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 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 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 | |
Discover USB-C at Newnex
Discover high-quality USB C to C and USB-C to USB cables for fast, reliable connections
Learn more about Newnex's USB-C CablesUSB-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 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 | |
High-Speed USB-A Cables
Newnex's USB-A cables deliver seamless connectivity and high-speed data transfer
Learn more about Newnex's USB 2.0 Type-A CablesUSB 3.x Type A
| 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 | |
SuperSpeed USB-A Cables
Newnex's USB-A to USB-A cables deliver seamless connectivity and high-speed data transfer, meeting USB 3.0 specifications
Learn more about Newnex's USB 3.0 Type-A CablesUSB-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 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 | |
High-Speed USB-A to USB-B Cables
Newnex's USB-A to USB-B cables provide reliable connectivity and rapid data transfer speeds, adhering strictly to USB 2.0 standards.
Learn more about Newnex's USB 2.0 Type A to B CablesUSB 3.0 Type B
| 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 | |
SuperSpeed USB-A to USB-B Cables
Newnex's USB-A to USB-B cables offer seamless connectivity and super-speed data transfer, fully compliant with USB 3.0 specifications.
Learn more about Newnex's USB 3.0 Type A to B CablesUSB 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-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 | |
Mini USB Cables
Newnex's Miniature USB cables offer dependable connectivity and swift data transfer speeds, ideal for compact device setups.
Learn more about Newnex Mini USB CablesUSB 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-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 enhanced data transfer speeds, perfect for modern portable device configurations.
Learn more about Newnex's Micro USB CablesMicro 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 | |
SuperSpeed USB 3.0 Micro-B Cables
Newnex's USB-A to USB Micro B cables offer robust connectivity and enhanced data transfer speeds, perfectly suited for today's mobile device setups.
Learn more about Newnex's USB 3.0 Type A to Micro-B CablesUSB 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 provide seamless connectivity, accommodating both 5-pin and 10-pin configurations for broad device compatibility.
Learn more about Newnex's USB 2.0 to header cablesUSB 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 |
USB 3.0 Panel Mount Cables
Newnex's USB 3.0 Dual Panel Mount to Female A ensures a reliable and durable connection, seamlessly integrating with 20-pin internal motherboard connectors.
Learn more about Newnex's USB 3.0 Panel Mount to Internal Connector CablesType-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 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 provide dependable and durable connections, seamlessly integrating with 20-pin internal motherboard connectors.
Learn more about Newnex's USB 3.2 Type-E Male to C Female Cables