Types of USB connectors. USB Types: A Guide to the Different Standards. What types of USB flash drives are there?

The USB group regularly performs on the Comedy Club stage. Viewers have an ambiguous attitude towards this team. Some people think the guys’ jokes are too vulgar, others support this format of humor. Do you know when the USB group was formed? Do you know the names of its participants? If not, we recommend that you read the contents of the article.

History of creation

The team called (or USB for short) was formed in 2009. The guys performed at various events with parodies of famous people - actors, musicians and singers. The public received them with a bang. Young comedians received good fees. For complete happiness they lacked one thing - all-Russian fame.

A representative of the production center Comedy Club was present at one of the performances of the USB group. He highly appreciated the guys' humor and acting abilities. This man invited the guys to perform on the air of the Comedy Club. Our heroes could not miss this opportunity.

For several days the guys rehearsed a humorous act. They clearly understood: if you lose face, you won’t see fame. And the guys gave it 100%. The audience liked their unconventional humor. And the management of the TNT channel signed a contract with them.

KVN

The USB group was created by cheerful guys from Siberia. All of them at one time participated in the KVN program, representing the Tomsk team “Maximum”. Few of the viewers remember their faces. But their sparkling jokes cannot be forgotten.

Television career

Since 2010, the USB group has been a resident of the Comedy Club. Arrogant and confident guys add spice to the show. They invite Pavel Volya and Garik Martirosyan to show the audience their eccentric videos. Many of them are parodies of compositions. Some people will find the humor of these guys strange and inappropriate. But it does exist. The team stands out noticeably among the other residents of the Comedy Club - the intelligent Garik Martirosyan, the glamorous Pavel Volya and others.

Konstantin Malasaev (Nikita)

Born on April 6, 1981 Since childhood, he has been involved in drawing, karate and ballroom dancing. Graduated from the Institute of Arts and Culture. Since 1999, he performed in KVN - first in the Big City Lights team, then in Maximum. Today Kostya not only acts in the Comedy Club, but also works as a host at weddings, corporate parties and other events. He is one of the recognizable characters of the USB group. The guy begins each phrase with the words: “And I’m Nikita...”

Andrey Shelkov (Stas)

A tall brunette with long hair, born in 1981 in the city of Zheleznogorsk (Krasnoyarsk Territory). Soon the family moved to Tomsk. The guy graduated there high school, entered the university and started playing in KVN. He performed as part of the Maximum team. Soon, together with his friends, he created the USB group. His catchphrase: “Let me say, yeah...”

Dmitry Vyushkov (Gena)

A cheerful guy with a shock of red hair. Born on April 8, 1983. He is a native of Tomsk. He performed in KVN as a member of the Maximum team, which received the status of Champion Major League in 2005. The USB group brought Dmitry popularity. People on the street recognize him and say: “Hello, Gena. How are your friends doing?

Sergey Gorelikov (Turbo)

Many viewers consider him the most charismatic member of the group. Sergey was born on August 29, 1979. He is from Tomsk. In this city, our hero graduated from the Polytechnic University, played in KVN for the Maximum team. In USB he plays the role of an arrogant and crazy guy. At the Comedy Club, Gorelikov runs the “Foreplay” section.

Andrey Minin (Dyusha Metelkin)

The leader of the USB group was born on October 6, 1981. Like Andrey Shelkov, he is a native of the city of Zheleznogorsk. In 2004, he received a diploma from Tomsk State University. Minin mastered the specialty of marketing. But at some point I realized that humor was his calling.

New standard USB Type-C is still not widely developed on the market, but manufacturers are gradually adopting new technology. In smartphone industry USB-C already can be called a new trend because it is not only an improved charging port, but also a means of eliminating the traditional 3.5mm headphone port. Today we will talk in more detail about USB Type-C, and this article will tell you what it is.

Today, almost all electronic devices are equipped with a USB connector. From desktop computers to smartphones and a variety of laptop storage devices. USB is a ubiquitous standard when it comes to connecting peripherals or transferring data between devices. The last major USB update came in 2013 with the release of USB 3.1, accompanied by the release of a new Type-C connector. As you can see, almost 4 years have passed since then, and Type-C has not taken root.

Currently, you can count on one hand the number of devices on the market that use USB Type-C technology. Among computers, these are the latest laptops from Apple, from Google, a line from Samsung and several more hybrid devices. Among the smartphones - mainly the flagships of the outgoing year:, and.

So why is USB Type-C better than its predecessors? Let's find out.

What is USB Type-C

USB Type-C is a new and currently actively developing industry data transfer standard for computers and mobile devices. The main and most significant innovation of Type-C is a modified connector - universal, symmetrical, capable of working on either side. The USB-C connector was invented by the USB Implementers Forum, a group of companies that developed and certified the new USB standard. It also includes the largest technology companies, namely Apple, Samsung, Dell, HP, Intel and Microsoft. By the way, this is important to know, because USB Type-C was easily accepted by most PC manufacturers.

USB-C is the new standard

First of all, you need to know that USB Type-C is a new industry standard. Just like they once were USB 1.1, USB 2.0, USB 3.0 or the most latest usb 3.1. Only previous generations of USB were more focused on increasing data transfer speeds and various other improvements, while Type-C from a physical point of view changes the connector design in a similar way to modifications of the technology - MicroUSB and MiniUSB. However, the decisive difference is in this case is that, unlike MicroUSB and MiniUSB, Type-C is aimed at replacing absolutely all standards, on both sides (example USB-MicroUSB).

Main characteristics:

24 signal pins
USB 3.1 support
Alternative mode for implementing third-party interfaces
Speed up to 10 Gbps
Power transmission up to 100 W
Dimensions: 8.34x2.56 mm

USB Type-C and USB 3.1

One of possible questions For those unaware of USB Type-C, there may be something like this: what does USB 3.1 have to do with USB Type-C? The fact is that USB 3.1 is the main data transfer protocol for Type-C. The speed of version 3.1 is 10 Gbps - in theory, this is 2 times faster than USB 3.0. USB 3.1 can also be presented in the original connector format - this port is called USB 3.1 Type-A. But today it is much easier to find USB 3.1 with a new Type-C universal connector.

USB versions

To better understand why Type-C will become a replacement for traditional USB versions, it is first necessary to understand the difference between them. There are different versions of USB, and even different connectors - for example, Type-A and Type-B.

USB versions belong to a common standard, but they differ in the maximum data transfer speed and operating power. Of course, there are many other factors.

USB 1.1
Although USB 1.0 is technically the first version of USB, it failed to fully reach the market. Instead, a new version of USB 1.1 was released - it became the first standard to which we are all accustomed. USB 1.1 can transfer data at 12 Mbps and consumes a maximum of 100 mA of current.

USB 2.0
The second version of USB was introduced in April 2000. It provided the standard with a significant increase in maximum data transfer speed - up to 480 Mbit per second. USB 2.0 has also become more powerful, consuming 1.8A at 2.5V.

USB 3.0
USB output 3.0 brought with it not only the expected improvements in data transfer speed and power, but also new types of connectors. Moreover, USB 3.0 even got its own color - new version The standard was marked blue to valiantly distinguish it from older generations of USB. USB 3.0 can operate at speeds of up to 5 Gbps, using 5V at 1.8A for its operation. By the way, this version was presented in November 2008.

USB 3.1
The newest and most best version USB was released in July 2013, although it is still not widely used. USB 3.1 can provide users with a throughput of up to 10 Gbps with a maximum power consumption of 5V/1A, or optionally 5A/12V (60 W) or 20V (100 W).

Type-A
Type-A is classic USB interface. The short and rectangular plug became original design for USB remains to this day the standard connector for use at the host end of a USB cable. There are also some variations of Type-A - Mini Type-A and Micro Type-A, but they were never widely accepted by the public due to the complex nature of the nest. Currently, both of these Type-A variations are considered obsolete.

Type-B
If Type-A has become one side of the USB cable we are used to, Type-B is the other. The original Type-B is a tall connector with beveled upper corners. Commonly found on printers, although it is itself an extension USB standard 3.0 to introduce new connectivity options. The classic MiniUSB and MicroUSB are also available in Type-B versions, along with the absolutely clunky MicroUSB 3.0, which uses additional plugs.

Type-C
Thus, after Type-A and Type-B we come, obviously, to the latest Type-C. Type-A and Type-B versions were supposed to work together with each other through backward compatibility, however the arrival of Type-C completely ruined these plans since USB-C assumes complete replacement outdated USB connection technologies. Also, Type-C was designed in a special way so that additional variants such as Mini or Micro would not need to be released at all. This, again, is due to the intentions to replace all current connectors with USB Type-C.

The main feature of the Type-C standard is the versatility or symmetry of the connector. USB-C can be used by both sides like technology Apple Lightning- no more special sides for connection, which are also difficult to find in the dark. Also, the Type-C version is based on USB 3.1, which means it supports all the benefits latest version, including the highest speed.

USB-C is still backwards compatible with existing USB variants, but this use case will of course require adapters.

Disadvantages of USB Type-C

Naturally, the new USB Type-C standard also has problems. One of the main and most serious concerns of the latest version of the technology is the physical design of the connector - it is very fragile due to the symmetrical design. Apple, despite the same versatility of its Lightning, uses a durable metal plug that is much more resistant to external influences.

Even more pressing and of significant concern USB problem Type-C is an unregulated connector, which has led to a number of dangerous accessories being sold. Some of these accessories, by using unsupported voltage levels, can fry the connected device. For example, this was the case with the flagship, which was magnificent at the start, which subsequently began to first ignite and then completely explode in the hands, trousers, cars and apartments of its owners.

This problem has led to an obvious and only solution - a massive ban on the production and sale of non-original accessories that support USB Type-C. Thus, if an accessory does not meet USB Implementers Forum Inc. standard specifications, the product will not be approved for sale. Also, to check the operating status and authenticity of various third-party accessories, USB-IF has introduced software protected by 128-bit encryption, which will allow devices with this connector to automatic check connected device or accessory with USB-C.

Minuses:

Design. The design of USB Type-C is good, but the design has suffered - it is quite fragile. Apple uses an all-metal plug in its Lightning, while Type-C uses an oval shape with the signal pins placed in the central part.
Connector operation. Allowing USB Type-C to operate at unsupported voltage levels will likely cause the cable and/or device to catch fire.
Compatibility. USB Type-C is an innovation in the USB world, but newest generation leaves old devices in the past because it does not support working with them.
Adapters. For full-fledged work with USB Type-C on older devices you will have to buy additional adapters. This is an additional waste of money.

Benefits of USB Type-C

Despite all of the above, USB Type-C can confidently be called a step forward for the industry. Installing this connector will allow manufacturers to make thinner computers and mobile devices with fewer ports, higher data transfer speeds and headphones. In the future, if USB Type-C becomes popular, the connector will be able to replace not only the 3.5 mm headphone port, but also HDMI, the interface used for video transmission. Thus, USB Type-C will replace the connectors that are familiar today and will become a universal standard in any situation.

Pros:

Symmetry. USB Type-C allows you to forget about situations where you have to remember which side to insert the cable into the connector. Also, from now on you don’t have to worry about not finding the right side of the USB in the dark.
Compactness. The dimensions of USB Type-C are 8.4x2.6 mm - this allows manufacturers to make computers and mobile devices much thinner.
Versatility. Thanks to the integration of a single connector, it will become possible charging with one cable for both a laptop, a tablet or a smartphone.

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 all 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 typically have multiple ports of this shape. 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. USB pinout Type-A 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 own food. 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 on the end regular USB cable, connected 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 to 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 it supports high data transfer rates (up to 480 Mbps) 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

Features a reversible connector that promises more fast transfer data and more power, how 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 a phone or tablet on Android platform, definitely have a micro USB cable too. 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. Poor quality wires and plugs 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. 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 problem may be 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 device to your smartphone USB device, 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 update trend holds true for USB connectors, but with so many versions and types of USB standards, it becomes difficult to keep track of which USB is better suitable for performing certain functions. To do this, it is necessary to understand their basic differences.

USB types

Various versions USB, such as 2.0 and 3.0, are concerned with 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 latter standard provides higher throughput and is for the most part backward compatible with more 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 the increased speeds are only available if all components are USB 3 compatible. The Standard-B and micro versions feature additional pins for increased throughput and are not compatible with previous versions. Older cables and connectors USB Type-B and micro-B can be used with USB 3.0 ports, but the speed will not increase.

Type C Connector Specifications

The name made headlines in technical magazines around the world when Apple company released 12" Macbook. This is the first laptop to include a Type-C design.

From a physical point of view, the connector is similar to existing option USB Micro-B. 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 many advantages of Type-C compared to others existing solutions is that it allows connection in reverse orientation, i.e. 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 maximum speed 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 the popular Chromebook Pixel and Nexus 6P smartphones, 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 it takes is the one Type-C cable, which will ultimately allow you to get rid of 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, it 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 a new standard very small size. It makes up about a third of 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.

Moreover, Type C connectors can also support different 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. Specification Supported USB-C standard, provides power supply 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.

On 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 network, then its battery will be charged.

However, please remember that the presence of a Type C connector does not automatically USB support P.D. Therefore, before purchasing devices and cables, you need to make sure that they are compatible with both standards.

Transfer rates

USB 3.1 - latest standard universal serial bus 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

The physical Type C connector, unlike the basic standard, is not backward compatible. You can't connect old USB devices to today's tiny Type-C port, and you can't connect USB-C plug to an older, larger 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 USB Type-C and large type A, as it is implemented, for example, in 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. U Apple port There aren't many advantages over USB Type-C other than the fact that the technology is patented and the company can charge a licensing fee.

Currently, there are several types of USB connectors (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. Majority 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 real speed rarely exceeds 30-33 MB/sec. Many hard drives are capable of reading information at 3-4 times faster speeds.

The USB v2.0 connector is a bottleneck that slows down the operation of modern drives. At the same time, for mice, keyboards and some other devices this does not matter much. 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: “The device can run faster,” which will mean that the computer is using a fast USB 2.0 port, 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 versions 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).

The USB Type A connector 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 printer manufacturers or multifunctional devices Their products are rarely equipped with such a cable, so the buyer has to purchase it separately.

Cause of tiny connectors Mini USB Type B has become abundant in the miniature device 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 uniform standard for charging smartphones, phones, tablets, players, etc. 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.

The USB 3.0 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 of blue color cores. This means that backward compatibility is maintained. In other words, a USB 3.0 Type A device can be plugged into the port USB second versions and vice versa. This is the main difference between the connector and other version 3.0 connectors. Such ports are usually found in modern laptops and computers.

USB 3.0 Type B is used in medium and large high-end peripheral devices- NAS, as well as stationary hard drives. The connector has undergone Big 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 3.0 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.

Users sometimes confuse Mini USB connectors with Micro USB connectors, which are really similar. The main difference is that the first one has a slightly larger sizes, and the second has special latches on the back side, which are the easiest way 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.

■ USB 1.1. Computers manufactured before 2002 provide the user with a USB 1.1 interface. Data transfer using this standard is quite slow. Theoretical peak throughput is 12 Mbit/s (or 1.5 Mb/s). For input devices - keyboard and mouse - this is quite enough.

The earlier version, USB 1.0, did not gain distribution and remained on paper. Finished products that meet this standard have not been marketed.

■ USB 2.0. Computers and laptops manufactured after 2003 typically have USB 2.0 ports. The maximum speed has increased significantly compared to the 1.1 standard and amounted to 480 Mbps (or 60 Mbps). Although in practice it is not possible to achieve this level of throughput.

Higher throughput is provided by USB 2.0 devices marked with the “USB 2.0 Hi-Speed” logo. If “USB 2.0 Full-Speed” is indicated on the box or case of the device, this means that data will be transferred at the speed of the USB 1.1 standard.

Sometimes it becomes necessary to connect several devices to one USB connector. The easiest way to do this is with the help of so-called USB splitters (USB hubs). These small “boxes” are available for prices starting from 100 rubles. Occupying just one USB connector on a computer, such a device usually provides four (or more) ports. Theoretically, the use of USB hubs allows you to connect up to 127 USB devices to one computer.

Another advantage of a USB hub is that it can be installed in a location convenient for you. This will eliminate the need to crawl under the computer desk every time in search of the right port to connect the USB connector. In addition, if the USB cable is not long enough to connect the device, the hub can act as an extension cord.

Please note that there are two types of hubs.

■ Active. It uses a separate power supply, which is included with the hub, as a source of electricity. The USB ports of such a splitter are capable of providing the maximum current for this interface, so even power-hungry devices such as external hard drives can be connected to active hubs.

■ Passive. Power is supplied to it from the USB port of the computer and is divided between all ports, so passive hubs are only suitable for connecting devices with low power consumption.

An alternative to a hub can be an expansion card installed in PCI slot PC motherboard. When using it, you will have several additional USB connectors at your disposal (usually four). Similar boards can be purchased at a price of 300 rubles. Disadvantage: additional USB ports will be located on the rear wall of the system unit.

What is the maximum length of usb cable

Maximum length standard cable USB is 5 meters. If this is not enough, you will need special extension cords (after each 5-meter section you need a kind of self-powered repeater, which, by the way, can also be a USB hub). With their help, you can achieve a connection length of 25 meters. Using the so-called USB Line Extender (costing 1000 rubles or more; this device is a USB adapter and a hub connected by a standard network cable) will allow you to cover a distance of 60 meters.

What do USB logos mean?

Most USB devices have one or more of the following logos on their packaging. Their presence indicates that the device complies technical requirements described in specifications and documents non-profit organization USB Implementers Forum. If you come across a designation that is not on our list, be careful: you may be dealing with low-quality “third party” products that may not support the stated characteristics.

WITH USB symbol This symbol is permitted on all devices with a USB interface. It only indicates that the device is connected to a specific port.

U S.B. This symbol is found on early models of USB devices. It is no longer used in modern products.

U SB 1.1 Typical USB symbol. He informs that this device USB has passed official certification. Such a device can operate at Full Speed (up to 12 Mbit/s).

O n-The-Go In 2001, the USB symbol was supplemented with a green "On-The-Go" signature. Devices marked with this sign can exchange data without the mediation of a computer.

U SB 2.0 Hi-Speed This symbol appears on devices certified for the USB Hi-Speed standard. They transfer data at the highest possible speed for the USB 2.0 standard (up to 480 Mbit/s).

U SB 2.0 Hi-Speed On-The-Go This symbol can only indicate devices that operate at very high speeds and support On-The-Go technology.

W ireless USB Currently, this logo designates a very small number of devices. They are capable of transmitting data via wireless channels communications at speeds up to 480 Mbit/s.