USB-C is a new connector type. The connector itself can be used for other standards, for example VESA/DP alternate modes or Intel Thunderbolt 3. However not all USB-C connectors will support all standards, and some standards may require special USB-C cables to use the standard with the connector. This can cause USB-C connector confusion as it is not clear as to which standards the C connector supports, or which peripherals it can be used with.
DisplayLink provides a solution to the USB-C connector confusion. The USB-C connector standard mandates that no matter which standards the USB-C connector supports, USB will always be supported. As DisplayLink only requires USB signals to operate, DisplayLink enabled products will work with any USB Standard A or USB-C connector shown below:
As more products are enabled with USB-C connectors, it is possible to have a mix of USB Standard A and USB-C devices, which need to use the same DisplayLink enabled product.
USB Universality can be maintained by using simple USB cables to connect USB devices or convert between USB Standard A/B and USB-C connectors.
The table below summarises how to maintain universality with DisplayLink products as USB-C connectors become prevalent.
DisplayLink enabled product connector type
USB 2.0/3.0 Standard B
USB-C
USB 2.0/3.0 Standard A Host Computer
USB Standard A (male) to USB Standard B (male)
View Setup
USB Standard A (male) to USB-C (male)
View Setup
USB-C Host Computer
USB Standard C (male) to USB Standard A (female) to USB Standard A (male) to USB Standard B (male)
View Setup
USB-C (male)
View Setup
DisplayLink enabled product connector type
USB-C
USB 2.0/3.0 Standard A Host Computer
USB Standard A (male) to USB-C (male)
View Setup
USB-C Host Computer
USB-C (male)
View Setup