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What are USB connectors?


Universal Serial Bus (USB) was developed in the 1990s in an effort to simplify the connections between computers and peripheral devices. It has become widely popular due to its compatibility with many platforms and operating systems, its low cost of implementation, and its ease of use. Most computers that are built today come with several USB ports, and USB is the interface of choice for most home and office peripherals including printers, cameras, modems, and portable storage devices. 

Select the USB connector that you want to learn more about:

USB-C Info
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USB-C

The USB-C or USB Type-C connector has several advanced features
  • The reversible/symmetrical design is 60% smaller than USB-A.
  • Symmetrical connectors that can be inserted either way, right side up or upside down.
  • Tested with up to 10,000 connection cycles and is 6 times more durable than USB-A.
  • USB-C can carry USB 4, Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3, USB 3.2, USB 3.1, USB 3.0, USB 2.0, and USB 1.1 signals.
  • USB-C 3.2 can carry up to 100W, enough power to support mobile device charging.
  • Native DisplayPort video and four channel audio supports computer monitors, HDTVs, surround sound systems, and headphones.
  • Transfer rates up to 40Gbits/s make USB 4 and Thunderbolt 4 ideal solutions for transferring large amounts of data, such as HD video for editing, Blu-ray™ authoring, or high resolution photos for editing or storage.
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USB 3.0 A Info
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USB 3.0 A

Known as "SuperSpeed", this A-style connector is commonly found on host controllers in computers and hubs, the A-style connector is a flat, rectangular interface. This interface holds the connection in place by friction which makes it very easy for users to connect and disconnect. Instead of round pins, the connector uses flat contacts which can withstand continuous attachment and removal very well. The A-socket connector provides a "downstream" connection that is intended for use solely on host controllers and hubs. This connector is similar in size and shape to the A-Type connector used in USB 2.0 & USB 1.1 applications. However, the USB 3.0 A-type has additional pins that are not found in the USB 2.0 & USB 1.1 A-Type. The USB 3.0 connector is designed for USB SuperSpeed applications; however, it will carry data from slower speed connections, and it is backwards compatible with USB 2.0 ports. USB 3.0 A connectors are often blue in color to help identify them from previous versions.
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USB 3.0 B Info
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USB 3.0 B

The USB 3.0 B connector is found on USB 3.0 devices. This connector is designed to carry data and power in USB SuperSpeed applications. Cables with this connector are not backwards compatible with USB 2.0 or USB 1.1 devices; however USB 3.0 devices with this connection type can accept previous USB 2.0 and 1.1 cabling.
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USB-A Info
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USB-A

Found on host controllers in computers, hubs, and other charging or syncing devices.
  • The USB-A connector is a flat, rectangular interface.
  • The connection is held in place by friction, making it easy for users to connect and disconnect.
  • Instead of round pins, the connector uses flat contacts, which can withstand continuous attachment and removal very well.
  • The A-socket connector provides a "downstream" connection for host controllers and hubs.
  • The A-socket is not intended for use as an "upstream" connector on a peripheral device.
  • The host controller or hub design provides 5V DC power on one of the USB pins.
  • Though not common, A-A cables connect USB devices with an A-style Female port to a PC or another USB device for data transfer between two computer systems.

Note: Typically, an A-A cable is not intended to connect two computers together or to connect a USB hub between two computers. Doing so may cause irreparable damage to your computers and may even present a fire hazard. Check with the manufacturer before using an A-A cable for data transfer.
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USB-B Info
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USB-B

The B-style connector design is for use with USB peripheral devices, commonly found on printers.
  • The B-style interface is squarish in shape and has slightly beveled corners on the top ends of the connector.
  • Like the USB-A connector, it uses the friction of the connector body to stay in place.
  • The B-socket is an "upstream" connector only used on peripheral devices.
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USB Micro-A Info
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USB Micro-A

The USB-IF recognizes this connector on mobile devices such as cell phones, GPS units, and digital cameras.
  • The USB Micro-A connection is physically smaller in size than a USB Mini-B.
  • Supports the transfer rate of 480 Mbps and on-the-go features.
  • The white-colored receptacle and compact 5-pin design make it easy to identify the connection.
USB Micro-B Info
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USB Micro-B

The USB-IF recognizes this connector on mobile devices such as cell phones, GPS units, and digital cameras.
  • The USB Micro-B connection is physically smaller in size than a USB Mini-B.
  • Supports the transfer rate of 480 Mbps and on-the-go features.
  • The black-colored receptacle and compact 5-pin design make it easy to identify the connection.
USB Mini-B (5-Pin) Info
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USB Mini-B (5-Pin)

One drawback to the B-style connector is its size, which measures almost a half inch on each side. This made the B-style interface unsuitable for many compact personal electronic devices. As a result, many device manufacturers began miniaturizing USB connectors with this Mini-B.
  • The USB-IF recognizes this 5-pin USB Mini-B connector.
  • This connector is relatively small, about two-thirds the width of an A-style connector.
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USB Mini-B (4-Pin) Info
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USB Mini-B (4-Pin)

Instead of the typical 5-pin Mini-B, this unofficial connector is found on many digital cameras, especially specific Kodak® models. It resembles the shape of a standard B-style connector, with beveled corners; however, it is much smaller.
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USB 3.0 Micro B Info
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USB 3.0 Micro B

The USB 3.0 Micro-B connector is found on USB 3.0 devices. This connector design carries data and power in USB SuperSpeed applications. Cables with this connector are not backward compatible with USB 2.0 or USB 1.1 devices.
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Other Popular Connectors