Understanding USB Connector Types

We’re surrounded by personal electronics, like cellphones and tablets, everywhere, even onboard aircraft. This means understanding USB connectivity is important to make sure we stay charged and connected. Each USB connector type comes with a unique set of features and charging advantages, vital for powering up our devices efficiently. This article discusses the differences between USB-A and USB-C connectors.

USB (Universal Serial Bus) connectors provide power and transfer data to various devices. They have become the standard charging format for many mobile devices, including phones, tablets, wireless headphones, cameras, and laptops. USB connectors continue to evolve in response to rapid technological advancements and the need for efficient connectivity for our electronic devices.

The two most common types of USB connectors are USB-A and USB-C. Aside from their size, the most common difference is speed and power. USB-C is much faster and more powerful than the traditional USB-A connector type.

When choosing USB chargers to install in an aircraft, it's important to think through a few key elements. First, consider the types of connectors you'll need. Will it be USB-A, USB-C, or both? Then, consider your power requirements — how many watts or amps are necessary to power or charge devices efficiently? Finally, it's important to understand who will be using these chargers. Are they for pilots, the crew, or passengers? This will help you decide the best places to install USB chargers throughout the aircraft.

When you picture a typical USB charger, what often comes to mind is that familiar rectangular port seen on so many electronic devices. This is the USB-A connector. It’s available in the standard USB-A 4-pin interface, or with USB 3.0 which features a 9-pin interface and offers enhanced capabilities for power delivery.

USB-C connectors are designed with 24 pins. This connector allows for more power capability than USB-A. The USB-C’s reversible design puts an end to the common frustration of incorrect plug orientation. That means no more flipping the connector multiple times to find the right position.

USB Type-C is quickly becoming the preferred choice for a wide range of devices, from Apple and Android smartphones to laptops and tablets. Its ability to deliver increased power makes it the most significant USB connector on the market today. In fact, Apple no longer ships any new product that utilizes a USB-A connector on the device or power adapter. They have fully converted to USB-C and MagSafe charging.

While USB-A cables are becoming less and less frequent with the purchase of new devices, if you still have USB-A cables there are inexpensive adapter options available that allow your cable to be compatible with USB-C connectors.

USB-C is also available with USB Power Delivery (PD), the fastest charging technology available today. It provides significantly more power than traditional USB-A and USB-C chargers and offers intelligent voltage output. This allows each specific device to receive the maximum level of power possible.

True Blue Power offers a complete line of USB charging ports with USB-A, USB-C and USB-C PD connector types. The USB chargers are TSO certified and available in a variety of mounting options and configurations. This includes single and dual port, lighted and non-lighted units.

The High Power TA202 and the MAX Power TA360 USB chargers are available with USB-A 3.0 connectors. The CHRONOS Digital Clock/USB Chargers offer units with both standard USB-A and USB-A 3.0 connectors.

True Blue Power MAX Power TA360 USB chargers are designed with USB-C connectors and are available with the latest USB Power Delivery (PD) technology to provide up to 100 watts of power per port. That’s 7 times more power than traditional chargers.