USB (Universal Serial Bus) is a connection standard used to connect various electronic devices such as computers, mobile phones, printers, cameras, hard disks, and others. USB enables quick and easy transfer of data and power between devices.
However, not all USB cables and connectors are the same. There are several types of USBs that differ in terms of shape, size, speed, and function. This article will explain the differences between  USB-A, USB-B, and USB-C, which are the three most common types of USB used today.
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USB-A: The Most Popular USB Connector
USB-A is the type of USB that we most often encounter around us. The USB-A connector is rectangular in shape with one end slightly curved. This connector is usually found on the side of computers, laptops, power banks, chargers, and other devices that function as a power source or host. USB-A connectors can accept many other types of USB cables, such as USB-B, USB-C, micro-USB, and mini-USB, provided they have the appropriate ends.
USB-A has several versions that differ in terms of data transfer speed and power. The first version of USB-A was USB 1.0, which was launched in 1996. USB 1.0 has a maximum data transfer rate of 12 Mbps (megabits per second) and a maximum power of 2.5 W (watts).
The second version is USB 2.0, which was launched in 2000. USB 2.0 has a maximum data transfer rate of 480 Mbps and a maximum power of 2.5 W. The third version is USB 3.0, which was launched in 2008. USB 3.0 has a maximum data transfer rate of 5 Gbps (gigabits per second) and a maximum power of 4.5 W.
The fourth version is USB 3.1, which was launched in 2013. USB 3.1 has a maximum data transfer rate of 10 Gbps and a maximum power of 15 W. The fifth version is USB 3.2, which was launched in 2017. USB 3.2 has a maximum data transfer rate of 20 Gbps and a maximum power of 15 W.
To distinguish between different USB-A versions, there are usually color markings or symbols inside the connector. USB 1.0 and USB 2.0 are typically black or white, USB 3.0 is blue, USB 3.1 is red or purple, and USB 3.2 is green. In addition, USB 3.0 and above also have the SS (SuperSpeed) symbol next to the USB logo.
USB-B: USB Connector for Peripheral Devices
USB-B is a type of USB that is usually used to connect peripheral devices such as printers, scanners, monitors, external hard disks, and others to a computer or laptop. The USB-B connector is square with one side cut off.
This connector is usually located on the side of the peripheral device that serves as a target device or controlled device. The USB-B connector can only accept USB cables that have USB-B or mini USB-B ends.
USB-B also has several versions that differ in terms of data transfer speed and power, which is in line with the USB-A version. The first version of USB-B was USB 1.0, which had a maximum data transfer rate of 12 Mbps and a maximum power of 2.5 W.
The second version is USB 2.0, which has a maximum data transfer speed of 480 Mbps and a maximum power of 2.5 W. The third version is USB 3.0, which has a maximum data transfer speed of 5 Gbps and a maximum power of 4.5 W. The fourth version is USB 3.1, which has a maximum data transfer speed of 10 Gbps and a maximum power of 15 W. The fifth version is USB 3.2, which has a maximum data transfer rate of 20 Gbps and a maximum power of 15 W.
To distinguish between different versions of USB-B, there is usually a color mark or symbol inside the connector, which is the same as USB-A. USB 1.0 and USB 2.0 are typically black or white, USB 3.0 is blue, USB 3.1 is red or purple, and USB 3.2 is green. In addition, USB 3.0 and above also have the SS (SuperSpeed) symbol next to the USB logo.
USB-C: Multifunctional and Reversible USB Connector
USB-C is the newest and most advanced type of USB today. The USB-C connector is oval with flat, symmetrical edges. This connector can be used to connect various types of devices, both as resources, hosts, targets, and controlled devices.
The USB-C connector can accept USB cables that have USB-C ends or other USB adapters, such as USB-A, USB-B, micro-USB, and mini-USB. The advantage of the USB-C connector is that it is reversible, which means that it can be inserted into the USB-C port in any position, regardless of direction.
USB-C also has several versions that differ in terms of data transfer speed and power, which is in line with the USB-A and USB-B versions. The first version of USB-C was USB 3.1, which had a maximum data transfer rate of 10 Gbps and a maximum power of 15 W.
The second version is USB 3.2, which has a maximum data transfer rate of 20 Gbps and a maximum power of 15 W. The third version is USB 4.0, which was launched in 2019. USB 4.0 has a maximum data transfer rate of 40 Gbps and a maximum power of 100 W. USB 4.0 also supports the Thunderbolt 3 protocol, which is a faster and more flexible connection standard than regular USB.
To distinguish between different versions of USB-C, there are usually color markings or symbols inside the connector, which are the same as USB-A and USB-B. USB 3.1 is red or purple, USB 3.2 is green, and USB 4.0 is blue. In addition, USB 3.0 and above also have the SS (SuperSpeed) symbol next to the USB logo.
Comparison Between USB-A, USB-B, and USB-C
After knowing the difference between USB-A, USB-B, and USB-C, we can compare the three types of USB in several aspects, such as compatibility, speed, power, and function. Here is a comparison table between USB-A, USB-B, and USB-C:
| Aspects | USB-A | USB-B | USB-C |
| Compatibility | Can be used for many other types of USB cables, as long as they have the appropriate end | Can only be used for USB cables that have USB-B or mini USB-B ends | Can be used for many other types of USB cables, either with a USB-C end or another USB adapter |
| Speed | Depending on the USB-A version, it ranges from 12 Mbps to 20 Gbps | Depending on the USB-B version, it ranges from 12 Mbps to 20 Gbps | Depending on the USB-C version, it ranges from 10 Gbps to 40 Gbps |
| Power | Depending on the USB-A version, it ranges from 2.5 W to 15 W | Depending on the USB-B version, it ranges from 2.5 W to 15 W | Depending on the USB-C version, it ranges from 15 W to 100 W |
| Function | It usually serves as a resource or host | It usually functions as a target device or a controlled device | Can function as a resource, host, target, or controlled device |
From the table above, we can see that USB-C has advantages compared to USB-A and USB-B in terms of compatibility, speed, power, and functionality. USB-C is the most multifunctional and reversible type of USB, which can connect different types of devices easily and quickly. USB-C also supports the Thunderbolt 3 protocol, which provides higher data transfer capabilities and power than regular USB.
Conclusion
USB is a connection standard used to connect various electronic devices. There are three types of USB that are most commonly used today, namely USB-A, USB-B, and USB-C. USB-A is the most popular USB connector, which is usually found on the side of computers, laptops, power banks, chargers, and other devices that function as a power source or host.
USB-B is a USB connector that is usually used to connect peripheral devices such as printers, scanners, monitors, external hard disks, etc. to a computer or laptop. USB-C is the newest and most advanced USB connector, which can be used to connect various types of devices, whether as a power source, host, target, or controlled device. USB-C also supports the Thunderbolt 3 protocol, which provides higher data transfer capabilities and power than regular USB.