USB (Universal Side Bus) is a universal serial bus that is used to connect a variety of digital devices to a computer. Now used to connect almost all peripheral devices, for example, scanners, manipulators, etc.
The USB bus appeared in 1995 and since then has gained enormous popularity and become truly universal. The advent of the USB bus made it possible to replace such obsolete interfaces as PS/2, serial port and parallel port. On at the moment, these interfaces are used very rarely.
History of development
Since 1995, the USB bus has received 3 major updates. Version USB 1.0 came out in early 1996 and could transfer data at speeds of up to 12 Mbit/s, and the maximum cable length was 5 m. Version USB 2.0 came out in the spring of 2000 and received a maximum data transfer speed of 480 Mbit/s. Exactly this version USB buses are now used everywhere. Latest update USB bus number 3.0 was released in 2008. The data transfer rate in this version was 5 Gbit/s. Currently, USB 3.0 is being actively implemented by computer manufacturers and is gaining popularity.
The newest version of the USB 3.0 bus has many innovations compared to USB 2.0. To increase the data transfer speed, we had to add 4 more conductors. Because of this, the USB 3.0 cable has become significantly thicker. The contacts of the new conductors are located in the connector in a separate contact row. The current was also increased from 500 mA to 900 mA. This allows you to supply power to more powerful devices. A distinctive feature of USB 3.0 is the blue connectors. This allows you to accurately distinguish the USB ports of the new version.
What is USB: USB Type A and USB Type B
One of USB features is the different types of connectors. The first version of USB provided two types of connectors: USB Type A and USB Type B. The USB Type A connector type is intended for installation on the controller side, that is, for installation in a computer. The USB Type B connector is used for installation into a connected device.
Later, connectors for connecting devices with small dimensions appeared: Mini-USB and Micro-USB. These connectors are used in MP3 players and other mobile gadgets.
02.06.2016
In this article we will look at what types of USB connectors exist and what they are most often used for.
On the left is the connector (male), on the right is the connection connector (female)
1) USB 2.0 Type A
The most common connector for computer connections: keyboards, mice, flash drives and other similar devices.
The connector takes its roots from the 90s, then versions 1.0 or 1.1 had speeds of up to 12 Mbit/s, and USB 2.0, already released in 2000, had speeds of up to 480 Mbit/s, which is still popular today.
2) USB 2.0 Type B
A less common connector, mainly found in large peripheral devices: printers, scanners, MFPs, external sound cards and other devices requiring higher current.
3) USB 2.0 Type Mini-B 4 pin
It was widespread in the mid-2000s, used to transfer data from digital cameras and cameras, but was discontinued due to insufficient power, replaced by a full-length Mini USB
4) USB 2.0 Mini USB
One of the most popular, but already becoming a thing of the past connectors. Often found in phones, MP3 players, digital cameras, portable hard drives and other mobile equipment.
5) USB 3.0 Type A
The new USB type A standard differs in appearance only in color. In modern computers and laptops it is indicated in blue or red. The new format is 10 times faster than its predecessor and has a data transfer rate of up to 5 Gbit/s. One of the main features is its versatility; the connector can be connected to an old USB 2.0, and vice versa.
6) USB 3.0 Type B
The new format is found in a few devices that only require high power, such as large format portable drives, routers, NAS storage, MFPs and other peripheral devices.
7) USB 2.0 Micro USB
The main format for connecting everyone portable devices: phones, tablets, e-books and other portable devices.
It was approved as a single charging format for all phones.
8) USB 3.0 Micro USB
The connector differs from its predecessor by an additional 5 contacts and has all the best quality, only with even greater speed. Currently found in portable hard drives and smartphones. The cable has an adaptation with the old connector, that is, the cable from USB 2.0 Micro USB can be connected to a new device.
9) USB Type C
The new format, also known as USB 3.1, is a continuation of the Micro USB standard. The new connector is capable of delivering a throughput of up to 10 Gbps, with the smallest dimensions. Was first used in new Apple MacBook 12", where this port is universal for all connected devices, including charging. Now this connector is found in all new smartphones and most likely this is not the end.
In our store you can purchase an adapter for your smartphone from a USB 2.0 Micro USB connector to USB Type C so that you can always be connected at first.
The new USB Type-C standard is still not widely developed on the market, but manufacturers are gradually adopting the new technology. In smartphones, USB-C can already be called a new trend, because it is not only an improved charging connector, but also a means to abandon the traditional 3.5 mm headphone port. Today we will talk in more detail about USB Type-C, and this article will tell you what it is.
Today almost everything electronic devices equipped with a USB connector. From desktop computers to smartphones and a variety of laptop storage devices. USB is a ubiquitous standard when it comes to connecting peripherals or transferring data between devices. The last major USB update came in 2013 with the release of USB 3.1, accompanied by the release of a new Type-C connector. As you can see, almost 4 years have passed since then, and Type-C has not taken root.
Currently, you can count on one hand the number of devices on the market that use USB Type-C technology. Among computers, these are the latest laptops from Apple, from Google, a line from Samsung and several more hybrid devices. Among the smartphones - mainly the flagships of the outgoing year:, and.
So why is USB Type-C better than its predecessors? Let's find out.
What is USB Type-C
USB Type-C is a new and currently actively developing industry data transfer standard for computers and mobile devices. The main and most significant innovation of Type-C is a modified connector - universal, symmetrical, capable of working on either side. The USB-C connector was invented by the USB Implementers Forum, a group of companies that developed and certified the new USB standard. It also includes the largest technology companies, namely Apple, Samsung, Dell, HP, Intel and Microsoft. By the way, this is important to know, because USB Type-C was easily accepted by most PC manufacturers.
USB-C is the new standard
First of all, you need to know that USB Type-C is a new industry standard. Just like they once were USB 1.1, USB 2.0, USB 3.0 or the latest USB 3.1. Only previous generations of USB were more focused on increasing data transfer speeds and various other improvements, while Type-C from a physical point of view changes the connector design in a similar way to modifications of the technology - MicroUSB and MiniUSB. However, the decisive difference in this case is that, unlike MicroUSB and MiniUSB, Type-C is aimed at replacing absolutely all standards, on both sides (example USB-MicroUSB).Key Features:
- 24 signal pins
- USB 3.1 support
- Alternate mode for implementing third-party interfaces
- Speed up to 10 Gbps
- Power transmission up to 100 W
- Dimensions: 8.34x2.56 mm
USB Type-C and USB 3.1
One of the possible questions for those who do not know about USB Type-C could be something like this: what does USB 3.1 have to do with USB Type-C? The fact is that USB 3.1 is the main data transfer protocol for Type-C. The speed of version 3.1 is 10 Gbps - in theory, this is 2 times faster than USB 3.0. USB 3.1 can also be presented in the original connector format - this port is called USB 3.1 Type-A. But today it is much easier to find USB 3.1 with a new universal Type-C connector.USB versions
To better understand why Type-C will become a replacement for traditional USB versions, it is first necessary to understand the difference between them. There are different versions of USB, and even different connectors - for example, Type-A and Type-B.USB versions belong to a common standard, but they differ in the maximum data transfer speed and operating power. Of course, there are many other factors.
USB 1.1
Although USB 1.0 is technically the first version of USB, it failed to fully reach the market. Instead, a new version of USB 1.1 was released - it became the first standard to which we are all accustomed. USB 1.1 can transfer data at 12 Mbps and consumes a maximum of 100 mA of current.
USB 2.0
The second version of USB was introduced in April 2000. It provided the standard with a significant increase in maximum data transfer speed - up to 480 Mbit per second. USB 2.0 has also become more powerful, consuming 1.8A at 2.5V.
USB 3.0
USB output 3.0 brought with it not only the expected improvements in data transfer speed and power, but also new types of connectors. Moreover, USB 3.0 even got its own color - new version The standard was marked blue to valiantly distinguish it from older generations of USB. USB 3.0 can operate at speeds of up to 5 Gbps, using 5V at 1.8A for its operation. By the way, this version was presented in November 2008.
USB 3.1
The newest and most best version USB was released in July 2013, although it is still not widely used. USB 3.1 can provide users throughput up to 10 Gbps with a maximum power consumption of 5V/1A, or optionally 5A/12V (60 W) or 20V (100 W).
Type-A
Type-A is classic USB interface. The short and rectangular plug became the original design for USB and remains the standard connector for use at the host end of a USB cable to this day. There are also some variations of Type-A - Mini Type-A and Micro Type-A, but these have never been widely accepted by the public due to the complex nature of the socket. Currently, both of these Type-A variations are considered obsolete.
Type-B
If Type-A has become one side of the USB cable we are used to, Type-B is the other. The original Type-B is a tall connector with beveled top corners. Commonly found on printers, although itself an extension of the USB 3.0 standard to introduce new connectivity options. The classic MiniUSB and MicroUSB are also available in Type-B versions, along with the absolutely clunky MicroUSB 3.0, which uses additional plugs.
Type-C
So, after Type-A and Type-B, we come, obviously, to the newest Type-C. Type-A and Type-B versions were supposed to work together with each other through backward compatibility, however, the arrival of Type-C completely ruined these plans, since USB-C envisions a complete replacement of outdated USB connection technologies. Also, Type-C was designed in a special way so that additional variants such as Mini or Micro would not need to be released at all. This, again, is due to the intentions to replace all current connectors with USB Type-C.
The main feature of the Type-C standard is the versatility or symmetry of the connector. USB-C can be used on both sides, similar to Apple's Lightning technology - no more special sides for connection, which are also difficult to find in the dark. Also, the Type-C version is based on USB 3.1, which means it supports all the benefits latest version, including the highest speed.
USB-C is still backwards compatible with existing USB variants, but this use case will of course require adapters.
Disadvantages of USB Type-C
Naturally, the new USB Type-C standard also has problems. One of the main and most serious concerns of the latest version of the technology is the physical design of the connector - it is very fragile due to its symmetrical design. Apple, despite the same versatility of its Lightning, uses a durable metal plug that is much more resistant to external influences.Even more pressing and of significant concern USB problem Type-C is an unregulated connector, which has led to a number of dangerous accessories being sold. Some of these accessories, by using unsupported voltage levels, can fry the connected device. For example, this happened with the flagship, which was magnificent at the start, which subsequently began to first ignite and then completely explode in the hands, trousers, cars and apartments of its owners.
This problem has led to an obvious and only solution - a massive ban on the production and sale of non-original accessories that support USB Type-C. Thus, if an accessory does not meet USB Implementers Forum Inc. standard specifications, the product will not be approved for sale. Also, to check the operating status and authenticity of various third-party accessories, USB-IF has introduced software protected by 128-bit encryption, which will allow devices with this connector to automatic check connected device or accessory with USB-C.
Cons:
- Design. The design of USB Type-C is good, but the design has suffered - it is quite fragile. Apple uses an all-metal plug in its Lightning, while Type-C uses an oval shape with the signal pins placed in the central part.
- Connector operation. Allowing USB Type-C to operate at unsupported voltage levels will likely cause the cable and/or device to catch fire.
- Compatibility. USB Type-C is an innovation in the USB world, but newest generation leaves old devices in the past because it does not support working with them.
- Adapters. To fully work with USB Type-C on older devices, you will have to buy additional adapters. This is an additional waste of money.
Benefits of USB Type-C
Despite all of the above, USB Type-C can confidently be called a step forward for the industry. Installing this connector will allow manufacturers to make thinner computers and mobile devices with fewer ports, higher data transfer speeds and headphones. In the future, if USB Type-C becomes popular, the connector will be able to replace not only the 3.5 mm headphone port, but also HDMI, the interface used for video transmission. Thus, USB Type-C will replace the connectors familiar today and become a universal standard in any situation.
Pros:
- Symmetry. USB Type-C allows you to forget about situations where you have to remember which side to insert the cable into the connector. Also, from now on you don’t have to worry about not finding the right side of the USB in the dark.
- Compactness. The dimensions of USB Type-C are 8.4x2.6 mm - this allows manufacturers to make computers and mobile devices much thinner.
- Versatility. Thanks to the integration of a single connector, it will be possible to charge both a laptop and a tablet or smartphone with one cable.
It is impossible to imagine a modern person without electronic devices. Smartphones, tablets, music players and laptops today are in almost every family. Each of these devices has its own use and therefore each functions in its own unique way. However, there is something that in one form or another unites them all. And this is the presence of USB ports.
One day in 1994, 7 of the world's leading technology companies created a new standard for connecting computer peripherals. This is how the Universal Serial Bus appeared, which for short is called USB.
Today it is truly a universal standard, and it is difficult to find an electronic device that does not have a USB port of one type or another. But how do you know which cable is suitable for it? This guide will help you determine the type of USB connector and select the appropriate plug.
Variety of options
Almost everything modern computers and electronic devices have some form of USB connection and come complete with the appropriate cables. Does it matter which one is used, and what are all these differences for? This is really important for now, but it may change in the future.
In the mid-1990s. The universal bus became an industry standard, which made it possible to streamline the connection of computer peripherals. It has replaced a number of earlier interfaces and is now the most popular type connector in consumer devices.
However, it is still difficult to understand all the varieties of USB.
If the standard was supposed to be universal, why are there so many of them? different types? Each of them serves a different purpose, mainly ensuring compatibility when new devices with better specifications are released. Below are the most common types of USB connectors.
Type-A
Most cables and peripherals (such as keyboards, mice, and joysticks) have a Type A connector. Personal computers, laptops and netbooks usually have several ports of this form. Additionally, many other devices and power adapters use them for data transfer and/or charging. The connector has a flat rectangular shape and is the most recognizable and used. The USB Type-A pinout is as follows:
- +5V - voltage +5 V.
- D- - data.
- D+ - data.
- GND - ground.
All versions of USB standards retain the same form factor for Type-A, so they are mutually compatible. However, USB 3.0 connectors have 9 pins instead of 4, which are used to provide faster data transfer speeds. They are located so as not to interfere with the operation of pins of previous versions of the standard.
Type-B
This is an almost square-shaped connector that is mainly used to connect printers, scanners and other devices with their own power to a computer. Sometimes it can be found on external drives. These days, this type of connector is much less common than Type-A connections.
The connection form in version 3.0 of the standard has been changed, so backward compatibility is not supported, although the new type of ports accepts older modifications of plugs. The reason for this is that Type-B USB 3.0 has 9 pins for faster data transfer, while Powered-B has 11 pins, 2 of which provide additional power.
Again, as with Type-A, physical compatibility different versions does not indicate speed or functionality support.
Basic Concepts
Before attempting to understand the differences between types A and B, it is necessary to understand the concepts of host, receptor, and port.
The slot located on the front or back of the computer case (host) into which one end of the USB cable is inserted is called a port. An electronic device that needs to be charged or into which data needs to be transferred (such as a smartphone or tablet) is called a receptor.
The most popular USB standard is Type A, which can be seen at the end of almost every USB cable inserted into a host slot today. Most often, Type-A ports are equipped desktop computers, game consoles and media players.
Type B connectors are found at the end of a regular USB cable that connects to a peripheral device, such as a smartphone, printer, or hard drive.
Benefits of USB
The standard simplifies the installation and replacement of equipment by reducing all communications to serial data transmission over twisted pair cables and identification of the connected device. If you add grounding and power here, you get a simple 4-wire cable, inexpensive and easy to manufacture.
The standard defines the way the peripheral interacts with the host. If you are not using USB On the Go (OTG), which allows you to limit the capabilities of the host, a direct connection is made. The USB device is not able to initiate communication, only the host can do this, so even if you have a cable with the appropriate connectors, the connection will not work without it. Additionally, since wires carry both power and data, connecting two hosts without an intermediary device can be disastrous, causing high currents, short circuits, and even fires.
Mini
The connector was standard for mobile devices before the advent of micro-USB. As the name suggests, mini-USB is smaller than normal and is still used in some cameras. The connector has 5 contacts, 1 of which serves as an identifier for OTG support, allowing mobile devices and other peripherals act as a host. The USB Mini pinout is as follows:
- +5V - voltage +5 V.
- D- - data.
- D+ - data.
- ID - host/receptor identifier.
- GND - ground.
Micro
This is the current connector standard for mobile and portable devices. It has been adopted by almost every manufacturer except Apple. Its physical dimensions are smaller than Mini-USB, but it supports high data transfer rates (up to 480 Mbps) and OTG capabilities. The shape is easily recognizable thanks to the compact 5-pin design.
The Lightning connector is not a USB standard, but rather an Apple proprietary connection for iPad and iPhone. It is similar to micro USB and is compatible with all Apple devices, made after September 2012. Older models use a different and much larger proprietary connector.
Type-C
It is a reversible connector that promises faster data transfer and more power than previous types. It is increasingly used as a standard for laptops and even some phones and tablets, and has been approved by Apple for Thunderbolt 3.
Type C is a new solution and promises to be everything to everyone. It is smaller, faster and can receive and transmit much more power than previous versions.
Apple shocked the world when it introduced new MacBook with only one USB-C port. This will likely be the start of a trend.
You can read more about USB-C at the end of this article.
Nuances of micro-USB
Those of you who have a phone or tablet on Android platform, definitely have a micro USB cable too. Even the most die-hard Apple fans can't avoid them, as they are the most common type of connector used for things like external power boxes, speakers, etc.
Owners of many gadgets may find that these cables become plentiful over time, and since they are usually interchangeable, you may never have to buy them separately unless they get lost or fail all at once.
When shopping for a micro-USB cable, it may be tempting to go for the cheapest option, but as is often the case, this is a bad idea. Wires and plugs low quality can easily break and become useless. Therefore, it is better to save yourself from future problems by purchasing a quality product from a reputable manufacturer, even if it costs a little more.
Another thing worth mentioning is the cable length. Short ones are great for transport, but they often mean you have to sit on the floor next to an outlet while your phone charges. Conversely, a cable that is too long can be awkward to carry, will become tangled, and can potentially cause injury.
0.9m is a good length for a charging cable. It allows you to keep your phone while connected to the battery in your bag or pocket, ideal for playing Pokemon Go or simply using your phone while traveling for long periods of time.
If you frequently charge from third-party USB ports to comply with safety precautions or when the device charges slowly, a special cable that prevents data transfer can solve the problem. An alternative is a network adapter.
Another issue that can be problematic is the fact that the connectors on most USB cables (except USB-C) are not interchangeable and often require several tries to connect. correct connection. Some manufacturers have attempted to fix this. However, not all devices support this feature.
What is USB OTG?
It is a standard that allows portable and mobile devices to act as hosts.
Let's say you have an external drive, a laptop and a smartphone. What do you need to do to copy files from the disk to your phone? The easiest way is to move them from external storage to a laptop, and from it to a smartphone. USB OTG allows you to connect the drive directly to your phone, thereby bypassing the need for an intermediary.
And that's not all! There are many other ways to use OTG. You can connect any device to your smartphone USB device, be it a flash drive, wireless mouse, keyboard, headphones, card readers, game controllers, etc.
USB cables
In a connected world wired connections between various electronic devices play an important role. The demand for them is so high that tens of millions of USB cables are produced every year around the world.
Technologies are constantly developing and improving, as well as the corresponding ones peripherals. The same trend of upgrades holds true for USB connectors, but with so many versions and types of USB standards, it can become difficult to keep track of which USB is best suited for which functions. To do this, it is necessary to understand their basic differences.
USB types
The different versions of USB, such as 2.0 and 3.0, relate to the functionality and speed of the USB cable, and their type (such as A or B) mainly refers to the physical design of the connectors and ports.
The USB 1.1 standard (1998) is designed for a throughput of 12 Mbps, a voltage of 2.5 V and a current of 500 mA.
USB 2.0 (2000) is distinguished by the “HI-SPEED” marking on the USB logo. Provides speeds of 480 Mbps at a voltage of 2.5 V and a current of 1.8 A.
Adopted in 2008, USB 3.0 supports 5 Gbps at 5 V and 1.8 A.
USB 3.1, available since 2015, provides speeds of 10 Gbps at 20 V and 5 A.
The latter standard provides higher throughput and is for the most part backward compatible with more earlier versions. Standard-A connectors are identical to previous versions of Type-A, but are usually colored blue to distinguish them. They are fully backwards compatible, but increased speeds are only available if all components are USB 3 compatible. Standard-B and micro versions have additional pins for increased bandwidth and are not compatible with USB 3. previous versions. Older USB Type-B and Micro-B cables and connectors can be used with USB ports 3.0, but the speed will not increase.
Type C Connector Specifications
The name made headlines in technical magazines around the world when Apple company released 12" Macbook. This is the first laptop to include a Type-C design.
From a physical point of view, the connector is similar to the existing USB Micro-B variant. Its dimensions are 8.4 x 2.6 mm. Thanks to its small form factor, it can easily fit into even the smallest peripherals used today. One of the many advantages of Type-C over other existing solutions is that it allows connections in reverse orientation, meaning the plug will always be inserted correctly on the first try! The connector is designed in such a way that you don't have to worry about it being upside down.
Type-C supports the USB 3.1 standard and provides a maximum speed of 10 Gbps. It also has a significantly higher power output of up to 100W at 20V and 5A. Since laptops typically consume 40-70W, this means Type C easily covers their power requirements. Another functionality offered by USB Type-C is bidirectional power. In other words, you can not only charge your smartphone through a laptop, but also vice versa.
Type-C has received rave reviews from users around the world and has appeared in the popular Chromebook Pixel and Nexus 6P smartphones, as well as the Nokia N1 tablet.
We can confidently say that in the coming years all electronic devices will be equipped with ports of this type. This will make working with them easy and convenient. All you need is a single Type-C cable, which will eventually eliminate the tangled tangle of wires in your desk drawer.
Although the specifications were first published in 2014, the technology only really took off in 2016. Today, it has become a viable replacement not only for older USB standards, but also for others such as Thunderbolt and DisplayPort. The new Type-C audio solution is also a potential replacement for the 3.5mm headset jack. Type C is closely intertwined with other new standards: USB 3.1 provides more bandwidth and USB Power Delivery - better power delivery.
Connector shape
USB Type-C is a new tiny connector that's barely the size of a microUSB. It supports various new standards such as USB 3.1 and USB PD.
The usual connector that everyone is familiar with is Type-A. Even after the transition from USB 1.0 to 2.0 and further to modern devices he remained the same. The connector is just as chunky as before and only connects when oriented correctly (which obviously never works the first time). But as devices got smaller and thinner, massive ports simply weren't suitable anymore. This led to the emergence of many other forms of USB connectors such as Mini and Micro.
This inconvenient array of connectors of various shapes for devices of all sizes is finally becoming a thing of the past. Type C is the new standard of very small size. It is about a third of the old USB Type-A. This is a single standard that all devices must use, so to connect an external drive to a laptop or charge a smartphone from a charger, you only need one cable. This tiny connector is small enough to fit into an ultra-thin smartphone, but powerful enough to connect all your peripherals. The cable itself has identical Type C connectors on both ends.
Type-C has many advantages. The orientation of the connector doesn't matter, so you no longer have to flip the plug over and over again trying to find the right position. This is a single form of USB connector that everyone should accept, so for various devices no need to have a large number of different USB cables with different plugs. And there won’t be many different ports taking up scarce space on increasingly thin gadgets.
Moreover, Type C connectors can also support multiple protocols using "alternate modes" which allow you to have adapters capable of outputting HDMI, VGA, DisplayPort or other types of connections from that single connection. A good example of this is the Apple Multiport Adapter, which allows you to connect HDMI, VGA, USB Type-A and Type-C. Thus, many connectors on regular laptops can be reduced to ports of one type.
Nutrition
The USB PD specification is also closely intertwined with Type-C. Currently USB connection 2.0 provides up to 2.5 W of power. This is only enough to charge your phone or tablet. The specification, supported by the USB-C standard, provides power supply of up to 100 W. This connection is bidirectional, so the device can both charge and charge through it. In this case, data transmission can occur simultaneously. The port allows you to charge even a laptop, which usually requires up to 60 W.
IN Apple MacBook and Chromebook Pixel Google The USB-C connector is used for charging, which allows you to finally abandon all branded power cables. At the same time, it becomes possible to charge laptops from portable batteries, which are usually used to charge smartphones and other electronics. And if you connect the laptop to an external display powered from the mains, then its battery will be charged.
However, keep in mind that the presence of a Type C connector does not automatically support USB PD. Therefore, before purchasing devices and cables, you need to make sure that they are compatible with both standards.
Transfer rates
USB 3.1 - latest standard universal serial bus with a theoretical throughput of 10 Gbps, which is twice the data transfer speed of first-generation Thunderbolt and USB 3.0.
But Type-C is not the same as USB 3.1. This is just the shape of the connector, and the technology behind it can be based on standards 2.0 or 3.0. For example, the Nokia N1 tablet uses USB Type C version 2.0. However, these technologies are closely related. When purchasing, you just need to pay attention to the details and make sure that the device or cable you are purchasing supports the USB 3.1 standard.
Backward Compatibility
The physical Type C connector, unlike the basic standard, is not backward compatible. You can't plug older USB devices into today's tiny Type-C port, and you can't plug a USB-C plug into a larger, older port. But this does not mean that you will have to get rid of all the old peripherals. USB 3.1 is still compatible with previous versions, so you only need a physical USB-C adapter. And you can already connect old devices to it directly.
In the near future, many computers will have both Type-C USB connectors and larger Type-A connectors, like the Chromebook Pixel. This way, users will be able to gradually migrate from older devices by connecting new ones to USB Type-C. But even if the computer is manufactured with only Type C ports, adapters and hubs will fill this gap.
Type-C is a worthy upgrade. Although this port has already appeared in laptops and some smartphones, only they this technology not limited. Over time, all types of devices will be equipped with it. One day, the standard could even replace the Lightning connector used in iPhones and iPads. Apple's port doesn't have many advantages over USB Type-C, other than the fact that the technology is patented and the company can charge a licensing fee.
This material is suitable for beginners and professionals. Some people are often concerned about how to determine the type USB port. This is especially difficult when all the ports on the laptop are marked black, although the specifications say that USB 3.0 and 2.0 are present. It’s not really written which side.
This article will not only help you identify USB 3.0, but we will also try to distinguish a fake. The article will be short, but it will fully help you figure out what’s what.
Determine the type of USB port using Windows
Now I’ll try to show everything programmatically, and then we’ll look at the ports themselves. Most of you know that USB ports come in versions 1.0 , 2.0 And 3.0 . Now there is already version 3.1, but that doesn't matter. To determine the type of USB port, you need to go to Device Manager. In Windows 10, right-click from the Start menu and select the appropriate item (or press the combination Win+X and do the same).
As soon as the window opens, look for the tab "USB Controllers" and open it. There we can see many drivers for USB ports. If one of the devices has a word "xHCI", then this is USB 3.0, everything else refers to USB 2.0.
Easily? Then let's move on to next option definitions.
How to determine the type of USB port by appearance?
Let's start with the very first version - USB 1.0, now this option It is practically not used in laptops, but it occurs in some mice and other devices. It looks like this:white port with 4 contacts– this is USB 1.0.
USB 2.0 usually painted black and inside it also has 4 contacts. The second type is compatible with USB 1.0, but differs only in bandwidth. The second type is faster.
In this example, we looked at a flash drive, but what does the connector look like, for example, in a laptop?This is what it looks like:
Almost no different. Important point– some manufacturers may paint the same USB 2.0 in a different color, for example, orange. Of course, this does not affect the interface characteristics in any way.
USB 3.0 looks like blue port And has 9 contacts. Four are in front, the other five are behind. Take a closer look. The ones at the back are slightly raised. If the material is blue, then it is definitely USB 3.0. Also, on some computers next to the connector you can see the inscription "SS", which indicates the maximum data transfer speed (Super Speed).
I would like to note that USB 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0 are compatible with each other, so you can safely use them as you please. For example, insert a USB 2.0 connector into 3.0, although the speed here will be at the 2.0 level.
So, let's summarize, now I will once again describe the features of USB ports:
USB 1.0
- White material;
- Has 4 contacts.
USB 2.0
- Made from black or blue material. Depending on the preferences of the developers, it can be any other color;
- Has 4 contacts.
USB 3.0
- The material is almost always blue, but it can also be black;
- There are always 9 contacts - 4 in front and 5 in back.
That's all I wanted to tell you about determining the type of USB ports.
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