Summary： In this short post, I'll show you how to use USB-C in your projects.
The USB-C connector is increasingly used both in devices on the market but also on many board prototypes. In this post, I'll explain why you should use it and above all how you can easily implement it in your next projects.
There are so many reasons to use USB-C, here are in my opinion the top 5 reasons why you should use the USB-C connector in your projects.
1. Is increasingly used in different types of devices, it is the new standard when it comes to device connectors.
2. The USB-C connector is more durable due to its design than a micro USB-B connector.
3. Greater compatibility for new fast-charging standards.
4. USB-C can carry multiple signals simultaneously in addition to the standard USB signals (Vbus, D +, D-, GND).
5. It is capable of carrying higher voltages and currents than the USB-B connector.
There are different types of USB-C, this is because the connector can be used for different applications. Some USB-C connectors also allow you to handle video signals and load up to 100W.
What USB-C connector should we use then?
For most projects, the USB-C type 2.0 connector will be fine, because we don't need high performance.
Now I'll explain how to use USB-C Type 2.0 in your projects. Using USB-C in your projects is really very simple. However, compared to the micro USB-B two resistors are needed on pins CC1 and CC2. Then just add a 1M resistor to the connector shield. Also, you just connect the following lines (Vbus, D +, D-, GND) as you usually do with the micro USB-B. You can leave all other pins unconnected.
The two 5.11K resistors connected to pins CC1 and CC2 are used to set the voltage range.
If you use two 5.11k 1% resistors, you will get a Vmax = 2.04V and then I could get 5V and 3.0A at the output. Obviously, everything then depends on the power supply you use. For fast charging, the circuit is much more complex.
USB-C TYPE 2.0 Pinout
The USB-C footprint can be easily found on the Internet or you can design it yourself. Below I put a screenshot of the one I use.
The USB-C connector compared to the micro USB-B connector has more pins with a much tighter pitch. This could give you some problems when soldering, as it could create unintentional short circuits. The advice I can give you is to apply the solder paste with a stencil on the PCB, which could help you a lot to prevent short circuits when soldering the PCB.
If short circuits form between the connector pins you could remove them with a soldering iron using a C2 or C3 tip.
Using USB-C for your projects can be a smart choice, obviously depending on the project, the choice is up to you.
I hope this post has been useful for you to develop your projects. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask.
