USB (Universal Serial Bus)
USB is a widely used interface standard for connecting computers and electronic devices. Here's an in-depth look:
History
- Development: The USB was developed in the mid-1990s by a consortium of companies including Compaq, DEC, IBM, Intel, Microsoft, NEC, and Northern Telecom.
- First Release: The initial specification, USB 1.0, was released in January 1996, but due to technical issues, USB 1.1, released in September 1998, became the first widely adopted version.
- Evolution:
- USB 2.0, released in April 2000, increased data transfer rates to 480 Mbps.
- USB 3.0, introduced in November 2008, brought speeds up to 5 Gbps.
- USB 3.1, released in July 2013, doubled the speed of USB 3.0 to 10 Gbps.
- USB 3.2, released in 2017, supports speeds up to 20 Gbps.
- USB4, announced in 2019, aims to deliver speeds up to 40 Gbps, aligning with Thunderbolt technology.
Features
- Hot-Swapping: USB devices can be connected or disconnected without restarting the computer.
- Plug-and-Play: Most USB devices are recognized by the operating system without the need for additional drivers.
- Power Supply: USB ports can supply power, allowing many devices to operate without a separate power source.
- Connector Types: Includes Type-A, Type-B, Mini-USB, Micro-USB, and the newer USB-C, which is reversible and supports higher data transfer rates.
- Data Transfer: USB supports various transfer modes like bulk, interrupt, isochronous, and control.
Applications
- Peripheral Connectivity: Keyboards, mice, printers, scanners, and other peripherals.
- Storage Devices: External hard drives, USB flash drives, SD card readers.
- Charging: Smartphones, tablets, and other portable devices.
- Networking: Through USB-to-Ethernet adapters or USB dongles for wireless connectivity.
Standards and Specifications
- USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF): The organization that maintains and promotes the USB standard.
- On-The-Go (OTG): A standard allowing USB devices to act as either host or peripheral, useful for mobile devices.
- USB Power Delivery (PD): A specification for handling power management over USB, allowing higher power delivery for charging.
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