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USB Connector Types Guide

In today's world, USB technology is everywhere, playing a crucial role in connecting the devices we use every day. Yet, choosing the right USB cable can be confusing due to the many different USB types available, often not interchangeable. This can make finding a replacement cable more complicated than it seems, especially if you're not familiar with the subtle differences.

Here at Newnex, we focus on creating top-quality USB cables and have crafted this detailed guide to help you navigate through the complex world of USB cable types. Our goal is to make it easier for you to understand the distinctions and choose the right cable for your needs.



What does USB stand for ?

USB stands for Universal Serial Bus. It is a standard for connecting peripherals to computers or smart phones, allowing for data transfer video display and power delivery.

There are several types of USB connectors, including USB-A, USB-B, USB-C, Micro-USB, and Mini-USB. Each type has its unique design and use cases, with USB-C being the latest and most versatile.


Difference between USB Male & USB Female?

When it comes to USB connections, understanding the difference between male and female connectors is essential. This section will explain how each type functions, helping you choose the right connectors for your devices and ensuring seamless data transfer and power delivery.

USB Male Vs USB Female

USB Male Connectors:

  • Found on the ends of USB cables and dongles.
  • Plugs into USB ports on devices.

USB Female Ports:

  • Located on devices like computers, peripherals and USB extension cables
  • Designed to accept male USB connectors.

In essence, male connectors fit into female ports, enabling connections and data transfer between devices.


Identify USB Versions

USB Version Max Data Transfer Rate Connector Types Introduction Year
USB 1.0/1.1 12 Mbps USB-A, USB-B 1996/1998
USB 2.0 480 Mbps USB-A, USB-B, Mini-USB B, Micro-USB B 2000
USB 3.0 5 Gbps USB-A, USB-B, Micro-USB B 2008
USB 3.1 10 Gbps USB-A, USB-B, USB-C 2013
USB 3.2 20 Gbps USB-C 2017
USB4 40 Gbps USB-C 2019



USB-C

USB-C, or USB Type-C, is the latest advancement in USB technology, featuring a reversible connector design that works with both host PC and peripherals. It's not just about the convenience of plugging in your cable any way—it's also about universal compatibility and future readiness. USB-C supports a wide range of standards from USB 2.0/1.1 to USB 4.0, with the latter offering impressive data transfer speeds up to 80 Gbps and power delivery up to 240W. This makes it ideal for ultra high-speed data transfer, fast charging (with or without a USB C charger), and connecting display video outputs, including USB C to HDMI.

Check our USB-C detailed guide to learn more about USB-C technology

USB Type C

USB Type-C Connector Variations
USB 2.0 Type-C
USB 2.0 Type-C
USB 3.x Type-C
USB 3.x Type-C
USB4 Type-C
USB4 Type-C
USB Specifications
USB Generation USB 2.0, USB 3.x, USB4
Data Transfer Rate 480 Mbps (USB 2.0)
5Gbps (USB 3.2 Gen 1 / USB 3.1 Gen 1 / USB 3.0)
10 Gbps (USB 3.2 Gen 2 / USB 3.1 Gen 2)
20 Gbps (USB 3.2 Gen 2x2)
40 Gbps (USB4)
80Gbps (USB4 v2)
Power Delivery USB PD 3.1 up to 240W (EPR) with various PD profile support
Typical Devices Smartphones, laptops, external SSD, high-speed peripherals

Discover USB-C Connectivity Solutions at Newnex


Explore our high-quality USB-C to C and USB-C to USB cables, designed for fast, reliable connections across industrial and commercial applications.

Newnex USB-C Cable


USB-A

USB Type A is the cornerstone of USB connectors, widely recognized for its flat, rectangular shape. This connector is predominantly used on host devices like computers, gaming consoles, and TVs, as well as on USB hubs. It's designed for a unidirectional flow, usually from the host to the peripheral device, which means it provides power along with data transfer. The USB-A connector is versatile, supporting various USB standards, including USB 2.0, USB 3.0, and USB 3.2, with increasing speeds and efficiency.

USB 2.0 Type A

USB-A 2.0 Connector Variations
USB 2.0 Type-A Male
USB 2.0 Type-A Male
USB 2.0 Type-A Female
USB 2.0 Type-A Female
USB 2.0 Type-A Panel Mount
USB 2.0 Type-A Panel Mount
USB Specifications
USB Generation USB 2.0
Data Transfer Rate up to 480 Mbps
Power Delivery 5V @ 0.5 A (Standard), 1.5 A (BC 1.2), 3 A (Quick Charging)
Typical Devices Mouse, keyboard, audio interface, control unit

High-Speed USB-A Cables by Newnex


Experience seamless connectivity and high-speed data transfer with Newnex’s reliable USB-A cables, designed for industrial and commercial applications.

Newnex USB-A Cable

USB 3.x Type A

USB3 USB-A Connector Variations
USB 3.0 Type-A Male
USB 3.0 Type-A Male
USB 3.0 Type-A Female
USB 3.0 Type-A Female
USB 3.0 Type-A Panel Mount
USB 3.0 Type-A Panel Mount
USB Specifications
USB Generation USB 3.0, 3.1
Data Transfer Rate 5 Gbps (USB 3.0) and 10 Gbps (USB 3.1)
Power Delivery 5V @ 0.9 A (Standard), 3A (Quick Charge)
Typical Devices 4K webcam, Machine Vision Camera, 3D Sensor

SuperSpeed USB-A Cables


Newnex's USB-A to USB-A cables offer seamless connectivity and high-speed data transfer, meeting USB 3.0 specifications for enhanced performance.

Newnex USB 3.0 Type-A Cable


USB-B

USB Type B connectors, essential for peripherals like printers and PTZ cameras, are designed with a unique shape to prevent incorrect connections. This design safeguards your devices by making it impossible to connect two host devices together, a scenario that could lead to hardware damage. While the tech world is gradually moving towards newer, smaller connectors, USB Type B's distinct shape and its role in ensuring the right device connections keep it relevant in many setups.

USB 2.0 Type B

USB 2.0 USB-B Connector Variations
USB 2.0 Type-B Male
USB 2.0 Type-B Male
USB 2.0 Type-B Female
USB 2.0 Type-B Female
USB 2.0 Type-B Panel Mount
USB 2.0 Type-B Panel Mount
USB Specifications
USB Generation USB 2.0
Data Transfer Rate up to 480 Mbps
Power Delivery 5V @ 0.5 A
Typical Devices USB printers

High-Speed USB-A to USB-B Cables


Newnex's USB-A to USB-B cables deliver reliable connectivity and rapid data transfer speeds, strictly adhering to USB 2.0 standards for industrial and commercial applications.

Newnex USB 2.0 Type A to B Cable

USB 3.0 Type B

USB 3.0 USB-B Connector Variations
USB 3.0 Type-B Male
USB 3.0 Type-B Male
USB 3.0 Type-B Panel Mount
USB 3.0 Type-B Panel Mount
USB 3.0 Type-B Locking
USB 3.0 Type-B Locking
USB Specifications
USB Generation USB 3.0
Data Transfer Rate 5 Gbps max.
Power Delivery 5V @ 0.9A
Typical Devices PTZ Cameras, high-end printers

SuperSpeed USB-A to USB-B Cables


Newnex's USB-A to USB-B cables provide seamless connectivity and super-speed data transfer, fully compliant with USB 3.0 specifications for high-performance applications.

Newnex USB 3.0 Type A to B Cable


USB Mini

Mini USB connectors, smaller than the standard USB B, are designed for peripherals needing a compact connection. With 5 pins, including an ID pin, they support USB On-The-Go (OTG), allowing devices like mobile phones to act as USB hosts. Originally popular in early mobilephone, USB Mini B has shifted towards use in digital cameras as devices have trended towards even smaller connectors like micro USB. Today, Mini B serves as a legacy connector, mainly found in specific devices and no longer common for new products.

USB Mini A connectors, though less common than Mini B, also provided a compact solution for mobile devices and peripherals. Mini A connectors were used in some early mobile devices and portable gadgets. However, like Mini B, the trend towards smaller and more efficient connectors like micro USB and USB-C has made Mini A connectors less prevalent in modern devices.

USB 2.0 Mini

USB 2.0 Mini Connector Variations
USB 2.0 Mini-A Male
USB 2.0 Mini-A Male
USB 2.0 Mini-B Male
USB 2.0 Mini-B Male
USB 2.0 Mini-B Female
USB 2.0 Mini-B Female
USB Specifications
USB Generation USB 2.0
Data Transfer Rate 480 Mbps max
Power Delivery 5V @ 0.5 A
Typical Devices Digital cameras and portable devices for charging and data transfer

Mini USB Cables


Newnex's Miniature USB cables provide dependable connectivity and swift data transfer speeds, ideal for compact device setups in industrial and consumer applications.

Newnex Mini USB Cable


USB Micro

The Micro USB B connector, evolved from Mini USB, has played a pivotal role in enabling slimmer designs for mobile devices while ensuring robust connectivity to computers and hubs across various USB standards. It supports USB On-The-Go (OTG), which allows devices to interface with external peripherals such as drives and cameras, requiring specific cable wiring for OTG functionality. Known for its versatility in charging and data transfer, the Micro USB B connector is widely adopted as a critical interface in numerous portable electronics, seamlessly supporting a range of USB specifications for broad compatibility.

Micro USB 2.0

USB 2.0 Micro-B Connector Variations
USB 2.0 Micro-A
USB 2.0 Micro-A
USB 2.0 Micro-B
USB 2.0 Micro-B
USB Specifications
USB Generation USB 2.0
Data Transfer Rate 480 Mbps max
Power Delivery 5V @ 0.5A
Typical Devices Charging and data transfer in smartphones, tablets, and other portable devices

High-Speed Micro USB Cables


Newnex's USB Micro B cables provide robust connectivity and high-speed data transfer, perfect for modern portable device configurations in both industrial and consumer applications.

Newnex Micro USB Cable

Micro USB 3.0

USB 3.0 Micro-B Connector Variations
USB 3.0 Micro-B
USB 3.0 Micro-B Male
USB 3.0 Micro-B Female
USB 3.0 Micro-B Female
USB 3.0 Micro-B Panel Mount
USB 3.0 Micro-B Male Locking
USB Specifications
USB Generation USB 3.0
Data Transfer Rate 5 Gbps max
Power Delivery 5V @ 0.9 A
Typical Devices External SSD, USB3 Vision Camera

SuperSpeed USB 3.0 Micro-B Cables


Newnex's USB-A to USB Micro B cables deliver robust connectivity and super-speed data transfer, perfectly suited for today’s mobile and industrial device setups.

Newnex USB 3.0 Type A to Micro-B Cable


USB Motherboard Connector

USB 2.0 cables often use crimp header connectors to connect with motherboard. 5 pin and 10 pin header are the most common seen configurations.

USB 2.0 Panel Mount Cables


Newnex's USB 2.0 A Panel Mount Female to Crimp Header cables deliver seamless connectivity, supporting both 5-pin and 10-pin configurations for broad compatibility across devices.

Newnex USB 2.0 Panel Mount Cable

USB 3.0 Internal Connector

In order to support the higher USB data rate, the USB 3.0 and USB 3.1 internal connectors were developed to serve to connect front panel external USB ports to the motherboard while maintaining signal integrity. The USB 3.0 internal connector features a 20-pin design that supports two USB 3.0 ports, allowing for dual USB-A connectivity at 5Gbps without bandwidth sharing. It's primarily used for linking SuperSpeed (SS) USB ports on the front panel to the motherboard.

USB 3.0 Internal Connector
USB 3.0 Internal Connector
USB 3.0 Internal Connector
USB Specifications
Type USB 3.0 Internal Connector Male 20 Pin
Data Transfer Rate Up to 5 Gbps (USB 3.0)
Power Delivery 5V @ up to 0.9 A
Use Connects external USB 3.0 ports from motherboard to panel
Connector Configuration 20 pin internal socket with support to two USB 3.0 USB-A ports

USB 3.0 Panel Mount Cables


Newnex's USB 3.0 Dual Panel Mount to Female A cables ensure a reliable and durable connection, seamlessly integrating with 20-pin internal motherboard connectors for industrial and commercial applications.

Newnex USB 3.0 Panel Mount Cable

Type-E Key-A Header

In contrast, the USB 3.1 internal connectors build upon the USB 3.0 design by offering a more compact form factor and a stronger mechanical latch. While retaining the 20-pin header for single Type-C or dual Type-A connections, it introduces a 40-pin version to support two full-feature Type-C ports. These connectors ensure that the latest USB standards are accessible from the front of PC cases, facilitating easy and efficient connection for a variety of devices.

USB 3.1 Internal Connector
USB-C Straight 20 Pin
USB-C Straight 20 Pin
USB Specifications
Type USB 3.1 Internal Connector Male 20 Pin
Data Transfer Rate Up to 10 Gbps (USB 3.2 Gen 2)
Power Delivery 5V @ up to 3 A
Connector Configuration Standardized for higher performance and compatibility
Use Ideal for high-speed data devices and power-hungry devices connected to the motherboard

USB-C Panel Mount Cables


Newnex's USB-C Panel Mount to Type-E Male cables offer dependable and durable connections, seamlessly integrating with 20-pin internal motherboard connectors, ideal for industrial setups.

Newnex USB-C Panel Mount Cable

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