USB, short for Universal Serial Bus, is a plug-and-play standard for many types of devices. In general, USB refers to the types of cables and connectors used to connect these various types of external devices to computers.
What is USB?
The Universal Serial Bus standard has been very successful. USB ports and cables are used to connect devices such as printers and scanners. and consoles وmice Flash drives, external hard drives, joysticks, cameras, monitors and more with computers of all types, including desktops, tablets, laptops, netbooks, etc.
In fact, USB has become so common that you'll find the connection available on almost any computer-like device such as video game consoles, home audio/video equipment, and even in many cars.
Before USB, many of these devices were connected to a computer via serial and parallel ports, and others such as PS/2.
Many portable devices, such as smartphones, e-readers, and small tablets, primarily use USB for charging. USB charging has become so common that it's now easy to find replacement electrical outlets at home improvement stores with built-in USB ports, eliminating the need for a USB power adapter.
List of USB standards
There have been several major USB standards, with USB4 2.0 the latest available version:
- USB4 2.0: This version has been released. USB4 , which supports 80 Gbps (81920 Mbps), in October 2022.
- USB4: Based on the Thunderbolt 3 specification, USB4 supports 40 Gbps (40960 Mbps).
- USB 3.2 Gen 2×2: Also known as USB 3.2, compatible devices can transfer data at speeds of 20 Gbps (20 Mbps), which is called Superspeed+ Dual-Lane USB.
- USB 3.2 Gen 2: Compatible devices were formerly called USB 3.1, and are capable of transferring data at speeds of 10 Gbps (10 Mbps), called Superspeed+.
- USB 3.2 Gen 1: Formerly called USB 3.0, compatible devices can reach a maximum transfer rate of 5 Gbps (5120 Mbps), called SuperSpeed USB.
- USB 2.0: USB 2.0 compatible devices can reach a maximum transfer rate of 480 Mbps, called Hi-Speed USB.
- USB 1.1: USB 1.1 devices can reach a maximum transfer rate of 12 Mbps, called Hi-Speed USB.
Most USB devices and cables today work with USB 2.0, and an increasing number are being updated to USB 3.0.
Important: The components of a USB-connected system, including the host (such as a computer), the cable, and the device, can support different USB standards as long as they are physically compatible. However, all components must support the same standard if you want to achieve the maximum possible data rate.
A look at USB connectors
There are a number of Different USB connectors , shown below.
- USB Type C: Often simply referred to as USB-C, these plugs and receptacles are rectangular with four rounded corners. Only USB 3.1 Type-C plugs and receptacles (and therefore cables) exist, but adapters are available for backward compatibility with USB 3.0 and 2.0 connectors. This latest USB connector has solved the problem of the protruding side. Its symmetrical design allows it to be inserted into the receptacle either way, so you never have to try again (one of the biggest gripes with previous USB connectors). It is widely adopted on smartphones and other devices.
- USB Type A: Officially called USB Standard-A, these rectangular plugs and receptacles are the most common USB connectors. USB 1.1 Type-A, USB 2.0 Type-A, and USB 3.0 Type-A plugs and receptacles are physically compatible.
- USB Type B: Officially called USB Standard-B, these plugs and receptacles are square with an additional notch at the top. This is most noticeable on USB 3.0 Type-B connectors. USB 1.1 Type-B and USB 2.0 Type-B receptacles are physically compatible with USB 3.0 Type-B receptacles, but USB 3.0 Type-B receptacles are incompatible with USB 2.0 Type-B or USB 1.1 Type-B receptacles.
- It has been identified USB Powered-B Connector Also in the USB 3.0 standard. This receptacle is physically backward compatible with USB 1.1 and USB 2.0 Standard-B sockets, and of course USB 3.0 Standard-B and Powered-B sockets as well.
- USB Micro-A: USB 3.0 Micro-A plugs look like two different rectangular plugs squashed together, with one slightly longer than the other. USB 3.0 Micro-A plugs are only compatible with USB 3.0 Micro-AB plugs.
- USB 2.0 Micro-A sockets Very small and rectangular, they are in many ways similar to a USB Type-A plug. USB Micro-A plugs are physically compatible with both USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 Micro-AB plugs.
- USB Micro-B: USB 3.0 Micro-B connectors look almost identical to USB 3.0 Micro-A connectors in that they appear as two single connectors, but they are connected. USB 3.0 Micro-B connectors are compatible with both USB 3.0 Micro-B connectors and USB 3.0 Micro-AB connectors.
- USB 2.0 Micro-B sockets Very small and rectangular in shape, but the corners on one of the long sides are chamfered. USB Micro-B plugs are physically compatible with both USB 2.0 Micro-B and Micro-AB receptacles, as well as USB 3.0 Micro-B and Micro-AB receptacles.
- USB Mini-A: The USB 2.0 Mini-A plug is rectangular, but one side is more rounded. USB Mini-A plugs are only compatible with USB Mini-AB receptacles. There is no USB 3.0 Mini-A connector.
- USB Mini-B: The USB 2.0 Mini-B plug is rectangular with a small indentation on either side. It almost looks like an elongated piece of bread when viewed head-on. USB Mini-B plugs are physically compatible with both USB 2.0 Mini-B and Mini-AB plugs. There is no USB 3.0 Mini-B connector.
USB Troubleshooting
Usually using a USB device Very simple: Just plug it in. Anything else necessary to get the device up and running is often handled automatically for you, in the background. Unfortunately, it's not always that simple.
Some brand new USB connected devices need to Drivers Especially for devices to function fully. Other times, a USB device that has been working normally for years may suddenly stop working for no apparent reason.
Follow this guide on: What to do when it doesn't work USB ports .or this repair guide What to do when a USB device is not recognized in Windows If one of these problems is what you are facing.
The best troubleshooting advice is usually specific to the device you're using. For example, a guide has been prepared What to do if USB tethering is not working Specifically for USB tethering issues in Windows. Use the search bar at the top of this page to find additional help, whether for your phone, streaming device, or some other USB device.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1: Who created the USB standard?
The answer: USB was developed collaboratively by Compaq, DEC, IBM, Intel, Microsoft, NEC, and Nortel. The USB standard is maintained by the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF).
Q2: What is the current USB standard?
The answer: Since 2019, it has been USB4 It is the current USB standard. Only USB-C connectors (rather than traditional mini/micro-USB) can support USB4.
Q3: What does 2.0 and 3.0 mean on a flash drive?
The answer: If you see a number like 2.0 or 3.0 on your flash drive, this indicates the USB version the device supports. Flash drives that support USB 3.0 can transfer data slightly faster, but it doesn't matter much since most ports are backward compatible.
Q4: What are the advantages of USB over EIA-232F?
The answer: EIA-232F is an older communication standard that has been replaced by USB. USB is faster and consumes less power, making it more efficient.
