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
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
Rectangular in shape with five pins
Generally used with cameras and other small devices
USB Micro Type B with standard 2.0 cable
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