USB, or Universal Serial Bus, was a rather fantastic idea when it was released in the 1990s. No longer would we need a separate serial port, parallel port, game port, PS/2 port, etc. We could simply pug in one type of port anywhere, and it would do the job. The story, as we all know, is a bit more complicated. All that being said, if you want to break out lines from the latest USB form factor–USB type C–then Solder Party’s USB Type-C Plug Breakout has you covered.
This USB-C PCB exposes GND, VBUS, CC, D+, D-, and VCONN in a nice row, for easy access to USB 2.0 pins. The CC pin is pulled to ground via a 5.1k resistor, identifying it as a downstream port, though this can be changed as needed with a bit of soldering work.
The device includes an unsoldered pin header for breadboard work or other attachments but is otherwise assembled. The PCB features a pair of holes on either side of the plug, which could come in handy for mounting duties.
Of course, USB-C is a rather broad subject, and if you’d like to know more you can check out this application note, or the full (373 pages) specification if you’ve got some time on your hands. Documentation and design files are also linked in the product listing, and if you need access to USB 3.0 pins, then you may wish to check out Solder Party’s USB-C 3.0 breakout.
