In this guide, we will explore the different types of USB connectors, ports and cables, and answer the most frequently asked questions on how each works. With these cables, the type is whichever end of the cable isn’t the standard USB Type-A connector. So, for example, a cable with both a USB Type-A and a Type-C connector is a USB Type-C cable. Some cables have the same connector at both ends and are named accordingly—for example, a USB Type-C to USB Type-C cable. Interested in USB charging for the office? The USB C design, which is the latest USB release, is unique because it’s the only USB that fits into another port type not specifically created for it: Thunderbolt 3. They are both the same shape and users can employ Thunderbolt 3 and USB C cables and ports interchangeably. All other male and female USB connector types only fit their corresponding male and female ports. For example, a USB port type b will only accept a USB type B connector. Ensure your office environment has sufficient opportunities for charging USB devices by considering the number and types of ports in the charging station. Our recommended USB charging hub:

Inca has been designed with communal working areas and meeting rooms in mind. Available in three colours, the modules are supplied with cables, and have twin USB ports to simultaneously charge laptops, tablets and mobile phones. The most popular and common USB port type today is probably the USB Type-A, also known as Standard-A. USB A connections will be very familiar to most PC or laptop users as a rectangular slot of about 14mm wide by 6mm high. This type of connector looks and is physically the same as a Thunderbolt 3 port. Thunderbolt 3 and USB C ports and cables can be used interchangeably and utilised for data transfer, power output, and video. When using a Thunderbolt 3 port with a USB C cable, users can charge full-size electronics with up to 100W of power output. Even better, the top data transfer speed is 40Gbps with a Thunderbolt 3 port, meaning you can be more productive.

The Capsule Plus provides high-speed USB charging for laptops and other devices; making it ideal for office and homeworking. There is a Type A and Type C twin USB port to ensure a variety of devices can be connected. At CMD Ltd, we design and manufacture workstation power modules to help provide easy power access for businesses, including USB Type A ports.

Mini A/B - a versatile connector that can accept either mini A-type or mini B-type plugs and cables If you are interested in USB chargers for your office but are unsure of your choices, read our guide on how to choose a USB charger here. What are the different types of USB ports? In short, almost every device that includes a PCB (printed circuit board) will likely have at least one type of USB port on it somewhere. PCB USB connectors and related components are cheap to buy, and easy to mount in a variety of ways including panel, surface, through-hole, and cable mount. CMD are a British manufacturing company that provides high-power systems to enhance office and homeworking environments. We provide vast product ranges, including power distribution systems and workstation power charging hubs.USB Type-C: USB Type-C is a newer and versatile connector that is becoming increasingly popular. It is reversible like Micro-USB but has a smaller form factor. USB Type-C cables can be used for charging devices, data transfer, and connecting various peripherals. They support faster data transfer speeds and can deliver more power. If the cable has a Type-A connector at one end (as in the above image), that will usually be the first type. The second will be the shape of connector that will plug into your device. Micro-USB: Micro-USB connectors are smaller and more commonly used in various devices, including smartphones, tablets, digital cameras, Bluetooth speakers, and many other portable devices. They are reversible, allowing insertion in either orientation. USB Type-B: This connector is mostly used for connecting printers, scanners, and other peripheral devices to computers. It has a square shape with bevelled corners. Compared to Type A, the USB Type B connectors are square with a slight rounding or large square protrusion on the top. op. Certain Type B plugs are not physically compatible. USB 1.1 and USB 2.0 Type B plugs can be used with 3.0 version receptacles; however, USB 3.0 Type B plugs cannot be used with 2.0 or 1.1 Type B receptacles.

Most modern technology devices have started including USB Type C outlets, including Apple MacBooks and Chromebooks.

USB stands for Universal Serial Bus, a common standard launched in 1996. Before this, there was a much wider variety of different connectors commonly used for linking PCs and compatible hardware. Examples you might be familiar with include multiple versions of serial ports, D-Sub, and parallel ports. You’ll typically find USB Type B ports on larger devices you connect to your computer, such as printers and scanners. You might also have external storage devices or drives that use them.