GUIDE TO PURCHASING USB CABLES

The USB, or Universal Serial Bus, was created in order to be able to create special connections for many types of devices using a single type of port and cable. Its original purpose was the exchange of information. Today, USB cables not only allow you to share information but also to supply power.

USB is the cable of choice for many audio interfaces, laptops, smartphones and tablets. Not only is it capable of handling the data transfer and minimal recharging of previous USB connectors, but it can deliver up to 100W of power to a device.

It is important to identify the type of connectors and the standard speed of the cable itself before choosing a USB cable. An important fact to emphasize, however, is that USB-C depends on the technology installed in the phone, tablet or computer to which it is connected. If your device does not support audio / video transmission via the USB-C port, connecting a USB-C cable to an HDMI adapter cable will not solve the problem.

Likewise, if your device doesn't support USB 3.1 Gen 2 speeds up to 10Gbps, connecting a USB 3.1 Gen 2 cable won't change that. Most of the devices currently on the market already support these functions but since the technology is constantly evolving the same is true for the functionalities of the devices that use them.

Recent changes and enhancements to USB technology allow you to choose from a wider range of USB options. Understanding the capabilities of each type of connector and cable can help you decide which is best for your application.

USB standard

The USB specification indicates the speed and function of the cable and is also known as the performance standard.

USB 2.0

In 2002, the USB 2.0 standard (high speed) was introduced. This version is backwards compatible with USB 1.1. Increase the speed of the device at the PC connection from 12 Mbps to 480 Mbps, which is 40 times faster than USB 1.1. The port name includes "Enhanced," "Enhanced Host" or "Universal Host."

USB 3.1 Gen 1 (aka USB 3.0)

USB 3.0 (SuperSpeed) (2008) is a radically improved version over USB 2.0. USB 3.0 can reach speeds of 4.8 Gbps, which is nearly 10 times faster than USB 2.0. USB 3.0 adds a physical bus that works in parallel with the 2.0 bus already

existing. USB 3.0 was designed to be backwards compatible with USB 2.0. The port name will include USB3.0.

USB 3.1 Gen 2

USB 3.1 (SuperSpeed ​​+) provides the downstream device with 10 Gbps of bandwidth, an actual throughput of 3.4 Gbps and 900mA of power. Contrary to USB 2.0, 3.1 Gen 2 is full duplex. The USB 3.1 Gen 2 standard is backward compatible with 3.1 Gen 1 (or 3.0) and with USB 2.0.

What are the types of USB connectors?

USB Type A

USB_TypeA_connector.png

Commonly used in the host side such as a PC, keyboard, server, hub as well as cables and small peripherals

Rectangular in shape with four pins in a straight line

Easy to identify blue link

USB Type B

Commonly used for peripherals or other powered devices including printers

Square in shape with rounded corners on one side

Four pins, one in each corner

USB Mini Type B

USB_Type_Mini_B_connector.png

Rectangular in shape with five pins

Generally used with cameras and other small devices

USB Micro Type B with standard 2.0 cable

USB_Type_MicroB_USB2-0_connector.png

Mobile and portable devices

Rectangular shape with five pins and 500 mA

USB Micro Type B with standard 3.1 Gen 1 (or 3.0) cable

Mobile and portable devices

It delivers 900 mA

USB Type C

It supports both the host and the device and there is no need for different connectors on either side of this oblong shaped port

Support of alternate modes to allow sending not only USB data between the connector and the cable assembly

It can be fixed to one of the two doors according to the functionality defined by the hardware of the door itself

Reversible orientation of the plug ("up" or "down")

The reversible port with 24 symmetrical pins connects to the socket on the first attempt

Capable of supporting data rates up to 40 Gbps on four rows with 10 Gbps per row

It could be an electricity supplier or consumer with max. 100W of power delivery

Withstands 10,000 insertion / removal cycles

Backwards compatible with previous versions

In summary:

Lightning is the only standard used by Apple for iPhones

If a cable is USB 3.0 it is usually blue on the inside otherwise it is white

The transmission capacity in Amper defines the total charge power

ex. USB 2.0 cable - 5 Volt x 2 Amper = 10W of power

USB 3.0 cable - 9 Volt x 3.0 Amper = 27W of power

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