USB

What is USB?

  • Short for Universal Serial Bus.
  • USB is a serial bus standard interface used for communication between different devices.

History:

  • USB was created by USB-Implementers Forum ( USB-IF ) in 1996.
  • Compaq, Digital Equipment Corporation ( DEC ), IBM, Intel, Microsoft and NEC, joined later by HP, Lucent and Philips got together and designed USB.

Why USB?

  • The USB was created out of a need for universal communication between devices.
  • Before the USB every new computer device needed a different serial port.

USB versions:

  • USB 1.1: Full speed USB  with maximum transfer rate of 12 mbps.
  • USB 2.0: High speed USB with maximum transfer rate of 480 mbps.
  • USB 3.0: Super speed USB with maximum transfer rate of 5 gbps.
  • USB 3.1: Super speed+ with maximum transfer rate of 10 gbps.

Applications:

  • Used to connect hardware such as printers, scanners, keyboard, mouse, flash drives etc..to computers of all kinds.
  • Many portable devices like smartphones, tablets, ebook readers use USB primarily for charging.
  • Used to transfer data between the computer and USB storage devices like flash drives, external drives etc..and smartphones, camera and other USB devices.

Advantages:

  • Universal design. One fits all.
  • Very simple and easy to install and use.
  • Power efficient.
  • USB cables and connectors are cost effective.
  • It has true plug and play nature.

Disadvantages:

  • Do not support broadcasting.
  • Speed is less compared to ethernet and other interfaces.
  • USB standards support cables upto 5mts only.
Previous
Next Post »