How To Tell What Category Your Data Cable Is

The Ultimate Guide to USB Cables by StarTech.com

If you've always wondered what the differences are between USB types, y'all've come to the correct place.

Nosotros know that technology evolves faster and further every twenty-four hours and it can sometimes feel overwhelming. That's why we've partnered with StarTech.com, a global leader in manufacturing top-quality USB cables and connectivity solutions, to bring yous this USB Cable Guide.

Here, you'll acquire everything you need to know nearly the various types of USB cables, what the USB versions mean for transferring your information, and how they work.

What is a USB Cable?

USB stands for Universal Serial Coach and is an umbrella term used to describe the most common port blazon: the rectangular USB, known as USB A. Typically, USB ports are plant across multiple devices, such equally phones, PCs, and gaming consoles.

Initially adult in the mid-90s, the USB connection was created to standardize ports for peripherals. This is and so secondary devices, similar printers and keyboards, tin connect to a wider range of computers and hosts, rather than a select few with specific receptacles.

Today, there are a variety of USB types, just the chief use of all USBs has remained the same: to transfer information and power. Over time, new versions have been released to better transfer speeds and ability output.

How Do USB Cables Work?

StarTech.com are the experts when information technology comes to how this technology works. The industry leaders explain a USB cablevision connection similar this:

"If yous were to open a USB cable, you lot would notice four different USB wire colours: white and green, which bear data, and red and black, which are used for power. Red carries 5 volts and acts every bit the positive wire, while black is the negative wire, otherwise known every bit the basis wire.

Each type of USB connection (USB cable type A, B, C, micro and mini) has a pinout arrangement, these are the small-scale metallic strips within the connector, designed to access each of these wires and their capabilities."

USB Versions Explained

Over the terminal 25 years, in that location have been several dissimilar USB cables and iterations, depending on the USB protocol. The USB started with version one.0, which transfers upward to 12Mbps and was released in 1995. The latest today is USB version 4, which transfers up to a massive 40Gbps.

StarTech.com know that users desire the best USB for the chore, which is why they have created a table below to help decipher the speed and capabilities of each version.

USB type	Tin support video?	Tin support ability delivery?	Data transfer speed
USB ane.1 (Total Speed)	✘	✘	12 Mbps
USB 2.0 (Hi-Speed)	✘	✔	480 Mbps
USB 3.0 (SuperSpeed)	✔	✔	v Gbps
USB 3.1 (SuperSpeed)	✔	✔	x Gbps

USB Types Explained

Equally with USB versions, the shape of the USB connection has too seen drastic changes over the years. With each new evolution of USB type, their form factor generally becomes smaller to accommodate for new, much thinner devices that are popular during the time of release.

The USB C blueprint, which is the latest USB release, is unique considering it's the but USB that fits into another port type not specifically created for it: Thunderbolt 3. They are both the same shape and users can use Thunderbolt 3 and USB C cables and ports interchangeably. All other male and female USB connector types only fit their corresponding male and female ports. For instance, a USB port blazon b will only accept a USB type B connector.

The version or speed of the technology is dictated past the host device, connecting peripheral, and the version of the USB cable, non the shape of the port.

What Does Backwards Compatible Hateful?

Backwards compatibility means that the latest version of something is nevertheless capable of using previous versions. For example, a USB A three.0 port is capable of recognising and utilising a USB A 2.0 peripheral.

For the newer USB C, it'south however possible to connect older USB supported devices to a USB C port or host, via an adapter. StarTech.com provide an all-encompassing range of USB cables, which can exist used if the host and peripheral have different port types. Adapters, or connectors, tin be found for all USB types and are not limited to USB C.

When using previous USB versions, the operation is express to the earliest version that'due south being used. For instance, if you want to transfer files from a 2.0 USB A enabled difficult drive to a laptop with USB A iii.0 ports, the transfer rate (USB speeds) would exist limited to 480Mbps.

StarTech USB-C Multiport Adapter with HDMI

Discover more than nigh this multiport adapter from StarTech.com in our handy video. From its meaty size to the diversity of ports available, explore how information technology could benefit your setup.

How Many Types of USB Cables are There?

Beneath is a short explanation of the most popular USB types available on the market:

USB Type A

StarTech USB Type A

The USB A connector is the most well-known and widely used connector blazon. It's a rectangular shape and can only be inserted one manner circular. USB A cables and ports are compatible with all other versions, from USB 1.0 to the latest USB cable standards. This type of USB cable connexion is typically used to couple peripherals, like a mouse, keyboard, or a gaming controller, to a host, such equally a computer or a charge hub.

Normally found on:

Mobile device charge hubs
Computers and laptops
Gaming consoles
Flash drives and external difficult drives
Computer mice and keyboards
Docking stations and multiport adapters

Shop Type A USB Cables

USB Blazon B

StarTech USB Type B

USB Blazon-B connectors support every version of USB, from USB 1.1 to USB three.1. This port is most seen on larger, college-powered estimator peripherals including printers and scanners. USB Type-B is becoming less common equally the size of devices decreases.

Normally institute on:

Printers
Scanners
Difficult-drive enclosures

Shop Type B USB Cables

USB Type C

USB-C is the latest advancement in USB connectivity and has been dubbed by many as "future proof." It is conveniently reversible and has a much more compact shape compared to previous USB cable types. A USB C cablevision non only deals with data and power but also video. Information technology supports multiple protocols and carries DisplayPort and HDMI signals (when in Alt style), equally well equally Thunderbolt three for equipped devices. Also, like other USBs, information technology's capable of backwards compatibility from USB i.i, but functions with the latest USB 3.two Gen 2.ii devices besides.

This blazon of connector looks and is physically the same as a Thunderbolt three port. Thunderbolt 3 and USB C ports and cables can exist used interchangeably and utilised for information transfer, power output, and video. When using a Thunderbolt 3 port with a USB C cable, users can accuse full-size electronics with up to 100W of power output. Even better, the top data transfer speed is 40Gbps with a Thunderbolt 3 port, pregnant you can be more productive.

With other USB versions up to 3.1, USB C can back up a maximum transfer charge per unit of 10Gbps.

StarTech USB Type C

Unremarkably plant on:

Mobile phones
Laptops
Charge hubs
Docking stations and multiport adapters

Store Blazon C USB Cables

USB-C and Thunderbolt 3

Irresolute the way we think about connectivity and performance. Find why so many people are beginning the transition to USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 in this short video from StarTech.

Mini USB

StarTech Mini USB

Released in 2000, the mini USB connector is typically constitute on devices similar digital cameras for charging. It supports USB two.0.

Commonly found on:

Legacy devices (quondam mobile phones and MP3 players)
Digital cameras

Shop Mini USB Cables

Micro USB

The Micro USB was later on released in 2007. What is a Micro USB? It'due south a minor port institute on many mobile devices including mobile phones and tablets. It tin can support USB 2.0 and 3.0.

Commonly constitute on:

Android mobile phones
Digital cameras
GPS devices
eReaders

Shop Micro USB Cables

Lightning Connector

The lightning connector is exclusive to modern Apple devices and can be used to connect keyboards, headphones and chargers to iPhones, iPads and desktop Mac computers. Completely reversible for connectivity convenience, the lightning connector cable is essential for state-of-the-art Mac devices and accessories. There are too adapters available to convert lightning connectors to more conventional USB ports.

Shop Lightning Cables

Choosing a USB Cablevision or Connector

Now that nosotros've covered the most popular types of USB connectors, you lot may still be wondering which one exercise you have or demand?

Every USB connector blazon is available as a 'female' or 'male' which shows the way they are uniform. A male office volition plug into a female person counterpart.

StarTech.com want every user to observe what they're looking for and the experts have put together a USB types nautical chart and some questions below to assistance. The chart will show you what each USB cable connection looks like, helping y'all identify what male person plug or female receptacle you crave.

USB Connector Types Chart

Things to think well-nigh:

Practise I need a male person plug or a female person receptacle?
What input and output USB types exercise I need?
Exercise both the connectors need to be the same?
What color and USB cablevision length do I need?
What version practice I crave?

Browse All USB Cables

Sometimes a connector is more useful than a cablevision. For this, nosotros have another handy guide for USB connectors to help you decide what'due south right for your needs and devices.

FAQs

What Does 'OTG' Hateful?

USB On-the-Go, or "OTG", is a specification that allows two USB devices to connect. This is where one USB which would normally be considered a "device" can act as a "host" for the other USB peripheral. For example, with a USB OTG cablevision, users tin connect a USB mouse (the peripheral/device) to their smartphone or tablet (the new host) and use it every bit you would when connected to a desktop. There is normally a fifth pin in the USB connection which allows this interaction.

Which USB Cables Back up Fast Charging?

There are dedicated ports on docking stations, accuse hubs and computers that are commonly referred to as "fast charge ports." At that place are also specialised USB cables for fast charging. These ports and cables often avowal more power to charge mobile devices like smartphones and tablets, quicker than with a standard USB cable and adapter. Brand sure to check the product details for full accuse speed specifications.

Are USB Ports Color Coded?

A common manner to place the USB version is to see what colour the inner plastic function of the connection is. White indicates USB 1.0, black USB 2.0, and a bluish USB port is USB three.0. It's important to know that some manufacturers decide against using the colour coded indicators, then you should always check the packaging or online specification.

How Long Can a USB Cable Be?

Depending on the version of the cable, USB 3.0 cables have a maximum length of 3m, and USB 2.0 has a 5m limit. It'due south possible to utilise an active extension USB cable to repeat the signal over a longer altitude. USB ii.0 can and so be extended to a maximum USB cablevision length of 25m and USB iii.0 to 18m.

What are USB Cables Fabricated of?

The majority of StarTech.com'due south cables, as well equally some other brands, are made with hard-wearing PVC plastic. This protects everything inside, including the high-quality copper wiring, which provides excellent electrical conductivity.

Where Can I Recycle USB Cables?

Tech waste is incredibly dissentious to the environs. Recycling your erstwhile USB wiring is the best way to help dull downward the utilize of precious resource and reduce toxic landfill. The best identify to recycle your USB cables is through charities similar WEEECharity. Charities such every bit these are dedicated to responsibly recycling former cables and some even offer to collect your former electronics for you lot.

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