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About:
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What is a USB Cable?
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We know that technology evolves faster and further every day 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 you this <a
href="http://www.china-topscable.com/usb-cable/" target="_self">USB Cable</a> Guide.
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Here, you’ll learn everything you need to know about the various types of USB
cables, what the USB versions mean for transferring your data, and how they work.
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USB stands for Universal Serial Bus and is an umbrella term used to describe the
most common port type: the rectangular USB, known as USB A. Typically, USB ports are
found across multiple devices, such as phones, PCs, and gaming consoles.
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Initially developed in the mid-90s, the USB connection was created to standardize
ports for peripherals. This is so secondary devices, like printers and keyboards, can
connect to a wider range of computers and hosts, rather than a select few with
specific receptacles.
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Today, there are a variety of USB types, but the main use of all USBs has remained
the same: to transfer data and power. Over time, new versions have been released to
improve transfer speeds and power output.
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StarTech.com are the experts when it comes to how this technology works. The
industry leaders explain a <a href="http://www.china-topscable.com/usb-cable/usb-2-0-
cable/" target="_self">USB 2.0 cable</a> connection like this:
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“If you were to open up a USB cable, you would notice 4 different USB wire
colours: white and green, which carry data, and red and black, which are used for
power. Red carries 5 volts and acts as the positive wire, while black is the negative
wire, otherwise known as the ground wire.
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Each type of USB connection (USB cable type A, B, C, micro and mini) has a pinout
system, these are the small metal strips inside the connector, designed to access each
of these wires and their capabilities.”
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Over the last 25 years, there have been several different USB cables and
iterations, depending on the USB protocol. The USB started with version 1.0, which
transfers up to 12Mbps and was released in 1995. The latest today is USB version 4,
which transfers up to a massive 40Gbps.
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StarTech.com know that users want the best USB for the job, which is why they have
created a table below to help decipher the speed and capabilities of each version.
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As with USB versions, the shape of the USB connection has also 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.
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The USB C design, which is the latest USB release, is unique because it’s the
only USB that fits into another port type not specifically created for it: Thunderbolt
3. They are both the same shape and users can employ 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 example, a USB port type b will only
accept a USB type B connector.
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The version or speed of the technology is dictated by the host device, connecting
peripheral, and the version of the <a href="http://www.china-topscable.com/usb-
cable/usb-3-0-cable/" target="_self">USB 3.0 cable</a>, not the shape of the port.
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Backwards compatibility means that the latest version of something is still
capable of using previous versions. For example, a USB A 3.0 port is capable of
recognising and utilising a USB A 2.0 peripheral.
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For the newer USB C, it’s still possible to connect older USB supported devices
to a USB C port or host, via an adapter. StarTech.com provide an extensive range of <a
href="http://www.china-topscable.com/usb-cable/usb-2-0-cable/90-degree-usb-cable.html"
target="_self">90 Degree USB Cable</a>, which can be used if the host and peripheral
have different port types. Adapters, or connectors, can be found for all USB types and
are not limited to USB C.
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When using previous USB versions, the performance is limited to the earliest
version that’s being used. For example, if you want to transfer files from a 2.0 USB
A enabled hard drive to a laptop with USB A 3.0 ports, the transfer rate (USB speeds)
would be limited to 480Mbps.
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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 cable not only deals with data and
power, but also video. It supports multiple protocols and carries DisplayPort and HDMI
signals (when in Alt mode), as well as Thunderbolt 3 for equipped devices. Also, like
other USBs, it’s capable of backwards compatibility from USB 1.1, but functions with
the latest USB 3.2 Gen 2.2 devices as well.
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This type of connector looks and is physically the same as a Thunderbolt 3 port.
Thunderbolt 3 and USB C ports and cables can be used interchangeably and utilised for
data transfer, power output, and video. When using a Thunderbolt 3 port with a USB C
cable, users can charge full-size electronics with up to 100W of power output. Even
better, the top data transfer speed is 40Gbps with a Thunderbolt 3 port, meaning you
can be more productive.
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