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USB Connector Guide – Learn from the USB Charging & Connectivity Experts
An intro to USB connectors.
The goal of the development of the USB was to make connecting devices to a computer much easier. And this is done by first, making one standard connector, therefore eliminating all the other different kinds of connectors. And second, by making connected devices easier to configure, and third to provide fast transfer rates. The USB port is also hot-swappable. So devices can be connected or disconnected without turning off the computer or the device. The USB also self configures itself, which eliminates the need for any extensive configuration or no configuration at all. And in addition to connecting to a computer, certain smaller devices can be powered by the USB port without the need for additional power cables.
USB Type-A
USB Type-A connectors, officially called Standard-A connectors, are flat and rectangular in shape. Type A is the “original” USB connector and is the most recognizable and commonly used connector. USB Type-A connectors are supported in every USB version, including USB 3.0, USB 2.0, and USB 1.1.
USB Type-B
One of two standard USB connectors, the USB Type B connector (technically known as a “Standard B” connector) is roughly square in appearance, with a squarish protrusion on top. Type B ports are found on many USB non-host devices, such as audio interfaces, external hard drives, and printers.
USB Micro-B
The USB 3.2 Micro B connector is found on USB 3.2 devices. This connector is designed to carry data and power in USB SuperSpeed applications. Cables with this connector are not backwards compatible with USB 2.0 or USB 1.1 devices.
USB Type-C
USB-C is a 24-pin USB connector system with a rotationally symmetrical connector. The USB Type-C Specification 1.0 was published by the USB Implementers Forum and was finalized in August 2014. It was developed at roughly the same time as the USB 3.1 specification.
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