Usb abbreviation decryption. USB types and standards. Micro USB construction and maintenance

The rapid development of computer technology affects not only the basic components of systems. The possibilities are increasing, including different interfaces. As for the most common connection method peripherals, - USB, - here, in general, we can state a multiple increase in productivity in recent years. Universal Serial Bus bandwidth increases and functionality expands. The connectors used to connect a variety of USB devices are also subject to changes. Today many people hear about USB, what are the advantages and disadvantages of the solution - the topic of this article.

Modern computer connectors

Glancing around the case of almost any laptop, you can find a number of different ports located on the sides. Among them, USB is always present, almost always HDMI and some others. Modern models are often equipped with the latest USB Type-C port. What this connector is, many do not know, but it would be worthwhile to familiarize yourself with the port's capabilities. Presumably, the connector will replace many other solutions in the future and become a truly universal standard. This is facilitated by the technical characteristics of the new way of pairing the computer and peripherals. USB Type-C port offers users increased speed data exchange, improved functionality, and new level ease of use. In short, the future of the standard looks very promising.

Many applications of one cable

The creators of USB Type-C used a very simple idea in developing the standard. The user must have a single type of cable, and his computer equipment is equipped with one type of port. Anything can be connected by using a unified interface. For example, using a USB Type-C cable, you can connect essentially different devices, such as hard drives, monitors, audio interfaces, smartphones, and tablet PCs. Among other things, it becomes possible to use the connector in question even for charging a laptop.

USB-A

Today, almost all peripheral devices are connected to a PC via the familiar USB-A connector. This port has firmly entered the computer world, it has a familiar rectangular shape, and its use has become almost a standard for interfacing with PCs and laptops flash drives, external keyboards, mice, hard drives, printers and many other devices. This monopoly is likely to be broken soon - the USB Type-C cable is already taking its rightful place among the solutions used to connect a variety of devices.

Change of concept

Various cables are used to connect devices to the long-standing standard USB-A port. The main difference between them is the connector located on the opposite side of the cable that connects to the computer. This is almost always a different type of connector. For example, micro-USB is used for smartphones, mini-USB is often used for other gadgets. You need a USB-B cable to connect your printer, and a micro-USB-B cable to connect storage devices. This variety causes some inconvenience and complications, because a user who owns several devices always needs to have a whole set of cables at hand. Designed to be the same for all devices, that is, the universal USB Type-C cable simplifies this situation many times over.

New format

With the development of the standard, it became possible to establish a single connector design for all devices, as well as the same connector on both ends of the cable. How to understand, picking up a USB Type-C cable, what exactly is it? The solution is a slim, oval-shaped connector that is significantly smaller than previous cable and connector formats of this type. In addition, USB 3 Type-C received essential characteristicrepresented by symmetry and reversibility. In general, it is very similar to Apple's Lightning solution - very convenient, because you do not need to spend time manipulating the cable to find the right way connections.

Future

Probably, today it can be argued that after a certain time, the USB Type-C connector will turn into the only universal port for all peripheral devices. Thus, there will be a replacement for USB-A, B, micro-USB and mini, which complicate the life of ordinary users today. All cables should be the same and be usable for any device. Of course, quick unification will not happen, too many workable devices with connectors other than USB Type-C are used today and will be in operation for several more years.

However, do not forget: the expansion of new solutions has already begun. For instance, uSB flash drive Type-C is no longer a rarity on the shelves of computer stores. In addition, the fact that flagship devices are released from the most famous brands equipped with the port in question suggests that the described situation, that is, the expulsion of outdated connectors from the market will sooner or later come. For compatibility with old solutions, you will have to use a USB Type-C adapter for now.

Compatibility

After reading the above, you can think about what to do with already purchased devices equipped with connector types other than USB Type-C. It must be said that this issue should not cause much concern. A wide variety of adapters have already been developed, produced and sold, allowing you to connect any device with a USB connector, regardless of its type. Adapters such as mini-USB - Type-C, micro-USB - Type-C and others are already widespread and perform their functions perfectly. The principle of security, which has been applied in computer technology for many years, is not going to be violated. If there is a USB Type-C port in a new laptop or computer, an adapter for other types of connector is a completely applicable and effective solution.

Learn more about the benefits of the connector

Of course, a simple design revision to which the connector and port have undergone will not be a weighty reason for encouraging the user to upgrade all the peripherals he has, but performance is far from the only advantage of the new solution. The new format supports the most modern USB 3.1 protocol, which carries an increase in the speed of data exchange and greater versatility in comparison with previous versionsused on USB-A equipped devices.

Speed

More than two decades have passed since the presentation of the first version of the connector. At that time, the maximum data transfer rate was 12 Mb / s. Today it can be argued, considering USBType-C, that this is the fastest interface for connecting peripheral devices from existing solutions... The USB 3.1 standard is capable of providing a data transfer rate of 10 Gb / s.

Performance

The additional advantages of the standard under consideration, of course, should include the performance represented by the ability to provide power transmission up to 100 watts. This figure is enough to power almost any laptop, not to mention smartphones, tablets and other gadgets. In addition to energy, the new format supports the transfer of a huge amount of data per unit of time. For example, today, a video signal in 4K resolution is successfully transmitted via USB Type-C.

Versatility

Universal nature the latest standard a wide range of practical applications opens up. Mass useful functions can be provided with a single cable. For example, you can connect equipped USB-C laptop to an externally powered monitor and charge the laptop battery while watching video content. When storage devices are connected to the display, such as external drive, from a laptop you can access the information stored on the media.

Disadvantages of USB Type-C

This connector is a brilliant new format, no doubt claiming to be a ubiquitous solution in the very near future. At the same time, the initial stages of distribution and development, at which the standard is still at the moment, do not provide a complete absence of dangers, as well as some confusion when using the connector.

Cheap accessories

The main problem that a user who decides to join modern trends may face is cheap, low-quality accessories and cables. Due to the large amount of power transmitted through the USB Type-C connectors, using inadequate cables can damage the paired devices. This factor must be taken into account by users without fail. When buying cables and adapters, you should choose products from reliable trusted brands.

Confusion in standards

Another embarrassing moment to face uSB users Type-C today is caused by the fact that the standard in question refers more to the type of connector used than to the specifications of the interface itself. Therefore, it is quite possible that a device connected to a new connector will not work as fast as the owner of the device expected. The first generation uses USB 3.0 technology and delivers a maximum speed of 5 Gb / s. The second generation USB-C supports the 3.1 standard, through which the data transfer speed reaches 10 Gb / s. Problems with each of the ports arise due to the fact that they look the same, but in the production of ready-made solutions, brands use different components even in the lines similar models... In other words, before buying a device with a USB Type-C connector, you need to check the compliance with real technical characteristics port to the required indicators.

This material is suitable for beginners and professionals. Some people are often worried about how to determine the type of USB port. This is especially difficult when all ports in a laptop are marked in black, although the specifications say that USB 3.0 and 2.0 are present. The truth is not written from which side.

This article will not only help you identify USB 3.0, but also try to distinguish a fake. The article will be short, but it will fully help you figure out what's what.

Define the type of USB port using Windows

Now I'll try to show everything programmatically, and then let's look at the ports themselves. Most of you know that USB ports have versions 1.0 , 2.0 and 3.0 ... There is already version 3.1, but it doesn't matter. To determine the type of USB port, you need to go to the Device Manager. In Windows 10, click right click mouse on the start menu and select the appropriate item (or press the combination Win + X and do the same).

As soon as the window has opened, we look for the tab « USB controllers» and open it. There we can see a lot of drivers for USB ports. If one of the devices contains the word "XHCI", then this is USB 3.0, everything else refers to USB 2.0.

Easy? Then let's move on to the next version of the definition.

How to determine the type of USB port by its appearance?

Let's start with the very first version - USB 1.0, now this option is practically not used in laptops, but it takes place in some mice and other devices. It looks like this:white port with 4 contacts - this is USB 1.0.

USB 2.0 usually painted black and also has 4 contacts inside. The second type is compatible with USB 1.0, but differs only in bandwidth. The second type is faster.

AT this example we examined a USB flash drive, but what does the connector look like, for example, in a laptop?This is how it looks:

Almost no different. An important point - some manufacturers can paint the same USB 2.0 in a different color, for example, orange. Of course, this does not affect the performance of the interface in any way.

USB 3.0 looks like blue port and has 9 contacts... Four are in front, the other five are behind. Take a closer look. Those at the back are slightly raised. If the material is blue, then it's definitely USB 3.0. Also, on some computers near the connector you can see the inscription "SS", which indicates the maximum data transfer rate (Super Speed).

I would like to note that USB 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0 are compatible with each other, so you can safely use them as you like. For example, insert a USB 2.0 connector into 3.0, although the speed here will be at the level of 2.0.

So, to summarize, now I will once again describe the features of USB ports:

USB 1.0

• White material;
• Has 4 contacts.

USB 2.0

• Made of black or blue material. Depending on the preferences of the developers, it can be any other color;
• Has 4 contacts.

USB 3.0

• The material is almost always blue, but black is also found;
• Always 9 contacts - 4 in front and 5 behind.

That's all I wanted to tell you about determining the type of USB ports.

In every computer and other similar devices, the USB connector is the most popular. With the help of yusb wire, it became possible to connect more than 100 units of serially connected devices. These buses allow you to connect and disconnect any devices, even while a personal computer is running. Almost all devices can be charged through this connector, so there is no need to use additional blocks nutrition. USB pinout by color helps to determine exactly what type of device this or that bus belongs to.

USB device and purpose

The first ports of this type appeared in the nineties of the last century. After a while, these connectors were updated to the USB 2.0 model. The speed of their work has increased more than 40 times. Currently, computers have appeared new interface USB 3.0 with speeds 10 times faster than the previous version.

There are other types of connectors of this type, known as micro and mini USB, used in modern phones, smartphones, and tablets. Each bus has its own or pinout. It may be required if you need to make an adapter with your own hands from one type of connector to another. Knowing all the subtleties of the location of the wires, you can even make a charger for a mobile phone. Note, however, that the device may be damaged if connected incorrectly.

The USB 2.0 connector is designed as a flat connector with four pins. Depending on the purpose, it is labeled as AF (BF) and AM (BM), which corresponds to the common name "mom" and "dad". Mini and micro devices have the same markings. They differ from conventional buses by five contacts. USB device 3.0 outwardly resembles the 2.0 model, except for the internal design, which already has nine pins.

Pinout-wiring of USB 2.0 and 3.0 connectors

The pinouts for the USB 2.0 model are in the following order:

1. The conductor is red, to which the DC voltage is supplied with a value of + 5V.
2. White conductor used to transfer information data. It is identified by the “D-” mark.
3. The conductor is colored green. It also transfers information. It is marked as "D +".
4. The conductor is black. Zero supply voltage is applied to it. It is called its general wire and is designated by its own label in the form of an inverted T.

The wire routing in the 3.0 is completely different. The first four contacting wires fully match the USB 2.0 connector.

The main difference between USB 3.0 is the following wires:

• Conductor # 5 is blue. Information with a negative value is transmitted along it.
• Conductor No. 6 is yellow, just like the previous contact, is designed to transmit information that has a positive value.
• Conductor # 7 is used as an additional ground.
• Conductor # 8 is purple and conductor # 9 is orange. They perform the function of receiving data, respectively, with negative and positive values.

Wiring-pinout of micro- and mini-USB connectors

Micro-USB connectors are most commonly used in tablets and smartphones. The pinout of micro usb differs from standard buses in much smaller size and the presence of five pins. They are labeled as micro-AF (BF) and micro-AM (BM), which correspond to "mom" and "dad".

The micro-USB is wired in the following order:

• Contact No. 1 is red. Voltage is supplied through it.
• Contacts # 2 and # 3 white and green are used for transmission.
• Contact No. 4 lilac performs special functions in selected tire models.
• Black pin No. 5 is a neutral wire.

The pinout of the mini USB connector by color is carried out in the same way as in the micro USB connectors.

Today it is impossible to imagine that when asked what is USB, one of the people will answer that he does not know. The respondent, for sure, will immediately begin to tell that this is a type of wire with which you can connect a computer and some other device.

This is partly the case, but few people know that this is not just a type of wires, but above all a data transmission standard. In this article, we will talk about all this in detail, and pay special attention to the last type of data wires - micro usb cable.

So what is USB?

This abbreviation stands for Universal Serial Bus, which translates as universal serial bus... In fact, it is a way of connecting and transferring data between various electronic devices, including dependent ones, such as all kinds of manipulators for a PC.

What prompted the creation of a single standard

These developments were initiated by such monsters of the electronics industry and softwarelike Microsoft, Intel, Phillips, NEC, IBM and many more. It was conceived as an open standard that absolutely any equipment manufacturer could use in their developments.

Versatility has become the guiding principle of the USB standard. In the future, the developers assumed that it would be able to replace all the narrow-profile PC connectors that existed at that time, which would allow the devices to be more communicative.

And more importantly, it spurred manufacturers to create new original devices and modules:

• An important advantage of USB is the presence of a 5 Volt power line... This opened up the prospect that future devices could get rid of the connection to an external power source.
• The general standard, and ease of installation eliminated the need to write separate drivers for the device (software for the normal operation of the device), as well as the creation of specific boards.
• To the next plus of this standard can be safely attributed new opportunity network connection devices... The specificity of the connection is arranged in such a way that one connector can perform the function of a hub (splitter)

Advice! In practice, the latter plus can be used when connecting several devices to one jack, or, for example, connecting one camera to several printers at once.

USB versions

There are three versions of USB cables available today.

Let's list them in the order of appearance:

• The first to appear was USB version 1.1. It was used mainly for connecting peripheral devices. Today it can only be found on old motherboards, since it is poorly suited for data transmission (the throughput of the connector is 12 Mbit / s), which is why the device developers refused to use it.
• Next comes USB 2.0 - despite the presence of a faster connector, which we will consider next, it still remains the most popular on the market. The reason for this is the low production cost and high data transfer rate (up to 480 Mbps). This speed is more than enough for most electronic devices.
• Well, the last, fastest connector is USB 3.0... Able to provide data transfer at speeds up to 5 Gbps, which is more than enough for the most fast devices... Mainly used for connection external storage (portable hard drives).

Please note that almost all modern laptops and motherboards for desktop computers (except for the most budgetary ones, whose price does not imply high powers), there are both types of USB connectors at once.

Attention! USB 2.0 is used to connect a mouse and an external keyboard, and 3.0 is already used to connect when transferring information from a carrier.

Advice! Remember that the baud rate depends not only on the type of connector, but also on the type of device connected to it. So if you install a 2.0 flash drive in uSB connector 3.0, then don't expect the speed to increase. It will remain at the level of the slowest element in the chain.

Types of USB connectors

USB generation numbers are not the only criteria by which jacks and plugs differ. Despite the fact that the standard is generally accepted, some devices require separate types of connectors that differ in shape and size.

Having considered the photo above, you can safely argue that the general standard is not so general. Yes, there are a lot of types and forms, but in fact this diversity is justified.

First, there must be a mating socket for each plug. Secondly, each connector has its own specific advantage over the others, which allows it to be used with a specific technique.

Let's list them:

• USB 2.0 type "A" Is the most popular computer connector, developed back in the mid-90s. It has a very robust design that allows a large number of connections and disconnections, without the risk of damage to both the jack and the plug. That is why, until now, it is the standard for connecting computer peripherals, such as mice, keyboards, webcams, flash drives, and more.
• USB 2.0 type "B" - This is the first miniature version for this standard, which, unlike the others, has a square shape. Despite its reduced size, it is still quite large, which greatly limited its scope. This connector is most widely used in large office equipment (printers, scanners, etc.).
• Mini USB 2.0V - the constant reduction in the size of electronics, required the market to introduce new, more compact connectors. As a result, type "B" received a new round of development, and appeared in a new, smaller version. Thanks to the ubiquity of external hard drives and pocket computers, this connector has been able to conquer its niche. But after a short time, due to low reliability, manufacturers began to abandon it.

There is also a mini USB 2.0 A - this connector has the same characteristics as the previous one, and the whole difference lies in the shape of the plugs. Today, it is practically not used anywhere.

The abandonment of mini USB did not mean a return to its own standards at all, since a new connector came in its place. Micro USB 2.0 V cable - this connector, in fact, is not much different from the previous one, but it has received an even smaller size and a more durable design.

New redesigned plug mount prevents the plug from loosening and falling out of the socket. All this made the usb micro cable ideal for installation in any modern gadgets.

In early 2011, the USB micro cable was adopted as a universal charger for the vast majority of mobile phones, tablets and other compact devices. As mentioned above, after 2.0 came a faster version of USB - 3.0. He also received changes to adapt it to miniature technology.

Due to its large dimensions, the types of cable "A" did not receive external changes, except for the color of the core, both the socket and the plug - it turned blue instead of black. Thanks to this, it was possible to achieve full compatibility with the previous generation.

Adapter micro usb B - A

The rest of the variants had to be placed in new cases, which, however, retained similar features. That is, despite the external similarity, these types of connectors are not compatible with each other, but you always have the opportunity to purchase adapters for any of the connectors.

USB micro cable type "B" and USB type "A"

Micro USB 3.0 is mainly applied in high-speed SSD drives and external hard drives... The data transfer speed of such a connection allows you to fully reveal their capabilities.

Everything would be fine, but nevertheless, the width of this connector is practically equal to type “A”, which could not suit many manufacturers, especially expensive, powerful equipment. As a result, recently users have seen a new type of connection - "C".

In fact, this is still the same USB standard, but with a new pinout. It is close to micro USB in size, but it has an oval shape.

Micro USB construction and maintenance

We would like to pay more attention to the most common variant of this connector. Let's take a look at all the variations this device, and find out all its properties.

Cable device

A standard USB 2.0 cable has four wires inside. All the main difference lies in the device of the wire end switches, which can vary depending on the purpose. specific model and its manufacturer.

The manufacturer can lay in the design features a certain length of the wire, its thickness, the presence of a shielding braid, ferrite filters, additional veins and the type of braid material. Basically, it is from these factors that the cost of one or another cable is determined.

A combination of absolutely any limit switches is possible on such cables. More often, there are models on which micro USB of type "B" has a return output to USB 2.0 A, which is used to connect gadgets to a personal computer.

Also, there are often transitions to limit switches of the USB 2.0 A OTG type (that is, mother), which in fact are adapters from one type of media to another. With it, you can easily connect an ordinary USB flash drive to your smartphone.

It is very rare to find cable variations designed to carry power and certain data.

So, USB wires have four current-carrying cores, but not all limit switches have the same number of legs. So, for example, USB 2.0 A has 4 pins, and micro and mini USB have five pins, one of which is not used or tied to ground (GND). This is done in order to provide the ability to work with OTG.

This number of wires and contacts is also due to the fact that USB cables, in addition to charging functions, also serve to synchronize mobile equipment.

Let's take a look at the name of all wires and their purpose. To better navigate, you can refer to the diagram above, and do not forget to carefully monitor the location of the contacts relative to the case.

• Red (red) VBUS - positive terminal, +5 Volts DC, relative to GND;
• White (white) D- (Data-) and Green (green) D + (Data +) - these are two wires designed to transfer data between connected devices;
• ID - not used in "B" connectors or shorted to ground;
• Black is ground (GND)

Attention! Some cable models contain bare wire or shield. These wire elements are not marked on the diagram.

Micro USB repair

Of course, more compact equipment has become much lighter, but due to its small dimensions, its maintenance has become much more complicated. In fact, with each breakdown, the user is forced to contact a specialized service centerwithout being able to make repairs yourself.

That's human nature, which sometimes tends to save money once again. Do not try to repair small electronics with your own hands, as without the appropriate tools and experience, you are unlikely to succeed. In this case, it will not even save detailed instructions, therefore, if you do not want to bring your favorite phone or tablet to the state as in the photo above, leave this concern to professionals.

But if you are one of those people who never give up and are ready to take the risk, then here are some tips that can come in handy during diagnostics and repairs.

• The least susceptible to wear is the power terminals, which are spaced around the edges of the connector.
• The leg that breaks out of the contact pad more often than the others is located next to the minus. This is the contact that is not involved.
• In the event of such a breakdown, the device will not be charged, although the system may well determine that the power supply is connected.
• The remaining central contacts are responsible for data transfer, and work in conjunction at the same time. Therefore, if at least one of them fails, synchronization will be impossible.

Now, knowing the functions of each leg, you can easily determine which one is broken, and where to look for the problem. All that is required of you is to restore contact by soldering. But if the damage to the contact is inside the connector itself, and not at the junction with the board, then you will definitely need to replace the entire connector with a new one of the same type.

And here is another difficulty. Despite the fact that the socket itself has one standard, its reverse part, which is soldered to the board, may differ not even from a specific manufacturer of equipment, but from model to model different devices... Therefore, it is very important to find exactly the one that was installed in your earlier, otherwise it will not be possible to fix the equipment.

What are the dangers of self-repair, if the master mixed up the contacts, or inaccurately soldered the elements:

• The worst trouble will arise if you confuse the power contacts. Due to the fact that a direct current flows through this cable, short circuit, because of which, the device may completely fail.
• The device will see the cord, but no power will flow through it.
• Accordingly, on the contrary - power is supplied, but synchronization is impossible.
• In cases of overheating of the board with a soldering iron, the power controller may fail, due to which the tablet will be charged only in the off state.
• Intermittent charging or data failures that require reconnection to function properly.
• Well, and finally, cold soldering, when the solder is melted with an insufficiently heated soldering iron, which will quickly return the problem.

This seems to be all, but who knows what can happen in the process. Therefore, we repeat, and say that if you still want to use your gadget, do not risk it and take it to a specialist. Plus, minor repairs such as replacing a USB socket will cost you much less than replacing the entire device if it fails.

Let's summarize

Although the micro USB cable has been adopted as a standard by many compact electronics manufacturers, there are still companies who do not want to join the trend. These firms include Apple, Samsung (some smartphones), Nikon, Acer and others, which, first of all, creates inconvenience for the owners of this technology.

We express our desire that soon all such manufacturers will come to their senses, and the number of wires for consumers will be seriously reduced.

Mini USB is already losing its position in the market, and it is being replaced by its analog - Micro USB. Key feature Micro USB lies in its compact form. At the same time, Micro USB is capable of providing no less speed of data transfer from one media to another. Unlike Mini USB, the new version takes up much less space on the PCB (about half as much). It is believed that this particular parameter is fundamental when designing small gadgets, such as: mobile phones, digital cameras, pocket personal computers, players, etc.

The main differences between Micro USB and Mini USB

Micro USB has a compact form of a USB 2.0 plug. It is this improved form of USB that has been around since 2011. It is he who is used to charge and transfer data of each new mobile device... This is primarily due to the fact that modern manufacturers of gadgets and other small devices came to the conclusion that a huge number of very different connectors for charging and data transfer are impractical. Thus, it turns out that every new device, be it a phone, tablet or something else, has a standard connector - Micro USB.

As mentioned above - Micro USB differs from its predecessor primarily in its small size. In addition, it is several times stronger than the previous USB version. The thing is, it is coated with stainless steel and also supports the USB On-the-Go specification. The peculiarity of this specification is that it provides data exchange between two end devices without any additional equipment (computer, laptop, etc.).

The Micro USB connector itself has three types of plug, these are: Micro A, Micro AB and Micro B. The difference between them, as you might guess, lies in the size of the plug, plugs and sockets. This is where the main differences end. The Micro USB cable itself has four conductors. Two of them play the role of transmission, data exchange, and the other two - for power supply, with a voltage of up to 5 volts (that is, for charging the device). As for the visual component, Micro USB on one side has a Micro A, Micro AB or Micro B plug, and on the other end a regular USB input for connecting to charger, personal computer, etc.