Type-C™ Alternate Mode

A central feature of USB Type-C™ Power Delivery Protocol is the ability to activate Alternate mode.

Alternate mode allows some of the pins on a Type-C connector to be reconfigured to support other protocols.

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Using the Power Delivery Protocol, the Downstream Facing Port (DFP) begins the negotiation with the Upstream Facing Port (UFP) to enter Alternate mode

  • The DFP queries the UFP for a list of supported modes.
  • The UFP responds with a report of the available modes the UFP can support.
  • The DFP selects a mode, then directs the UFP to reconfigure the pins and enter Alternate mode.
  • Both the UFP and DFP enter Alternate mode.

Alternate Mode Example

A user-designed or industry-standard protocol can be run using Alternate mode. A common use of Alternate mode is a video monitor.

  • The UFP (Monitor) and the DFP (Portable Workstation) are connected with a Type-C cable
  • The DFP enumerates
  • Using the Power Delivery Protocol, both the UFP and DFP enter Alternate mode and set the interface to a graphics interface

Active Signals During Enumeration

Active Signals for Alternate Mode Graphics Client

Active Signals for Vendor Specific Device

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In Alternate mode, the USB signals are still active allowing the UFP to re-enumerate if needed.

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