The mini and micro formats may connect to an AB receptacle, which accepts either an A or a B plug, that plug determining the behavior of the receptacle. In June 2009, the European Commission organized a voluntary Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to adopt micro-USB as a common standard for charging smartphones marketed in the European Union. an extension that specifies using certified PD aware USB cables with standard USB Type-A and Type-B connectors to deliver increased power (more than 7. provides two additional differential pairs (four wires, SSTx+, SSTx−, SSRx+ and SSRx−), providing full-duplex data transfers at SuperSpeed, which makes it similar to Serial ATA or single-lane PCI Express. Type C connectors differ in appearance compared to the previous USB types, as they are asymmetrical and have a small and thin appearance.

A USB cable allows digital data to be transferred from a peripheral device to a host PC and for supplying power to devices that need it, for instance, charging a mobile phone. If USB host commands are unanswered by the USB device within the allowed time, the host considers the command lost.Before the Battery Charging Specification was defined, there was no standardized way for the portable device to inquire how much current was available.

Instead of round pins, the connector uses flat contacts, which can withstand continuous attachment and removal very well.Per the base specification, any device attached to a standard downstream port (SDP) must initially be a low-power device, with high-power mode contingent on later USB configuration by the host. Apple, one of the original MoU signers, makes Micro-USB adapters available—as permitted in the Common EPS MoU—for its iPhones equipped with Apple's proprietary 30-pin dock connector or (later) Lightning connector. If you’re tired of just admiring your favourite photos on your phone screen, a portable photo printer can help you create a physical keepsake of those special moments. You can find the Micro Type-B being used with quite a large majority of Android phones prior to 2017 and 2018. Although as of 2018 the most used USB cable for phones is the Type-C, the Micro Type-B is still used in some areas.

Whether you’re using a laptop with limited ports or you need to connect a device but don’t have the right connection available, USB hubs can solve all your problems! The Micro USB plug is inserted into your mobile device and the Type A plug is inserted into the female USB port on the host PC (or charger). The Wireless Association Announces One Universal Charger Solution to Celebrate Earth Day" (Press release). The GSM Association (GSMA) followed suit on February 17, 2009, [88] [89] [90] [91] and on April 22, 2009, this was further endorsed by the CTIA – The Wireless Association, [92] with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) announcing on October 22, 2009, that it had also embraced the Universal Charging Solution as its "energy-efficient one-charger-fits-all new mobile phone solution," and added: "Based on the Micro-USB interface, UCS chargers will also include a 4-star or higher efficiency rating—up to three times more energy-efficient than an unrated charger. This is common for external hard and optical disc drives, and generally for devices with motors or lamps.Consisting of a type of cable and connector, many electronic devices will have a USB connection available, including in vehicles and modern workstation power systems. At CMD Ltd, we design and manufacture workstation power modules to help provide easy power access for businesses, including USB Type A ports. Type-A receptacle, both upside-down, on a front panel with card reader A blue Standard-A USB receptacle without USB 3. USB-PD A and B plugs have a mechanical mark while Micro plugs have a resistor or capacitor attached to the ID pin indicating the cable capability.