USB Cables and Connectors

Last modified by Microchip on 2023/11/09 08:55

Cables

Traditional Cables

SpecificationSpeedNumber of LinesMaximum
Length
1.0Low4 (VBUS, Gnd, D+, D-)5
1.0Full4 (VBUS, Gnd, D+, D-)5
2.0High4 (VBUS, Gnd, D+, D-)5
3.0Superspeed9 (VBUS, Gnd, D+, D-
SSRX-, SSRX+, Gnd, SSTX+, SSTX-)
3
3.1Superspeed +9 (VBUS, Gnd, D+, D-
SSRX-, SSRX+, Gnd, SSTX+, SSTX-)
3

USB Type-C® Cables

USB Type-C® calls for a cable with 24 signals:

USB Type-C signal diagram

Depending upon the mode of operation, all of the signals may not be needed.

  • When running in USB 2.0, only the signals associated with 2.0 (VBUS, GND, D+, and D-) and VCONN need to exist.
  • To be USB 3.x compliant all the lines must be present.
  • To allow Type-C Alternate mode to run, the following pins need to be able to be re-allocated: TX1+/-, TX2+/-, RX1+/-, RX2+/-, SBU1, and SBU2. If these signals are not used in the Alternate mode, they may be eliminated.

Electronically Marked Type-C cables

USB Type-C provides for a cable containing embedded circuitry. The circuitry may draw up to 70 mA which can be drawn from either VBUS or VCONN. An electronically marked Type-C cable is required when running under Specification 3.1 or when executing the Power Delivery 2.0 protocol.

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Connectors

Traditional Plugs and Connectors

Type-A connectors face the host. Type-B connectors face the device.

Connector TypePinoutPictureNotes
Type AType-A pinout diagramType-A pictureOperates in USB 2.0 mode, if plugged into a USB 3.0 A receptacle.
Type BType-B pinout diagramType-B pictureOperates in USB 2.0 mode, if plugged into a USB 3.0 B receptacle.
Mini BMini-B pinout diagramMini-B picture 
Micro AMicro-A pinout diagramMicro-A picture 
Micro BMicro-B pinout diagramMicro-B pictureOperates in USB 2.0 mode, if plugged into a USB 3.0 Micro B receptacle.
3.0 Type A3.0 Type-A pinout diagram3.0 Type-A pictureOperates in USB 2.0 mode, if plugged into a USB 2.0 A receptacle.
3.0 Type B3.0 Type-B pinout diagram3.0 Type-B picture 
3.0 Micro B3.0 Micro-B pinout diagram3.0 Micro-B picture 

Type-C Connector

The USB Type-C connector has a 24-pin count and is reversible.

USB Type-C connector diagram
USB Type-C decorative picture

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