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](https://cambrionix.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/HiSpeed.png") |
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](https://cambrionix.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/SS.png") |
SuperSpeed USB | 5Gbps |
|
3m | Typically up to 15w |
USB 3.2 Gen 2 ![SuperSpeed USB](https://cambrionix.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/SS10.png") |
SuperSpeed 10Gbps | 10Gbps |
|
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 2x2 ![SuperSpeed USB](https://cambrionix.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/SS20.png") |
SuperSpeed 20Gbps | 20Gbps |
|
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](https://cambrionix.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Thunderbolt.png") |
Thunderbolt | Up to 40Gbps |
|
|
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 |
|
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
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
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.