There are currently several types of connectors USB(Universal Serial Bus) which come in three versions - USB v1.1, USB v2.0 And USB v3.0. Version v1.1 is practically not used due to the too low data transfer speed (12 Mbit/s), so it is used only for compatibility. The second version of USB 2.0 now dominates the market. Most modern devices support this version, which provides an information exchange speed of 480 Mbit/s, which is equivalent to a copy speed of 48 MB/s. However, due to non-ideal implementation and design features, in practice the actual speed rarely exceeds 30-33 MB/sec. Many hard disks capable of reading information at a speed 3-4 times faster. The USB v2.0 connector is a bottleneck that slows down the operation of modern drives. At the same time, this does not apply to mice, keyboards and some other devices. of great importance. The third version of USB v3.0 is marked in blue, which indicates that it belongs to the latest generation. The bandwidth of the third version of USB provides a speed of 5 Gbit/s, which is equivalent to 500 MB/s. Taking into account the fact that modern hard drives have a speed of 150-170 MB/sec, the third version of USB has a large reserve of data transfer speed.
Structurally, USB 1.1 and 2.0 versions are fully compatible with each other. If one of the connected parties supports version v1.1, then data exchange will occur at a reduced speed, and operating system will display the message: “Your device can run faster,” which means your computer is using a fast USB port 2.0, and the connected device version 1.1 is slow. Compatibility between USB 2.0 and 3.0 looks a little different. Any USB v2.0 device can be connected to the third version port, indicated in blue. But the reverse connection (with the exception of type A) is impossible. Modern USB v3.0 cables and devices have additional pins that allow you to increase the speed of the interface.
USB power
Any USB connector is powered by a voltage of 5 V and a current of up to 0.5 A, and for USB version 3.0 - 0.9 A. In practice, this means that the maximum power of the connected device does not exceed 2.5 W or 4.5 W for USB 3.0. For this reason, connecting low-power and portable devices (phones, players, flash drives, memory cards) will not cause problems, while large and massive equipment is powered from an external network.
USB v2.0 and USB v3.0 connectors are also classified by type (Type A and Type B) and size (MiniUSB and MicroUSB).
USB 2.0 type A
Connector USB type A is the most widespread and is the most recognizable among the existing ones. Most devices (mice, keyboards, flash drives, cameras and many others) are equipped with USB type A, which was developed back in the 90s. The main advantage of this port is its reliability, which allows it to withstand a large number of connections without losing integrity. Although the cross-section of the connector is rectangular, it is protected against incorrect connection, so it is impossible to stick it in with the reverse side. However, it is quite large in size, so it is not suitable for portable devices, which has resulted in the creation of smaller modifications.
The USB type B connector is less popular. All modifications of type B, including Mini and Micro, have a square or trapezoidal shape. The traditional full-length Type B is the only type that has a square cross-section. Due to its rather large size, it is used in various peripheral and large-sized stationary devices (scanners, printers, sometimes ADSL modems). Typically, manufacturers of printers or multifunctional devices rarely include such a cable in their products, so the buyer has to purchase it separately.
Mini USB 2.0 Type B
The reason for the appearance of tiny Mini USB Type B connectors was the abundance of miniature devices on the market. And the appearance of portable hard drives ensured their real mass popularity. Unlike large connectors with 4 pins, Mini USB Type B has five pins, however, one of them is not used. Unfortunately, miniaturization has had a negative impact on reliability. During operation, after some time the Mini USB connector begins to loosen, although it does not fall out of the port. IN given time is still actively used in portable hard drives, players, card readers and other compact equipment. The second modification of Mini USB type A is almost never used. Mini USB is gradually being replaced by a more advanced modification Micro USB.
The Micro USB type B connector is a modified version of the previous type Mini USB type B and has very miniature dimensions, which allows manufacturers to use it in modern technology with a small thickness. Thanks to the improved fastening, the plug sits very tightly in the socket and does not fall out of it. In 2011 this type connector has been approved as a unified standard for charging smartphones, phones, tablets, players and other portable equipment. This solution allows you to charge your entire fleet of electronics using one cable. The standard is showing growth trends and it can be assumed that in a few years almost all new devices will be equipped with it. Type A is used extremely rarely.
USB 3.0 Type A
The USB v3.0 standard provides significantly higher data transfer speeds. Additional contacts, which made it possible to increase speed, led to a change in the appearance of almost all USB connectors of the third version. However, type A has not changed in appearance, except for the blue color of the core. It means that backward compatibility saved. In other words, a USB 3.0 type A device can be connected to a USB 2 port and vice versa. This is the main difference between the connector and other version 3.0 connectors. Such ports are commonly found in modern laptops and computers.
USB v3.0 type B is used in medium and large high-performance peripheral devices ah - NAS, as well as in stationary hard drives. The connector has undergone major changes, so it cannot be connected to USB 2.0, in particular to USB 2.0 type B. Cables with such connectors are also not often sold.
Micro USB v3.0 is the successor to the “classic” Micro USB connector and has the same characteristics - compactness, reliability, high-quality connection, but at the same time provides higher data transfer speeds. Mainly used in modern external ultra-fast hard drives and SSDs. It is becoming increasingly popular. The connector largely duplicates Micro USB version 2.
Difference between Micro USB and Mini USB.
Users sometimes confuse Mini USB connectors with Micro USB connectors, which are really similar. The main difference is that the first one is slightly larger in size, and the second one has special latches on the back side, which make it easier to distinguish these two types of connectors. In other respects they are identical. Today there are many devices with these types of connectors, so it is preferable to have two different cables.
Alternative connection methods, such as USB connectors, are widely used to connect modern devices.
This name is quite common and in English translated as “universal serial bus”.
All USB connectors are available in three versions.
Characteristic features of the main three versions of USB connectors
First version of USB connectors (1.1). Its characteristic feature is a very low speed, at which all information is transmitted with a long delay.
The transfer speed is 12 Mbit/s. Its main purpose is to be used for interconnecting devices.
Second version of USB connectors (2.0).
Characterized by a data transfer rate of 480 Mbit/s. This corresponds to a speed of 48 MB/s.
The bulk of all modern technical instruments and devices are adapted to use this particular version. It is the most popular and well-known, and therefore is in demand in the electrical goods market.
True, due to many factors, the real speed of this standard does not exceed 30 - 33 MB/s.
Because latest issues hard drives, for example, SSDs are designed to read information at a much higher speed (almost 4 times), then this version of the standard delays the action of new drive models.
This shows the main drawback of the properties of USB 2.0 connectors. But despite this certain devices quite compatible with this version of connectors: mice, keyboards, scanners and printers.
Third version of USB (3.0).
This version is characterized by the speed of information transfer - 5 Gbit/s – which is considered a fairly high figure.
This speed corresponds 500 MB/s
This is much higher than the speed of hard drives latest generation(150 – 170 MB/s).
USB 3.0 connectors are specially marked blue for recognition.
Interface compatibility
If we consider the issue of compatibility of devices that have the connectors presented above, we can state that the first and second versions of USB connectors can be interchangeable with each other.
A particular device that has a USB version 2 connection but accepts a version 1 connection may display a message indicating its ability to perform faster.
Because this model The computer is designed to receive information through the second version, the speed of which is higher than the first.
That is, the full speed potential of this device will not be used.
Modern devices that have connectors of the second version can be connected to the third version of USB, and the use of the third version relative to the second is excluded, except for USB 3.0 type A.
Additional contacts create conditions for increasing the speed of the interface - this is a feature of the latest models of cables and devices that have connectors of the third version of USB.
USB power supply
The power for which connected devices with USB connectors are designed is 2,5 W and also 4,5 W (for the third version).
Based on this, USB connectors of all versions require voltage 5 V. Current up to 0,5 Oh, and for the third version - 0.9 A.
Devices such as players, memory cards, phones, flash drives (that is, devices with low power) can be freely connected using such connectors.
A technical means, having greater power, are connected to an external electrical network.
Connector types
The second and third versions of connectors are distinguished by size: Mini USB (small sizes), Micro USB (even smaller sizes); and also by types: A, B.
A reliable connector whose main characteristic is the ability to withstand more than one connection without losing its integrity.
The cross-section of the connector has a rectangular shape, which creates additional protection when connecting.
Its disadvantage is its large size, and all modern devices are portable, which influenced the development and production of connectors of a similar type, but of a smaller size.
USB 2.0 Type A was introduced in the nineties and this moment is still the most used.
A significant number of low-power devices have it: keyboard, mouse, flash drive and others.
USB connector version 2.0 type B.
We mainly find its application in stationary devices of large dimensions. These include scanners, printers, and less commonly ADSL modems.
It’s rare, but it still happens that cables of this type are sold separately from the equipment itself, because they are not included in the kit technical device. Therefore, check the complete set of devices.
Connectors of this type not as popular as type A connectors.
The square and trapezoidal shape is inherent in all type B connectors.
These include both Mini and Micro.
The peculiarity of the cross-section of type “B” connectors is their square shape, which distinguishes it from other types.
Mini USB connectors of the second version, type B.
The name of this type of connector indicates that it has very small dimensions. And this is not surprising, because the modern market increasingly offers miniature goods.
Thanks to the use of personal hard drives, card readers, players and other small devices, USB Mini connectors related to type B have become very popular.
It should be noted that such connectors are unreliable. It becomes loose with frequent use.
But the use of USB Mini Type A connector models is extremely limited.
Micro USB 2.0 type B connectors.
Micro USB connector models are more advanced than Mini USB models.
This type of connector is incredibly small in size.
Unlike the previous mini types presented, these connectors are very reliable with their fastenings and connection fixation.
The Micro USB 2.0 connector type “B” has been recognized in its qualities as uniform for universal use for charging all portable devices.
What will happen over time, when all manufacturers begin to produce equipment adapted specifically to such connectors. It probably won't take long to see it.
But this decision was already made in 2011 by all modern manufacturers, although the Micro USB 2.0 type “B” connector is not yet present on all devices.
USB third version type A connectors.
USB 3.0 connectors have greater speed for information transfer due to additional contacts.
With such changes, compatibility is still maintained feedback. Its use has been established in computers and laptops of the latest generation.
USB connectors third version type B.
The third version of USB type “B” connectors are not suitable for connecting USB connectors of the second version.
It is used in the operation of peripheral devices with medium and large productivity.
Micro USB 3.0.
Modern external drives, which have high speed, as well as SSD-type drives, basically all are equipped with such a connector, which is characterized by a high speed of information exchange.
It is increasingly occupying a leading position due to the fact that it has very high-quality connections.
The connector is easy to use due to its compact size. Its predecessor is considered to be a Micro USB connector.
The main differences between Micro and Mini USB connectors
At first glance, these connectors are very similar. Indeed, most of the characteristic features of the basic parameters of these species coincide.
But upon closer inspection, you can notice the following differences:
- The USB Mini connector is larger than the USB Micro connector.
- The presence of special-purpose latches on the back side of the USB Micro connectors.
Many users have already become convinced that it is most convenient to have not just one type of connector, but several, because different types of devices have different types connecting USB connectors.
TO unified standard Device manufacturers, unfortunately, have not arrived yet, and most likely will not come for a long time, because each type of USB connector has its own purpose.
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) is a serial data transfer interface for peripheral devices in computer technology with built-in power lines. There are two types of connectors/slots 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 USB applications in portable and mobile devices, called Mini-USB. A new version miniature connectors called Micro-USB, was presented USB Implementers Forum January 4, 2007. Appearance 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 mode throughput (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 blue plastic . 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.
Connectors USB-A successfully combine durability and mechanical strength, despite the lack of screw tightening.
Signals USB(versions ≤2.x) are transmitted over two wires of a shielded four-wire cable.
For devices USB 2.0 Three operating modes are regulated:
In the specification USB 3.0 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 blue or (for some manufacturers) red plastic . The USB 2.0 cable contains four lines - a pair for receiving/transmitting data, plus and zero for power. In addition to these, USB 3.0 adds four more communication lines (two twisted pairs), resulting in a much thicker cable. New contacts in USB connectors 3.0 are located separately from the old ones in a different contact row. 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 (30 MB/s effective) to 600 MB/s and allows you to transfer 1 TB not in 8-10 hours, but in 40-60 minutes.
Version USB 3.0 differs not only in a higher speed of information transfer, but also in increased current strength from 500 mA to 900 mA. Thus, from one hub you can feed large quantity devices or rid the devices themselves of separate power supplies. On some motherboards On laptops, one or more USB 3.0 ports may be marked with a lightning bolt icon. This means that from this port you can power and charge devices that consume a current of more than 1 A, and charging will also occur when the computer is turned off.
Our organization sells a wide range of high-quality and inexpensive USB-A connectors from stock and to order with minimal delivery times.
Board sockets are standardly supplied in cases or pallets, unless this is specified when ordering by the client. On request, they can be supplied on tape in rollers for automatic installation (additional designation “T/R” at the end of the name).
Cable plugs are supplied in bags or pallets in disassembled form (each part separately). For the most durable connection, it is recommended to immediately order a cable of the required length with a molded connector housing. Factories have several models of casting molds for different types of cases. For a large order, it is possible to make the case shape according to the customer’s design with his logo.
Please check with our managers for delivery conditions for USB-A connectors.
Hello, dear readers! Many people often have a problem: there is no suitable cable to “hook up” the desired device to a computer, smartphone or tablet, especially if they use, for example, mini USB.
In this article you will find information about what to do if a suitable cable/adapter/extension cable is not at hand and how to understand the USB classification.
Under tons of cables
Now, for some reason, many new ultrabooks and transformable tablets add only 1-2 USB connectors. But think for yourself: connected a mouse, inserted a flash drive or external HDD, and the phone dies and there’s no way to charge it, and you decide - either transfer everything from the flash drive, or fiddle with the touchpad.
In my case, everything was better - 3 connectors, but you know what? The third connector, of course, USB Type-C. And I wanted to connect one ancient camera with mini usb.
What to do if you don’t have the required cable
In any other case, I would just buy an adapter cable and not bother. But even on AliExpress, where I usually buy cables and adapters, they asked too much for it. So the inner Jewish man in me won, who strives to fix and do everything himself, just so as not to pay extra rubles.
So, picking up a soldering iron... Okay, but what if you don’t have a soldering iron (or are too lazy to bother) but have an extra USB Type-C cable? For example, we have USB C - microUSB, and, accordingly, native USB - mini USB. How to turn them into USB Type-C - mini USB (and, if desired, also get USB - mini USB)?
There is no magic - you just need to barbarically cut the wires - you can right in the middle if you want to end up with two cables. Inside you will see four insulated wires - black, pink, green and white. Differences between mini and micro usb There is no wiring or pinout involved, so nothing complicated. We remove the insulation, tin, wind, solder if desired, wind back and voila!
The main thing is not to forget about re-insulation - first insulate the wires separately, and then all together. Regular foil and electrical tape are quite suitable for this, but you can also buy heat-shrinkable tubes to fit the diameter of the cable.
Imagine my joy when the old camera managed to charge and dump all its photo masterpieces onto the laptop, while leaving the mouse and hard drive - my inner Jewish man is not so bad, it turns out.
What other options are there?
So, we list all the options with which you can solve the problem of not having the necessary cable:
- Buy the required cable at AliExpress.
- The barbaric method is above.
- Soldering iron and pinout (and donor wires or plugs for our Frankenstein).
The last option has a right to life. If the required cable is not on sale, it is often easier to buy a plug instead of a whole donor cable. You can always find the necessary pinout on the Internet. In order to restore or charge with a suitable connector, you will have to solder only two wires (red - plus and black - minus).
I would personally advise: if you are not a professional, do not try to re-solder USB with HDMI, eSATA, 30pin, Lightning and others connectors, because there is a high chance of simply ruining the wires. In this case, it is better to throw off the toad that is strangling you and fork out for a normal wire than to overpay twice.
1, 2, 3, A, B, C, M, F
Many people are often frightened by the incomprehensibility of the names of connectors. This becomes the reason for buying cables in local electronics stores at a huge markup, although you could buy them on AliExpress.
Let's clarify what these numbers and letters on USB cables mean.
M and F are, respectively, Male and Female, “father” and “mother”, “exit” and “input”. Accordingly, any plug by definition is M, and any connector is F. You need an adapter with USB input and microUSB output? Feel free to turn on the F/M filter!
A, B and C - in simple words, these are, respectively, “suitable for a computer”, “suitable for peripherals (phone, tablet, printer)” and “universal” (if, of course, the device has one). You may be surprised to see USB B - it is completely different from the usual USB A, which is literally everywhere.
USB B is most often used to connect, for example, old and not very old printers, scanners, faxes, etc. Also, micro- and mini-USB A-types are used almost nowhere, because very rare PCs have such a connector, and micro- and mini-USB B-types have taken over the world of portable electronics.
By the way, in terms of pinouts, micro- and mini-USB A and B differ only in that in the A version the fourth and fifth contacts are connected, and in the B version the fourth contact remains unused. Thus, with the right skill, you can transform them from one to another.
1, 2 and 3 are USB versions. Version 1 is practically not found on sale, 2 and 3 are widespread and fully compatible (with the possible exception of USB B 2 and 3, which are used for peripheral devices).
The main difference is different versions— data transfer rate. USB version 3 is equipped with an additional five contacts for faster data transfer, however, when using, for example, a drive that supports USB 3 in a connector that only supports the second version, the additional contacts simply will not be used.
Interesting fact: almost all USB third versions are marked - their internal “gasket”, instead of the usual white one, is painted blue, which will allow you to quickly determine which connectors you have on your PC and whether yours supports USB flash drive 3.0.
Knowing this, it is much easier to save money by buying cables, adapters and plugs in online stores. Router for wireless wi-fi connection it can be easily converted into a wired one by just purchasing an Ethernet cable, as we already know, M/M, that is, with two outputs.
Needs to be lengthened USB cable? Feel free to look for a USB F – USB M adapter with the length you need; with a long search, you can find options up to 10 meters! As they say, “let him who seeks find”:
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