A Primer on USB Type-C® and USB

Power Delivery Applications and

Requirements

Nate Enos
Analog Field Applications
North America Sales & Marketing

Brian Gosselin
Analog Field Applications
North America Sales & Marketing
The USB Type-C® connector ecosystem continues to
evolve with the needs of modern platforms and devices.
the evolution of USB data, starting with USB 1.0 through

At a glance USB 3.1 Gen 2.

Table 1 lists the maximum transfer rate of each USB

This paper serves as an introduction to USB Type-C and
data transfer-related specification. The standard started
USB Power Delivery (PD) examining various applications
with USB1.x supporting 1.5 Mbps (low speed) and 12
and their data and power requirements.
Mbps (full speed), but evolved to support 10 Gbps
(SuperSpeed+) with USB 3.1 Gen 2.

1
Data and power roles
Maximum transfer
Typical data and power roles vary within end Specification Data rate name
rate
equipment with regards to the USB Type-C USB1.0 and USB 1.1 Low Speed 1.5 Mbps
specification. Full Speed 12 Mbps
USB 2.0 High Speed 480 Mbps

2
USB 3.1 Gen 1 (SuperSpeed) and Gen USB 3.0 SuperSpeed 5 Gbps
2 (SuperSpeed+) USB 3.1 SuperSpeed+ 10 Gbps
Applications that require transfer rates faster than
480 Mbps will need to leverage either USB 3.1 Table 1. USB specification and maximum voltage, current and
power.
Gen 1 (SuperSpeed) or Gen 2 (SuperSpeed+).

Table 2 shows the evolution of USB power, starting with

3
USB Type-C pinout and reversibility
The USB Type-C connector includes several USB 2.0 through USB PD 3.0. The overall trend has been
new pins compared to USB Type-A and Type-B to increase the maximum power to address the growing
connectors. needs of platforms and devices. Without USB PD, you
can support up to 5 V at 3 A (15 W) with just USB Type-C
The USB Type-C connector ecosystem addresses the alone. However, with USB PD, you can support up to 20
evolving needs of modern platforms and devices, and V at 5 A (100 W) within the USB Type-C ecosystem.
the trend toward smaller, thinner and lighter form-factor Maximum Maximum Maximum
Specification
designs. Additionally, the modification of USB PD for voltage current power
USB 2.0 5V 500 mA 2.5 W
the Type-C connector helps address the needs of power­
USB3.0 and 5V 900 mA 4.5 W
hungry applications. USB 3.1
USB BC 1.2 5V 1.5 A 7.5 W
Introduction USB Type-C 1.2 5V 3A 15 W
USB PD 3.0 20 V 5A 100 W
You may have heard about USB Type-C’s reversible
cable. When you think about the requirements for a Table 2. USB specification and maximum voltage, current and
power.
particular system, however, you may be unsure about
what’s necessary and what’s just “nice to have.” In this
paper, we will introduce the most basic USB Type-C
applications and work our way up to full-featured USB
Type-C and USB PD applications. But first, let’s review

A Primer on USB Type-C® and USB Power Delivery Applications and 2 March 2022
Requirements
Data and power roles • A source is a port that when attached provides power
There are three types of data flow in a USB connection: over VBUS. Common sources are a host or hub DFP.
An example of a source application is a USB Type-C
• The downstream-facing port (DFP) sends data
wall charger.
downstream; it is typically the port on a host or a
• A dual-role power (DRP) port can operate as either
hub to which devices connect. A DFP will source
a sink or source, and may alternate between these
VBUS power (the power path between host and
two states. When a DRP initially operates as a source,
device) and can also source VCONN power (to
the port takes the data role of a DFP. Alternatively,
power electronically marked cables). An example of
when a DRP initially operates as a sink, the port
an application that may include a DFP is a docking
takes the data role of a UFP. Using USB PD power­
station.
role swap can dynamically change the DRP’s power
• The upstream-facing port (UFP), which connects to
role, however. For example, a laptop may include
a host or DFP of a hub, receives the data on a device
a DRP port that can receive power to charge the
or hub. These ports usually sink VBUS. An example
laptop’s battery, but it can also deliver power to
of an application that may include a UFP is a display
charge external accessories. Additionally, there are
monitor.
two special subclasses of a DRP:
• The dual-role data (DRD) port can operate as either
– A sourcing device is capable of supplying power,
a DFP (host) or a UFP (device). The port’s power
but not capable of acting as a DFP. One example
role at attach determines its initial role. A source port
of this subclass is a USB Type-C and USB PD­
takes on the data role of a DFP, while the sink port
compatible monitor that receives data from a
takes on the data role of a UFP. Using USB PD data­
laptop’s DFP, but also charges the laptop.
role swap can dynamically change the port’s data
– A sinking host is capable of consuming power, but
role, however. Example applications that may include
not capable of acting as a UFP. An example could
DRD ports include laptops, tablets and smartphones.
be a hub’s DFP that sends data to an accessory
There are three types of power flow in a USB connection: while being powered by that accessory.
• A sink is a port that when attached consumes power Figure 1 below highlights common end equipment and
from VBUS and a sink is most often a device. A what their typical data and power roles are with regards
sink could include USB peripherals such as a USB­ to the USB Type-C specification.
powered light or fan.
Power role
data
No

Wall outlet
Date role

Mobile device

USB device
accessories

Figure 1. USB Type-C version 1.2 example applications.

A Primer on USB Type-C® and USB Power Delivery Applications and 3 March 2022
Requirements
USB Type-C UFP sink: USB 2.0 without USB USB 2.0 PHYs are often integrated into processors
PD or microcontrollers; however, there are discrete PHYs
The most simple and likely most common application available to integrate USB functionality into your
is a UFP USB 2.0 without USB PD (≤15 W). Common design. The configuration channel (CC) logic block
applications include anything USB-powered today that introduced in the USB Type-C specification determines
does not require SuperSpeed data, such as a mouse, cable detection, cable orientation and current-carrying
keyboard, wearables or various other small electronics. capability.
Figure 2 highlights the necessary functional blocks for a
• Cable detection occurs when one of the two CC
USB Type-C UFP USB 2.0 system.
lines pulls down (see Figure 3). A DFP will have both
of its CC pins pull up with resistor Rp, and a UFP
To
CC logic CC lines
will have both of its CC pins pull down with resistor
processor
Rd [1]. Once a DFP processor detects that one of its
CC lines is pulled down, the DFP will know that a
connector
Type-C
connection has been made.
To USB 2.0 PHY D+/D-
USB 2.0
D+/D-
• Cable orientation is based on which CC line pulls
processor Mux
D+/D- down (if CC1 pulls down, the cable is not flipped; but
if CC2 pulls down, the cable is flipped). For nonactive
cables, the remaining CC line remains open; for active
Figure 2. Type-C UFP USB 2.0 without PD block diagram.
cables, the remaining CC line will pull down with Ra.
At this point, we will assume that you understand the • The values of Rp determine the current-carrying
USB Type-C connector pinout and how reversibility capability. USB Type-C can natively support either
works; if not, see Figure 13. Note that the USB 2.0 1.5 A or 3 A. A DFP can advertise its current-carrying
physical layer (PHY) is no different than previous USB 2.0 capability with a specific value pullup resistor. A
designs with a Type-A or Type-B connector. It serves as UFP has a fixed- value pulldown resistor (Rd) such
the physical layer between the data from USB’s D+ and that when connected, it forms a voltage divider with
D– lines to the USB 2.0 Transceiver Macrocell Interface Rp. By sensing the voltage at the center tap of
(UTMI) plus low-pin interface (ULPI) for the application the voltage divider, a UFP can detect the DFP’s
processor to manage. advertised current.

Figure 3. CC logic pullup and pulldown termination. (Source: USB Type-C specification v1.2, Figures 4 and 5 pullup/pulldown CC
model)

A Primer on USB Type-C® and USB Power Delivery Applications and 4 March 2022
Requirements
The last block is a USB 2.0 multiplexer (often called transistor (FET). As a result, the design requires a switch
a high- speed mux). The dotted outline in Figure 2 for the 5-V rail.
represents an optional block not required by the USB
Additionally,the USB Type-C specification requires that
Type-C specification. To understand the purpose of the
all sources monitor current and protect themselves if a
mux, it’s important to understand how flipping the cable
sink tries to draw in excess of what it can supply [1].
affects data flow. In a USB Type-C receptacle, there are
This is where the overcurrent protection block comes
two pairs of D+/D– lines for a single channel of USB
into play. These two blocks can be integrated into the
2.0 data. In one orientation, data flows down one of
point-of-load power converter, or integrated into the USB
the pairs. In the flipped orientation, data flows down the
Type-C device.
other pair. The USB Type-C specification allows shorting
the pairs together, D+ to D+ and D– to D–, to create a Overcurrent
protection
stub. Although it’s not required, some designers elect to
include a USB 2.0 mux in their system to improve signal 5V
5V
integrity. 5V VBUS FET

VBUS
Texas Instruments (TI) offers a variety of devices for UFP discharge

applications with USB 2.0 data and no USB PD. These

connector
devices from TI offer a compact solution for CC logic that

Type-C
can determine cable detection, orientation and current- To
processor CC logic
VCONN
CC lines
switch*
carrying capability.

USB Type-C DFP: USB 2.0 without USB PD

D+/D-
Another simple and common application is a DFP USB To USB 2.0 PHY D+/D-
USB2.0
processor Mux
D+/D-
2.0 without USB PD, as shown in Figure 4. One example
is a 5-V AC/DC adapter.

Figure 4 represents the blocks necessary for a USB Figure 4. USB Type-C DFP USB 2.0 without USB PD block
Type-C DFP USB 2.0 without USB PD. Note the diagram.
similarities to Figure 2 with a few extra blocks added,
Figure 4 also includes the VBUS discharge block. When
while the CC logic block is still the same. In the case of a
no device is attached, VBUS should sit at 0 V. The
DFP, the device presents Rp and monitors for a pulldown
USB Type-C specification requires a source to discharge
caused by Rd. Once Rp detects a pulldown, the DFP
VBUS within 650 ms of a detached sink [1]. VBUS
knows that there is a device connected and provides 5
discharge is often integrated into a USB Type-C device,
V. Providing 5 V only on the VBUS line after detecting a
but can also be integrated with a bleeder resistor.
device (cold-plugging), versus always providing 5 V is a
new feature introduced in USB Type-C. VCONN can power passive electronically marked
or active cables (cables that support USB PD
The USB 2.0 ULPI PHY is the same as in the previous
communication and provide a method for determining
section. For applications that do not transfer data, such
cable characteristics ) by switching 5 V onto the unused
as a 5-V wall adapter, you can omit the USB 2.0 ULPI
CC line (see the appendix). Figure 3 shows that one CC
PHY froFigure 4m the design. Because USB Type-C
line in the USB Type-C cable connects Rp to Rd, while
implements cold-plugging, adds a 5-V VBUS field-effect
the other is left floating (a passive cable) or pulled down

A Primer on USB Type-C® and USB Power Delivery Applications and 5 March 2022
Requirements
to ground with Ra (a passive electronically marked or The only noticeable change from Figure 4 is adding the
active cable). Rp/ Rd switch. A DRP/DRD can present itself as either a
UFP or DFP. As a result, this design must have a method
VCONN is required for all applications that support USB
to pull the CC lines up with Rp or pull the lines down
3.1 speeds or power delivery higher than 3 A [1]. The
with Rd (default on a dead battery in order to charge), as
VCONN switch is also required if you want to support
shown in Figure 6. Notice how the switch can toggle
active cables, such as longer-distance cables that require
between pulling the CC line up (in this case, with a
signal conditioning with an integrated redriver or retimer.
current source to create a specific voltage across Rd),
TI’s portfolio of USB Type-C source controllers are or pulling the CC line down to GND.
a good fit for DFP USB 2.0 data without USB PD
applications. These devices include CC logic, a 5-V
VBUS FET, overcurrent protection, VBUS discharge and
a VCONN switch. To learn more about these devices, see CC1

the USB Type-C portal on TI.com.

USB Type-C DRP/DRD USB 2.0 without USB Connection and

PD cable detection

The last USB 2.0 non-USB PD application available is

the DRP/DRD. For non-USB PD applications, DRD and
DRP are identical. A common example is a slower-speed
CC2
laptop port that can send power in either direction –
to charge or be charged, and act as either a host or a
device. Another common application for this system type
is tablets and smartphones. Figure 5 is an updated block
diagram. Figure 6. Rp/Rd switch schematic.

Overcurrent TI has a variety of devices that address DRP/DRD

protection
USB 2.0 without USB PD applications. These devices
5V integrate the CC logic, Rp/Rd switch and – depending on
5V 5V VBUS FET
the device – the VCONN switch.
VBUS
discharge
USB Type-C DRP/DRD: USB 2.0 with USB
PD
connector
Type- C

Rp/Rd
To switch
proccessor CC logic Applications with increasing complexity require USB PD.
VCONN CC As mentioned in the introduction, systems with USB PD
switch* lines
can support power levels of up to 20 V and 5 A (100
W). This is possible by first increasing the voltage on
To USB 2.0 D+/D-
USB 2.0 PHY D+/D-
processor Mux
D+/D- VBUS while holding the maximum current at 3 A. After
reaching the maximum voltage of 20 V, you can increase
the current up to 5 A, as shown in Figure 7.
Figure 5. USB Type-C DRP/DRD USB 2.0 without USB PD block
diagram. Note that the VCONN switch is not always required.

A Primer on USB Type-C® and USB Power Delivery Applications and 6 March 2022
Requirements
 6

Current (A)
5 + 9V 5 + 9 + 15V
3

1
7.5W

27W
15W

45W
0
Rp1 Rp2
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

Source power rating (W)

Figure 7. USB PD profiles (power rails and maximum current).
(Source: Figure 10-2 in USB PD specification v3.0)

Figure 7 shows that: not any different from non-USB Type-C systems (outside
• The discrete voltage levels required are 5 V, 9 V, 15 V of the higher channel count). The exception is with
and 20 V (modified in USB PD specification v3.0). VBUS-to-short protection. The USB Type-C connector
• The current can vary continuously, depending on the has a higher pin density than legacy USB connectors.
required power level (up to 3 A). As a result, it is easier to accidentally short VBUS to

• At any given power level, a source is required to adjacent pins (see the appendix). Since VBUS can be as

support all previous voltages and power levels. high as 20 V, it is possible to have a short between the
20 V and a 5-V line (such as sideband use [SBU], CC and
For example, a 60-W source must be able to supply 20
so on). To protect against this potentially catastrophic
V at 3 A, 15 V at 3 A, 9 V at 3 A and 5 V at 3 A. This is
event, TI introduced a family of USB Type-C protection
an update in version 3.0 of the USB PD specification, in
integrated circuits.
order to ensure that higher power supplies could support
Overcurrent
lower-powered devices. An example is a charger for both protection

your laptop and phone. 5-20 V

Short-to-
V BUS
5-20 V VBUS FET protection
5-20 V
Figure 8 highlights four new blocks that come into 3-5 A

VBUS
play for USBPD applications. The VBUS FET introduced discharge
Gate
earlier can now handle 5 V to 20 V (at discrete levels, driver

depending on the desired power level), and potentially up Rp/Rd

connector
Type-C

To switch
to 5 A (again, only when providing 20 V). Figure 8 also processor CC logic
CC
VCONN
shows the addition of a gate-driver block for the higher­
lines
switch*

power FET. Some devices integrate a high-power FET

as well as a gate driver to drive an even higher-power To
processor
PD
manager
PD PHY

external FET (TI’s USB PD controllers, for example), while

other devices integrate just the gate driver, or integrate To
USB 2.0 PHY USB 2.0 D+/D-
processor D+/D-
Mux
neither. D+/D-

Up to this point, we have not discussed electrostatic Figure 8. USB Type-C DRP/DRD USB 2.0 with USB PD block
discharge protection in the block diagrams because it is diagram. Note that the VCONN switch is not always required.

A Primer on USB Type-C® and USB Power Delivery Applications and 7 March 2022
Requirements
Two other new blocks are the USB PD PHY and USB PD up to 5 Gbps, while SuperSpeed+ supports up to
manager. Together, these blocks send packets of data 10 Gbps. To enable these higher transfer rates in a
across the CC lines, enabling communication between USB Type-C application, you need to include a USB
the DFP and UFP. This communication enables the 3.1 PHY interface for the PCI Express (PCIe) (PIPE)
source to advertise what power levels it can support, and PHY (Serial Advanced Technology Attachment and USB
the sink can then request a supported power level. Once architectures) and a bidirectional differential switch that
a power level is set, the voltage and current levels are supports USB 3.1, as shown in Figure 9.
adjusted.
Overcurrent
protection
It is important to distinguish the difference in roles
between the USB PD manager and the USB PD PHY; 5-20 V
Short-to-
V BUS
several USB Type-C devices may include one but not the 5-20 V
5-20 V VBUS FET protection
3-5A
other. For example, a general-purpose microcontroller V BUS
can act as a USB PD manager, but does not have the discharge

Gate
USB PD PHY. The USB PD PHY’s responsibility is to driver

drive the CC lines, but it is not intelligent by itself.

Rp/Rd
The USB PD manager is the brains, containing a To
CC logic
switch
microcontroller
complex state machine to support USB PD negotiation

connector
V CONN

Type-C
CC lines
and to control the PHY. (The USB PD manager also switch*

performs Alternate Mode negotiation.) The USB PD

manager does this by telling the PHY which packets to To
PD manager PD PHY
microcontroller
send, such as advertising the power level, requesting the
power level and acknowledging the channel power level.
For a more detailed explanation, see reference [2]. To USB 2.0 PHY
USB 2.0 D+/D-
D+/D- Mux /
microcontroller (ULPI) D+/D-
Demux
The main takeaway is that if USB PD is required, you
need a USB PD PHY and a USB PD manager. You can
implement a USB PD PHY and USB PD manager by USB 3.1
SSRX1
To USB 3.1 PHY SSRX SSTX1
using an integrated solution with the USB PD manager microcontroller (PIPE) SSTX
Mux /
Demux
SSRX2
SSTX2
and USB PD PHY solution in the same device, or
implementing a USB PD manager on a microcontroller Figure 9. USB Type-C USB 3.1 block diagram. Note that the
and using a separate PHY with a USB Type-C port VCONN switch is not always required.

controller. The USB 3.1 PIPE-compliant PHY provides a bridge

For DFP applications implementing USB PD, see the between the media access control, the open systems
USB Type-C portal onTI.com. interconnection model layer and the physical medium.
For example, TI offers a variety of PIPE-compliant USB
USB 3.1 Gen 1 (SuperSpeed) and Gen 2 3.1 PHY transceivers that support up to 5-Gbps data
(SuperSpeed+) rates.
Applications that require transfer rates faster than 480
The bidirectional differential switch operates in mux
Mbps will need to leverage either USB 3.1 Gen 1
and demultiplexer (demux) operation. Unlike USB 2.0
(SuperSpeed) or Gen 2 (SuperSpeed+). As stated in the
data, the mux/demux is not optional and is required for
introduction, SuperSpeed supports data-transfer rates

A Primer on USB Type-C® and USB Power Delivery Applications and 8 March 2022
Requirements
all applications,except USB Type-C plugs that connect Figure 10 shows a host, which is required to have the
directly to a host (versus a female receptacle). USB 3.1mux/demux route the USB 3.1 signal pairs. USB
Type-C cables are wired such that the CC wires are
One example is a USB 3.1 flash drive with a USB Type-C
position-aligned with the USB 3.1 signal pairs. As a
plug that is physically incorporated into the device. In
result, the host can configure the switch based on which
this typeof application, the USB 3.1 data bus is fixed by
CC pins (CC1/CC2) terminate at the receptacle.
design, as shown in Figure 10. Thus, there are only two
possible connected states that exist when viewed by a
USB Type-C host.
Implementation with switch Direct connect device implementation

Figure 10. USB 3.1 data bus connection for a USB Type-C plug directly connected to USB Type-C host. (Source: Figure 4-4 in USB
Type-C specification v1.2)

All USB 3.1 applications incorporating a USB Type-C It does not matter whether the application is for a DFP or
receptacle must include the USB 3.1 switch, because UFP. If it incorporates a USB Type-C receptacle, the USB
when you have a USB Type-C cable connecting two USB 3.1 switch is required to route the transceiver (TX) and
Type-C receptacles, the cable orientation and twist are receiver (RX) signal pairs. TI has a variety of active and
not fixed. As a result, four possible connected states passive muxes to meet the USB 3.1 switching needs of
exist when viewed by either the USB Type-C host or USB Type-C.
device, as illustrated in Figure 11.
Implementation without switch Implementation with switch

Figure 11. USB 3.1 data bus connection for Type-C receptacle connected to Type-C receptacle.
(Source: Figure 4-3 in the USB Type-C Specification v1.2)

A Primer on USB Type-C® and USB Power Delivery Applications and 9 March 2022
Requirements
 Overcurrent
protection

Short-to-
5-20 V V BUS
5-20 V VBUS FET protection
5-20 V
3-5A

V BUS
discharge

Gate
driver

Rp/Rd
To switch
processor CC logic

V CONN
CC lines
switch*

connector
To

Type-C
processor PD manager PD PHY

To USB 2.0 PHY USB 2.0 D+/D-

processor D+/D- Demux
(ULPI) D+/D-

SSRX1
SSRX SSTX1
To USB 3.1 PHY
processor SSTX SSRX2
(PIPE)
SSTX2
USB 3.1+
Alternate
Mode
Mux
To Alternate Mode
processor PHY SBU1
SBU2

Figure 12. Type-C Alternate Mode block diagram. *VCONN switch is not always required as will be discussed.

As with any high-speed interface, some USB 3.1 To do this, USB Type-C needed additional functionality
applications may require signal conditioning to maintain beyond USB 3.0, which led the USB Implementers
signal integrity. To address this need, TI has a variety Forum to define Alternate Mode. Alternate Mode enables
of USB Type-C active muxes that incorporate both the repurposing of USB Type-C pins (TX/RX pairs and
USB mux/demux needs, as well as receiver equalization SBU) for a different function [1]. Up to this point,
and transmitter de-emphasis, in order to maintain signal video has been the primary focus for Alternate Mode
integrity on both the TX and RX data paths for Gen1 and with DisplayPort and Thunderbolt being the main two
Gen 2 data rates. Alternate Modes for implementing video across a USB
Type-C cable.
For USB 3.1 applications with USB PD, TI offers a
complete solution including the USB PD manager and It is possible to transfer 4K video over USB Type­
PHY, a 20-V and 3-A FET, CC logic, and a SuperSpeed C cables, but not without Alternate Mode. Note that
mux. See the USB Type-C portal for more details. the USB Implementers Forum requires that they both
approve and certify any Alternate Mode. Figure 12
Alternate Mode highlights two new blocks required to support Alternate
An important benefit of USB Type-C is its ability to Mode.
eliminate the need for nearly every cable in consumer The first new block is the Alternate Mode PHY. For
devices (High-Definition Multimedia Interface [HDMI], example, with DisplayPort, you need a DisplayPort
DisplayPort/Thunderbolt, power barrels, USB Type-A/B).

A Primer on USB Type-C® and USB Power Delivery Applications and 10 March 2022
Requirements
source (from the graphics processing unit). The second is • Provide a USB billboard message over the D+/D–
the Alternate Mode mux. A USB Type-C USB 3.0 system lines to communicate information that identifies the
requires a SuperSpeed mux in order to support different device. Once a monitor sees that the USB 2.0
cable orientations. Alternate Mode needs the ability to USB Type-C port cannot support DisplayPort, it will
support switching in the Alternate Mode PHY while still provide a billboard to communicate to the operating
supporting different cable orientations. system (OS) that it requires DisplayPort to function.

Alternate Mode and USB 3.0 multiplexing is typically At this time, the OS could notify the user to use the

integrated into a single active or passive USB Type­ other full-featured USB Type-C port on the laptop to

C Alternate Mode mux. Two other important blocks support DisplayPort [1].

required for Alternate Mode are the USB PD PHY and A full-featured system that supports Alternate Mode,
USB PD manager. It is possible to support USB PD and USB PD and USB 3.1 can be quite powerful, but also
Alternate Mode simultaneously (imagine a monitor that complex. TI has solutions specifically addressing this
takes in HDMI video but also charges a laptop when need. For example, TI USB PD controllers integrate the
connected). USB PD manager and PHY, the high-voltage power path

Even if USB PD power levels are not required, you must and CC logic, and can control an external SuperSpeed/

include a USB PD PHY and USB PD manager to support Alternate Mode mux.

Alternate Mode because it is negotiated the same way as

USB Type-C pinout and reversibility
USB PD – a vendor-defined message over the CC line.
The USB Type-C connector includes several new pins
Without a USB PD PHY and USB PD manager, the
compared to USB Type-A and Type-B connectors. These
system could not advertise and settle on an Alternate
pins enable USB Type-C features such as higher power,
Mode.
Alternate Mode and reversibility. Figure 13 illustrates the
One final note on Alternate Mode is how to handle an pinout.
incompatible connection. Imagine that the user connects
From left to right, Figure 13 shows:
their USB Type-C laptop into a USB Type-C monitor. This
laptop has two USB Type-C ports: one port supports • GND: the return path for the signal.
USB PD with DisplayPort as an Alternate Mode at USB • TX/RX: SuperSpeed twisted pairs for USB 3.1 data (5
3.1 speeds, while the second port supports only USB to 10 Gbps).
2.0 over USB Type-C. In this case, it is likely that the • VBUS: the main system bus (5 V to 20V).
monitor requires Alternate Mode to function; for example, • CC1/CC2: CC lines used for cable detection,
DisplayPort for video. If the user connects the monitor to orientation and current advertisement. With USB PD,
the USB 2.0 Type-C port, the monitor will not work. the CC lines can also communicate higher power

If Alternate Mode negotiation fails, there are two options: levels and Alternate Mode. Note that one of the CC
lines may become VCONN.
• Support USB functionality without Alternate Mode

Figure 13. Type-C receptacle pinout.

A Primer on USB Type-C® and USB Power Delivery Applications and 11 March 2022
Requirements
• SBU1/SBU2: these are low-speed lines used only for A new aspect of the USB Type-C connector is that
Alternate Mode and accessory mode. For example, the pins are almost symmetrical (both vertically and
with DisplayPort, AUX+/AUX– transmit over the SBU horizontally). This is why the connector can be reversible.
lines. For audio adapter accessory mode, these lines Unfortunately, it’s not possible to passively realize
are used for the microphone input and analog GND. reversibility, so additional electronics are required. Figure
• D+/D–: a high-speed twisted pair for USB 2.0 data (up 14 shows how a USB Type-C receptacle (top) and a USB
to 480 Mbps). Type-C plug (bottom) are essentially flipped relative to
each other.

Figure 14. Type-C pinout – receptacle (top), plug (bottom).

• The GND and VBUS lines are still in the same – Use two PHYs and cable-orientation detection to
position. know which PHY to use.
• The D+/D– pair is in the same orientation; however, – Have a single PHY and a SuperSpeed mux that
the plug contains only one D+/D– twisted pair. The switches the correct SuperSpeed lines to the PHY
USB Type-C specification allows shorting of the (given the known orientation). This is typically the
D+/D– lines together (D+ to D+ and D– to D–) on the more economical solution.
receptacle side. Regardless of cable orientation, the • The SBU lines are also flipped; however, this is
PHY will always see the cable’s D+/D– pair. typically handled within the Alternate Mode PHY
• The CC1 and CC2 lines are flipped and can determine (remember that these are slow-speed lines).
the cable orientation. The orientation determines
which CC line is connected and which one is left Conclusion
open. Although USB Type-C can appear to be very
• The TX/RX pairs are also flipped. Resolving this complicated at first, we believe that the initial learning
was a bit more complicated. Unlike the D+/D– lines, curve is worth all of the advantages. We hope that we
you cannot simply short the common lines together, have given you an understanding of how to include USB
because that will create a stub. At USB 2.0 speeds, a Type-C in your next design, regardless of the application,
stub is acceptable, but at USB 3.1 speeds, a stub and that you will consider many of the solutions TI has to
degrades signal integrity too much. To avoid this, offer for all of the various USB Type-C applications.
there are two options:

A Primer on USB Type-C® and USB Power Delivery Applications and 12 March 2022
Requirements
References
1. “USB Type-C® Cable and Connector Specification
Revision 2.0.” USB Implementers Forum, Inc.:
Beaverton, Oregon, October 2020.
2. “USB Power Delivery.” USB Implementers Forum,
Inc.: Beaverton, Oregon, December 2020.

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