how to tell what category your data cable is

The Ultimate Guide to USB Cables by StarTech.com

If you've ever wondered what the differences are between USB types, you've come up to the right place.

We know that engineering science evolves faster and further every mean solar day and it can sometimes experience overwhelming. That'south why we've partnered with StarTech.com, a global leader in manufacturing height-quality USB cables and connectivity solutions, to bring you this USB Cable Guide.

Here, y'all'll learn everything you lot need to know about the various types of USB cables, what the USB versions hateful for transferring your data, and how they work.

What is a USB Cable?

USB stands for Universal Serial Bus and is an umbrella term used to describe the about common port type: the rectangular USB, known equally USB A. Typically, USB ports are establish across multiple devices, such as phones, PCs, and gaming consoles.

Initially developed in the mid-90s, the USB connection was created to standardize ports for peripherals. This is and then secondary devices, like printers and keyboards, can connect to a wider range of computers and hosts, rather than a select few with specific receptacles.

Today, there are a variety of USB types, but the main use of all USBs has remained the same: to transfer data and power. Over time, new versions take been released to better transfer speeds and power output.

How Practise USB Cables Piece of work?

StarTech.com are the experts when it comes to how this engineering works. The industry leaders explain a USB cable connection like this:

"If y'all were to open upward a USB cablevision, you would detect iv unlike USB wire colours: white and green, which deport data, and ruby-red and black, which are used for power. Red carries 5 volts and acts as the positive wire, while black is the negative wire, otherwise known as the basis wire.

Each type of USB connection (USB cable type A, B, C, micro and mini) has a pinout organisation, these are the pocket-sized metal strips within the connector, designed to access each of these wires and their capabilities."

USB Versions Explained

Over the last 25 years, there have been several unlike USB cables and iterations, depending on the USB protocol. The USB started with version one.0, which transfers upwards to 12Mbps and was released in 1995. The latest today is USB version four, which transfers up to a massive 40Gbps.

StarTech.com know that users want the best USB for the job, which is why they have created a table below to help decipher the speed and capabilities of each version.

USB type	Can support video?	Can support power commitment?	Data transfer speed
USB 1.1 (Total Speed)	✘	✘	12 Mbps
USB two.0 (Hi-Speed)	✘	✔	480 Mbps
USB 3.0 (SuperSpeed)	✔	✔	5 Gbps
USB three.1 (SuperSpeed)	✔	✔	10 Gbps

USB Types Explained

As with USB versions, the shape of the USB connectedness has likewise seen desperate changes over the years. With each new evolution of USB type, their form gene mostly becomes smaller to adjust for new, much thinner devices that are popular during the time of release.

The USB C design, which is the latest USB release, is unique because information technology's the simply USB that fits into some other port type not specifically created for it: Thunderbolt three. They are both the aforementioned shape and users can apply Thunderbolt 3 and USB C cables and ports interchangeably. All other male and female person USB connector types only fit their respective male person and female ports. For case, a USB port blazon b will but accept a USB type B connector.

The version or speed of the technology is dictated past the host device, connecting peripheral, and the version of the USB cable, not the shape of the port.

What Does Backwards Compatible Hateful?

Backwards compatibility means that the latest version of something is notwithstanding capable of using previous versions. For example, a USB A 3.0 port is capable of recognising and utilising a USB A 2.0 peripheral.

For the newer USB C, information technology's still possible to connect older USB supported devices to a USB C port or host, via an adapter. StarTech.com provide an extensive range of USB cables, which tin be used if the host and peripheral have different port types. Adapters, or connectors, can be found for all USB types and are not limited to USB C.

When using previous USB versions, the performance is limited to the earliest version that'due south existence used. For example, if you want to transfer files from a two.0 USB A enabled hard bulldoze to a laptop with USB A 3.0 ports, the transfer charge per unit (USB speeds) would be limited to 480Mbps.

StarTech USB-C Multiport Adapter with HDMI

Discover more about this multiport adapter from StarTech.com in our handy video. From its compact size to the variety of ports available, explore how it could benefit your setup.

How Many Types of USB Cables are There?

Beneath is a short explanation of the virtually pop USB types bachelor on the market:

USB Type A

The USB A connector is the near well-known and widely used connector blazon. It'southward a rectangular shape and can only exist inserted ane way round. USB A cables and ports are compatible with all other versions, from USB 1.0 to the latest USB cable standards. This type of USB cable connexion is typically used to couple peripherals, like a mouse, keyboard, or a gaming controller, to a host, such equally a computer or a accuse hub.

Commonly constitute on:

• Mobile device charge hubs
• Computers and laptops
• Gaming consoles
• Flash drives and external difficult drives
• Computer mice and keyboards
• Docking stations and multiport adapters

Store Blazon A USB Cables

USB Type B

USB Type-B connectors support every version of USB, from USB one.1 to USB 3.1. This port is most seen on larger, higher-powered calculator peripherals including printers and scanners. USB Type-B is becoming less common as the size of devices decreases.

Commonly found on:

• Printers
• Scanners
• Hard-bulldoze enclosures

Shop Type B USB Cables

USB Type C

USB-C is the latest advancement in USB connectivity and has been dubbed by many every bit "future proof." It is conveniently reversible and has a much more than compact shape compared to previous USB cable types. A USB C cablevision not simply deals with information and power but likewise video. It supports multiple protocols and carries DisplayPort and HDMI signals (when in Alt fashion), as well every bit Thunderbolt 3 for equipped devices. Likewise, like other USBs, information technology's capable of backwards compatibility from USB 1.i, but functions with the latest USB iii.2 Gen ii.ii devices as well.

This type of connector looks and is physically the same as a Thunderbolt 3 port. Thunderbolt 3 and USB C ports and cables can exist used interchangeably and utilised for information transfer, power output, and video. When using a Thunderbolt 3 port with a USB C cablevision, users tin can charge full-size electronics with up to 100W of power output. Even better, the summit information transfer speed is 40Gbps with a Thunderbolt iii port, meaning you lot tin be more productive.

With other USB versions upward to 3.1, USB C can support a maximum transfer rate of 10Gbps.

Commonly plant on:

• Mobile phones
• Laptops
• Charge hubs
• Docking stations and multiport adapters

Shop Type C USB Cables

USB-C and Thunderbolt 3

Irresolute the way nosotros think about connectivity and functioning. Detect why and so many people are beginning the transition to USB-C and Thunderbolt iii in this curt video from StarTech.

Mini USB

Released in 2000, the mini USB connector is typically establish on devices like digital cameras for charging. It supports USB 2.0.

Commonly found on:

• Legacy devices (old mobile phones and MP3 players)
• Digital cameras

Store Mini USB Cables

Micro USB

The Micro USB was afterwards released in 2007. What is a Micro USB? It's a small port found on many mobile devices including mobile phones and tablets. It can support USB 2.0 and 3.0.

Commonly found on:

• Android mobile phones
• Digital cameras
• GPS devices
• eReaders

Store Micro USB Cables

Lightning Connector

The lightning connector is sectional to modern Apple devices and tin be used to connect keyboards, headphones and chargers to iPhones, iPads and desktop Mac computers. Completely reversible for connectivity convenience, the lightning connector cable is essential for state-of-the-art Mac devices and accessories. There are also adapters available to convert lightning connectors to more conventional USB ports.

Shop Lightning Cables

Choosing a USB Cablevision or Connector

Now that nosotros've covered the most pop types of USB connectors, you may still be wondering which one do you have or need?

Every USB connector type is available as a 'female' or 'male' which shows the way they are compatible. A male role volition plug into a female analogue.

StarTech.com want every user to find what they're looking for and the experts accept put together a USB types chart and some questions below to help. The nautical chart will show you lot what each USB cable connexion looks like, helping you lot identify what male plug or female receptacle you require.

Things to recall about:

• Do I need a male plug or a female person receptacle?
• What input and output USB types practice I need?
• Exercise both the connectors need to be the same?
• What colour and USB cable length do I need?
• What version do I require?

Browse All USB Cables

Sometimes a connector is more useful than a cable. For this, we have another handy guide for USB connectors to help yous decide what's right for your needs and devices.

FAQs

What Does 'OTG' Mean?

USB On-the-Go, or "OTG", is a specification that allows ii USB devices to connect. This is where one USB which would unremarkably be considered a "device" can act as a "host" for the other USB peripheral. For example, with a USB OTG cable, users tin can connect a USB mouse (the peripheral/device) to their smartphone or tablet (the new host) and use it every bit yous would when connected to a desktop. There is normally a fifth pin in the USB connection which allows this interaction.

Which USB Cables Support Fast Charging?

At that place are dedicated ports on docking stations, charge hubs and computers that are commonly referred to as "fast charge ports." In that location are also specialised USB cables for fast charging. These ports and cables ofttimes boast more ability to charge mobile devices like smartphones and tablets, quicker than with a standard USB cable and adapter. Make certain to cheque the product details for total accuse speed specifications.

Are USB Ports Colour Coded?

A common way to place the USB version is to encounter what colour the inner plastic role of the connection is. White indicates USB 1.0, black USB ii.0, and a blue USB port is USB iii.0. It'south important to know that some manufacturers decide against using the colour coded indicators, so you should always cheque the packaging or online specification.

How Long Can a USB Cablevision Be?

Depending on the version of the cable, USB iii.0 cables have a maximum length of 3m, and USB 2.0 has a 5m limit. Information technology'southward possible to employ an active extension USB cable to repeat the signal over a longer distance. USB 2.0 can then be extended to a maximum USB cable length of 25m and USB 3.0 to 18m.

What are USB Cables Made of?

The majority of StarTech.com'southward cables, too as some other brands, are fabricated with hard-wearing PVC plastic. This protects everything inside, including the loftier-quality copper wiring, which provides excellent conductivity.

Where Tin can I Recycle USB Cables?

Tech waste is incredibly damaging to the environment. Recycling your old USB wiring is the best way to help tiresome down the use of precious resource and reduce toxic landfill. The all-time identify to recycle your USB cables is through charities similar WEEECharity. Charities such as these are dedicated to responsibly recycling former cables and some even offer to collect your old electronics for you.

Popular USB Products

plummerupostionots.blogspot.com

Source: https://uk.rs-online.com/web/generalDisplay.html?id=ideas-and-advice%2Fusb-cable-guide

Share this post