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Silicon To Software

Silicon To Software

USB-C Explained: Why Every Port Is Different

Oct 5, 2026 · 10 min · 12 segments

USB-C ports look identical—but charging speed, data bandwidth, video support, and cable capability can be completely different. Here’s the engineering behind USB-C, USB Power Delivery, USB4…

USB-C ports look identical—but charging speed, data bandwidth, video support, and cable capability can be completely different. Here’s the engineering behind USB-C, USB Power Delivery, USB4, Thunderbolt, e-marker chips, and the PCB itself. USB-C was supposed to make connectivity simpler. The connector became universal. The capability behind it didn't. In this episode of Silicon to Software, Imran Valiani breaks down what actually happens when you plug in a USB-C cable—and why two identical-looking ports can deliver radically different results. We start with the 24-pin USB Ty...

USB-C ports look identical—but charging speed, data bandwidth, video support, and cable capability can be completely different. Here’s the engineering behind USB-C, USB Power Delivery, USB4…

Spotify Website

Speakers: Imran ValianiHost

Show signals: SuitabilitySafeBiasNot politicalAudience≈10 followers

Top entities: Los Angeles×26 Steve Covino×12 USB4×5 Printed circuit board×2 Amgen×7

Why USB-C Is Not Truly Universal3:20 – 5:08

I

Imran ValianiHost

3:20

Why USBC was supposed to be universal and why it still isn't.

I

Imran ValianiHost

3:26

So here's the short version.

I

Imran ValianiHost

3:27

USB-C standardized the shape of the connector.

I

Imran ValianiHost

3:31

It didn't standardize what happens behind it.

I

Imran ValianiHost

3:34

And honestly, the mandatory part of USB-C is surprisingly small.

I

Imran ValianiHost

3:39

It's a 24 pin reversible plug, plus a set of rules for negotiating over it.

I

Imran ValianiHost

3:44

That's it.

I

Imran ValianiHost

3:46

Fast data, high power charging, video output, Thunderbolt, all optional.

I

Imran ValianiHost

3:52

A manufacturer can build all of it Some of it or none of it.

I

Imran ValianiHost

3:57

So where does that negotiation actually happen? Two tiny pins, CC1 and CC2.

I

Imran ValianiHost

4:04

The moment you plug in, the charger and the device use those pins to have a quick conversation.

I

Imran ValianiHost

4:09

Which way is the plug facing? Who's supplying power and who's receiving it? And if both sides support USB power delivery, what voltage and current are they going to agree on? Now, if either side can't hold up its end of that conversation, nothing breaks.

I

Imran ValianiHost

4:26

The connection just quietly falls back to something slower, and your only clue is that it's taking a while.

I

Imran ValianiHost

4:34

But here's the part most people never hear about.

I

Imran ValianiHost

4:37

The cable itself gets a vote.

I

Imran ValianiHost

4:40

A standard cable can safely handle up to about 60 watts.

I

Imran ValianiHost

4:43

To go beyond that, all the way up to 240 watts, the cable needs a small chip inside the connector shell.

I

Imran ValianiHost

4:51

It's called an E-marker and it basically tells the system, here's what I'm rated for.

I

Imran ValianiHost

4:58

No chip, the system assumes the cable's basic and it caps it.

I

Imran ValianiHost

5:02

Doesn't matter how thick the copper is, two cables can look identical and one of them will never charge your laptop at full

Los AngelesCityCity in California
96%26 mentions
Steve CovinoPersonRadio host
88%12 mentions
USB4Entity
81%5 mentions
Printed circuit boardEntity
73%2 mentions
AmgenCompanyBiotech company
58%7 mentions
Archer AviationCompanyAerospace and defense company
58%7 mentions
Kaiser PermanenteCompanyHealth care company
58%7 mentions
USB Implementers ForumCompanyNonprofit organization
42%1 mention
FIFA World CupSports OrganizationFootball competition
35%9 mentions
ThunderboltProduct ModelProduct line
27%3 mentions
LinkedInSoftware ApplicationSocial networking service
19%2 mentions
Androgen replacement therapyEntity
12%2 mentions
USB-CEntity
4%1 mention

Standards and RegulationTechnology
Electrical EngineeringEngineering
High-Speed Digital DesignEngineering > Electrical Engineering
Power DeliveryTechnology > Power Technology
USB-CTechnology > Computer Hardware > Connectivity Standards
Connector and protocol capability variabilityTechnology > Computer Hardware > Connectivity Standards > USB-C
USB Power DeliveryTechnology > Power Technology > Power Delivery
USB4 Signal IntegrityEngineering > Electrical Engineering > High-Speed Digital Design
Universal Serial BusTechnology > Data Communications
USB4 Data TransferTechnology > Data Communications > Universal Serial Bus
Technical CertificationTechnology > Standards and Regulation
USB-IF and EU USB-C RequirementsTechnology > Standards and Regulation > Technical Certification
Power TechnologyTechnology
Data CommunicationsTechnology
Connectivity StandardsTechnology > Computer Hardware
Technology
Engineering
Computer HardwareTechnology

Why USB-C Is Not Truly Universal3:20 – 5:08

I

Imran ValianiHost

3:20

Why USBC was supposed to be universal and why it still isn't.

I

Imran ValianiHost

3:26

So here's the short version.

I

Imran ValianiHost

3:27

USB-C standardized the shape of the connector.

I

Imran ValianiHost

3:31

It didn't standardize what happens behind it.

I

Imran ValianiHost

3:34

And honestly, the mandatory part of USB-C is surprisingly small.

I

Imran ValianiHost

3:39

It's a 24 pin reversible plug, plus a set of rules for negotiating over it.

I

Imran ValianiHost

3:44

That's it.

I

Imran ValianiHost

3:46

Fast data, high power charging, video output, Thunderbolt, all optional.

I

Imran ValianiHost

3:52

A manufacturer can build all of it Some of it or none of it.

I

Imran ValianiHost

3:57

So where does that negotiation actually happen? Two tiny pins, CC1 and CC2.

I

Imran ValianiHost

4:04

The moment you plug in, the charger and the device use those pins to have a quick conversation.

I

Imran ValianiHost

4:09

Which way is the plug facing? Who's supplying power and who's receiving it? And if both sides support USB power delivery, what voltage and current are they going to agree on? Now, if either side can't hold up its end of that conversation, nothing breaks.

I

Imran ValianiHost

4:26

The connection just quietly falls back to something slower, and your only clue is that it's taking a while.

I

Imran ValianiHost

4:34

But here's the part most people never hear about.

I

Imran ValianiHost

4:37

The cable itself gets a vote.

I

Imran ValianiHost

4:40

A standard cable can safely handle up to about 60 watts.

I

Imran ValianiHost

4:43

To go beyond that, all the way up to 240 watts, the cable needs a small chip inside the connector shell.

I

Imran ValianiHost

4:51

It's called an E-marker and it basically tells the system, here's what I'm rated for.

I

Imran ValianiHost

4:58

No chip, the system assumes the cable's basic and it caps it.

I

Imran ValianiHost

5:02

Doesn't matter how thick the copper is, two cables can look identical and one of them will never charge your laptop at full

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