using USB-C as a passive bus

[mikilon]

Hi
I need to connect two parts of a project with 12 lines, most carring analog signals (e.g. piezo bender, valve, touch detector etc). USB-C seems like an elegant compact cable to do that with the right breakout. However its not clear to me if the wires will work unless I power the cable up and run some protocols.
Is that a direction worth checking or should I give up.
Thanks
m

 

[davenn]

I need to connect two parts of a project with 12 lines, USB-C seems like an elegant compact cable

so you have 12 wires and the USB is 4 (5) wires 2 x power and 2 x data

The only way it's going to work is if your have USB controller chips at each end

The cable on it's own is useless

 

[mikilon]

so you have 12 wires and the USB is 4 (5) wires 2 x power and 2 x data

The only way it's going to work is if your have USB controller chips at each end

The cable on it's own is useless

Many thanks for the quick answer.
I was under the impression that USB type C has 24 lines, no?

 

[Harald Kapp]

I was under the impression that USB type C has 24 lines, no?

While the connector has 24 pins, most of them are 2 pins for 1 signal to achieve independence of plug direction.
I strongly discourage you from using USB-C for any other purpose than USB-C. You risk that someone who is not aware of the special usage connects a standard USB-C device to your wiring. Consequently your equipment of the other person's equipment may be damaged.
Instead use industry standard connectors, e.g. of the M12 family.

 

[Martaine2005]

The USB-C is 24 pins.
But has 12 pins per side wired diagonally opposite for inserting the plug either way. Well, the Vbus and Grnd are about 4 each so reality is 16 pins, 8 per side.
Not a good idea for any other use unless you too wire it for connection either way round.

Martin

 

[Martaine2005]

This file has all the connections.

Martin

 

[Nanren888]

There was a time, when one could easily buy fully-wired serial cables DB25. There once also was a thing called a printer cable, that was redily available & multi-wire.
Another option was ribbon cable. Simple to make (IDC), header-to-header and in any length. Also an option to include grounds with each.
Does it have to go far? Analogue on unshielded cables for any distance can get troublesome.