Beginner Guide to Different Types of USB Cables and Ports

Omnipresent to modern society, USB technology is nearly founded in every device with two or more ports. However, the USB cables are have come with a variety of connections. Some of them have the ability to incompatible with the others. This feature makes the USB cable troublesome, and the differences make it trivial for some inexperienced ones.

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We have put together an exhaustive guide for you. The purpose of this guide is to prevent you from unannounced port damage and bad experiences. Each type of USB cable has different features, and it only for specific ports and connectors.

USB cables types

USB -A cable

This USB type is the most well-known USB port. The shape of this cable is rectangular, and it is used to connect the peripheral devices in a large number. These cables are used in mice controllers to a host device like a charging hub etc. This connector is only inserted into the USB-A port.

Commonly Found on

Mobile devices
Laptops
Flash drives
Docking stations

USB-B

This type of connector supports each version of the USB, from 1.1-3.1. it is mainly found in large and powered computers peripheral devices, like scanners and printers. But it is less common after the advanced and most significant device sizes decreasing.

Commonly found in

Hard drive enclosures
Printers
Scanners

USB-C type

This type is the latest advancement and invention in USB connectivity. And it has been dubbed by various proofs for the future. The composition and design of this type are pretty impressive and versatile. It has the capabilities to carry a large amount of data and videos.

The single connector feature supports many protocols and could carry everything easily from the USB 1.1-3.2 generation. And thunderbolt 3. This type of connector brings the vast and unlimited productivity opportunities to the users than ever before.

Commonly found in

Cell phones, any latest models
Docking station and multiport adaptors
Laptops
Gaming hubs

Mini USB -A

The mini-USB-A connector type is usually found in digital cameras. It is 3mm x7mm in size. The purpose of using these cables is to provide comfort in traveling. It could transfer data with enough speed. It supports USB 2.0.

Commonly found on

Legacy device
Digital cameras

Mini USB-B

Its size is 3mmx 7mm. The availability of this connector is in 4 pins and 5 pins versions, with the latest update. The feature, off 5 pi version, allows peripheral devices to communicate with high speed to a host controller. The other pin, 4-pin, is entirely unofficial but also used in cameras.

Micro USB

The micro-USB is the latest name with great specs. Some people are questioning that, what is micro-USB? And here is its some feature.

Micro USB-A

These connectors are available in white color, with a 5 pin version. They are attached to mobile devices. The micro- A connectors are small compared to the micro b. they could support the high-speed data transferring.

Micro USB-B

They are available in the market in the color of white. They also have the 5pin version ability. They are large in size. And offers the same kind of feature and data transferring speed.