A Guide to USB Connectivity

First I'll start with a quick rundown on what USB is. Then we can look at the different types of connectors and their uses. USB, or Universal Serial Bus has become the standard for serial interface connectivity among peripherals. Most all computers, regardless of brand, are sold with built-in USB ports now days.In the Apple/iMac world, USB replaced the Apple Desktop Bus,or ADB. In the world of PC, USB has quickly replaced the standard PS/2 Connection. While many computers still come with both, USB and PS/2, the PS/2 connectors are quickly being phased out as more systems are being built w/out PS/2 at all. Many laptops are now shipped without PS/2 connections. However, for those with an ample investment in PS/2 peripherals, (such as keyboards, mice, speakers, etc.) there is a large variety of adapters available. You will find pictures of different USB connections here: http://www.tca-inc.net/usbinfo.html With the uses of USB climbing through the roof, the number of different kinds of USB connections are climbing just as fast. Do you know the Difference from a USB A connector to a USB B? What about a mini B? Did you know there is both, USB Mini-B 4 pin AND a USB Mini-B 5 pin?Read on and study the pictures within for further help. USB A is the longest (or widest) of the USB connectors. It is also the single most common. Nine times out of 10, the USB A connector is the unit you'll find on your computer or laptop. The Uses of USB-A Type connectors are mostly serial. Your standard peripherals such as Keyboards, Mice, Digital Cameras, Speakers, Joysticks, and even many Printers now days. It's not the fastest connection, with a transfer rate up to about 12Mbps. USB B looks totally different from USB A. It is also used for serial applications like keyboards and mice. As well as digital cameras, Joysticks, speakers and printers. Transfer rates are the same, up to 12Mbps. When you look at B connectors compared to A, there is no comparison. The B connector is nowhere near as wide as the A, and is a bit taller. Three sides are straight, with one being slightly rounded. See the accompanying pictures for more help. USB Mini B 5 pin or Mini B 4 pin Connectors are your peripheral side connectors. These are typically attached to devices such as MP3 players and Digital cameras. The mini-B 5 pin being the most common. A large percentage of MP3 players and digital cameras use it as a default standard.