USB Reversable Cable Images Emerge

Lucas123 writes: "A presentation released today by Intel revealed images of the USB 3.1 Type-C cable and connectors, which is symmetrical and will no longer require a user to correctly orient the plug. Initially, the USB 3.1 Type-C specification will support up to 10Gbps data transfer speeds. The Type-C connectors resemble those of Apple's Thunderbolt cabling in that they are much smaller than today's USB SuperSpeed connectors. The receptacle opening is 8.3mm x 2.5mm.The first iteration will have a 5 volt power transfer rate, but it is expected to deliver up to 100 watts for higher power applications in the future."

Comments

Hey you, early USB plug apologist

[Anonymous Coward]

Remember when you said that a symmetrical connector with pins on both sides was too expensive?
Well get stuffed. USB plugs were badly designed from the beginning.

Re:Hey you, early USB plug apologist

[Ralph Wiggam]

Manufacturing costs have fallen in the past 18 years.

Re:Hey you, early USB plug apologist

[sunderland56]

A D-shaped connector - instead of a square one - would not have cost any more, and would have eliminated a LOT of frustration over the past 18 years.

Re:Hey you, early USB plug apologist

[RyuuzakiTetsuya]

still doesn't keep me from swearing a lot when trying to plug in an HDMI cable.

Plug makers should have to test how easy it is to plug something in with out being able to see it. Like trying to snake your arm behind a TV or large desk.

Doesn't matter...

[TWX]

One can idiot-proof anything, until along comes a bigger idiot.

Cars have had keys that can be inserted either-side-up and I've still seen broken and jammed car door locks and ignition cylinders.

Obligatory XKCD

[Ivan Stepaniuk]

https://xkcd.com/927/

Re:Reversible

[NeverVotedBush]

I loved "The first iteration will have a 5 volt power transfer rate".

Classic.

Re:Voltage != Power

[SuricouRaven]

I believe that's how it works - as 100W at 5V would be 20A, which would cause some problems with cables melting. Start at 5V, and a means for devices to negotiate higher voltages if the host is capable of supplying. Not all hosts will be able to - good luck getting 100W out of a tablet.

Re:Reversible

[50000BTU_barbecue]

I used to worry about high currents thrown around electronics these days. I don't anymore. Check it out:

- 100 amp mosfets in TO-220 packages with the thin tab. First time I saw this I thought it's going to catch fire. Lots of cheapo UPSes work like this now, and they *do* pass hundred of amps through the flimsiest of materials. So it gets hot, so? It'll last one day past the warranty and that's all it needs to do.

- Brushless motor controllers for RC toys. 35 amps through 14 gauge wire with 200C silicone sheath. Hey, it only runs for 10 minutes anyways!

- 180 amp brushless controllers. Motors the size of a Coke can rated for 6KW. Yes 6 kilowatts. Granted, they're water cooled, but I would have thought this is the equivalent of a tankless water heater and the boat could have just worked off the steam generated!

Obviously, previous design rules WRT to current were too conservative. Look at your dryer plug, and look at a RC boat's (or any battery powered toy) connectors. But I predict fires in any case as manufacturers start counting strands in the wires...

Re:Reversable?

[Wuhao]

But if you plug it in the other way round won't the phone charge the car's battery, and the 1's become 0's on the data?

No. You just have to keep the charging device elevated above the charged device. It works like a siphon.