Micro-USB cable. USB Connectors

Today, everyone knows perfectly well what USB (USB) is. This is a small connector on the computer's motherboard, laptop, printer, mobile phone, camera, player, and almost everywhere. With its help you can connect to the device not only the charger and drive, but also anything you like, even a warmer for the feet.

What is USB? This is a way to connect and transfer data between different electronic devices (the so-called UNIVERSAL SERIAL BUS).

History of the occurrence and basic principles of the USB standard

The first standards of USB were developed by a group of such major manufacturers of electronic equipment and software as Intel, Microsoft, IBM, Philips, NEC and others. It was originally an open standard for manufacturers of any hardware and software.

The main principle of this standard was universality. It was assumed that the universal connector will replace all existing at that time narrow-specific interface connectors of additional external devices of the computer and will spur the development and release of non-standard devices and modules.

The presence of a power line of 5 Volts allowed some connected devices not to have an external power source.

Ease of use suggested the possibility of hot-plug (or "plug and play"), which does not require the installation of specific boards, drivers and even shutdown the PC.

Another very important principle of the standard is the ability of some devices to act as nodes for connecting other devices, performing the so-called hub function. For example, the ability to connect the camera to some printers, a mouse to the keyboard designed for this, and so on.

Why you need USB

YUSB is first of all the ability to connect various electronic devices for data transfer and synchronization (keyboards, mice, flash drives, telephones, players, cameras, cameras, printers, scanners, external data storage and CD-ROMs to the personal computer, and much more. )

Since its interface contains a 5-volt power line, this primarily provides the ability for certain connected devices to refuse external power sources, and secondly - to use the UBS not for its intended purpose, but for charging mobile phones, players, mobile speakers with battery, Flashlights, etc.

There was also a separate category of USB-devices like luminaires, fans, self-heating cups, using the port only as a power source.

USB Versions

For today there are 3 versions.

USB 1.1 is almost not used because of the small data transport speed - no more than 12 Mbit / s. In the modern world it is used purely for compatibility.

USB 2.0 is currently the leader. Guarantees the information transport speed up to 30 MB / s. For most modern devices (except for external HDDs) this speed is enough.

YUSB 3.0 belongs to the last generation and provides a data transport speed of up to 500 MB / s. Given that the processing speed of modern hard drives is three times lower, this version has a sufficient gap in speed to remain relevant and in demand.

USB 3.0 and 2.0: types

USB 2.0, type A is the most popular. Most of the devices (keyboards, mice, flash drives and similar) are equipped with this port. It was created in the mid-nineties. Reliability, which makes it possible to sustain a fairly large number of connections and remain whole and workable - this is the main advantage of this port. In the connector there is protection against incorrect connection. But the dimensions do not allow using it for portable devices.

USB 2.0, type B is less popular. Classical type B - the only one in the entire line has a square shape. Because of its relatively large size, it is used in various large-scale stationary systems (scanners, printers and other devices of different types).

The emergence of a huge number of small portable devices contributed to the fact that the USB connectors were miniaturized and turned into a mini version of 2.0 B. The popularity of the device was brought by the spread of portable hard drives and handheld computers. Mini USB, Type B has five contacts, one of which is not involved. However, despite the advantages of miniaturization, the lack of a connector was low reliability. There is also a Mini USB, type A. It is actually not used and differs from B only in form.

The Micro USB B connector is essentially the same as the Mini USB B, but has been upgraded and is relatively small in size. It is thanks to the dimensions that it is perfect for using it in modern thin gadgets. Upgraded attachment of the plug does not allow it to loosen and fall out of the socket.

Since the beginning of 2011 Micro USB B has been adopted as a universal standard for charging devices of most tablets, mobile phones and other miniature devices. There is also type A. It occurs quite rarely and differs only in a rectangular shape.

The most modern standard of USB 3.0 today provides the ability to achieve high data transport speeds. Additional contacts make it possible to speed up the transfer of information, which led to the modernization of most third-generation devices. External changes USB A have affected only the color of the core - now it's blue. Otherwise, the compatibility of USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 A remains unchanged. This means that the modules have cross-compatibility.

USB 3.0, type B is designed for use in voluminous remote or external devices with high power and performance, as well as in some fixed hard drives. In many respects the port is unlike its predecessor, although it inherited the traditional features and common features of Micro USB 2.0. Compact, reliable, with a quality connection, it allows you to transfer much faster information. The connector is equipped with ultra-fast external hard drives and SSD.

Also, recently there appeared such a subspecies of USB as Micro 3.0 or 3.1, type C. The configuration of contacts is similar to type B, but differs by the form of the connection.

People occasionally get confused in the USB mini connectors and Micro - in fact they really are very similar. However, the main difference is that Mini USB has a slightly larger size, and Micro is equipped with small latches on the back side. In the rest they are identical.

Why Micro USB

The Micro USB connector is a miniature, fairly reliable and currently the most common implementation of the standard.

Thanks to the improved fastening with spring-loaded snaps, it is firmly held in the nest, does not stagger or fall out. To date, Micro USB is the universal standard for synchronization cables and chargers for mobile equipment and other gadgets of most manufacturers in the world. Wherever you are, everywhere the chance to meet a micro USB cable or similar charger is much higher than any other type of gadget. Rare devices, such as Apple products, have their own unique connector, unlike this one. However, there are a lot of adapters that allow you to connect any Apple Micro USB cable.

Variations in the execution of the device

Depending on the manufacturer and the destination, there are several options for connecting cables with Micro USB.

The manufacturer can vary the length of the cable, the thickness and insulation material, the presence of a screen, additional core or ferrite filters at their discretion, and also based on the purpose of the cable and its cost.

First of all, the cables with Micro USB differ with different end pieces. On one side of the cable is type B, and on the other can be type A (both standard and OTG - the so-called mother), Micro, type B (also available in one of two variations), Mini and virtually any of the existing variations Connector of the corresponding standard.

Very rarely, narrow-specific variations of the use of a Micro USB cable are simply possible for transferring power or certain data. This is facilitated by its popularity and accessibility.

Micro USB pinout

Assigning wires to a USB cable:

• Red - VBUS - (+ 5V, Vcc) + 5V, 500 mA direct current relative to GND.
• White-D- (-Data).
• Green - D + (+ Data).
• Black - GND - -5V or ground.

There are 5 contacts in the Micro, Mini USB connector:

• Red - VBUS.
• White-D-.
• Green - D +.
• ID - in connector type B is not used, or is shorted with GND for the possibility of OTG operation.
• Black - GND.

In some cases, the Micro USB cable may contain braiding, shielding or bare wire (can be soldered to the connector housing), this wire is not numbered.

Variety of USB adapters

USB-adapter - a compact device that converts the standard USB in the interface of another standard. There are models that convert in the opposite direction.

The main task of the adapters is to ensure compatibility. There is always the possibility of a situation where you need to connect a device with a non-standard interface or connector to a computer, smartphone or tablet. In this situation, the USB-adapters will come to the rescue, the kinds and standards of which are very numerous for today.

There is a specific type of adapter, equipped with separate power schemes and channel separation - USB-hub. It allows you to simultaneously connect several power-consuming devices, sometimes even multi-types, to one port on your laptop computer or other mobile device due to the fact that type A, B, Mini, Micro USB pinout is brought to the same standard.

Advantages and disadvantages of the MicroUSB connector

Considering all of the above, we can summarize: Micro USB - this is the logical conclusion of the evolution of the standard.

The advantages include: miniature, relative reliability, universality and prevalence.

But strangely enough, the main advantage was the main drawback. Miniaturization has reduced the reliability of the connector, especially in the areas of attachment and soldering.

However, wherever you are, it is not difficult to find a Micro USB cable to recharge your favorite tablet or to reset a couple of photos on your PC.