We explain what USB is and what this universal connection method is for. In addition, its various standards and types of connectors.
What is USB?
In computing, the terms USB (acronym for Universal Serial Busi.e. Universal Serial Bus) or BUS refer to a standard for electrical and data connection and transmission between computers, peripheral devices and other electronic devices.
This system consists of a communications bus guided by protocols, cables and universal serial connectors, which emerged as a way to universalize the connection of devices to different computer models.
It is worth clarifying that a bus, in computer architecture, refers to a digital data transmission system between computers and their components, manufactured on a printed circuit with resistors and capacitors and commonly used in today's computing.
USB emerged in 1996 in its version 1.0 as an initiative by Intel, Microsoft, IBM, Compaq, DEC, NEC and Nortel, then incompatible with each other, to standardize the connection ports of their products.
Two years later, the 1.1 specification was already in widespread use, and since then its use became the standard, replacing connectors such as the serial port parallel port, game port, among others.
Currently, most peripherals use USB connectors: pointers, flash drives, keyboards, joysticks, scanners, cameras, speakers, cell phones, etc.
This offers endless advantages, beyond extreme compatibility: peripherals can be connected at any time and be recognized instantly, it allows the joint transmission of data and electricity, and also Allows transmission speeds up to 1250 Mbps (in its current standard).
See also: Output devices
What is USB for?
In principle, USB plays an important role in today's hypercomputerized world: serving as universal connection method thus eliminating the need for adapter devices, to meet the connector types of a peripheral, and even allowing the rapid transit of information between different types of electronic system.
Additionally, the USB allows you to charge the battery of electronic devices connecting them to a computer, whether or not it is in turn connected to an electrical line.
USB standards
Is called USB standard to the type of connector intended for these functions, which has evolved over time, increasing its capabilities and adapting to the needs of new computer hardware. The standards to date are:
- Standard 1.0 The initial, low-speed model that failed to become popular the year it was launched. In its full version (1.1) it offers a transfer rate of up to 1.5 mbps.
- Standard 2.0 Called high-speed, they increased the transfer rate to 480 mbps, using two pairs of cable lines: two for electricity and two for data.
- Standard 3.0 Considered super high speed, it allows reaching 600 Mbps, since it includes five additional contacts, discarding traditional fiber optics even though it will be compatible with previous standards. Its most updated version (3.2) was announced in July 2017 and is expected to reach much higher speeds in 2019.
USB connectors
Within the same USB standard, various types and sizes of connectors, that is, cable terminations, are contemplated. Some of its characteristics, however, vary, with the purpose of varying the polarity and avoiding electrical overloads.
- Type A The most common arrangement, present in removable memory units (flash), is usually medium-sized, flat, and is common in concentrators (hubs) and many peripherals.
- Type B Square and elongated in shape, they are usually used for large devices, such as printers or scanners.
- Mini-USB. Often used in digital cameras and other devices, it almost always consists of a type B connector.
- Micro-USB. Present on most smartphones, in its 1.1/2.0 and 3.0 variants, it is the smallest version that exists.
