Understanding USB Types

USB B

The Type B USB connector is commonly linked with USB peripherals for computers. Featuring a square form factor with gently rounded corners at the top, it also relies on friction for secure placement. Designed to eliminate the possibility of inadvertently connecting two host systems together, this connector variant continues to be employed, although its micro version is now more widely seen.

Square design, beveled corners.
Friction-held stability.
Optimized for peripherals.

USB Mini B

The USB Mini Type B connector is a compact adaptation of the standard Type B. Designed for smaller devices, it delivers speedy data transfers up to 480 Mbps. Additionally, its OTG support allows for diverse device interactions, letting gadgets with Mini Type B ports function as USB hosts.

Compact, space-saving form.
High-speed 480 Mbps transfer.
Supports OTG features.

USB Micro B

Micro Type B is a refined variant of the familiar Type B connector, optimized for tinier gadgets. It consistently provides high-speed data transfers of up to 480 Mbps. Its OTG capability ensures that Micro Type B devices can perform as USB hosts, offering increased compatibility and connection options.

Compact, space-saving form.
High-speed 480 Mbps transfer.
Supports OTG features.

USB A

The USB Standard A is the original and most widely-used USB connector. It serves as the interface for connecting peripherals to a main device. Its flat, rectangular design is engineered for simple plug-in and removal, thanks to its friction-based holding mechanism. The connector delivers a 5V DC power supply via one of its pins and is universally compatible across all USB protocol variants.

Rectangular, flat shape.
Friction-based secure fit.
Universal protocol compatibility.

Charging

Cable

Right Angled

Charging Cable

USB Mini A

USB Mini Type A connectors are streamlined versions of the classic Type A. Despite their reduced size, they maintain a robust data transfer speed of up to 480 Mbps. Moreover, with OTG capabilities, devices with Mini Type A ports can act as USB hosts, enhancing versatility in mobile connectivity.

Compact, space-saving form.
High-speed 480 Mbps transfer.
Supports OTG features.

USB Micro A

USB Micro Type A offers a more diminutive form of the conventional Type A connector. While it presents a sleeker interface, it doesn't skimp on performance, boasting data rates of 480 Mbps. With inherent OTG features, Micro Type A equipped devices can serve as USB hosts, broadening connection possibilities.

Compact, space-saving form.
High-speed 480 Mbps transfer.
Supports OTG features.

Thunderbolt 3

Third-generation interface with speeds up to 40 Gbps, doubling Thunderbolt 2's rate. Also integrates USB Type-C connectivity, offering greater versatility.

Speeds of up to 40 Gbps, doubling that of Thunderbolt 2.
Uses USB Type-C connector, allowing for a universal port experience.
Supports video output for dual 4K displays or a single 5K display.

Thunderbolt 2

A second-generation interface supporting data transfer rates up to 20 Gbps. Combines multiple channels into one for improved performance over its predecessor, Thunderbolt.

Data transfer rates up to 20 Gbps.
Merged channels for simultaneous video and data transmission.
Backward compatibility with the original Thunderbolt.

USB Generations

USB 1.0

Launched in January 1996, USB 1.0 was followed by its improved version, USB 1.1, in September 1998. Both had peak speeds of 12 Mbps and were initially designed to facilitate quick connections between simple devices like mice and keyboards to computers. However, USB 1.0 had limitations, such as the inability to support extension cables and power delivery, which hindered its market adoption. USB 1.1 addressed these issues and laid the foundation for USB becoming the universal standard for data interfaces.

Supported Connectors

USB 2.0

The universal adoption of USB in contemporary devices has propelled its evolution to meet rising demands for speed and reliability. Consequently, USB 2.0 was unveiled in April 2000, delivering speeds of up to 480 Mbps—a 40-fold increase over USB 1.1. This version also offers backward compatibility, allowing seamless interaction between older USB versions and new USB 2.0-enabled devices. With its enhanced data transfer rates and power delivery capabilities of 2.5W, 5V, and up to 500mA current, USB 2.0 has successfully superseded its predecessor.

Supported Connectors

USB Micro A

USB 3.2 Gen 1

The rise in IoT device usage, particularly in industrial settings, has necessitated a surge in bandwidth for more reliable and swift data transfers. In response, USB 3.2 Gen 1, also known as SuperSpeed USB 5Gbps, delivers data transfer rates of up to 5 Gbps. A notable feature is its full-duplex capability, allowing simultaneous data transmission and reception between two connected devices. This enhancement has made this USB version highly appealing to various industries, particularly because of its significantly improved data transfer rates and full-duplex functionality.

Supported Connectors

USB 3.2 Gen 2

USB 3.2 Gen 2, previously known as USB 3.1, now delivers data transfer speeds of up to 10 Gbps, effectively doubling the rate of its predecessor. Often referred to as "SuperSpeed USB 10 Gbps," this update significantly enhances performance, particularly for storage and display use cases. Furthermore, both USB 3.2 Gen 1 and Gen 2 have integrated USB Power Delivery (PD), allowing for up to 20V at 5A, which translates to a potential 100 watts through compatible hardware.

Supported Connectors