Hardware Types of USB Cables and its Application

The most prevalent type of connector is USB, which is used to connect gadgets, devices, and peripherals. The range of offers greatly complicates the decision. For the convenience of users, the article categorizes cables of this type and provides brief information about the features of using a specific brand.

What you should know about USB​

It is an interface that connects current devices. Today, this is a generally accepted standard for information transmission. The development of this connector path is geared toward boosting the speed of information flow, reducing the device’s geometric dimensions, and increasing the number of simultaneous jobs.

Types of cables​

Since the introduction of USB connectors to the market, several attempts have been attempted to classify them unevenly. The main characteristics that make up its basis are as follows:

Version​

This parameter is commonly used to classify items based on the speed of information transfer provided by a certain version. Each can transmit varying amounts of information per unit of time:

Low-Speed. USB version 1.x is used to link manipulators and keyboards, with a data transfer speed of 1.5 Mbps. USB 2.0 (video and audio equipment): 10-1500 Kbit/s.

Full-Speed is 12 in the first example and 0.5-12 Mbit/s in the second.

The first one does not have high-speed internet, whereas the second has 25-480 Mbps.

There are differences between the following versions.​

USB 1.x

Practically not used.

USB 2.0

The latter version is available on the market with the following products:

• Type A – until recently, it was often used to connect computer peripherals (mouse, keyboard, etc.). USB 2.0 cable models produced in the early 2000s are designed to transmit ≤480 Mbps.
• Type B – installed on the overall periphery (scanners, printers, other devices)
• Type Mini-B 4 pin – not applicable. It was used to transmit information from digital cameras and cameras
• Mini was quite popular due to its small size. It is still used in certain models of phones, digital cameras, MP3 players, and other mobile equipment.
• Micro is the basic format for connecting devices such as tablets, phones, e-readers, and analogues. Recognized by all manufacturers for a single standard for phone chargers.

USB 3.0

This is one of the most modern versions (production began in 2008). The speed of data transfer via USB 3.0 cable has increased to 5 Gbit/s. In just an hour, you can send a terabyte of information.

In terms of geometric dimensions, versions 2.0 and 3.0 are the same. For visual distinction, the latter is colored blue. It is possible to connect to the connectors for the second version (and vice versa). But in this case, the speed of information transmission drops to the lower one.

The version is divided into the following versions: Type A, Type B and Micro.​

The first two choices serve purposes comparable to those of USB 2.0 versions. Five more contacts were added to the interface, and the pace of data transfer rose. Hard portable drives and cellphones are popular devices that use it.

This version was further developed with versions 3.1 (2013) and 3.2 (2017).

USB 3.1

It has an information transfer speed of over 10 Gbps, and the output power has been boosted to 100W with currents up to 5A (compared to 4.5A and 900 mA in the basic version).

The advent of this model prompted a revision of the categorization and the creation of an entirely new connector design, Tupe C. Because of its adaptability and symmetry (it may be inserted from any side), this product relieved consumers of the problem of erroneous connection.

USB 3.2, dual-channel version (2*10Gbps). Compatible with 3.0 and 3.1 connections (or lower). Supported by type “C”.

Types of connectors​

Each of them is designed to implement different functions.

1. Type A. The most commonly used option is (mouse, keyboard, phone chargers). All PCs have such connectors. It is also necessary to mention flash drives. The indisputable advantages of such connectors include practicality, wear resistance, safety (the cable cannot be inserted in wrong side).
2. Type B. The main purpose is to connect various peripheral devices (scanner, fax, etc.). It is used quite rarely. It has the shape of a trapezoid (micro or mini) and a square (in the full-size version). The mini version is practically no longer used. The micro option is a must on almost all mobile devices. Except for the Apple brand, which produces its own connectors.
3. Type C. The most powerful and fastest option. It has been produced since 2014. Appeared on USB 3.1 products. Some of its versions are not supported by some manufacturers, for example, Huawei.

The Type C cable contains identical connectors on both sides. It shows a variant with 24 pin connectors, which is popular among USB and cable goods. It is not geometrically compatible with the connectors of older models.

By size​

The size range is usually divided into three groups: standard connectors, mini, micro. All standard options are discussed above.

1. Mini. Originally intended for use in mobile phones (standard with reduced geometry). It is being actively ousted from the market by the micro version.
2. Micro. It is adopted as the basic standard by all leading smartphone manufacturers, except Apple. The reason is higher performance, strength, reliability.

There is a pronounced trend of replacing the USB micro cable with a USB type “C” cable.

Which one to choose​

A significant part of the USB cables discussed above is actively used to connect peripherals to the PC system unit.

The latter has different types of ports, each of which requires its own adapters or connectors of specific types. Let’s consider the main types of wires used for a computer.

• 3.5 mm mini-jack. This is an audio connector used to connect headphones (speakers). In the absence of such a connector, the necessary Bluetooth headset and USB-to-3.5 mm adapter are used.
• Ethernet (RJ-45). Network port, more commonly referred to as LAN, Ethernet. Provides 1 Gbps cable connection. It is used in offices. For connection, an Ethernet type or an adapter that works with types “A” and “C” is used.
• HDMI. This version of the interface is multimedia. It has a high clarity of the transmitted signal (provides connection of TVs, projectors, monitors). Most laptops work with USB type “A”. for ultra-thin models, you will need mini (type C), micro (type D). You may need a USB (type C) to HDMI adapter cable, or a special adapter.
• DisplayPort / Mini DisplayPort. An alternative name for the port is “dual-use”. Provides high-definition (4K) image output to the monitor. The modules are connected via the USB port, mini Type-C-to-DisplayPort connectors.
• Some models of the monitor are equipped with a DVL port. DisplayPort-DVI is used for connection.
• SD adapter. A device that reads memory cards. It is connected via USB type A – C with the required connector.
• Thunderbolt 3. Performs a max high-speed connection (40 gigabits per second). Type C products are used.
• VGA. Converts image to video. It is connected by USB types DisplayPort-VGA, HDMI-VGA, DVI-VGA.
• Wires used for charging. To charge gadgets, cables with USB connectors of different types and types are used, information about which is given above. It can also be a Lightning USB cable that connects the iPad (iPhone) to the USB port of the PC for charging and synchronization. Or to the power adapter of Apple models with subsequent charging through the outlet.

For example, let’s consider the wires used to charge smartphones.

A popular model is a connecting wire, on one side there is a plug of the standard type USB 2.0 type A (B), on the other side there is a USB micro plug that supports the OTG function.

In addition, OATSBASF cable models with Stretch function are available on the market.

OTG connectors are used (one side is micro, the other is standard 2.0 “female”). It provides the connection of a flash drive (if a tablet or smartphone has such a function), a keyboard, a mouse, a hard drive, a joystick.

Among the latest developments are USB-type C-type cables:

• when connecting the charger, the charging time is reduced many times over, thanks to the output (100 W, versus 2.4 for USB 2.0);
• Implemented throughput is 10 gigabits per second;
• Minimum geometric dimensions, 8.4*2.6.

When choosing a cable, the connector that will be connected to a PC or charger is evaluated (USB characteristic):

• standard, USB 2.0 Type A is a common option;
• USB 3.0 type A is in demand if the transfer speed of 480 megabits per second is not satisfactory. Provides 5 gigabits per second. But as a charging cable, this is the wrong decision (unsatisfactory compatibility with chargers and gadgets of the chargers produced).

In addition to connectors, it is necessary to pay attention to the compliance of a number of other parameters:

• Current throughput. The first indicator in situations where you need to charge the gadget quickly. For USB 2.0 max, the value of the current supplied to the device is 0.5 A. Some chargers produce up to 5 A. You need to select according to the number put on the charger after the OUTPUT designation.
• Cable cross-section
• Sheath material (TPE, PVC, fabric or metal braiding).

Reversible connectors should be preferred.

A modern solution is a magnetic USB cable equipped with neodymium magnets that securely fix the device while charging.

HDMI USB cable

This is already an adapter, which is an independent device. The HDMI USB cable converts digital information into video for subsequent transmission to a monitor or TV. Reverse transmission is not possible due to the technical impossibility of downloading the appropriate drivers to the TV.

Benefits of USB connectors

The application provides a reliable connection to the PC (Max) of peripherals. Such connectors provide convenience for connecting a PC and a gadget.

The advantages of USB include:​

1. Prevalence (each PC is equipped with two or four USB inputs), which provides prompt connection of the required peripherals.
2. No need to download drivers, no physical effort. To “see” the connected gadget, the OS will connect the desired driver automatically.
3. Bandwidth. File sharing is organized at high speeds. The exact value of the latter is set by the selected USB.
4. Recharging is carried out automatically (from a PC, without searching for a charger).