Common Different Types of USB Cables

June 8, 2022
9:13 am
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USB is the abbreviation of Universal Serial Bus in English. It is a protocol specification for data transmission and an interface technical specification.

As times change, USB has also experienced different version updates.

Today we will make a brief introduction to common different types of USB cables.

USB Type A

USB Type A is the most common USB Cable on the market and has the longest history. It’s very easy to use, just plug and play, and compatible with many devices.

USB-A is most commonly used with computers or power outlets. When charging, you will connect the USB-A side to the USB plug or into a laptop or computer.

There is a USB symbol printed on one side of the plug to tell which way up they should be, make sure that the cable is inserted the correct way so as not to damage the cable or device.

USB Type B

USB Type-B is a standard connector primarily used for connecting peripheral devices to computers or other host devices. Here are the key features of USB Type-B:

Square Shape:
USB Type-B connectors have a square shape with either a slight trapezoidal or square tongue that helps ensure the correct orientation during insertion. Unlike USB Type-A connectors, they are not symmetrical and have a distinct top and bottom.

Peripheral Connection:
USB Type-B connectors are commonly used on peripheral devices such as printers, scanners, external hard drives, and other devices that need to connect to a computer or host device.

Less Common on Consumer Devices:
While USB Type-B is prevalent in the realm of peripheral devices, it is less common on consumer electronics like smartphones and tablets. These devices typically use USB Type-C or Micro USB connectors.

Durability:
USB Type-B connectors are designed to be durable, allowing for repeated plugging and unplugging. They are commonly used in situations where the cable is connected and disconnected frequently.

Data and Power Transfer:
USB Type-B connectors support both data and power transfer. They are used for connecting peripherals to a computer, enabling the exchange of data and, in some cases, providing power to the connected device.

Not Reversible:
USB Type-B connectors are not reversible, meaning they have a specific orientation for insertion. Users need to ensure the correct alignment when plugging in USB Type-B cables.

Mini USB

Mini USB is a connector standard that was widely used before the adoption of Micro USB and later USB Type-C. Here are the key features of Mini USB:

Compact Design:
Mini USB connectors are smaller and more compact than the standard USB Type-A connectors. This makes them suitable for smaller devices where space is limited.

Variants:
There are two main variants of Mini USB connectors – Mini-A and Mini-B. The Mini-A connector is less common and is used primarily in certain professional audio and video equipment. The Mini-B connector is more widely used, especially in early digital cameras, MP3 players, and other portable devices.

Power and Data Transfer:
Like Micro USB, Mini USB has limitations in terms of power delivery. This means it may not support as fast charging speeds or as high power output as some of the newer connector standards.

Peripheral Connectivity:
Mini USB connectors are often used to connect peripherals such as cameras, MP3 players, external hard drives, and other devices to computers.

Not reversible:
Mini USB connectors are not reversible, meaning they have a specific orientation for insertion. Unlike newer standards like USB Type-C, users need to ensure the correct alignment when plugging in Mini USB cables.

It’s important to note that while Mini USB was once widely used, especially in the mid-2000s, it has been largely superseded by Micro USB and USB Type-C in more recent devices due to their smaller sizes, improved durability, and additional features.

Micro USB

Micro USB is a standard connector widely used for various portable devices. Here are the key features of Micro USB:

Compact Design:
Micro USB connectors are small and compact, making them suitable for a wide range of portable devices such as smartphones, tablets, cameras, and other compact electronics.

Universal Adoption:
Micro USB became a widely adopted standard for charging and data transfer in many devices, particularly in the mobile and consumer electronics industries.
Micro USB connectors are often used for charging smartphones, tablets, Bluetooth devices, and other gadgets. Many devices from various manufacturers adopted the Micro USB standard for charging purposes.
While USB Type-C has become more prevalent in newer devices, Micro USB is still commonly found in older electronics and some budget-friendly devices.

Reversible Connector (Micro USB 3.0):
While the standard Micro USB connector is not reversible, there is a Micro USB 3.0 version that has a reversible design. However, this reversible feature is not as widespread as in USB Type-C.

Durability:
Micro USB connectors are designed to be durable, allowing for repeated plugging and unplugging. However, they are generally not as robust as some newer connector standards.

Limited Power Delivery:
Micro USB has limitations in terms of power delivery compared to newer standards like USB Type-C. This means that it may not support as fast charging speeds or as high power output as some newer connectors.

USB Type-C

USB Type-C, often referred to simply as USB-C, is a versatile and widely adopted connectivity standard. Here are some key features of USB Type-C:

Reversible Connector:
One of the most notable features of USB Type-C is its reversible connector. Unlike previous USB connectors, USB-C can be plugged in either way, making it more convenient and user-friendly.

Compact Design:
USB Type-C connectors are smaller and more compact than their predecessors, such as USB Type-A and Type-B. This design allows for slimmer devices and enables the use of the connector in various form factors.

High Data Transfer Speeds:
USB Type-C supports high data transfer rates. Depending on the version and the capabilities of the connected devices, USB-C can provide speeds of up to 10 Gbps (USB 3.1 Gen 2) or even higher with newer versions.

Power Delivery (PD):
USB-C supports Power Delivery, allowing for increased power output and bidirectional power flow. This means that not only can devices be charged faster, but USB-C can also deliver power from a device like a laptop to connected peripherals.

Universal Compatibility:
USB-C is designed to be a universal connector, and it is used across a wide range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and accessories. Its widespread adoption makes it easier for users to connect devices without worrying about compatibility issues.

Durable and Robust:
USB Type-C connectors are designed to be more durable than previous USB connectors. They are built to withstand frequent plugging and unplugging, and the connectors are sturdier, reducing the risk of damage.

Versatile Usage:
USB Type-C is a versatile connector that can carry various types of data, including audio, video, and power, through a single cable. This versatility reduces the need for multiple types of ports on devices.

USB 3.0

USB 3.0, also known as SuperSpeed USB, compared to USB 2.0, here are some key features of USB 3.0:

Higher Data Transfer Speeds:
USB 3.0 theoretical maximum speeds can reach up to 5 gigabits per second (Gbps), which is about 10 times faster than USB 2.0’s maximum speed.

Compatibility:
USB 3.0 is compatible with USB 2.0 and USB 1.1 devices. However, when a USB 3.0 device is connected to a USB 2.0 port, the data transfer speed is limited to the maximum speed supported by USB 2.0.

Increased Power Output:
USB 3.0 port supports up to 900 mA (milliamps) compared to USB 2.0’s 500 mA.

New Connectors:
USB 3.0 connectors have additional pins compared to USB 2.0, which helps support the increased data transfer rates. The connectors are often characterized by a blue color to differentiate them from USB 2.0 connectors.

USB 4.0

Before introducing USB 4.0, we have to mention the Thunderbolt protocol launched by Intel and Apple. Thunderbolt protocol is a combination protocol that integrates DisplayPort protocol (DP for short) and PCI-Express protocol (PCIe for short). The Raiden 1 and Raiden 2 protocols have been launched successively, but the response has been mediocre. Later, the Thunderbolt 3 protocol (TBT3 for short) was launched, and the transmission speed reached 40Gbps. Later, Intel chose to hand over the protocol to the USB-IF Association. In 2019, USB-IF integrated the Thunderbolt 3 protocol (TBT3 for short) on the basis of USB 3.2, and launched USB4 Gen 2×2 and USB4 Gen 3×2. The difference between this name change and the past is that the name of USB 3.2 is still retained. USB4 has doubled the transmission speed of the original USB 3.2, reaching 40Gbps, which is the speed of USB4 Gen 3×2. USB4 supports both USB 3.2 and TBT3 transmission. In short, USB4=USB 3.2+TBT3. Like USB 3.2, USB4 also has single-channel mode and dual-channel mode. The USB4 interface, like the USB 3.2 interface, supports the USB PD fast charging protocol.