Tip #2625 - USB Connectors
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Q:
What are the different types of USB connectors?
A:
That's an excellent question, because most of us have to use a USB port
at some point in our everyday computing. Since so many of us work with
computers on a daily basis now, it's very likely that we have used a USB
connector somewhere along the line. Today, most computers come with two
or more USB ports and it's very unusual if your computer doesn't have
at least one.
Right now there are
four main types of USB connectors: Type A, Type B, Mini-A and Mini-B.
All of these types are supported by USB
1x and USB 2x. Let's go over what these different connectors do in
relation to what you do with your USB ports.
Type A
This type is known
as the host connector and it is also sometimes referred to as the downstream
connector. This is the one that you usually plug into the ports on your
CPU or into a USB hub. It's usually rectangular in shape as well.
Type B
This connector is
mainly used for the different devices that can be plugged into a port.
This one is also known as the upstream connector and it is the one that
attaches directly to the end of a device (whether that be a digital camera,
a printer, a mouse or keyboard, etc). A Type B connector is usually box
shaped.
Mini-A
This type of connector
was designed to connect with mobile devices. This one can be used without
a computer and it can be used with most mobiles, big and small.
Mini-B
This connector was
designed when the "USB creators" found out the original connector
for USB 2.0 ports was too big for certain devices such as a PDA or a cell
phone. So, in the end, this one was created for those of you who wanted
to take advantage of the USB PC connectivity that is available with these
smaller devices.
There you have it;
the basics on the different types of USB connectors. Which type do you
use the most?!
~ Erin
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