Use one USB-C cable to connect portable monitorUpdated 4 months ago
USB-C Port on Laptop
Thanks to USB4 and Thunderbolt 3, we can use one USB-C cable to connect from any qualify laptop or PC to a uperfect portable monitor. When we say qualify, we means that the laptop or PC is clearly stated that it has USB4 or Thunderbolt 3 or later.
However, when it comes to USB Type-C 3.0 port, it's not always meet the requirement of Full Feature, whether for laptop or smartphone. This is the most confusing part because many devices are now upgrade to USB Type-C port but few of them stated what protocal does it include.
For smartphone, USB-C port should have PD Power Delivery because it is the only charging port. But few of them has DisplayPort to output video signal. Similar case for laptop for fast PD charging but neither video output nor USB 3.0 for data transmit. For your better understanding, we draw out a table.
| Interface | Signal | |||
| Port | Protocal | Video & Audio | Power | Touch |
| Thunderbolt 3 & 4 | Thunderbolt 3 & 4 | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| USB4 | USB4 | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Full Feature USB Type-C 3.0 | USB 3.0 | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| DisplayPort 1.4 | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | |
| PD Power Delivery | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | |
| HDMI | HDMI 1.4 & 2.0 | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Mini HDMI | HDMI 1.4 & 2.0 | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Mini DisplayPort | Thunderbot 1 & 2 | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| DVI | / | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| VGA | / | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
Therefore, to use one USB-C cable setup, make sure your laptop or device has either USB4, Thunderbot 3 or later, or Full Feature USB Type-c. A Full Feature USB Type-C port should include three protocals:
- DisplayPort 1.4 for video & audio signal transmit
- PD Power Delivery for power signal supply
- USB 3.0 for touch signal
How can I tell if my Type-C port is full feature or not? Please refer this article.
USB-C Port on Monitor
Now that you make sure your have a Full Feature Type-C port, you can easily use the USB-C to USB-C cable connect from your laptop to our monitor. As uperfect monitor is made for on-the-go, you can always find a full feature Type-C port on it.
However, there are two USB-C port on UPERFECT monitor, one is for connecting laptop, another is for power supply. You can indentify them with the symbol next to it.
USB-C to USB-C Cable
Not only connection ports need to meet the Full Feature standard, but also the cables require the same feature. All USB-C to USB-C cable included in the package is USB 3.1 Gen 1 which support Full Feature Type-C. When you need to replace the original USB-C cable to your own, make sure your cable can meet the same feature.