USB Cables & Adapters
USB Connector Types
USB Type-A The type A is also known as the Standard A connector and it is typically a rectangular flat USB connector. It is the pioneering standard for USB connectors and hence it is one of the most commonly used and most recognizable. It is primarily used for data transfer and is used in TVs, gaming consoles, and other host controllers and hubs.
USB Type C This is the newest standard connector that has more power and better transfer rates than the previous USB standards. The C Type can be used for both charging and data transfer, and also supports four-channel audio and DisplayPort video. Since it is reversible, it is compatible with many modern devices including the Nintendo Switch, Pixel phones, Macbook, and many new smartphones, and laptops.
Lightning Technically not a USB standard though it is the proprietary USB connector on some Apple devices that were manufactured from September 2012. Lightning can be used to transfer data, audio, video, and charging. It is used on devices such as the Airpods, the iPad, and the iPhone among others.
USB Cables and adapters (Universal Serial Bus) cables are mostly used to:
- Connect computers to peripheral gadgets such as camcorders, scanners, cameras, projectors
- Connect AC/DC charging adapters to tablets and smartphones.
USB cables come in varying shapes and sizes. Both the USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 cables come in lengths up to 14FT (unless they have arepeater), with various connector types used to connect to a periferals and smartphone devices. The connector types include Micro-B, A to A, A to B, USB On-The-Go and Mini-B connectors.