USB On-the-Go, or “OTG”, is a specification that allows two USB devices to connect. This is where one USB which would normally be considered a “device” can act as a “host” for the other USB peripheral. For example, with a USB OTG cable, users can connect a USB mouse (the peripheral/device) to their smartphone or tablet (the new host) and use it as you would when connected to a desktop. There is normally a fifth pin in the USB connection which allows this interaction. Which USB Cables Support Fast Charging? Passive USB extenders have regular copper wires and no electronic circuits to boost the signal. Therefore, there aren't very useful in extending the cable length over the recommended maximum limit. You can only use them to extend a short USB cable; take care that the total length of the cable and extension doesn't cross the maximum limit for its USB generation. As with USB versions, the shape of the USB connection has also seen drastic changes over the years. With each new evolution of USB type, their form factor generally becomes smaller to accommodate for new, much thinner devices that are popular during the time of release. USB Type-B: This connector is mostly used for connecting printers, scanners, and other peripheral devices to computers. It has a square shape with bevelled corners. USB cables, or Universal Serial Bus cables, are widely used for connecting various electronic devices to each other or to a computer. They provide a standardized interface for data transfer, power supply, and peripheral connectivity. USB cables have different types and connectors, each designed for specific purposes and device compatibility. Here are some commonly used USB cable types:

Peripheral Connectivity: USB cables are used to connect various peripheral devices to a computer, such as printers, scanners, keyboards, mice, game controllers, webcams, and external monitors. USB connection types are only half the story, as USB has also gone through multiple standards of varying data transfer speeds. The cable's connector doesn't necessarily mean that it uses a certain standard. USB is supposedly universal, but there are so many different types of USB cables and connections. Why is this? As it turns out, they each serve different functions, mainly to preserve compatibility and support new devices.Type-A: The standard flat, rectangular interface that you find on one end of nearly every USB cable. Most computers have multiple USB-A ports for connecting peripherals. You'll find them on game consoles, TVs, and other devices too. This cable only inserts in one way. USB Type-C: USB Type-C is a newer and versatile connector that is becoming increasingly popular. It is reversible like Micro-USB but has a smaller form factor. USB Type-C cables can be used for charging devices, data transfer, and connecting various peripherals. They support faster data transfer speeds and can deliver more power. USB 1.x was the original standard, and is ancient by modern benchmarks. You're very unlikely to find devices using this standard nowadays.

For the newer USB C, it’s still possible to connect older USB supported devices to a USB C port or host, via an adapter. StarTech.com provide an extensive range of USB cables, which can be used if the host and peripheral have different port types. Adapters, or connectors, can be found for all USB types and are not limited to USB C. Micro-USB: Micro-USB connectors are smaller and more commonly used in various devices, including smartphones, tablets, digital cameras, Bluetooth speakers, and many other portable devices. They are reversible, allowing insertion in either orientation. Another important aspect is cable length. Short cables are great for portability, but that can leave you sitting on the floor next to a power outlet as your phone charges. On the other hand, a cable that's too long can be inconvenient to carry, will tangle more easily, and is potentially a tripping hazard. The USB C design, which is the latest USB release, is unique because it’s the only USB that fits into another port type not specifically created for it: Thunderbolt 3. They are both the same shape and users can employ Thunderbolt 3 and USB C cables and ports interchangeably. All other male and female USB connector types only fit their corresponding male and female ports. For example, a USB port type b will only accept a USB type B connector.Depending on the version of the cable, USB 3.0 cables have a maximum length of 3m, and USB 2.0 has a 5m limit. It’s possible to employ an active extension USB cable to repeat the signal over a longer distance. USB 2.0 can then be extended to a maximum USB cable length of 25m and USB 3.0 to 18m. What are USB Cables Made of? USB cable extenders are one of the most common ways to increase the length of a USB cable. They feature a male and a female port, thus allowing you to connect your existing cable easily. Four types of USB extenders are on the market: passive, active, and optical. USB 3.x is the current standard for USB speeds. It's much faster than USB 2.0, and thus recommended for devices like external hard drives. You can typically identify a USB 3.x port or connector by its blue coloring. Some USB 3.0 ports also have an SS symbol (which stands for Super Speed). Most new computers have at least one USB 3 port, and high-quality flash drives use this standard.

Programming and Debugging: USB cables are essential for programming and debugging certain electronic devices. It's important to note that USB cables can have different versions, such as USB 2.0, USB 3.0, USB 3.1, and USB 3.2, which determine their maximum data transfer speeds. The USB cable you need will depend on the specific devices you want to connect or charge. Where are USB cables used? Type-B: An almost-square connector, mostly used for printers and other powered devices that connect to a computer. They're not very common these days, as most devices have moved onto a smaller connection.

Where are USB extension cables used?

USB extension leads are available in various lengths to suit a range of applications and can vary from around 0.5m to 35m. Types of USB connectors: USB 2.0 introduced many modern USB norms, including support for Mini and Micro cables, USB OTG (see below), and more. It's the slowest speed of USB still used today. You'll find it used on cheap flash drives, devices like mice and keyboards, and similar. Most computers still include a few USB 2.0 ports. This type of connector looks and is physically the same as a Thunderbolt 3 port. Thunderbolt 3 and USB C ports and cables can be used interchangeably and utilised for data transfer, power output, and video. When using a Thunderbolt 3 port with a USB C cable, users can charge full-size electronics with up to 100W of power output. Even better, the top data transfer speed is 40Gbps with a Thunderbolt 3 port, meaning you can be more productive. Charging Devices: USB cables are commonly used for charging devices like smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, Bluetooth speakers, and other portable electronics. The majority of StarTech.com’s cables, as well as some other brands, are made with hard-wearing PVC plastic. This protects everything inside, including the high-quality copper wiring, which provides excellent conductivity. Where Can I Recycle USB Cables?

USB Type-A: This is the most common USB connector and is rectangular in shape. It is used for connecting devices like computers, laptops, power adapters, and USB hubs. Mini-USB: Mini-USB connectors were popular in the past but are now less common. They come in two forms: Mini-A and Mini-B. These cables were commonly used for connecting digital cameras, older smartphones, and other portable devices.

Data Transfer: USB cables allow you to transfer data between devices, such as transferring files between a computer and a smartphone, syncing data between a digital camera and a computer, or connecting external storage devices like USB flash drives or external hard drives to a computer. Alternatively if you have a peripheral such as a printer, of which the cable is too short to reach the USB port, the extension cable can be used to breach the distance between them. With the extension cable, you do not have to rely on a wireless network to locate the printer, which also requires the printer (or other peripheral) to be within close proximity to the computer and this may not be possible. How long are USB extension leads? USB Extension cables, also known as USB extension leads, provide connection from computers to peripherals, and are similar to standard USB cables. However the primary functionality for USB extension cables is to extend the functionality of a USB port which cannot be easily reached. The majority of USB extension cables go from a male USB connector to a female USB connector. RS have a varied range of USB extension cables that can support either male or female USB A, USB B, Micro USB B and Mini USB B connectors, and features products from trusted brands such as Harting, Startech, and our own RS PRO, among others. Where are USB extension cables used?