USB-C
USB-C, or USB Type-C, is the latest advancement in USB technology. Its reversible connector design offers convenience and works seamlessly with both host PCs and peripherals. USB-C supports standards from USB 2.0 to USB 4.0, delivering data transfer speeds up to 80 Gbps and power delivery up to 240W. These features make it ideal for fast data transfer, charging, and video outputs like USB-C to HDMI.
Explore our complete USB-C guide to learn about USB-C specifications, features, and compatibility.
Learn more about Newnex’s USB-C cables designed for high-speed data, power delivery, and industrial reliability.
USB-C vs Thunderbolt: What’s the difference? Get clarity on compatibility, speed, and cable use cases.
USB Type-C
USB Type-C Connector Variations |
USB 2.0 Type-C
|
USB 3.x 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 |
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.
Learn more about 2.0 USB-A Cables
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USB Type-A 2.0
USB-A 2.0 Connector Variations |
USB 2.0 Type-A Male
|
USB 2.0 Type-A Female
|
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 |
USB Type-A 3.0 & 3.1
USB3 USB-A Connector Variations |
USB 3.0 Type-A Male
|
USB 3.0 Type-A Female
|
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 |
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.
Learn more about 2.0 USB-B Cables
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USB Type-B 2.0
USB 2.0 USB-B Connector Variations |
USB 2.0 Type-B Male
|
USB 2.0 Type-B Female
|
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 |
USB Type-B 3.0
USB 3.0 USB-B Connector Variations |
USB 3.0 Type-B Male
|
USB 3.0 Type-B Panel Mount
|
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 |
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.
Learn more about 2.0 Mini USB Cables
USB Mini 2.0
USB 2.0 Mini Connector Variations |
USB 2.0 Mini-A Male
|
USB 2.0 Mini-B Male
|
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 |
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.
Learn more about 2.0 Micro USB Cables
Learn more about 3.0 Micro USB Cables
Micro USB 2.0
USB 2.0 Micro-B Connector Variations |
USB 2.0 Micro-A
|
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 |
Micro USB 3.0
USB 3.0 Micro-B Connector Variations |
USB 3.0 Micro-B Male
|
USB 3.0 Micro-B Female
|
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 |
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.
Learn more about 2.0 USB Panel Mount Cables
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Learn more about USB-C Panel Mount Cables
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 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 |
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 |
Type-E Connector
|
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 |