Alternative methods Connections 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.
Since the latest releases of hard drives, for example, SSDs, are designed to read information at a much higher speed (almost 4 times), this version of the standard delays the effect of new drive models.
This shows the main drawback of the properties of USB 2.0 connectors. But despite this, certain devices are quite compatible with this version of connectors: mice, keyboards, scanners and printers.
Third version of USB (3.0).
This version characterized by the speed of information transmission – 5 Gbit/s – which is considered a fairly high figure.
This speed corresponds 500 MB/s
This is much higher than the speed of the latest generation hard drives (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.
Its main use is found in stationary devices having large sizes. 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” was 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.
Third version of connectors USB type“B” are not suitable for connecting USB connectors of the second version.
It is used at work peripheral devices with medium and large productivity.
Micro USB 3.0.
Modern high-speed external drives, as well as SSD-type drives, are basically all equipped with a connector that 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. And indeed, most characteristic features the basic parameters of these types are the same.
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 kinds devices have different types of USB connectors.
Unfortunately, device manufacturers have not yet come to a single standard, and most likely will not come for a long time, because each type of USB connector has its own purpose.
What is USB? Today, probably only the lazy do not know or have heard about this. USB has firmly entered the life of modern people, and many areas of activity cannot be imagined without it. USB has surpassed all other similar interfaces in popularity that interact with computer peripherals. Almost all electronic gadgets and systems are equipped with USB connectors: computers, phones, tablets, TVs, car radios and many other devices.
USB concept
A technical definition will help you understand what USB is. The official documentation states: USB, Universal Serial Bus - universal serial bus. In essence this is software tool, making a connection for transmitting data between electronic gadgets.
USB has its own symbolic icon in the form of geometric shapes: two circles (small and large), a triangle and a square. Three branched lines emerge from the large circle, at the ends of which are the remaining figures.
You can define what USB is in a simpler concept. This is the connector to which a device with a plug of the same standard is connected. For example, when USB help A keyboard, mouse, and printers are connected to a personal computer. To exchange information, install various updates, settings, phones, smartphones, tablets, e-readers, portable hard disks and many other gadgets.
Features and Benefits
This interface was developed and introduced at the end of 1994. Companies such as Microsoft, Intel, Philips and US Robotics had a hand in the emergence of USB.
Previously, external third-party devices communicated with the PC through switching means such as PS / 2, serial and parallel input port, separate connector for connecting game controllers, and no one has even heard of what USB is. When developing new gadgets, there was an urgent need to unify switching capabilities. The presentation of the new standard led to increased functionality of the computer and stimulated the development of third-party products with the USB bus.
Today, all PCs and laptops are required to have USB connectors. Up to 12 USB connectors can be mounted on a desktop computer; a laptop has 3-4 inputs. Any modern “self-respecting” gadget has a USB port.
Simplicity and ease of use have become synonymous with USB technology. It allowed interaction with the “Plug and Play” specification, which assumed reliable, fast and user-friendly switching of external sources.
USB standardization
Trial specification standards were presented at the end of 1994. Several more versions were released throughout the year, and on January 15, 1996, the USB 1.0 standard was presented. It was characterized by two types of data exchange: a high throughput channel of up to 12 Mbit/s and a low throughput channel of 1.5 Mbit/s. With high traffic, the length of the USB cable was 3 m, and with low traffic, 5 m. The voltage for connected devices was determined to be 5 V with a maximum current of 500 mA. Up to 127 gadgets could be connected. Moreover, they could all function with different access standards.
In September 1998, work was carried out on the detected errors, the speed was increased to 15 Mbit/s, and USB version 1.1 was launched.
The beginning of 2000 was marked by the release of the USB generation 2.0 interface. A high-speed data processing and transmission mode was introduced. USB 2.0 received three types of bandwidth:
- from 10 to 1500 Kbps was used for operation with keyboards, mice and gaming gadgets;
- from 0.5 to 12 Mbit/s reserved various video and audio media;
- from 25 to 480 Mbit/s worked with hard drives (HDD) and video stream processing.
Additional Specifications
In 2005, USB Wireless technology was developed. A characteristic feature was stated to be wireless switching with high data transfer rates. Within a radius of 3 meters the speed was about 480 Mbit/s, 10 m - 110 Mbit/s.
Through the joint efforts of Microsoft, Intel, Hewlett-Packard and some others, the USB 3.0 specification standard appeared. This version is fully compatible with 2.0. The connectors of the latest specification have a characteristic blue plastic color, unlike the white of the previous version. Specification 3.0 has an additional four switching lines, making the cable slightly thicker and the throughput increased to a stratospheric 5 Gbps. With these parameters, for example, information with a volume of 1 TB can be transferred in approximately 50 minutes. Whereas with standard 2.0 the same volume is transmitted in about 9 hours.
Latest version USB has a higher current - 900 mA. This parameter made it possible to connect a larger number of devices to the connector compared to 2.0.
There is also a USB OTG specification that allows connected devices to unilaterally determine when to be a host and when to be a peripheral.
USB connectors
Type A connects third party USB device and a computer. It is on the controller side. When connecting any gadget, USB drivers are instantly found by itself. operating system. If there are none, the device is always equipped with a software disk, which includes the necessary installation element.
Type B is present on the USB peripheral side. These are mainly scanners, printers or multifunctional devices. Both types include several plug/connector configuration options: mini USB and micro USB.
The mini USB connector/plug is more compact in size and is found on early versions of smartphones, cameras, camcorders, e-books etc.
The micro USB connector/plug is even smaller in size than the previous version. It often occurs in modern smartphones.
Disadvantages of the USB interface
Mini USB and micro USB connectors due to design features often fail before their service life. This is due to the fact that such connectors are usually found in gadgets that very often have to be connected to a computer or charged (phones, smartphones, PDAs, MP3 players). It is worth noting that USB technology not only allows you to exchange data, but also makes it possible to charge devices through its connection.
The stated throughput of the 2.0 specification of 480 Mbps is not true. This happens because data is transmitted in both directions over a single twisted pair cable. To achieve maximum speed, 2 clock cycles are required when exchanging information, which, by the way, is implemented in USB 3.0.
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 connector type 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 to 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 are supported high speeds data transfer (up to 480 Mbit/s) 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 a single 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 an Android phone or tablet definitely have a micro USB cable as well. 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. The 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, can become tangled, and can potentially cause injury.
0.9 m is a good length for 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 attempts 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 an external drive to a laptop, and from there to a smartphone. USB OTG allows you to connect the drive directly to your phone, thereby bypassing the need for an intermediary.
And that is not all! There are many other ways to use OTG. You can connect any USB device to your smartphone, 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 evolving and improving, as are the associated peripheral devices. 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 latest standard provides higher throughput and is mostly backward compatible with 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 3.0 ports, but will not improve speed.
Type C Connector Specifications
The name made headlines in tech magazines around the world when Apple released the 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 significantly higher output power up to 100 W at 20 V and 5 A. Since laptops typically consume 40-70 W, this means that 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 popular smartphones Chromebook Pixel and Nexus 6P, 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 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.
What's more, 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 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 do away with 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 is the latest Universal Serial Bus standard 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
Type C physical connector as opposed to the base standard backward compatibility does not have. 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 directly to it.
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.
The USB 3.0 interface is significantly more productive than its predecessor, USB 2.0. While the latter limits the speed of linear data writing to a flash drive to 30-40 MB/s, with the former, files can be copied to a USB 3.0 flash drive at a speed of about 100 MB/s. This is a real example, but in theory, the maximum throughput of USB 2.0 is considered to be 60 Mb/s, and USB 3.0 is 625 Mb/s. To take advantage of the USB 3.0 interface, both the storage device (flash drive, USB-HDD, other storage devices) and the computer must be equipped with it. How do you know if your computer has USB 2.0 or 3.0 ports?
Laptops and PC motherboards released before 2010 are likely to have USB 2.0 ports installed. But computer devices released later may be equipped with USB 3.0.
You can find out which USB interface your computer is equipped with by the external features of the ports. USB 1.0 ports have 4 pins and the plastic underneath is white. USB 2.0 ports also have 4 pins, but the plastic underneath is usually black. Inside USB port 3.0 there are as many as 9 contacts, and the plastic under them is usually blue. The latest models of PCs and laptops can be equipped with the most powerful USB 3.1 interface to date with a stated maximum throughput of 1250 Mb/s. The plastic under the contacts of such ports can be painted either black or blue. What distinguishes USB 3.1 ports from their predecessor interfaces is the inscription “SS” (Super Speed) engraved next to them.
PC cases usually come with a panel on the front with additional USB ports for easy connection of devices. But for such convenience, computer owners who do not know that their motherboards support USB 3.0 often pay with agonizing wait while moving data to a flash drive. After all, even modern but budget cases are usually equipped with USB 2.0 ports.
You can find out whether your computer has USB 2.0 or 3.0 ports using Windows tools. Go to the device manager and open the “USB controllers” branch. If in the list of the branch the host controllers are listed as “Enhanced Host Controller”, and their names do not contain the addition “USB 3.0”, this means that the computer has USB 2.0 ports.
The presence of USB 3.0 ports will be directly indicated by the addition “USB 3.0” in the names of extended host controllers. The fact that the computer supports USB 3.0 is also evidenced by the presence in the list of a branch of controllers, the name of which contains the abbreviation XHCI - an indication of the universal eXtensible Host Controller Interface.
How to get USB 3.0 ports if they are not found? A total upgrade in the form of replacing a laptop or PC motherboard with all its dependent components has an alternative - installing a USB 3.0 adapter. For PC assemblies, such adapters exist in the form of boards installed in PCI slot Express. To laptops USB adapters 3.0 are connected using an ExpressCard slot. On AliExpress, USB 3.0 adapters can be ordered for a promotional price of just over $5. This option will give a certain increase in performance, but still will not reach the capabilities of USB 3.0, which is initially supported by modern laptops and motherboards. After all, data transfer will be limited by the bandwidth of the corresponding slot.
Have a great day!
Rapid development computer technology affects not only the main components of systems. The possibilities are increasing, including various interfaces. As for the most common method of connecting peripheral devices - USB - here, in general, we can state a multiple increase in productivity in recent years. Bandwidth The universal serial bus is increasing and its functionality is expanding. The connectors used to connect various USB devices are also undergoing changes. Today, many people hear about USB, and what are the advantages and disadvantages of the solution is the topic of this article.
Modern computer connectors
Looking around the body of almost any laptop, you can find a number of different ports located on the sides. Among them there is always USB, almost always HDMI and some others. Modern models are often equipped the newest port USB Type-C. Many people don’t know what kind of connector this is, but it would be worthwhile to familiarize yourself with the capabilities of the port. Presumably, the connector will replace many other solutions in the future and become a truly universal standard. This is facilitated by the technical characteristics of the new method of pairing a computer and peripherals. The USB Type-C port offers users faster data transfer speeds, improved functionality, and new level ease of use. In short, the future of the standard looks very promising.
Multiple uses for one cable
The creators of USB Type-C used a very simple idea when developing the standard. The user must have a single type of cable, and his computer equipment is equipped with one type of port. By using a unified interface, you can connect anything you want. For example, using USB cable Type-C, can be connected inherently different devices, represented by hard drives, monitors, audio interfaces, smartphones, tablet PCs. Among other things, it becomes possible to use the connector in question even to charge a laptop.
USB-A
Today, almost all peripheral devices are connected to a PC via the usual USB-A connector. This port is firmly established in Computer World, has a rectangular shape that is familiar to everyone, and its use has become almost a standard for pairing flash drives, external keyboards, mice, hard drives, printers and many other devices. This monopoly is likely to be broken soon - the USB Type-C cable already takes its rightful place among the solutions used to connect many devices.
Change of concept
Various cables are used to connect devices to the now standard USB-A port. The main difference between them is the connector located on the opposite side of the cable connected to the computer. This is almost always a different type of connector. For example, micro-USB is used for smartphones, while mini-USB is often used for other gadgets. To connect the printer, you will need a USB-B cable, and to connect storage devices, you will need a micro-USB-B cable. This variety causes some inconvenience and difficulty, because a user who owns several devices always needs to have a whole set of cables at hand. Designed to be uniform for all devices, i.e., the universal USB Type-C cable greatly simplifies this situation.
New format
With the development of the standard, it became possible to install a single connector design for all devices, as well as the same connector at both ends of the cable. How can you tell when you pick up a USB Type-C cable that this is it? The solution is a thin connector, oval in shape and significantly smaller in size compared to previous cable and connector formats of this type. In addition, USB 3 Type-C received the most important characteristic represented by symmetry and reversibility. Overall very similar to the Lightning solution from Apple- very convenient, because you don’t need to waste time manipulating the cable to find the right way to connect.
Future
Probably today we can say that after a certain time, the USB Type-C connector will turn into the only universal port for all peripheral devices. Thus, there will be a replacement for USB-A, B, micro-USB and mini, which make the lives of ordinary users so difficult today. All cables should become the same and be able to be used for any device. Of course, quick unification will not happen; too many functional devices with connectors other than USB Type-C are in use today and will be in use for several more years.
At the same time, we should not forget: the expansion of new solutions has already begun. Eg, USB flash drive Type-C is no longer uncommon on the shelves of computer stores. In addition, the fact that flagship devices from the most famous brands are being released, equipped with the port in question, suggests that the described situation, i.e., the displacement of outdated connectors from the market will occur sooner or later. For compatibility with older solutions, you will have to use a USB Type-C adapter for now.
Compatibility
After reading the above, you can think about what to do with already purchased devices equipped with connector types other than USB Type-C. It must be said that this issue should not cause much concern. A wide variety of adapters have already been developed, produced and sold, allowing you to connect any device with a USB connector, regardless of its type. Adapters such as mini-USB - Type-C, micro-USB - Type-C and others are already widespread and perform their functions perfectly. The security principle, which has been used in computer technology for many years, no one is going to violate. If a new laptop or computer has a USB Type-C port, an adapter for other types of connector is a completely applicable and effective solution.
Learn more about the benefits of the connector
Of course, a simple revision of the design of the connector and port will not be a compelling reason to encourage the user to upgrade all of his existing peripherals, but performance is far from the only advantage of the new solution. The new format supports the most modern USB 3.1 protocol, which brings with it an increase in data transfer speed and greater versatility compared to previous versions used on devices equipped with USB-A.
Speed
More than two decades have passed since the presentation of the first version of the connector. At that time, the maximum speed at which data was transferred was 12 Mb/s. Today we can say, considering USBType-C, that this is the fastest interface for connecting peripheral devices from existing solutions. The USB 3.1 standard is capable of providing a data transfer rate of 10 Gb/s.
Performance
Additional advantages of the standard under consideration, of course, include performance, represented by the ability to provide power transmission of up to 100 W. This figure is enough to power almost any laptop, not to mention smartphones, tablets and other gadgets. In addition to energy, the new format supports the transfer of a huge amount of data per unit of time. For example, today video signals in 4K resolution are successfully transmitted via USB Type-C.
Versatility
The universal nature of the newest standard opens up a wide range of practical applications. Mass useful functions can be provided with a single cable. For example, you can connect a USB-C-equipped laptop to an externally powered monitor and charge the laptop's battery while watching video content. When storage devices are connected to the display, e.g. external drive, from a laptop you can access information stored on the media.
Disadvantages of USB Type-C
This connector is a brilliant new format that is sure to become a ubiquitous solution in the very near future. However, the initial stages of distribution and development, in which the standard is currently still in, do not provide a complete absence of dangers, as well as some confusion when using the connector.
Cheap accessories
The main problem that a user who decides to join the modern trends, are cheap low-quality accessories and cables. Due to the large amount of power transferred through USB Type-C connectors, using cables of insufficient quality may damage the paired devices. This factor must be taken into account by users without fail. When purchasing cables and adapters, you should choose products from reliable, trusted brands.
Confusion about standards
Another unpleasant moment that you may encounter USB users Type-C today is caused by the fact that the standard in question relates more to the type of connector used, rather than to the specifications of the interface itself. Therefore, it is quite likely that a device connected to a new connector will not work as fast as the owner of the device expected. The first generation uses USB 3.0 technology, providing a maximum speed of 5 Gb/s. The second generation of USB-C supports the 3.1 standard, the data transfer speed through which reaches 10 Gb/s. Problems with each of the ports arise due to the fact that they look the same, but during production ready-made solutions brands use different components even in lines of similar models. In other words, before purchasing a device with a USB Type-C connector, you need to check whether it matches the actual technical characteristics port to the required parameters.
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