What is an E-Marker and How Does It Work?

What is an E-Marker Chip?

E-Marker (Electronic Marker) is a chip used in the latest USB connector iteration, USB Type-C, for communication between the power supply and the power receiver device. The chip is used to communicate with connected devices to ensure safe data and power transmission to and from sources and sinks.

The E-Marker Chip in the Cable

But you may also find some problems with the E-Marker cable. E-Marker cables are divided into different types, some can transmit 100W power, some can only transmit 60W; some cables can reach a transmission speed of up to 10Gbps, and some can only support USB 2.0, the highest data transmission The speed is only 480Mbps.

The Difference Between USB-C Cable and E-Marker Cable

With the rapid popularity of USB PD fast charging on mobile devices such as laptops and phones, we found that many USB PD chargers that support high current output are equipped with a USB-C with E-Marker to USB-C cable.For example, Lenovo’s Thinkplus power supply is equipped with an E-Marker cable.

We Can Distinguish E-Marker Cables by Charging and Data:

• Charging

Some common standard USB charging cables on the market can be divided into two types: 60W (20V/3A) and 100W (20V/5A) under the USB2.0 standard.

Cables with current lower than 3A or lower do not require an E-Marker chip. When the current exceeds 3A, the E-Marker chip must be used.

• Data

When the transmission speed of the USB-C cable is USB 2.0, the E-marker chip is not required. However, when the transmission speed reaches USB 3.1 Gen1 (5Gbps) or USB 3.1 Gen2 (10Gbps), the E-Marker chip must be used.

In general, the maximum charging power of the cable without the E-Marker chip can only reach 60W, and the maximum data transmission speed can only reach USB 2.0 (480Mbps). For cables with E-Marker chips, the maximum charging power can only reach 100W, and the maximum data transmission speed can only reach USB 3.1 (5-10Gbps)

USB Charging Standards

USB 1.1

• Data rates of 1.5-12 Mbps.
• Commonly found on input devices, such as keyboards and mice.
• Supported by most USB-C ports and cables.

USB 2.0

• Data rate up to 480Mbps. 
• Supported by most USB-C ports and cables.

USB 3.0

• Data rate up to 5Gbps.
• Adds device software and hardware identification function
• Add PPS function

USB 3.1

USB 3.0 was renamed USB 3.1 when USB-C was released. Afterward, the second version of USB 3.1 was added. Technically USB 3.0 refers to USB-A connections and USB 3.1 refers to Type-C connections.

• USB 3.1 Gen 1: Data rate up to 5Gbps. The same as USB 3.0
• USB 3.1 Gen 2: Data rate up to 10Gbps.

USB 3.2

USB 3.2 is the current version of USB standards. It absorbed the two USB 3.1 standards above and renamed them (again). It also added two new standards that use multi-lane technology.

• USB 3.2 Gen 1×1: Data rate up to 5Gbps. Same as USB 3.0 and USB 3.1 Gen 1.
• USB 3.2 Gen 1×2: Data rate up to 10Gbps. Uses new dual-lane tech.
• USB 3.2 Gen 2×1: Data rate up to 10Gbps. Same as USB 3.1 Gen 2.
• USB 3.2 Gen 2×2: Data rate up to 20Gbps. Uses new dual-lane tech.

*The only difference between USB 3.1 Gen 1 and Gen 2 is speed and they're backward compatible with USB 3.0 and USB 2.0.

USB 4

It will provide 40Gbit/s data transfer speed, Thunderbolt 3 compatibility, and only use a USB-C connector

• Display, data, and load/store functions using a single USB-C connector
• Compatible with existing USB and Thunderbolt products
• Consistent port 
• Improve host flexibility 

USB has come a long way since it was first introduced, and it will continue to develop in the future. With the arrival of a newer generation of USB standards and USB-C, there will be better.

Conclusion

All USB-C to USB-C cables should support USB 1.1 and 2.0. Allows data transfer rates up to 480Mbps.

And support USB-C 3.1 Gen and Gen 2 cables, they are suitable for those newer USB standards. And allows faster data transfer rates. They are also compatible with USB 2.0. But they are also more expensive.