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What are USB connectors?


Universal Serial Bus (USB) was developed in the 1990s in an effort to simplify the connections between computers and peripheral devices. It has become widely popular due to its compatibility with many platforms and operating systems, its low cost of implementation, and its ease of use. Most computers that are built today come with several USB ports, and USB is the interface of choice for most home and office peripherals including printers, cameras, modems, and portable storage devices. 

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USB-C Info
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USB-C

The USB-C or USB Type-C connector has a reversible/symmetrical design and is 60% smaller than USB-A. It can be plugged into any USB-C device with its symmetrical connectors that can be inserted either way, right side up or upside down. It has been tested with up to 10,000 connection cycles and is 6 times more durable than USB-A. A USB-C cable is capable of carrying USB 4, Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3, USB 3.2, USB 3.1, USB 3.0, USB 2.0, and USB 1.1 signals. USB-C 3.2 can carry up to 100W, which is enough power to support traditional mobile device charging. Native support of DisplayPort video and four channel audio will allow a USB-C device to connect to a computer monitor, HDTV, surround sound system and headphones. Transfer rates up to 40Gbits/s make USB 4 and Thunderbolt 4 ideal solutions for transferring large amounts of data, such as HD video for editing, Blu-ray™ authoring, or high resolution photos for editing or storage.
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USB 3.0 A Info
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USB 3.0 A

Known as "SuperSpeed", this A-style connector is commonly found on host controllers in computers and hubs, the A-style connector is a flat, rectangular interface. This interface holds the connection in place by friction which makes it very easy for users to connect and disconnect. Instead of round pins, the connector uses flat contacts which can withstand continuous attachment and removal very well. The A-socket connector provides a "downstream" connection that is intended for use solely on host controllers and hubs. This connector is similar in size and shape to the A-Type connector used in USB 2.0 & USB 1.1 applications. However, the USB 3.0 A-type has additional pins that are not found in the USB 2.0 & USB 1.1 A-Type. The USB 3.0 connector is designed for USB SuperSpeed applications; however, it will carry data from slower speed connections, and it is backwards compatible with USB 2.0 ports. USB 3.0 A connectors are often blue in color to help identify them from previous versions.
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USB 3.0 B Info
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USB 3.0 B

The USB 3.0 B connector is found on USB 3.0 devices. This connector is designed to carry data and power in USB SuperSpeed applications. Cables with this connector are not backwards compatible with USB 2.0 or USB 1.1 devices; however USB 3.0 devices with this connection type can accept previous USB 2.0 and 1.1 cabling.
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USB-A Info
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USB-A

Found on host controllers in computers and hubs, the A-style connector is a flat, rectangular interface. This interface holds the connection in place by friction which makes it very easy for users to connect and disconnect. Instead of round pins, the connector uses flat contacts which can withstand continuous attachment and removal very well. The A-socket connector provides a "downstream" connection that is intended for use solely on host controllers and hubs. It was not intended for use as an "upstream" connector on a peripheral device. This is critical because a host controller or hub is designed to provide 5V DC power on one of the USB pins. Though not that common, A-A cables are used to connect USB devices with an A-style Female port to a PC or another USB device, and for data transfer between two computer systems.

Note: Typically an A-A cable is not intended to connect two computers together or to connect a USB hub between two computers. Doing so may cause irreparable damage to your computers and may even present a fire hazard. Check with the manufacturer before using an A-A cable for data transfer.
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USB-B Info
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USB-B

The B-style connector is designed for use on USB peripheral devices. The B-style interface is squarish in shape, and has slightly beveled corners on the top ends of the connector. Like the A connector, it uses the friction of the connector body to stay in place. The B-socket is an "upstream" connector that is only used on peripheral devices. Because of this, the majority of USB applications require an A-B cable.
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USB Micro-A Info
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USB Micro-A

Recognized by the USB-IF, this connector can be found on mobile devices such as cellphones, GPS units, and digital cameras. Micro-USB A offers a connection physically smaller in size to a USB Mini-b, while still supporting the high speed transfer rate of 480 Mbps and On-The-Go features. The connection can be easily identified by its white-colored receptacle and compact 5 pin design.
USB Micro-B Info
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USB Micro-B

Recognized by the USB-IF, this connector can be found on mobile devices such as cellphones, GPS units, and digital cameras. Micro-USB B offers a connection physically smaller in size to a USB Mini-B, while still supporting the high-speed transfer rate of 480 Mbps. The connection can be easily identified by its black-colored receptacle and compact 5 pin design.
USB Mini-B (5-Pin) Info
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USB Mini-B (5-Pin)

One drawback to the B-style connector is its size, which measures almost a half inch on each side. This made the B-style interface unsuitable for many compact personal electronic devices. As a result, many device manufacturers began the miniaturization of USB connectors with this Mini-b. This 5-pin Mini-b is recognized by the USB-IF. By default, a Mini-b cable is presumed to have 5 pins. This connector is quite small, about two-thirds the width of an A-style connector.
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USB Mini-B (4-Pin) Info
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USB Mini-B (4-Pin)

Instead of the typical 5-pin Mini-b, this unofficial connector is found on many digital cameras, especially certain Kodak® models. It resembles the shape of a standard B-style connector, with beveled corners; however, it is much smaller in size.
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USB 3.0 Micro B Info
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USB 3.0 Micro B

The USB 3.0 Micro-B connector is found on USB 3.0 devices. This connector is designed to carry data and power in USB SuperSpeed applications. Cables with this connector are not backwards compatible with USB 2.0 or USB 1.1 devices.
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USB Micro-AB Info

USB-A to Micro-B

Designed exclusively for USB On-The-Go devices, this versatile connector can accept either a Micro-USB A or Micro-USB B cable connection. This interface can be easily identified by its gray-colored receptacle and compact 5 pin design. This connector type only exists as a receptacle for On-The-Go devices and will not exist on a cable.
USB Mini-B Fuji Info

USB Mini-B (Fuji®)

This is another unofficial connector also widely used on digital cameras especially certain models manufactured by Fuji®. It more closely resembles an A-style connector with its flat, rectangular shape.
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