This is a small connector on motherboard computer, laptop, printer, mobile phone, camera, player, and almost everywhere. With its help, you can connect to the device not only Charger and a drive, but anything you like, even a foot warmer.
What is USB? This is a way of connecting and transferring data between different electronic devices (the so-called UNIVERSAL SERIAL BUS).
History and basic principles of the USB standard
The first YUSB standards were developed by a group of such largest manufacturers of electronic equipment and software like 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 is versatility. It was assumed that the universal connector would replace all existing at that time highly specific interface connectors for additional external computer devices and spur the development and release of non-standard devices and modules.
The presence of a 5 volt power line allowed some connected devices not to have an external current source.
Ease of use meant hot-plugging (or "plug and play"), requiring no specific boards, drivers, or even shutting down 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 a camera to some printers, a mouse to a keyboard designed for this, etc.
Why do you need USB
YUSB is, first of all, the ability to connect to personal computer various electronic devices for data transmission and synchronization (keyboards, mice, flash drives, phones, players, cameras, cameras, printers, scanners, external drives information and CD-ROM, and much more.)
Since its interface contains a 5 Volt power line, this first of all makes it possible for certain connected devices to abandon external energy sources, and secondly, to use the YUSB not for its intended purpose, but for charging mobile phones, players, mobile speakers with batteries, flashlights, etc.
USB versions
Today there are 3 versions.
YUSB 1.1 is almost never used due to the low speed of information transport - no more than 12 Mbit / s. In the modern world, it is used purely for compatibility.
YUSB 2.0 on this moment is the leader. It guarantees the speed of information transport up to 30 MB / s. For most modern devices (except for external hard drives), this speed is quite enough.
YUSB 3.0 belongs to the latest generation and provides information transport speed up to 500 MB / s. Considering that the data processing speed of modern hard drives three times lower, this version has sufficient speed clearance to remain relevant and in demand.
USB 3.0 and 2.0: types
USB 2.0 Type A is the most popular. Most devices (keyboards, mice, flash drives and the like) are equipped with this port. It was created in the mid nineties. Reliability, which makes it possible to withstand quite a large number of connections and remain intact and functional - this is the main advantage of this port. The connector is protected against incorrect connection. But its dimensions do not allow using it for portable devices.
USB 2.0 Type B is less popular. Classic type B - the only one in the entire line has a square shape. Due to its relatively large size, it is used in various large-sized stationary systems (scanners, printers and other devices of various types).
The emergence of a huge number of small portable devices contributed to the fact that USB connectors were miniaturized and turned into mini version 2.0 B. The device was especially popular with the proliferation of portable hard drives and handheld computers. Mini USB, type B has five contacts, one of which is not used. However, despite the advantages of miniaturization, the disadvantage of the connector is low reliability. There is also Mini USB, type A. It is not actually used and differs from B only in shape.
The Micro USB B connector is essentially the same as the Mini but has been improved and is relatively small. It is thanks to its size that it is perfect for using it in modern thin gadgets. The redesigned plug mount prevents the plug from loosening and falling out of the socket.
Since the beginning of 2011, Micro USB B has been adopted as a universal standard for chargers for most tablets, mobile phones and other miniature devices. There is also type A. It is quite rare and differs only in rectangular shape.
The most modern USB 3.0 standard provides the ability to achieve high speed data transfer. Additional contacts make it possible to speed up the process of transferring information, which led to the modernization of most devices of the third version. External changes USB A only the core color was affected - now it is blue. Otherwise, the compatibility of YUSB 3.0 and YUSB 2.0 A remains unchanged. This means that the modules are cross-compatible.
USB 3.0 Type B is intended for use in volumetric portable or external devices with high power and performance, as well as in some stationary hard drives. In many ways, the port is unlike its predecessor, although it inherited traditional features and common features. Micro YUSB 2.0. Compact, reliable, with a high-quality connection, it allows you to transfer the necessary information much faster. The connector is equipped with ultra-fast external hard drives and SSD.
Also recently, such a subtype of YUSB has appeared, such as Micro 3.0 or 3.1, type C. In the configuration of contacts, it is similar to type B, but differs in the form of connection.
People occasionally get confused about connectors and Micro - in reality, they are really very similar. The main difference, however, is that the Mini USB is slightly larger and the Micro has small latches on the back. Otherwise, they are identical.
Why Micro YUSB
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 latches, it stays firmly in the socket, does not wobble or fall out. To date Micro USB- a universal standard for synchronization cables and chargers for mobile equipment and other gadgets from most manufacturers in the world. Wherever you are, the chance of encountering 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 many adapters that allow you to connect to any Apple Micro USB cable.
Variations in device design
Depending on the manufacturer and purpose, there are several variants of the Micro USB connection cables. 
The manufacturer can vary the length of the cable, the thickness and material of the insulation, the presence of a screen, an additional conductor or ferrite filters at his discretion, as well as based on the purpose of the cable and its cost.
First of all, cables with Micro USB differ in different end fittings. On the one side of the cable - type B, and on the other, it can be type A (both the standard version and OTG - the so-called female), Micro, type B (also possible in one of two variations), Mini and almost any of the existing variations connector of the appropriate standard.
Very rarely, highly specific variations of using a Micro USB cable are possible simply to transfer power or certain data. This is facilitated by its popularity and availability.
The purpose of the wires in the USB cable:
- Red - VBUS - (+ 5V, Vcc) + 5V, 500 mA DC relative to GND.
- White - D- (-Data).
- Green - D + (+ Data).
- Black - GND - -5V or ground.
There are 5 pins in the Micro, Mini USB connector:
- Red - VBUS.
- White - D-.
- Green - D +.
- ID - not used in type B connector, or shorted to GND for OTG operation.
- Black - GND.
In some cases, the Micro USB cable may contain braiding, shielding, or (may be soldered to the connector body), this wire is not numbered.
Variety of USB adapters
The USB adapter is a compact device that converts the YUSB standard into an interface of another standard. There are models that convert in the opposite direction.
The main task of adapters is to ensure compatibility. There is always the possibility of a situation when you need to connect a device with a non-standard interface or connector to a computer, smartphone or tablet. In this situation, YUSB adapters will come to the rescue, the types and standards of which today are great.
There is a specific type of adapters equipped with separate power supply and channel separation schemes - YUSB-hub. It allows you to simultaneously connect several power-hungry devices, sometimes even of different types, to one port of a laptop computer or other mobile device due to the fact that types A, B, Mini, Micro are brought to the same standard.
Advantages and disadvantages of the Micro USB connector
Considering all of the above, we can summarize: - This is the logical conclusion of the evolution of the standard.
The advantages include: diminutiveness, relative reliability, versatility and prevalence.
But oddly enough, the main advantage has become the main disadvantage. Miniaturization reduced the reliability of the connector, especially in the attachment and soldering points.
However, wherever you are, finding a Micro USB cable to recharge your favorite tablet or upload a couple of photos from your phone to your PC is easy.
Mobile phones and tablets have taken such an important place in our everyday life that it is almost impossible to imagine your life without these gadgets. With their help, we watch movies, take photographs, listen to music, read books, prepare presentations and create important documents. For a more comfortable work with phones, many devices have been invented that are easily connected to the device and help to use it as a full-fledged laptop. One such gadget is USB OTG cable- a type of wire that allows you to connect your smartphone to a USB flash drive, TV or keyboard.
What is USB OTG cable?
The USB OTG cable, various modifications of which are presented in the Fishki chain of stores, is a cord that has two connectors: one of them connects to the phone, and the other is a regular USB port. It is very convenient to take such a cable with you on trips or at presentations - you can connect your smartphone to any device without using a computer. OTG cord is ideal for use in portable mobile devices to download photos from them or quickly type Text Document... But it should be remembered that the equipment that is connected to the phone or tablet using this cable starts charging from it. Therefore, control the volume of your gadget's battery.
What is a USB OTG cable for?
Using the USB OTG cable, you connect your smartphone to any equipment that has a USB connector. Such devices include:
- flash drives;
- TVs and DVD-players;
- keyboards and computer mice;
- cameras;
- game consoles and joysticks;
- card readers and portable hard drives.
Such a cable is very convenient when the phone runs out of free place and you need to quickly flush files to a USB flash drive to clear memory. It is also irreplaceable if you need to type a large text file in your smartphone: you just plug in the keyboard and work. If you want to watch the video on big screen, then connect your gadget to the TV and enjoy the high-quality picture. In the Fishki chain of stores, you can pick up an OTG cable for any gadget, regardless of the brand or model. High quality and the reliability of each product is confirmed by certificates, and the price of a USB OTG cable is available to everyone. Make your life easier and more comfortable!
How is a USB cable different from other cables? The main parameters when choosing a USB cable are standards, marking and size.
Today, almost all multimedia devices are equipped with a USB connector. Sometimes the connection is made through an extension cable, and not directly to the port.
The choice of USB cable must be approached correctly. Firstly, each cable has its own markings. For example, HIGH-SPEED 2.and 028AWG / 2C + 28AWG / 2C.
So, if you need a cable that supports the USB 2.0 standard. or 3.0., then the inscription should read "USB High speed cable 2.0". USB standard 2.0. does not support 1.1 cable.
A standard USB 2.0 high speed cable consists of one 28 AWG twisted pair for data transfer and a pair of wires for power from 20 AWG to 28AWG. In addition, the USB cable must be shielded.
When transmitting a signal using USB, it is important that it does not fade. Therefore, when choosing a suitable USB cable, you need to determine the required size.
For example, marking "28 AWG / 1P .....", the first digits mean the maximum length of the USB cable - 28 AWG = 81 centimeters. If 26 AWG, then the cable length is up to 1 meter 31 cm. With the markings 24 AWG, 22 AWG, 20 AWG, the cable length can be up to 2.08 meters, 3.33 meters and 5.00 meters, respectively.
Therefore, if the length of the USB extension cable is 5 meters, but inside it there are two pairs of 28 AWG wires, then it does not meet the standards. At this length, it should be 20 AWG.
Another cable with a length of 1.8 and marked 24 AWG (which assumes a maximum length of up to 2 meters) meets the standard. That is, the actual length of the cord should not exceed the maximum allowable data indicated on the cable.
The marking also contains other data: a mark that the cable is shielded - Shield; wires twisted into a pair - P (Pair); two conductors - 2C.
At the end of the USB cable there is a small bulge, a ferrite ring. It works as an RFI filter and is found on all quality USB cables. Some extension cords have it at both ends.
If the USB cable is not correctly selected, the transfer speed can be significantly reduced. Also, the system may not recognize the device connected via USB or simply stop seeing it at any time.
The longer the cable, starting at 3 meters, the more problems may arise. To ensure stable operation of your USB device, you should choose the USB cable as short and thick as possible. Then, when transmitting data, there will be less resistance and the degree of signal fading.
Combining all that has been written, we can conclude:
- to choose a quality USB cable, you need to check the compliance with the maximum length and AWG value;
- the inscription on the cable must read HIGH-SPEED 2.0;
- At least one end of the extension cord must have a ferrite keg;
- the cable length should be as short as possible.
