Skip to main content

What Are the Different Types of USB Cables?

 Universal Serial Bus cables (USB Cables) are a boon in the plug-in world. They allow the connection between various electronic devices with the help of only a cable. Thanks to their versatile use cases, their demand is increasing every year. By versatile, I did not mean one USB cable fits all. There are different types of USB cables used for different purposes. For example, type A for one side connection, type B to and to understand each type, we need to know more details about them. Let us get started.

But before we dig deep into the types of cables, it is important to understand the following two terms:

What is a Port and a Receptor

Ports are basically slotting on the motherboard, where a cable of an external device needs to be plugged in. There are two types of ports: male and female. The device controlling the electric link is known as the host, while the other end is called the peripheral/receptor. For example, if you connect a laptop via ports to the smartphone, the laptop is the host here.

A receptor is a device that receives the data/output result. For example, a digital receiver is a piece of equipment that receives digital programming from the port cable. It then converts that programming into a format that can be connected to a device and viewed on a TV set. Another example is when you charge your smartphones, the host is the USB adapters, and the receptor is your smartphone.

USB Cable Types

There are three types of USB cables based on the physical design of the ports and connectors - USB Type A, USB Type B, and USB Type C. USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 are the versions that deal with the functionality and speed of the USB cable.

USB Type-A

The most commonly used type of USB standard is Type A. This is commonly used with computers, media players, game consoles, TVs, power outlets, etc. Type A cable only goes into the port in one way, i.e., in the end that goes inside the host device's slot.

USB Type B

USB Type B connectors are typically used to plug-in peripheral devices such as smartphones, printers, or a hard drive to the host equipment. They are usually at the end of other USB Type B to USB Type-A cables.

USB Type C

USB C cables are a 24-pin USB connector system having a rotationally symmetrical connector. They are commonly used to charge portable devices like laptops, security cameras, and smartphones.

Additionally, Type C is similar to the existing Micro-B USB variant that measures around 8.4 mm by 2.6 mm. This cable easily fits into the smallest peripheral sockets we use today. Plus, it allows 'reverse plug orientation, which means you can plug the cable either way round. It would be easy and highly convenient to use different electronic devices and connect them to one another.

It is certain that in upcoming years, mostly all electronic devices will support Type C cable.

On this note, let us know more about the technicalities of Type C cable.

Technical Data of USB Type C

Type C cable offers a maximum speed of 10 Gbit/s for data transmission and supports USB 3.1. It has a notable higher power output of up to 20 Volts 100 W and 5 amps. Thus cover the power requirements of equipment like laptops that consume 40-70 watts of power.

Additionally, Type C offers a bi-directional power supply, i.e., you can charge the smartphone from the laptop and the laptop from the phone at the same time. Many smartphone manufacturing companies are now providing smartphones with type C plugs. Examples include the Nokia N1 tablet, Chromebook Pixel, 1 + 2, and Nexus 6P smartphones.

I hope this article helped you understand the different types of cables and their working. You can now invest in an ideal cable type that fulfills your requirements. You must check the cable length and quality before buying any cables. Plus, you need to ensure that the USB adapters and USB cables synchronize with each other, otherwise, the current will fail to pass through the cables. You will also need to choose the right type of USB cable for your purpose like if you need to charge your phone, first you need to check what type of cable requirements it has. If it is a C-type socket, you will need a C-type USB cable with the supporting adapter to charge your phone. By following these instructions you can choose the ideal cable for your purpose.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

What is the Difference between C13 and C15 Power Cords?

There is an array of power cords available in the market. It can get quite perplexing to choose the one that will fit your needs. In order to know more about them, you must have more information about these cords. This article will acquaint you with   IEC C13   and   IEC C15   power cords   and how they are different from each other. But before that, let us understand what IEC is. IEC stands for International Electrotechnical Commission. Every cord is standardized by IEC before it is introduced in the market. These cords use the letter “C” which is followed by the number in their cords. Let’s get back to understanding the difference between IEC-C13 and C15 connectors. Some of them are mentioned below. Difference of a Notch One of the most apparent differences between the two connectors is the notch on C15 connector. Although C15 looks quite similar to C13, it has a little groove opposite the earth. The IEC-C15 connectors also work in the C14 outlets. B...

Power Splitter vs. Extension Cord: Which One Is Right for You

Power distribution is a crucial aspect of managing electrical devices efficiently. When faced with the need to connect multiple devices to a single power source, two popular options come to mind: power splitters and extension cords. Understanding the differences between these two solutions is essential to ensuring optimal power management and safety. In this article, we will explore the features, applications, and considerations associated with power cord splitters and extension cords, helping you make an informed decision on which one is right for your specific needs. Power Splitters: Unleashing Versatility  Power splitters, also known as cord splitters or power cable splitters, are designed to divide a single power source into multiple outlets. These devices allow you to connect several devices simultaneously, expanding the number of electrical connections available. Power cord splitters come in various configurations, including three-way, four-way, and even more complex ...

Fiber Optic Cables Vs Ethernet Cables: What Is the Difference?

Wi-Fi is like love. Always in the air and ready to connect you with the fascinating digital world. But ever wondered what keeps it in the air? Well, just like any relationship has a foundation of understanding, a wireless network has a fiber cabling underneath that helps people to connect with the internet anytime they want to. The other most popularly used cable type is Ethernet cables. They are used everywhere right from IP camera technologies to LED lighting. These cables are quite cheaper as compared to fiber cables; but when one wants to have a huge and powerful network cable , fiber cables become necessary. Both the cables have their advantages and disadvantages, specialties, and limitations. Through this blog, we will differentiate between the two and try to understand both in details: History of Fiber & Ethernet Cables The fiber optic technology was first used in 1969 when NASA sent it to the moon for use in television cameras. And a company named Xerox developed Eth...