USB Type B Male Computer Adapters/Converters

Understanding How USB Type B Male Adapters Converters Work

In the year 1996, a group of seven major companies in the computer industry came together to solve a problem. That problem was how to overcome technical and hardware differences between their products for purposes of networking, and their solution was to develop USB or universal serial bus technology. Since that time, USB cables have become the industry standard for connecting everything from computers to smartphones, and they come in a myriad of sizes and styles.

How do USB cables connect to devices?

The USB system relies on what is commonly referred to as male and female connectors. The female (also known as a host, port, jack, and outlet) connector is what is normally found on devices such as your computer, phone, or gaming system. It has an opening and recessed pins that the male connector can plug into. Some cables do have female ends but typically they are male. The male connector (also called the peripheral or plug) has exposed leads, fits snuggly into the female connector, and is found at the end of a cable.

What are some different types of USB cables?

Since their creation, there have been three types of USB connectors that come in three different sizes to accommodate the ever-decreasing size of electronic devices available on the market. Type-A and Type-B cables were designed initially and come in standard, mini, and micro sizes. Type-C cable connectors were released in 2011 and only come in dimensions that are comparable to Type-B micro connectors. Here are some specs on the different designs:

• Type-A - Rectangular in design throughout all sizes. This is the most common port design for laptops, gaming systems, and network hubs. It has four pins in version 1.0 and 2.0, and nine in 3.0 and higher, with five of them, recessed. Data transfer speeds vary between 1.5 MB/s in ver. 1.0, 60 MB/s in 2.0, and 2.5 GB/s in 3.0.
• Type-B - Rectangular in size in the micro and mini versions, and square shaped in the standard version. The standardly sized shape gives enhanced durability for heavy use. The pin configuration and data transfer speeds are identical to Type-A.
• Type-C - Offers multi-directional charging capability and has reversible plugs. They are only offered in speeds equivalent with version 3.0 and higher and uses a 24-pin system.

Why are adapters and converters needed?

There are many variations of USB ports and plugs out there to choose from. As some (like the USB Type B mini) become depreciated there becomes a growing need to be able to hook the devices that use those connectors into other devices that use other styles of USB ports. With all the adapters available on the market, regardless if you need a Type B male adapter, Type-A mini female converter, or some non-standard hybrid, there is something available. These adapters and converters allow the USB design to retain the universality that brought it into existence.