USB Cable

Do you know the different types of USB cables that exist? We all know what a USB cable is and the dependence we have on these types of elements. They serve us for many things, whether file transmission or charging a device.

Despite knowing what its special functions are It should also be noted that there are different types among them. In addition, each of them will determine the type of use that is given to it and what type of device can be connected.

If you don’t know the difference between them or you don’t know some of their types, now we will show you what they are.

Within this article, we will delve into the different types of USB cables on the market. In addition, we will be able to know what its characteristics are so that you can identify them more easily. Take note and learn more about these currently important elements for computers and mobile devices.

What is known as a USB cable?

When we talk about a USB cable, we refer to a cable that we use daily and that is currently of great importance. Its acronym means, in English, Universal Serial Bus, which refers to a specific cable or connection. All of these comply with a protocol to be able to communicate between two devices and transmit information or simply transmit electricity.

When we talk about these functions, we cover a large number of possibilities among their actions. This cable is often used to connect peripherals such as the keyboard, the computer mouse, or even speakers. In addition to this, it also has the ability to provide electricity for charging computers, phones, and tablets, among others.

All items with this connection type They have been evolving over the years with new technologies. That is why there are currently different types of USB connectors that can be more personalized by brands. This helps to have information transmitted at many speeds for greater ease.

Portable memories also use USB

As we already mentioned, the USB cable can be used frequently to charge our mobile devices. In addition to this, the USB ports are also used for portable memories that can be connected to computers. One of the most common is the flash drive, where we can store up to 1 TB of information.

However, these are not the only models that can be used; in addition to that, we can also connect our mobile devices to the computer. Through these, you can not only send and receive files of different formats but also operating systems or applications.

For all of them, USB ports They can be of different shapes and types of connections. Some companies prefer those that have faster information transmission speeds. Instead, others continue to adapt to the traditional and use ports that have been known for more than 10 years in the market.

Types of USB cables that exist

The appearance of this type of cable appeared in the world of computing for the first time in 1996. Since then, it has evolved in different ways to be able to offer greater speeds in data transmission. Now we will show you a list of all the types that currently exist.

1. USB generation 1.0

These are the oldest known, and they were released in 1996, as we mentioned above. It is the one that offers the lowest data transmission speed, with a maximum of 188 kB/s. It is usually used more frequently in connection with computer mouse keyboards or webcams.

2. USB generation 1.1

Clearly, it is an improvement over the previous model, and it offers a slightly more complete speed, or so-called “plug and play”. The transfer that it allows is up to 1.5 MB/s, totally far from that which exists in the news on new models.

3. USB generation 2.0

This is one of the most widely known today and is available on different electronic equipment. The speed that is usually achieved with these cables is 60 MB/s, according to their descriptions. However, when it comes into practice, they can reach only 35 MB/s in the transmission of information.

Now, with these, you can also charge different devices electronics. The amount of power it can give charging is up to 2.5 watts of power.

4. USB generation 3.0

This offers super high speed, as is known within the market. Its data transfer rates can reach up to 600 MB/s. This generational step is really marked since it represents 10 times that of its previous generation. One of its main updates is the addition of five additional contacts to the previous version.

5. USB generation 3.1

This is also called cable super high speed, or SuperSpeed in English. Its speed is completely double the speed of its previous generation, at 1.25 GB/s. Those who usually use this type of generation are the type C cables used for mobile devices mostly.

6. USB generation 3.2

This type of USB cable It is offered as one of the fastest currently; its launch was in February 2019. The speed that it usually reaches is up to 2.6 GB/s, and the first peripherals that used it appeared in 2020.

See more: Do you know what a graphics card is?

7. USB generation 4.0

Cables of this type were also presented in 2019, being the most advanced generation today. The speed it reaches is really high, with a maximum of up to 5 GB/s each time it is used. The first peripherals for this type of cable began to arrive in 2021.

The connectors also have a wide variety

Just as there are different types of cables, USB connectors vary greatly. This gives each of them the ability to adapt to the devices and their inputs. So can be used much more easily, and even companies offer the best options to their users.

1. USB Type-A

Maybe this is the type of cable; what else is known in the market? They have a rectangular shape that varies depending on whether it is male or female, with connections inside the port. These can fall within generations 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0, being compatible with each other.

2. USB Type B

They are mostly used in printers; they are a bit squarer and smaller than the previous connector. One of its main features is that the models are USB 1 Type B, USB 2 Type B, and USB 4 Type B. They can all be connected to each other if they are males, which does not happen if they are females.

3. USB Type-C

As we already mentioned, its release is recent and it is often used on smartphones. They are rectangular and rounded at their tips; they are usually related to the type of 3.1 cable.

4. Micro-A USB

In the case of type 3.0, it usually has two connectors joined together, where one is longer than the other. They are only compatible with USB 3.0 Micro AB-type receivers. In the case of type 2.0, these are usually USB Type A, but with a smaller size.

5. Micro-B USB

For the 3.0 model, they are the same as the Micro A with two connectors attached, but compatible with the Micro B and Micro AB. In the case of model 2.0, they are smaller and rectangular, like the Micro A, with bevelled corners.

6. USB Mini-A

These are one of the smallest on the market, and they are rectangular in shape with only one rounded side.

7. USB Mini-B

They are similar to the previous case, but what changes is that they have a slit on their sides. It is usually compatible with the 2.0 Mini B and the 2.0 Mini AB.

It’s like the USB cable has been changing over time to be able to offer improvements to users. In addition to this, we can offer different connections so that information can be uploaded or exchanged. So take note of each of its characteristics so that you can identify and use them in the best way.

Get the right USB cable for your device

Now that we know the characteristics of each USB cable, you can buy the one that best suits your devices. Remember that each of them has different speeds and connectors. to be able to adapt to the different elements you have. On the other hand, remember that ideally, each cable used should be specific to that element.