SSZTBR3 january 2016 TPS25810
[Scene : Greg Waterfall and Jim Bird are enjoying a burger and beverage at their favorite watering hole.]
OK Jim, I now see the value of USB Type-C, especially with power delivery, but what else can it do for me? Today’s USB ports have great data speeds and they’re ubiquitous. Do you know what that word means?
Indeed, I know the meaning; trust me when I say you have only begun to learn the powerful ways of Type-C. I intend to cause you no discomfort, but it’s time we discussed alternate modes. The power of these diverse alternate capabilities is understood by very few. But those with enlightenment have found worlds of opportunity not previously available. The alternate energy surrounds us and binds us –
“Alternate modes”? What’s that? And do you always have to start quoting your favorite movies?! Maybe its time for you to switch to water, because that barley pop is going to your head! “Alternate modes” … I bike to work but I don’t see what that has to do with USB unless you are talking about the university system buses. I don’t like to ride them. They have a fairly identifiable odor and it is not new bus smell.
No need to ride the bus, as far as I know. Alternate modes are a feature of USB Type-C that allow existing signals using non-USB protocols to be sent across the USB Type-C cable in its native format. There’s no need to convert to USB just to get down the cable. Close your eyes and imagine high-definition mulitimedia interface (HDMI) signals going down the Type-C cable in HDMI format. There’s no need to translate to USB and then back to HDMI at the device end. Now open your eyes and take that fresh beverage the waitress is handing you.
Interesting, but can't I do that with existing USB? I have a USB-to-Ethernet adapter. Doesn’t that just do the same thing?
Actually no. Your computer sends the data to a USB modem in its USB port. At the big end of the adapter is another USB modem that converts it to a data format that is passed to an Ethernet modem in the adapter. Then the data is sent down the Ethernet cable.
OK. So what? That works just fine for me.
But why use three modems when one will do? With Type-C you can connect an Ethernet modem in the notebook to the wires in the USB cable. The adapter just needs to connect those wires correctly to your Ethernet cable. The old USB way is like digging holes and filling them in again. USB Type-C is elegant.
So I might get a faster Ethernet connection and a cheaper adapter. Is there more?
Yes – along with that you get free standard alternative modes, mobile high-definition link (MHL) and DisplayPort, which are video/audio communication standards that enable you to do things like play video from your phone or tablet directly onto a television. All you need is a USB Type-C cable. Reducing the number of conversions saves time, energy and signal fidelity.
What else will it do!?
How about enabling you to use an audio adapter mode to send “analog” audio across the cable? You’ll be able to break out your old vintage headphones and listen to Bing Crosby from your favorite device.
Awesome. Now I really want USB Type-C!
You aren’t the only one. Everyone I talk to wants to learn more, so I send them to check out TI’s USB Type-C products and solutions.
If you too would like to hear more about Type-C, stop by TI’s booth at CES, located in the North Hall #N115-N118. If you can’t attend the show: