USB stands for Universal Serial Bus. It is a device that enables communication between any device(like a hard disk, a mobile phone, a memory card, etc.) and a host device such as a PC(computer).
What is a USB?
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Universal Serial Bus or USB is a term to define cables and connectors used for communication and power supply between computers and electronic devices. These connectors come in handy when we have to connect a computer to any other electronic system.
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USB is mainly used for transferring data and power supply between multiple devices such as printers, digital cameras, keyboards, scanners, external hard drives, etc. USB also significantly reduces power usage which is beneficial for storing data.
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USB has replaced a wide range of interfaces like the serial and parallel port as it used for many devices. Both wireless and wired versions of the USB standard exist but only the wired ones include USB ports and cables.
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Many USB cables can also be connected to each other using a USB hub. A USB hub connects to one USB port and contains extra ports to allow additional devices to connect to it.
What is the history of USB ports?
USB ports were originally developed and introduces as a replacement to a variety of serial and parallel ports in 1996. It is a method of setting up communication between a computer and other devices.
What are the various USB types?
There are several USB types, we have listed all of them below:
USB-A (TYPE A)
This type of USB is most commonly used with computers and power outlets. These are inserted in the port in only one way. Type A can be used to connect many devices such as computers, laptops, digital cameras.
Type A is mainly used to charge devices and to transfer data between devices.
USB-B
These ports are mostly used to connect printers or any other external devices with a computer. They are not a very commonly used type of USB.
Mini-USB
This is a much smaller in size. This USB is used with digital cameras and computer peripherals.
In a mini USB, one end is an extremely small quadrilateral hub and the other head is a standard flat head USB end. Mini USB has two major advantages - waterproof ability and portability.
Micro-USB
This USB model was launched to replace the mini USBs. It was launched in 2007. Micro USB also will only go into the port the correct way around.
USB-C
USB-C is the most recent USB development. USB C comes with the latest most modern Android devices too and now with iPhones too.
It is a relatively new type of connector. USB-C allows high-speed data transfer and a very strong power flow. This type of USB is reversible and can be plugged both ways in a device.
USB-3
They were designed to be backward compatible with earlier versions of the USB and ports. They have different-shaped connector pins and can withstand more frequent use. USB 3 micro cable has extra pins to allow more data transfer.
Where are the USB ports in different computers?
All modern-day computers have at least one USB port.
1. Laptop computer
The laptop computer may contain 1-4 ports on either side or on the back of the laptop.
2. Desktop Computer
A desktop computer has usually 2-4 USB ports in the front and 2-8 USB ports at the back of the CPU unit.
3. Tablet computer
On this device, a charging port and USB port are common. It is usually a micro USB and sometimes a USB-C.
4. Smartphone
Similar to a tablet a smartphone also has a common charging and USB port. It could be micro or USB-C.
What are the alternatives to a USB port?
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USB was the replacement for serial and parallel ports found on older PCs. USB ports are much more efficient. They support a much faster transfer of data than serial or parallel ports.
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Firewire ports were also used for some computers. Firewire can provide faster performance than USB but does not allow the supply of power across the wire.
What are the various USB Transfer Speeds?
USB 1.0
It can support up to 127 peripheral devices and a data transfer rate of around 12 Mbps.
USB 2.0
It is a very high-speed USB. It can handle a transfer rate of 60 megabytes per second or up to 480 Mbps.
USB 3.1
It is the latest version in the USB development that was made available till 31 July 2013. It is also known as super-speed USB. It can handle rates up to 10 Gbps.
USB 3.0 and 3.2 are used by many devices to improve their speed and performance. USB3.1 is used by many modern-day devices.
Conclusion:
The above article tells us everything you need to know about USB. The articles cover everything such as what is USB and its full form, its history, various types of USB, where are the USB ports in different computers, and what are the various USB transfer speeds.
