Despite the abundance of USB2 to USB-C and HDMI to USB-C adapters, it may be difficult to track down a device that divides a USB-C port in half. How do you plug in multiple USB-C devices (such as a tablet, an external display, and an SSD) into a single port?
Multiple USB-C cables can be charged from a single port using a splitter, but only if their power needs are identical. A USB-C hub is recommended for use with external devices such as solid-state drives and external displays.
Now we’ll look at what a USB-C cable is and how to use splitters to attach multiple USB-C cables to a single port. We’ll also take a look at the availability, price range, and safety of these splitters.
Contents
What is a USB-C Cable?
The USB-C cable has become the norm in the IT world because it can deliver both power and data simultaneously. It has a standard rectangular design with rounded corners that makes it instantly recognized. Plus, there’s no way to accidentally put it incorrectly because of its perfect symmetry.
Its slim profile and compatibility with most mobile devices have made it the de facto industry standard for connecting mobile devices, personal computers, and video game consoles. USB-C is used by a wide variety of devices, including smartphones made by Samsung, the Nintendo Switch, and the MacBook Pro.
The USB-C standard allows for not only the transmission of data and power but also of audio and video content. It’s faster than standard USB ports, however, that speed can vary depending on the device you’re connecting it to.
The maximum transfer rate of a USB-C cable attached to a USB 3.1 port is 10 Gbps, and the maximum transfer rate of a USB-C cable connected to a USB 3.2 port is 20 Gbps.
Can You Connect Two USB-C Cables to One Port?
How you intend to link it is relevant here. You cannot, for instance, combine two USB-C cords into a single cord and then plug that one into a port. When plugged into the same port, the two gadgets will attempt to exchange data simultaneously.
A USB device, once connected, will automatically adjust the data transfer rate to meet the needs of the connected devices. If both devices attempt to use both data connections, the resulting speed will surprise both of them.
Another problem arises even if the speed is successfully negotiated: only one device class is acknowledged by the other.
How to Connect Two Cables
To plug in more than one cable or device into a single port, a hub is required. This lets one device talk to the other, independently deciding how to set up the connection. A hub is required for use with a USB 3.1 cable that has USB-C ports on both ends, whereas a splitter is appropriate for use with charging cables.
Since a USB-C signal cannot be divided, you cannot use a splitter to connect two devices, such as an external SSD and an external monitor.
In contrast, a hub takes one USB-C input and converts it into two or more USB-C ports (and possibly additional ports, such as USB-A), although it may not enable a video or pass-through charging (charging a power bank that charges a device simultaneously).
Is it Safe to Use USB-C Splitters?
USB-C is a type of cable that is only meant to be used in one location at a time, making cable splitting a potentially hazardous endeavor. When charging multiple devices, especially those with differing power needs, it is best to avoid using a splitter.
The power characteristics of a charger are often determined using a signaling protocol, which is used by the majority of devices. Therefore, 5V is always used as the default, regardless of the current capacity of the charger, if the device or charger does not support this protocol. So, if the gadget’s current requirement is less than the charger’s output, the device will draw less power.
This means that if you use a splitter to connect two devices, the charger may decide to charge at a higher voltage than is optimal for either device. Injecting an unnaturally high amount of voltage into a gadget that wasn’t designed to handle it can cause malfunction.
Furthermore, it may be quicker to charge them sequentially rather than simultaneously, depending on the charger’s current rating and the power requirements of each device.
How to Find UBS-C Splitters
The two types of USB-C devices, the splitter, and the hub are readily available at any electronics retailer. If not, Amazon offers online ordering. Belkin’s 4-Port USB-C Mini Hub, Trust’s 4-Port USB-C Hub, and CalDigit’s TS3 are all excellent choices. Check out TheActiveNews.Com for the latest information.