Basics of USB

Choosing the correct USB can be a difficult task, especially for someone who is unfamiliar with all the different types. An article I recently wrote lays out the background of USBs and the different options, along with a visual providing what the male and female version of each looks like. Some of the more widely used types are called out below to help ease the selection process.

• Type A
  • Flash Drive
  • Power Cables
  
  
• Type Micro B
  • Cell phone charging
  
  
• Type C
  • Newly adopted as cell phone charging connectors
  • Only current reversible option
  
  

There are many other types covered in the article, along with the different speeds each type is capable of supporting, a bit of history on the connector, and links to the product on DigiKey’s website. Shown in the image is a Type A Male to Type Micro B Male cable assembly.