USB Specification Reader
Understand USB names and separate connector shape, speed, charging and video.
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USB Specification Reader
Understand USB names and separate connector shape, speed, charging and video.
Data last maintained
How USB names relate to capabilities
A connector shape is not a capability list
USB-C describes a connector. Power Delivery, data rate and video support are separate specifications. A cable marked 240W can still have a USB 2.0 data rate. Read the specifications for the cable itself, not those of a nearby charger or computer port.
A working connection needs more than a cable label
A cable label states a rated capability, not a test result for your setup. The host, peripheral, charger and any adapters can affect the outcome. Unknown markings remain unknown; this tool does not turn them into a claim of support or non-support.
FAQ
Common questions and answers about this topic.
Does 240W mean a USB-C cable supports video?
No. It is a power rating and does not establish video support. A 240W USB 2.0 cable is a valid combination; the USB 2.0 cable does not support native Alt Mode video.
Does 10Gbps confirm fast charging?
No. A data rate is not a power rating. Check the cable power specification, charger output and device charging requirements separately.
What if a marking is missing?
Leave it as unknown and check the exact cable model documentation. Missing information is not evidence of non-support, and a USB-C connector alone does not fill in the missing specification.
Why can a USB graphics adapter work over USB 2.0?
USB graphics adapters such as DisplayLink use a different mechanism from native Alt Mode. This tool excludes those adapters and their driver requirements, so its USB 2.0 video limitation must not be applied to them.
How fast is a USB 2.0 cable?
Its specified data rate is up to 480Mbps. This is a signalling rate, not a measured file-transfer speed. Actual transfers depend on the connected devices and protocol overhead, so a file will not necessarily transfer at that rate.
Can this tool guarantee that my whole setup is compatible?
No. It provides a reference for USB names and interprets cable markings without testing hardware. Check the specifications of both connected devices, along with the charger, hubs or adapters in the connection. A cable claim alone does not guarantee charging power, transfer speed or a working display.
Data Sources
This tool's data is compiled from the authoritative sources below.
- USB-IF USB4(opens in a new tab)
- USB-IF USB Power Delivery(opens in a new tab)
- USB-IF cables and connectors(opens in a new tab)
- VESA DisplayPort over USB-C(opens in a new tab)
- USB-IF USB 3.2 specifications(opens in a new tab)
- Intel Thunderbolt technology(opens in a new tab)
- Synaptics DisplayLink DL-1x5 USB 2.0 graphics(opens in a new tab)
- USB-IF Type-C guidelines(opens in a new tab)
- Microsoft Surface USB-C troubleshooting(opens in a new tab)
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