Upcoming USB Type-C Connector Will Also Support DisplayPort With Up To 5K Video Output
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Back in August, the USB 3.0 Promoter Group announcedthe completion of the USB Type-C specification that defines the next generation USB connector. This new USB Type-C specification defines a new cable and connector scheme designed to fit mobile device product designs, yet robust enough for laptops and tablets. This will enable thinner and sleeker product designs in the future. One of the main usability enhancements made in this upcoming USB standard is that it supports reversible plug orientation and cable direction. So, you can plug-in your USB in whatever direction and orientation you want. Another important thing to note is that it will support future USB performance improvements.
Today, The Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA), in associated with the USB 3.0 Promoter Group, announced the publication of the DisplayPort Alternate Mode (“Alt Mode”) on USB Type-C Standard. Using the DisplayPort Alt Mode, a USB Type-C connector and cable can deliver full DisplayPort audio/video (A/V) performance, driving monitor resolutions of 4K and beyond, SuperSpeed USB (USB 3.1) data and up to 100 watts of power–over a single cable. The DisplayPort Alt Mode can also drive adaptors that support the huge installed base of existing DisplayPort, HDMI, DVI, and VGA displays.
By leveraging USB Type-C’s flexibility, the DisplayPort Alt Mode can choose to transmit on just one or two of the four available lanes, so that the other two lanes can be used for SuperSpeed USB data at the same time. In a docking station connection, for example, the use of two lanes for DisplayPort at 8.1 Gbps per lane would allow simultaneous transfer of SuperSpeed USB data (up to 10 Gbps in each direction) while also supporting a 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) DisplayPort monitor. The dock can also be configured with DisplayPort protocol converters to support HDMI, VGA and/or DVI monitors. When using all four lanes for DisplayPort Alt Mode, which could drive a monitor with up to 5K (5120 x 2880) resolution, USB 2.0 data can still be carried across the USB Type-C connection using separate pins dedicated for that function.
Read more about it here.
