USB Cable Types
The USB standard was originally designed for connecting computer peripherals. Today, many devices such as iPods, cell phones and even video game consoles utilize the ease-of-use and universal compatibility of USB. USB enables high speed data transfer, backwards compatibility with older USB standards and can even power devices. USB has changed the computing and electronics industry by providing practical solutions for device integration.
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Purpose of USB
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Before the invention of USB, computer peripherals connected using different types of serial ports. USB was invented to create a universal application that would connect all computer peripherals to a single connection interface.
USB Speed
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USB v1.1 has a transfer rate of 12Mbps. In 2000, USB 2.0 was released which, increased compatibility and transfer speeds. USB 2.0 is 40 times faster than the 1.1 standard with a maximum transfer rate of 480Mbps. In August 2008, USB 3.0 hit the scene with a whopping 5Gbit/s of data transfer.
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USB Type A
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Type A connector is rectangular in shape. Typically, this connection interface is found on devices with affixed cabling. Female type A connectors are generally found on PCs and USB hubs.
USB Type B
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Mainly printers use USB type B connectors but other devices connect using this standard also. USB type B has a square shape with two tapered corners.
Micro and Mini
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Micro and mini connectors can be found on many devices such as cell phones and PDAs. The interface styling creates a connection port small enough to connect to handheld devices.
Mini USB comes in two styles. The Mini-AB connector is trapezoidal while Mini-B is rectangular with an overhanging edge so the cable cannot be inserted incorrectly.
Micro USB is smaller and can withstand more wear and tear than Mini. Micro-B is trapezoidal and the AB type is rectangular.
Proprietary USB Cables
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Many devices include proprietary USB cables and ports that work solely with that particular product. Examples include HTC cell phones and iPods. This helps with sales, branding, marketing and licensing third party companies to manufacture accessories.
Wireless USB
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Wireless USB can connect devices to a computer without the hassles of plugging them into the computer itself. At a range of three meters, wireless USB has speeds up to 480 Mbps. At 10 meters, speeds are 110Mbps.
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