USB protocols and connectors

Different USB connectors can transfer according to different protocols. A connector is not always tied to a specific protocol. For instance each subsequent generation of connector is typically backwards-compatible with the protocol of the connector that it superseded.

Some connectors are limited to slower protocols but they have the example of being small which is a benefit for smaller devices. The USB-C connector is so good because it is both small and capable of supporting the most advanced protocols (USB-4 and Thunderbolt).

The main types of USB connector:

  • USB-A/USB-B
  • USB-A/USB-B
  • Micro-USB ()
  • Mini-USB
  • USB-C

The illustration below matches connector to the protocol supported:

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