USB and its types
USB and its types
USB (Universal Serial Bus) is a standard for connectors, cables, and communication protocols used to
connect, transfer data, and supply power between devices. Since its introduction, USB has gone
through several generations, each bringing improvements in speed, functionality, and power
delivery. Here's an overview of the major USB generations:
- Max Speed :
- 12 Mbps (Full-Speed)
2. USB 2.0
- Power Delivery : Up to 2.5W (5V, 500mA); some devices could deliver more.
- Key Features : Backward compatibility with USB 1.x, faster data transfer, and better support for a
wider range of devices, including printers, external hard drives, and webcams.
3. USB 3.0
- Key Features : A significant improvement in speed. Introduced the blue connector for easier
identification. It allowed faster data transfers for external hard drives, SSDs, and faster charging
capabilities.
4. USB 3.1
5. USB 3.2
- Key Features : Further improvements to data transfer speed using dual-lane technology. USB 3.2
was divided into different branding names like USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gbps), USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps), and
USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20 Gbps).
6. USB 4
- Key Features : Based on the Thunderbolt 3 protocol, USB4 offers very high speeds and integrates
data, video, and power in a single connection. It supports display protocols and faster charging and
reduces fragmentation across USB versions.
- Key Features : Doubling the speed of USB4, Version 2.0 improves the ability to handle high-end
peripherals like external GPUs and storage devices, supports more power-hungry devices, and better
video streaming performance.
USB Connectors
- USB Type-A : The original, standard rectangular connector used in computers, chargers, and many
devices.
- USB Type-B : Often found in printers, external hard drives, and some legacy devices.
- USB Mini and Micro : Smaller versions for mobile devices, such as cameras and older
smartphones.
USB Power Delivery (PD) is a specification introduced with USB 3.1 that allows for higher power
levels to be delivered through USB cables (up to 240W in the latest versions). This enables faster
charging for laptops, smartphones, and other devices.