We all today know what a USB cable is and our dependence on these types of elements. They are used for many things, whether file transmission or loading a specific device.
Despite knowing their special functions, it should also be noted that there are different types among them. In addition, each of them will determine the type of use that is given and what type of device can be connected. If you do not know the difference between them or you do not know some of their types, now we will show you what they are.
This article will delve into the different types of USB cables on the market. In addition, we will know what their characteristics are so that you can identify them more easily. Take note and learn more about these elements that are so important today for computers and mobile devices.
What is known as a USB cable?
When we talk about a USB cable, we refer to a cable that we use daily and is currently of great importance. Its acronym means, in English, Universal Serial Bus, which refers to a specific cable or connection. All of these comply with a protocol to communicate between two devices and transmit information or electricity.
When we talk about these functions, we cover many possibilities between their actions. This cable is often used to connect peripherals such as a keyboard, computer mouse, or speakers. In addition, it can also provide electricity for charging computers, phones, and tablets, among others.
All elements with this type of connection and new technologies have evolved over the years. There are currently different types of USB connectors that can be more personalized by brands. It helps to transmit information at many speeds for greater ease.
Flash drives also use USB
As we already mentioned, the USB cable can frequently charge our mobile devices. In addition to this, USB ports are also used for flash drives connected to computers. One of the most common is the pen drive, where we can store up to 1 TB of information.
However, these are not the only models that can be used and the fact that we can also connect our mobile to the computer. You can send and receive files of different formats and operating systems or applications through these.
The USB ports can be of different shapes and types of connection for all of them. Some companies prefer the ones with the fastest data transmission speed. On the other hand, others continue to adapt to the traditional and use ports known for more than ten years in the market.
What are the different types of USB cables?
This type of cable appeared in the world of computing for the first time in 1996. Since then, it has evolved in different ways to offer higher speeds in data transmission. We will show you a list of all the types that currently exist.
USB 1.0 generation
These are the oldest ones known, and they were released in 1996, as we mentioned earlier. It is the one that offers the lowest information transmission speed, the maximum being 188 kB/s. It is usually used more frequently in connecting computer mice, keyboards, or web cameras.
USB 1.1 generation
It is an improvement of the previous model and it offers a slightly more full speed or called “ Plug and Play ”. The transfer it allows is up to 1.5 MB/s, totally far from what currently exists in the new models.
USB 2.0 generation
It is best known today and is available in different electronic equipment. According to their descriptions, the speed that is usually had with these cables is 60 MB / s. However, when put into practice, they can only reach 35 MB/s in transmitting information.
Now, with these, you can also charge different electronic devices today. The energy that can be charged is up to 2.5 watts of power.
USB 3.0 generation
It offers super high speed, as it is known in the market. Its information transfer rates can reach up to 600 MB/s. This generational step is marked since it represents ten times its previous generation. One of its major updates is using five additional contacts to the earlier version.
USB 3.1 generation
This is also called super high-speed cable + or SuperSpeed in English. Its speed is double the speed of its previous generation, 1.25 GB / s. The ones that usually use this type of generation are the type C cables used for mobile devices mostly.
USB 3.2 generation
This type of USB cable is offered as one of the fastest today; its launch was in February 2019. The speed it usually reaches is up to 2.6 GB / s, where the first peripherals that used it appeared in 2020.
USB 4.0 generation
Cables of this type were also presented in 2019, the most advanced generation today. The speed it reaches is high; the maximum is up to 5 GB/s each time used. The first peripherals for this type of cable began to arrive in 2021.
The connectors also have a great variety.
Just as there are different types of cables, USB connectors vary greatly. It allows each of them to adapt to the devices and their inputs. This way, they can use it much more easily, and even companies offer the best options to their users.
USB Type-A
It is perhaps the most popular type of cable on the market. They have a rectangular shape that varies depending on male or female, with connections inside the port. These can enter into generations 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0, being compatible.
USB Type B
They are mostly used in printers and are a bit square and smaller than the previous connector. One of its main features is that the USB 1 Type B, USB 2 Type B, and USB 4 Type B models can all be connected if they are male but not female.
USB Type-C
As we already mentioned, its launch is recent, and it is often used on smartphones. They are rectangular, and their tips are rounded; they are usually related to the type of 3.1 cables.
Micro-A USB
In the case of type 3.0, it usually has two connectors joined, where one is longer than the other. They are only compatible with USB 3.0 Micro AB-type receivers. In the case of type 2.0, these are usually USB Type-A but with a smaller size.
Micro-B USB
The 3.0 model is the same as Micro-A with two joined connectors but compatible with Micro B and Micro AB. In the case of the 2.0 model, they are smaller and rectangular like the Micro-A with beveled corners.
USB Mini-A
These are one of the smallest on the market and rectangular with only one rounded side.
USB Mini-B
They are similar to the previous case; what changes is that they have a slit on their sides. It is usually compatible with the 2.0 Mini B and the 2.0 Mini AB.
This is how the USB cable has changed over time to offer improvements to users. In addition to this, they can provide different connections so that information can be uploaded or exchanged. So please take note of each of its characteristics so that you can identify and use them in the best way.
Get the right USB cable for your device.
Now that we know the characteristics of each USB cable, you can buy the one that best suits your devices. Remember that each of them has different speeds and connectors to adapt to the various elements. On the other hand, remember that the idea is that each cable used should be specific to that element.
