There are several types of USB connector types, including:
USB-A
This is the most common and widely used USB connector type. It is a rectangular-shaped connector that is often found on computers, laptops, and USB hubs.
USB-B
This connector type is often used for connecting devices like printers, scanners, and external hard drives to computers. It has a square shape with beveled corners.
Uses of USB Type A connector and USB Type B connector
The Type A is the traditional USB connector, one of the most commonly used USB connector before USB Type C was introduced, and was commonly found on devices that did not require cables such as thumb drives or flash drives, wireless mouse and keyboard adaptors. USB Type A is one of the most recognizable on devices with its flat rectangular shaped plug and receptacle.
USB Type B connectors and ports have a square shape with a square protrusion on top and are found on larger computer peripheral devices such as printers and scanners. While the Type B plug is found on one end of the cable, Type A connector always remained on the other end to plug into the computer.
USB-C Connector
This is a newer and more versatile USB connector type. It is reversible, meaning it can be plugged in either way, and it supports faster data transfer speeds and increased power delivery. USB-C connectors are commonly found on newer smartphones, laptops, and other devices.
Type C connectors support variety of USB protocols such as USB 4, USB3.1, USB3.0 and USB2.0. One of the key differences between Type C and the rest of USB interface types and one of the most popular feature of the USB type C, is that the connector and port are symmetrical which allows users to plug in without worrying about getting the correct orientation. The reversible design enables quick and easy connections, no matter which way the USB plug is inserted into the USB port. Having similar footprint to a Micro-USB connector has also propelled the Type C connector to be widely used in small handheld devices such as tablets, smartphones, hard disk drives, solid state drives and portable devices such as notebooks.
USB 4 brings about a new era of USB performance. To meet next generation devices requirements for significantly higher speed and higher data performance, USB 4 offers a major update in USB architecture which builds upon the existing USB 3.2 and 2.0 architectures and is based on the Thunderbol protocol specification.
Vistar’s range of USB Type C supports a variety of protocols such as USB2.0, USB 3.0, USB 3.1 and meet Superspeed communication of 10Gb/s, 5A and 20V power supply. Offered in vertical, right angle and straddle mount configurations and up to 10,000 mating cycles, the low profile and reversible product design makes USB Type C ideal for next generation product designs.
We also offers a range of waterproof Type C connectors with IPX4 to IPX8 performance and unique IP technology that ensures each part meets IP waterproof performance standards. Using a Type C interface, together with high speed transmission performance of up to 40Gb/s, power rating of 100W and up to 10,000 mating cycles, it is a connector designed for high performance, high durability and better user experience.
Micro-USB
This connector type is smaller than USB-A and USB-B and is commonly used for charging smartphones, tablets, and other portable devices. It is often found on older devices and is gradually being replaced by USB-C.
Mini-USB
This connector type is smaller than USB-A and USB-B but larger than micro-USB. It was commonly used in older devices like digital cameras, MP3 players, and older smartphones.
Lightning
This connector type is proprietary to Apple devices and is used for charging and data transfer. It is primarily found on iPhones, iPads, and iPods.
These are the most common USB connector types, but there are other variations and proprietary connectors used by specific manufacturers or devices as well.
