What is d usb. USB types and standards. USB and its versions

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 all electronic devices are equipped with a USB connector. From desktop computers to smartphones and various storage devices with laptops. 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 standard for data transfer 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

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

USB versions

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 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
The release of USB 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 - the new version of the standard was designated 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.

Type-A
Type-A is the 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-C
Thus, after Type-A and Type-B we come, obviously, to the latest Type-C. Type-A and Type-B versions were supposed to work together with each other through backward compatibility, but the arrival of Type-C completely ruined these plans, since USB-C involves 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

An even more pressing and significant problem with USB Type-C is the unregulated operation of the connector, which has led to a number of dangerous accessories being commercially available. Some of these accessories, by using unsupported voltage levels, can fry the connected device. For example, this was the case 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 led to an obvious and only solution - a massive ban on the production and sale of non-original accessories with USB support 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 that are familiar today and will 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 become possible charging with one cable for both a laptop, a tablet or a smartphone.

Surely, every computer user has heard of such concepts as USB ports version 2.0 and 3.0. But not everyone understands exactly what it is. In this article I will tell you about USB 2.0 and 3.0: differences, interface compatibility, and also what it is all about.

As is logically clear, the USB 3.0 version is newer than 2.0, and, accordingly, it is better. Let's figure out why it's better, and start with the question of where it all came from.

USB and its versions

USB stands for universal serial bus, and is translated into Russian as universal serial bus. Universal – that means you can connect anything, any device, to it. There are USB different versions, the main difference of which is the speed of operation.

Manufacturers took a long time to achieve universality. As many people remember, at first the computer had many different ports, some of which remain to this day, for example, bulky COM with thick cables, PS/2 with fragile contacts, and others. Now printers, keyboards, mice and other equipment can be connected via USB.

The first USBs began to appear in 1994. In 1996, version 1.0 was released, which operated at a meager speed of 1.5 Mbit/s. Then in 2000, version 2.0 was released with an operating speed of 480 Mbit/s. This is a completely acceptable speed, which made it possible to connect various equipment to the port. In 2008, USB 3.0 was released, theoretically operating at a speed of 5 Gbps.

The development of USB 3.0 was funded by many global brands in the computer industry, which were interested in introducing standardization on connectors and improving equipment performance.

USB 2.0 and 3.0: differences

Finally, let's look at USB 2.0 and 3.0: how these ports differ from each other and compare them. Here are the signs by which they differ:

• It is very easy to visually distinguish USB 2.0 from 3.0 - the 3.0 connectors are painted blue.

• The second difference, which is easily felt in practice, is the transmission speed. In version 3.0 it is significantly higher. It may be inferior to the stated theoretical speed (5 Gbps), but still remains higher than version 2.0.
• The difference between USB 2.0 and 3.0 is in current strength. IN early version it was 500 mA, in the new one it reaches 900 mA. Thus, the new USB can power more powerful devices.
• IN old version USB had 4 wires, the new one has 4 more. Thus, another difference between USB0 and 3.0 is that the second has a thicker cable. This also limited the maximum length of 3.0 cable to 5 meters and made it more expensive.
• Windows XP does not support USB 3.0, even if the computer hardware is physically capable of it, it will work as 2.0. Only older versions of Windows are able to work with 3.0 fully.

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USB 2.0 and 3.0 compatible

If you connect a USB 2.0 device to a 3.0 connector, it will work at level 2.0. If you connect a USB 3.0 device to a 2.0 connector, it will also work at the 2.0 level. Thus, if these interfaces are compatible, the smaller version determines the quality of work.

The devices are capable of running other versions of USB, but they may become less powerful.

So, let me summarize. USB 2.0 and 3.0: the differences are primarily in the quality of work - the newer version is better, although a little more expensive. Modern equipment is available with interface 3.0, so it is advisable to purchase a computer with this version as well. Devices of different versions are compatible with each other and work acceptably, although their performance decreases.

In this article I want to cram in as much information as possible related to USB (types, connectors and adapters that currently exist).

USB (Universal Serial Bus- “universal serial bus”) - a serial data transfer interface for peripheral devices in computer technology with built-in power lines. There are two types of connectors/sockets for USB:

• Type A
• Type B

Each type is divided into three groups:

• Standard
• Micro

All USB devices have their own version.

USB 1.x and 2.0

Specification 1.0 regulated two types of connectors:

• A – on the controller or USB hub side
• B – on the peripheral device side

Subsequently, miniature connectors were developed for the use of USB in portable and mobile devices, called Mini-USB. A new version of miniature connectors called Micro-USB, was presented USB Implementers Forum January 4, 2007. The appearance is shown in the table (Table 1).

Table 1. Appearance of USB 1.x and 2.0 devices of different types

	Standard	Mini	Micro
Type A
Type B

For USB 1.x, two operating modes are regulated:

• low bandwidth mode ( Low-Speed) - 1.5 Mbit/s
• high throughput mode ( Full-Speed) - 12 Mbit/s

For USB 2.x, three operating modes are regulated:

• Low-speed, 10-1500 Kbps (keyboards, mice, joysticks)
• Full-speed, 0.5-12 Mbit/s (audio, video devices)
• High-speed, 25-480 Mbit/s (video devices, storage devices)

USB 3.x

In the USB 3.0 specification, connectors and cables of the updated standard are physically and functionally compatible with USB 2.0, and for unambiguous identification, USB 3.0 connectors are usually made of plastic blue . The USB 3.0 specification increases the maximum information transfer speed to 5 Gbps - which is an order of magnitude higher than the 480 Mbps that USB 2.0 can provide. Thus, the transfer speed increases from 60 MB/s to 600 MB/s and allows you to transfer 1 TB not in 8-10 hours, but in 40-60 minutes.

On July 31, 2013, the USB 3.0 Promoter Group announced the adoption of the next interface specification, USB 3.1, whose transfer speed can reach 10 Gbps. The appearance is shown in the table (Table 2).

Table 2. Appearance of USB 3.x devices of different types

	Standard	Mini	Micro
Type A
Type B

Examples of adapters and ports (Figure 1-3).

Figure 1 – Types of adapters.

Modern computers or mobile gadgets are equipped with a wide range of ports, from traditional USB 2.0 to the newfangled Thunderbolt 3. Even if you are all familiar with them, time passes and technological progress gives rise to a new power supply or transmission standard that requires new adapters. Let's find out what wires and adapters are needed to connect your computer to a monitor, TV, network, gadget and other peripheral device.

When you purchase new laptop or a desktop computer, it is always interesting to find out what connectors and ports are present on board. In addition, knowledge will always come in handy to help you find out whether your device will benefit in transfer speed if you attach it to a modern usb type-c port, rather than the already outdated usb 2.0. That is why I tried to collect a complete list of ports, as well as the type and cost of adapters that you may encounter when pairing a computer or laptop with your gadgets.

Description: The most common audio connector in the world. On most computers, tablets and phones it is designed as a 3.5 mm jack and connects most wired headphones, speakers with a computer or gadget. Moreover, computers, as a rule, have two or more audio jacks for a microphone and headphones, speakers for 3.1, 5.1 or even 7.1 sound format. And mobile gadgets have only one headset port.

Need an adapter Note: If your device does not have a 3.5mm jack, you may want to consider purchasing a wired USB headset or Bluetooth wireless audio device or adapter USB-to-3.5mm. Fortunately, the cost of each option exceeds $10.

Options for 3.5 mini jack adapters

Ethernet network port (RJ-45)

Also known as: Gigabit Ethernet, 10/1000 Ethernet, LAN port.

Description: Focused primarily on the business segment of devices - servers and switches, laptops and computers. This port allows you to connect directly to wired networks. While Wi-Fi continues to increase wireless connection speeds, Ethernet has long been able to operate at 1Gbps over a wire. Having such a speed is really very convenient, because data transfer speed plays a decisive role nowadays if you have the opportunity to choose an interface for connecting to the Internet. Ethernet in business connects millions of office computers into a local network and transmits tens of gigabits of traffic in the largest data centers.

At home, if you have more than one computer or TV with a LAN port, you should think about organizing a local network. Such a data transfer speed and at the same time network stability and lack of interference will not be offered to you by any network standard of those available today.

Need an adapter Note: If you don't have a built-in Ethernet port, you may want to consider purchasing an adapter USB-to-Ethernet. The average cost is from $15 to $30, depending on the USB type: Type-C or Type-A. For some mobile devices, it is possible to obtain Ethernet by connecting to the Docking Station.

RJ-45 Ethernet cable

HDMI connector

Also known as: Interface for high definition multimedia.

Description: This popular connector is the most common for connecting devices to a TV, and also appears on many monitors and projectors. Depending on your laptop or desktop PC with graphics card The HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) port may be able to output resolutions up to 4K. However, you may not be able to output two displays from the same port. Also, HDMI carries audio along with video. So if your monitor or TV has speakers, you will also get sound.

If your computer has an HDMI output and your monitor has a DVI output, you can convert the signal from one to the other with an adapter that costs less than $5.

Most laptops that have HDMI use a full-size port (Type A), but there are also ultra-thin devices that use mini HDMI connectors: mini-HDMI (Type C) and micro-HDMI (Type D), which are physically designed in smaller forms -factor.

Need an adapter: If you need to connect to a DVI port, then use HDMI-DVI adapter that costs $5. For about $25 you can find an adapter USB (Type-C)-HDMI.

If you want to convert the signal from the HDMI port on your computer to a DisplayPort device, such as a monitor, you will have to purchase a fairly expensive active converter that requires its own power connection and costs over $30. Cables DisplayPort-to-HDMI will not work without power.

DVI-HDMI adapter, mini-HDMI port

DisplayPort/Mini DisplayPort

Also known as: Dual purpose port.

Description: DisplayPort is the most advanced standard for connecting monitors to a computer today, with the ability to output 4K 60Hz images to one monitor, or up to three Full HD monitors (using a hub or docking station). Most laptops that have DisplayPort use a mini DisplayPort or DisplayPort Type-C connector over a USB port.

Still, most monitors and TVs don't have a DisplayPort connector, but you can output to an HDMI-compatible display with an adapter that costs less than $10. Like HDMI, DisplayPort can output audio in the same cable as video.

Need an adapter: If you want to display an image on more than one monitor from one mini DisplayPort port on a laptop, then you need a multi-threaded DisplayPort hub, which costs between $70 and $100 and requires electricity. One cable USB (Type-C)-to-DisplayPort or mini DisplayPort-to-DisplayPort cables cost just over $10.

mini-DisplayPort, DisplayPort

DVI port

Also known as: DVI-D, DVI-I, Dual-Link DVI.

Description: Due to the physical size of DVI, not every laptop is equipped with this interface. But almost every monitor with Full HD resolution has a DVI port. Often DVI will be the best option for connecting your computer and monitor, as many budget displays only have DVI and VGA connectors. Fortunately, if the need arises, you can purchase an adapter to convert from HDMI or DisplayPort to DVI.

DVI can output images up to a resolution of 1920 x 1200 at 60 Hz. For 2K or 4K monitors at 30 Hz, a second connection is required - the so-called Dual-Link DVI. By virtue of its name, it can provide image output with a resolution of 1920 x 1200 at 120 Hz.

Most basic USB docking stations have at least one DVI output.

Need an adapter: You can find the cable HDMI-DVI for less than $10 and DisplayPort-DVI cable for under $15. The cheapest cable is DVI-VGA about 5$. USB docking station with output for two DVI monitors start at $90.

HDMI-DVI adapter, DVI cable

MicroSD adapter

Also known as: card slot MicroSD memory, MicroSDHC reader, microSDXC.

Description: This slot reads MicroSD memory cards, which are used by the vast majority of modern smartphones, tablets, players and other mobile gadgets. If your laptop or tablet has a very limited amount of internal disk memory, then microSD adapter Will save you. It will expand internal memory due to a large MicroSD memory card of 64 GB or 128 GB.

Need an adapter: If your device does not have a built-in slot for a MicroSD card, then I advise you to purchase an external one microSD adapter, which will cost you up to about $10.

MicroSD adapter

SD adapter

Also known as: 3-in-1 card reader, 4-in-1 card reader, 5-in-1 card reader, SDHC memory card reader.

Description: This slot can be used to read memory cards from an SD digital camera.

Need an adapter Note: If you frequently transfer photos from your DSLR to your laptop or desktop computer, I highly recommend purchasing an SD card reader. It connects via USB and costs just under $10.

5-in-1 card reader, SDHC adapter

USB/USB Type-A

Also known as: USB Type-A, regular USB,

Description: USB (Universal Serial Bus) is the most common connector in laptops and computers today. A regular USB port is known as USB Type-A and has a simple, rectangular shape. Depending on the hardware design, it can be either USB-2.0 or USB-3.0, which differ significantly in speed.

Speed ​​indicators
USB 1.1

• low-bandwidth mode (Low-Speed) - 1.5 Mbit/s maximum;
• high-bandwidth mode (Full-Speed) - 12 Mbit/s maximum.

• Maintains physical and functional compatibility with USB 1.1;
• Low-speed mode, 10-1500 Kbps (keyboards, mice, joysticks, gamepads);
• Full-speed mode, 0.5-12 Mbit/s (audio, video devices);
• High-speed mode, 25-480 Mbit/s (video devices, information storage devices).

• Maintains physical and functional compatibility with USB 2.0;
• maximum information transfer speed up to 5 Gbit/s.

You can connect a virtually endless variety of peripherals to a USB port, from keyboards and mice to printers and Ethernet adapters. Regular USB doesn't have its own video transfer standard, but you can connect to a monitor using a universal dock or adapter with DisplayLink technology.

Regular USB 2.0 Type A cable

USB Type-B

Description: You will not find this square connector on the computer motherboard; it is not located on the side of the laptop. It is used in peripheral devices as an input port: docking stations, printers, scanners and others. All of these devices will require a cable USB Type-A - Type-B, which can be easily found in any computer store.

USB Type-B

USB Type-C

Also known as: USB-C.

Description: This slim USB port is the newest USB standard. The port is already available on a number of devices, and will likely replace USB Type-A, USB Type-B and MicroUSB on all new systems in the near future. It is much thinner than its predecessors. Type-C can fit on very thin laptops, such as MacBook 12". USB connector Type-C is symmetrical, so you never have to worry about the position of the plug when plugging it into a port that allows the cable to be inserted either way. Apple has clearly demonstrated this with its Lightning connector, introducing USB Type-C into all of its devices.

USB Type-C ports can support several different standards, but not all of them offer the same functionality. Type-C can transfer files to either USB 3.1 Gen 1 (at 5 Gbps) or USB 3.1 Gen 2 (at 10 Gbps). It can be used as a charging port (USB-PD), so you can charge your laptop with it. It can also carry DisplayPort signals, and even act as a Thunderbolt port.

Need an adapter: If you have a rectangular USB Type-A port, but need to connect a device with USB Type-C, use a cable USB-C 3.0 (Type C) - USB-A 3.0.

USB Type-C to USB Type-A cable

USB 2.0 interface

Also known as: Hi-Speed ​​USB, USB 2.

Description: Capable of transferring data at speeds up to 480 Mbps, USB 2.0 is the most common USB and works effectively with most peripheral devices. The USB 2.0 port can be made in various form factors: Type A - Type A (rectangular), Type B - Type-B (square), mini - mini USB or micro - micro USB. On laptops and desktops the USB 2.0 port will always be Type A, while on tablets and phones it will most likely be micro USB.

USB 2.0 ports

USB 3.0 interface

Also known as: SuperSpeed ​​USB, USB 3.

Description: Great for external hard drives, SSD drives, high-resolution monitors, docking stations, USB 3.0 has a maximum transfer speed of 5 Gbps. This is more than 10 times faster than its predecessor USB 2.0. USB 3 ports are automatically backwards compatible with USB 2.0 cables and devices. USB 3 ports on a computer use a rectangular connector type and, as a rule, are no different from their younger counterparts. SuperSpeed ​​USB 3.0 ports are sometimes painted light blue or have a tiny "SS" logo next to them to indicate their higher data transfer speeds.

USB 3.0 cable

USB 3.1 Gen 1

Also known as: USB 3.1, SuperSpeed ​​USB.

Description: USB 3.1 Gen 1 is a communication protocol that operates at the same 5Gbps speed as USB 3.0, but it only works with USB Type-C. This gives backwards compatible with USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 devices, provided that the cable has a Type-C connector on at least one side. USB 3.1 devices can support charging USB devices, which allows them to receive or transmit energy at speeds of up to 100 W, which is enough to charge most laptops.

USB 3.1 Gen 1

USB 3.1 Gen 2

Also known as: USB 3.1, SuperSpeed ​​+ USB, SuperSpeed ​​USB 10Gbps.

Description: USB 3.1 Gen 2 has the same form factor as USB 3.1 Gen 1, but with double the bandwidth, allowing it to transfer data at speeds of up to 10 Gbps. To ensure backward compatibility with USB 3.1 Gen 2 USB adapters, a Type C connector will be required, but to use it at full speed, you'll need to make sure the cable is rated for 10 Gbps. This is usually marked with an "ss" logo or in blue.

USB 3.1 Gen 2

Micro USB

Also known as: Micro-B, MicroUSB.

Description: This small port has gained a reputation as a charging port for smartphones and low-power tablets. This connector is not used on laptops and PCs. Regular micro USB supports USB 2.0 speed (480 Mbps) and allows you to connect multiple devices, mainly external hard drives. Micro USB 3.0 ports have some extra pins and offer faster transfer speeds, but the form factor is exactly the same as micro USB 3.0.

Need an adapter: In order to connect a phone or tablet to a laptop, you will need USB Type-A - micro USB cable that costs about $5. Alternatively, you can use an adapter Type-C - micro USB for 10$.

Micro USB 2.0, Micro USB 3.0

Mini USB

Also known as: Mini-B, mini USB.

Description: The interface is already less popular than micro USB, as it is older. Used on some external hard drives, game consoles and other accessories. They, like micro USB, are not used on laptops and computers. They can be found on mobile phones or some players. But even with the advent of micro USB, the use of this port is very rare these days.

Need an adapter: cable Type-A - mini USB costs around $5, A cable Type-C - mini USB available for under $10, and adapter micro USB - USB will cost about $5.

Type-A cable - mini USB, micro USB - USB adapter

Thunderbolt 3

Also known as: Thunderbolt.

Description: Fastest connection on the market today. Thunderbolt 3 can transfer data at speeds of up to 40 Gbps, which is four times faster than the fastest USB (USB 3.1 Gen 2). This high-speed standard can also output to two 4K monitors at once because one Thunderbolt 3 port carries dual DisplayPort signals. Thunderbolt 3 can be used to connect an external graphics card, which allows you to play games on maximum resolution using even an ultra-thin laptop.

All Thunderbolt 3 ports use the USB Type-C standard, allowing them to connect to a variety of peripherals that use USB.

Before Thunderbolt 3, which arrived on laptops in late 2015, there was Thunderbolt 2, but very few vendors were eager to use it in their systems. Backward compatibility of the connection is preserved in Thunderbolt 3 and if you have a device with Thunderbolt version 1, you won’t have to buy anything additional.

Thunderbolt 3

VGA connector

Description: Now we can already say: VGA is the great-grandfather of video outputs. VGA (video graphics array) appeared back in 1987, but this connector is still a common feature on many monitors and projectors even today. However, since the 15-pin connector is quite large, you will not find more current generation laptops or desktop computers that have a VGA output. This analog connection results in signal distortion on longer cables, and outputs images with a resolution of up to a maximum of 1920 x 1200 pixels.

Need an adapter: You cannot convert VGA to any other video signal due to the fact that VGA analog signal, and the rest are already digital (DVI, DisplayPort, HDMI). But you can connect another connector to VGA monitor using inexpensive wire or adapter, such as cables or adapters: DVI-VGA, HDMI-VGA or DisplayPort-VGA. Their cost rarely exceeds $10.

Hi all. Sometimes people are interested in knowing how USB 3.0 differs from USB 2.0, sometimes they want to understand what version or type of USB connector they have on their computer, what kind of dinosaur USB 1.0 is, and so on. Let's delve a little deeper into this topic.

The USB standard appeared in the mid-90s. Deciphered USB here's how - Universal Serial Bus. This standard was developed specifically for communication between peripheral devices and a computer, and now occupies a leading position among all types of communication interfaces. This is not surprising. Nowadays it’s difficult to imagine any device without a USB connector, although these connectors vary in type.

Types of USB connectors

Today there are quite a large number of types of USB connectors. Some are more common, some less. Anyway, let's take a look at them.

USBtype-A– one of the most common types of USB connectors. You might have seen him on your, on, on the block charger and more. Has many uses. With its help, you can connect mice and keyboards to a computer (or other device), flash drives, external drives, smartphones, and so on. This list can be continued for a long time if you think about it.

USBtype-B– the connector is mainly used to connect a printer or other peripheral devices to the computer. Received much less widespread than USB type-A.

Mini USB was quite common on mobile devices before the advent of Micro USB. Nowadays it is very rare, but you can still find it on some older devices. On my portable audio speaker, the Mini USB connector receives electricity to charge the battery. I bought this speaker about 5 years ago (it turned out to be durable).

Micro USB is now used on smartphones and mobile phones from almost all manufacturers. This USB connector has gained incredible popularity among mobile devices. However, USB Type-C is gradually taking its position.

USB Version 1.0 – Archaeological Excavations

The great-great-grandfather of the USB standard is USB 1.0 was born in the cold November of 1995. But he was born a little premature and did not gain much popularity. But his younger brother USB 1.1, born three years later, was a more viable specimen and was able to attract enough attention.

As for the technical part, the data transfer speed was small, but by the standards of those times this speed was more than enough. The speed was up to 12 Mbit/s and this was in high throughput mode.

Differences between USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 connectors

USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 are two completely modern USB standards that are now used everywhere in computers and laptops. USB 3.0 is, of course, newer and faster, and is also fully backwards compatible with USB 2.0 devices. But in this case the speed will be limited maximum speed according to the USB 2.0 standard.

In theory, USB 3.0 transfer speeds are approximately 10 times faster than USB 2.0 (5 Gbps vs. 480 Mbps). But in practice, the speed of information exchange between devices is often limited by the devices themselves. Although in general, USB 3.0 still wins.

Technical differences

Although the USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 standards are backward compatible, they nevertheless have some technical differences. USB 2.0 has 4 pins – 2 for powering devices and 2 for data transfer. These 4 pins have been retained in the USB 3.0 standard. But besides them, 4 more contacts were added, which are needed for high data transfer speeds and more fast charging devices. By the way, USB 3.0 can operate with current up to 1 Ampere.

As a result, the USB 3.0 standard cable has become thicker, and its length now does not exceed 3 meters (in USB 2.0 maximum length reached 5 meters). But you can charge your smartphone much faster, even if you connect several smartphones to one connector through a splitter.

Naturally, the manufacturers took care of visual differences. You don't have to look for packaging from motherboard to see which USB standards it supports. And you don’t need to go into your computer settings or device manager to do this. Just look at the color of your connector. The USB 3.0 connector is almost always blue. Very rarely it is also red. While USB 2.0 is almost always black.

So now, with one quick glance, you can determine whether you have USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 on your laptop.

This is probably the end of the conversation about how USB 2.0 differs from USB 3.0.

Conclusion

What have we learned from this article? That USB is divided into data transfer standards, which differ in data transfer speed. And also that USB has a large number of connector types.

And the most interesting thing that I forgot to mention in the article is that the types of connectors can be combined as follows. You can find a full-size USB type-A connector and a full-size USB type-B, at the same time there are (but rare) micro USB type-A and micro USB type-B (very common). USB type-A can work using the USB 2.0 protocol, or maybe using the USB 3.0 protocol. In general, if you want, you can get confused.

And if you are concerned about the question of which connectors are best to choose for yourself? laptop usb 2.0 or USB 3.0, then don’t worry at all. Now all modern laptops and computers are equipped with both types of USB. For example, my laptop has two USB 2.0 connectors and one USB 3.0 connector. And all three connectors are USB type-A.

That's what they are - USB!

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