single cable. Its increasing adoption is transforming installations by reducing complexity and enhancing device interoperability.
While HDMI remains dominant for traditional AV installations, USB-C’s ability to connect laptops, tablets and monitors is driving its integration into meeting rooms and collaborative spaces. With USB-C-equipped devices becoming more prevalent, the technology’s potential to streamline installations and support diverse applications is becoming hard to ignore. USB-C’s growing relevance also highlights its potential to ultimately unify previously fragmented connectivity options, offering professionals an all-in-one solution that caters to modern demands.
An Abbreviated History of USB-C
Early USB Standards
The Universal Serial Bus (USB) was introduced in 1996 as USB 1.0 with the aim of unifying multiple peripheral connections under a single, standardised interface. Early versions of USB introduced a variety of connector shapes, such as the rectangular Type-A for host devices and the squarish Type-B for peripherals. The designs reflected the technological constraints of the time and lacked the adaptability required for modern, compact electronics. At that time, devices such as keyboards and mice relied on serial or PS/2 connections, which were very much device-specific and lacked plug-and-play functionality. USB changed this paradigm by offering a universal, hot-swappable solution that significantly improved user convenience.
Four years later, USB 2.0, launched and brought faster speeds on the same 4 conductor cable and better power delivery capabilities. However, variations like Mini and Micro Type-B connectors for smaller devices, led to compatibility confusion, while USB Type-A remained the standard for host devices. By 2008, USB 3.0 introduced data rates of up to 5Gbps through additional data lanes, yet the reliance on bulky connectors and the need for correct orientation limited ease of use. These limitations set the stage for the development of a more user-friendly and versatile connector.
The Introduction of the ‘Type-C’ Connector
The limitations to performance, longevity and user-friendliness of earlier USB connectors became increasingly apparent. Recognising the need for a more adaptable solution, the USB Type-C (now referred to as ‘USB-C’) connector was developed and announced by USB-IF in 2014. Importantly, its compact, symmetrical design allowed devices to become smaller whilst eliminating directional insertion issues, improving usability. With support for higher data and video transfer rates, increased power delivery capabilities and backwards compatibility with older versions of USB, the USB-C connector began replacing multiple port types, simplifying device design and reducing clutter. Adoption accelerated as manufacturers such as Apple, Dell and Google integrated USB-C into flagship products. Beyond consumer devices, USB-C’s ability to handle power, data and video presented an opportunity to streamline AV installations, paving the way for its integration into professional environments. Its introduction marked a pivotal shift toward universal connectivity, further reducing the reliance on proprietary solutions and encouraging interoperability across devices and platforms.
USB3.2 and Beyond
The release of USB3.2 in 2017 marked a significant advancement in performance of the USB interface, made possible through the USB-C connector exclusively. By moving to the USB-C connector, existing 5Gbps and 10Gbps cables can be enhanced to 10Gbps and 20Gbps respectively through its dual-lane capabilities.
Announced in 2019, the current standard of USB4 enables 40Gbps data transfer rate and compatibility with an even wider range of professional and consumer devices through the USB-C connector. At the same time, the Power Delivery 3.1 standards enhanced power delivery capabilities up to 240W, allowing USB-C to power smaller AV equipment directly, reducing the need for separate power supplies.
Throughout its iterations, the USB protocol’s backwards compatibility with earlier USB standards ensures a seamless transition for users and industries alike, solidifying USB-C’s position as a versatile and high-performance solution. This has encouraged its broader adoption, making it an integral part of the connectivity landscape.
The Key Benefits of USB-C
Reversible and Robust Design
USB-C’s reversible design represents a significant improvement in user-friendliness when compared to earlier connectors that required proper orientation. This feature is particularly helpful when the port is out of sight, such as behind a monitor or at the back of a device, reducing time and frustration. Beyond convenience, the USB-C connector and its housing were also designed with robustness and longevity in mind. These features improve not only day-to-day usability but also reliability and durability in professional settings.
Simplified Cabling
USB 3.x consolidates data, video and power transmission into a single cable, whilst standardising to the USB-C connector in later iterations to support higher data rates, which makes it a standout choice for professional AV environments. Minimising the number of cables required not only simplifies troubleshooting and reduces points of failure but also saves cost and environmental impact. Additionally, having one standardised cable type makes it quicker and easier to replace, saving time when issues arise. This is particularly beneficial in compact environments where space saving is crucial, or places like corporate boardrooms where aesthetics and easy maintenance are key.
Its backward compatibility with older USB protocols and other protocols like HDMI through the use of adaptors further enhances its appeal, though AV professionals must ensure all elements of the system (host, device, cable and anything in between) are compatible with each other.
High Data Transfer Rates
With support for data rates up to 80Gbps through the newly announced USB4 v2, USB-C handles demanding tasks such as transferring raw video footage or streaming uncompressed 4K or 8K video. Through the adoption of Thunderbolt tunnelling protocols and compatibility with DisplayLink, USB-C also simplifies connections for multiple displays, reducing the need for extra cables. This makes it ideal for professional AV installations where high-resolution and low latency video and audio are critical to user experience, such as boardrooms, data intensive content production and live streaming spaces, and in video conferencing applications.
Power Delivery (USB PD)
USB PD simplifies installations by combining power and data into a single connection. It powers compatible devices directly, reducing the need for separate adapters in certain situations. Although it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, USB PD’s dynamic power negotiation and support for smaller AV equipment add flexibility to installations.
With the announcement of USB Power Delivery 3.1 standard USB PD3.1, USB-C now supports up to 240W, a significant improvement over earlier ratings such as 100W. This enhancement allows USB-C to power devices like monitors and smaller AV equipment more reliably, reducing, though not removing, reliance on additional power adapters and thus streamlining installations.
Enhanced Compatibility
Zooming out, the movement to standardise connectivity to the USB-C connector is improving interoperability across devices and reducing waste. Whilst there is debate as to the effectiveness or necessity for such a top-down approach, the European Union’s directive to adopt USB-C as a universal charging port has accelerated this shift, ensuring that future devices integrate seamlessly into USB-C installations. Whilst variations in system capabilities require AV professionals to select the right options for each situation, as more devices adopt USB-C, its role as a universal connector is further solidified, reducing fragmentation and enabling smoother transitions between old and new technologies.
Limitations of USB-C
Length Constraints
Due to the complexity of the USB connection, it is quite rare to see a certified full-featured USB3.x or USB4 cable offered at lengths beyond two metres. Furthermore, while USB-C’s compact form factor is one of its key advantages, it also imposes some limitations. The small size of the connector restricts the size and number of internal components that can be accommodated, hampering the implementation of active optical technologies that can extend the length of a USB-C cable.
To date, many manufacturers have tried to get around this problem by offering non-certified and non-full-featured products at longer lengths; however, this only makes the complex challenge of navigating USB systems worse for integrators. Alternatively, the connector may be made larger than the specification allows, making installations difficult when using recessed USB-C ports. All this places an onus on manufacturers to ensure product capabilities are clearly labelled, and unfortunately, also on integrators to ensure they select cables carefully, particularly for professional AV environments.
Compatibility and Compliance
The complexity of navigating the various signal protocols, such as varied interpretations of backwards compatibility being passed down the same USB-C cable make understanding USB compatibility difficult. Cables which do not offer full-featured connectivity can also lead to some wild inconsistencies and compatibility issues. These issues undermine the USB interface’s bold promise of universality.
Whilst USB-IF is moving to standardise product labelling and improve compliance, there is still a long way to go. As ever, AV professionals must ensure that all components in an installation adhere to the required standards to avoid performance bottlenecks and failures.
Conclusion
USB-C is not just a connector; it is set to be the cornerstone of the next generation of AV solutions, driving innovation and simplifying connectivity. For AV professionals, USB-C offers more than just convenience; it presents new opportunities to create cleaner, more efficient installations with reduced downtime and maintenance. Its support for high-resolution video, reliable audio and robust power delivery ensures it can meet the demands of modern AV environments, from corporate boardrooms to content production spaces. As the standardisation of USB-C accelerates, its compatibility with future devices and technologies will only enhance its value. By understanding its capabilities and leveraging its advantages, AV professionals can future-ready their installations now, ensuring they remain at the forefront of technological advancements and the industry.
Looking ahead, USB-C’s role is expected to expand, as industries continue to adopt it as a universal standard. However, to make the technology truly universal, manufacturers must come to the party through standardisation and compliance. This will allow the full features and benefits to live up to their promises by empowering integrators to create high performing systems that are more compact and efficient.
Discover Kordz’ new range of professional grade USB-C cables, here. These cables have been Kordzified to make USB-C connectivity hassle-free for professional integrators. They fit our definition of ‘full-featured’ because they strictly adhere to USB-IF standards and deliver sufficient headroom in all aspects of the USB-C interface, allowing systems integrators to fit and forget.
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