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USB Specifications and USB Connections

Understand more about USB specifications, connectors and data transfer speed.

Learn more about the different types of USB connections:

  • USB Type A (2.0 and 3.2)
  • USB Type-C (USB C)
  • USB 4
  • Thunderbolt

USB Standards & Specifications

Standard Also known as Max data transfer speed Connector types Max cable length Max charging power
USB 2.0 Hi-Speed USB Hi-Speed USB 480Mbps USB 2.0 is supported by all USB connectors. 5m Typically up to 15w
USB 3.2 Gen 1 SuperSpeed USB SuperSpeed USB 5Gbps
  • USB 3 USB-A (Type-A)
  • USB 3 USB-B
  • USB-C
  • USB Micro Series (1m max cable length with micro connector
3m Typically up to 15w
USB 3.2 Gen 2 SuperSpeed USB SuperSpeed 10Gbps 10Gbps
  • USB 3 USB-A (Type-A)
  • USB 3 USB-B
  • USB-C
1m Up to 100W when using a compatible USB-C cable/hub/device. Cables without internal e-Markers are limited to 3A/20v (60W)
USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 SuperSpeed USB SuperSpeed 20Gbps 20Gbps
  • USB C
1m Up to 100W when using a compatible USB-C cable/hub/device. Cables without internal e-Markers are limited to 3A/20v (60W)
Thunderbolt 3 SuperSpeed USB Thunderbolt Up to 40Gbps
  • USB C
  • 0.8m for passive cable
  • 2m for active cables
Up to 100W when using a compatible USB-C cable/hub/device. Cables without internal e-Markers are limited to 3A/20v (60W)
USB 4 / Thunderbolt 4 TBC Up to 40Gbps
  • USB C
TBC Up to 100W when using a compatible USB-C cable/hub/device. Cables without internal e-Markers are limited to 3A/20v (60W)

USB Connectors

USB Connector Types

Type A

Standard large rectangular USB connectors are known as Type-A connectors. They are available in white for USB 2.0 and blue for USB 3.2.

There are different versions of USB connectors, including Mini and Micro.

Type C

USB Type C

Singularly versatile with a reversible design.

The USB-C port puts everything you need in a port all in one place.

The Type-C connector is described as offering SuperSpeed (up two 5Gbps) although the USB-C connector supports all current USB and Thunderbolt data rates up to 40Gbps.

The Type-C connector can be plugged in either way round and is compatible with both USB 2 and USB 3 devices. It is also compatible with the USB Power Delivery (PD) specification and can be used to charge mobile devices including laptops and Chromebooks.

What about Thunderbolt?

Thunderbolt

Thunderbolt 2 and Thunderbolt 3 do not share a common connector type. This not only causes confusion but can also add cost to a solution should TB2-TB3 adaptors be required.

Thunderbolt 2 was used extensively on older Apple MacBook computers, but Thunderbolt 3 is the latest standard. 

Thunderbolt 3 uses a USB Type-C connector and is now common on modern computers.

Thunderbolt 2

  • The two Thunderbolt 2 ports feature dual 20Gbps channels for data transfer.
  • That’s up to four times faster than USB 3.2 (Gen 1).

Thunderbolt 3

  • The two Thunderbolt 2 ports feature dual 32-Gbps channels available for data transfer (8Gbps for video).
  • Two times faster than Thunderbolt 2
  • Eight times faster than USB 3.2
  • That’s up to four times faster than USB 3.2 (Gen 2)
  • 62 times faster than USB 2.0.

Data Transfer speed.

USB transfer speed makes a hug difference to how fast you can transfer data. See the helpful chart below and watch the video to see how Thunderbolt takes data transfer to the next level.

40Gbps – Thunderbolt 30%
100 %
20Gbps – Thunderbolt 20%
50 %
10Gbps – USB 3.2 Gen 20%
25 %
5Gbps – USB 3.2 Gen 10%
12 %
480Mbps – USB 20%
3 %

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Cambrionix Ltd
The Maurice Wilkes Building
Cowley Road
Cambridge
CB4 0DS
United Kingdom

+44 (0) 1223 755 520
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All Rights Reserved.

Cambrionix Ltd is a company registered in England and Wales with the company number 06210854.
VAT No. GB972164510.

Thunderbolt and the Thunderbolt logo are trademarks of Intel Corporation in the U.S and/or other countries.

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