USB has had several different form specifications for its connectors. Originally, there were just two USB types, USB-A and USB-B. Now, USB-C is joining the game and now changing everything.
USB-A
USB-A is the most commonly known USB type. The odds are you have plenty of USB-A connectors at home and you’re quite familiar with the way the look. It’s the cable with that one wider end. Only one, as the connector is not rotationally symmetrical and both ends are different, corresponding to a different type of port.
USB-B
Just like USB-A, it’s the original designation for the two ends of a non-symmetrical cable. The differing form of USB-A and USB-B helps to enforce the mono-directional aspect of these iterations of USB. Data flow is bi-directional, but power may only flow from the host to the peripheral or receptor end and, therefore, the cable can only be connected in one way.
Furthermore, there are mini and micro versions of both USB-A and USB-B, which causes confusion because users need various different cables for basic use cases and may find it difficult to plug devices in for the first time. Or the second.
USB-C
USB-C simplifies all things considered (we’ll explain that even more in depth later on). For starters, it’s fully reversible, so no matter what side you grab to plug, it’s all the same. Then, its bi-directional power capabilities allow for the power flow in both directions, having devices charge each other and power larger displays. Also, USB-C has better data rates which can drive high-resolution monitors. This point is a boon for all digital artists needing pristine sound and image production. Or anyone who seeks a plug-and-play connection for that matter. Besides, productivity and remaining in the workflow are also heavily dependent on having enough screen space, and USB-C provides just that. Work aside, USB-C monitors bring forth a high-quality home cinema experience.
The improvements are many, and we’re living in exciting times to see how USB-C can simplify our lives and work.
What Is USB Used For?
USB was originally designed for computer peripherals: keyboards, mice, external disk drives, printers, scanners, cameras, and the like. However, mobile phones and tablets are among the most commonly connected devices using USB and flash drives since their earliest iterations. In addition, more recently, USB has become a versatile connector for audio and video devices like speakers, microphones, monitors, and webcams.
USB’s dual charging and data transmission capabilities mean that it can also be used solely for charging. USB ports on main sockets, adapters, and extension leads are now commonly seen for quick charging of mobile devices.
How Has USB Improved Over the Years?
USB currently has four major versions and three types. The version increments, from USB 1.0 through USB4, primarily mark speed increases. For example, the original USB 1.0 had a data rate of 1.5 megabits per second at a slow rate, increasing to 12 megabits per second at full speed. The data rate has improved significantly over the years, with USB 3.2 offering 20 gigabits per second. The most recent USB4 specification, released in 2019, will provide an impressive 40 gigabits per second when fully implemented through USB-C cables.
Since USB 3.1, which coincides with the introduction of USB-C, improvements have included the directionality of the cable. Previous iterations required specific ends for host and peripheral, whereas USB 3.1 introduced bi-directionality to match the bi-directional connector form of USB-C.
USB-A has a thin, rectangular cross-section and is generally used for the host end of the connection. Thus, USB-A ports may be found on laptops, desktops, media players, or game consoles. The original USB-B has a square cross-section with beveled top corners and attaches to peripherals like printers or external hard drives.
Miniaturized versions of USB-A and USB-B appeared with USB 2.0. These come in mini and micro versions and are more convenient for connecting small devices like mobiles and tablets. However, an issue with both the original, mini, and micro versions of USB-A and B is that the connectors are not rotationally symmetrical. This can lead to difficulty connecting as it may not always be obvious from the plastic housing which side is which.
What Improvements Does USB-C Bring?
One of the advantages of the USB-C standard over its forebears is its support for the much higher data rates of USB 3.2 and above, but there are more features. First, USB-C is fully bi-directional. At the simplest level, this means that both ends of the cable are physically the same, so there is no distinction between host and receptor.
USB-C also does away with the variety of previous sizes found for both USB-A and USB-C. It is only slightly larger than the previous micro-B connector, meaning that it is suitable for various devices, from small mobiles and tablets to larger visual displays. This simplicity means USB-C cables are highly interchangeable, so users can store fewer cables. Of course, laptop and desktop ports can also be simplified.
USB-C’s reversibility entails bi-directional charging, meaning that, in principle, at least, it’s possible to charge any device from any other. Not only is the directionality a problem for older USB cables, but they also don’t support the same level of charging. However, USB-C now supports enough power for a laptop and other larger devices. While USB-A could only support up to 2.5 watts and 5 volts, USB-C now supports 100 watts and 20 volts easily enough for larger devices.
The practical benefits of this include pass-through charging; effectively a USB hub that powers laptops, and also charges other devices simultaneously. Additionally, laptops can be powered by portable USB-C chargers, allowing greater flexibility when on the move.
One of the bugbears of USB-A, the lack of rotational symmetry of the connector, is fully resolved in USB-C. That is, there’s no top or bottom – you can rotate the plug both ways. That means no more fumbling around trying to get the connecter the right way around since it works both ways. Anyone who has ever had trouble trying to plug in a USB device will appreciate the value of this.
USB-C can be used to replace a variety of other connectors. Older USB-A, mini-USB, and micro-B connectors are obvious candidates. Still, because of USB-C’s data transfer rates and power capacities, it can also connect more significant devices like high-resolution interactive visual displays. For example, USB-C supports 8K resolutions with 10-bit color and is a fine replacement for HDMI.
Are There Any Downsides to USB-C?
USB-C is relatively new, so there have been some issues. Some early users complained that the standard is trying to do too much for all devices; an inevitable risk of bringing a universal solution into a complicated ecosystem. Since USB-C is a standard, actual implementations may vary, and they may not support all modes of operation.
However, these teething problems are no longer common. The tech community is always keen to embrace the future, and work has been done to resolve initial issues. Its prevalence indicates confidence in USB-C. It is now standard on many devices from major manufacturers like Microsoft and Intel. In fact, the European Union has proposed to have all electronic devices only fit USB-C to reduce e-waste and increase convenience. It’s only a matter of time before USB-C will be the standard.
Final Thoughts
USB-C is a forward-looking technology. It includes support for developing communication protocols that don’t exist yet, so there is room for progress. USB-C, USB-B, and USB-A differences may seem confusing, but USB-C is a huge improvement on two decades of confusion and looks set to clarify things for the future.
As we increasingly use more devices in our lives, whether for work, school, or entertainment, it is vital to know that USB-C would most likely be the port of the future. If you would like to know more about USB-C monitors, this article will guide you on what to look out for. If not, ViewSonic’s USB-C monitors are also an effective way to future-proof your desk setup.