USB is one of the most popular and widely used connectors in the entire world. USB or otherwise known as a Universal Serial Bus, is an industry standard and has specifications for cables and connectors for data transfer, communication, and power supply. USB was originally created in 1996. Currently, it is maintained by the USB-IF or USB Implementers Forum.
The general public has often incorrectly referred to USB-A, the most common connector, as plainly “USB”. Which is technically incorrect due to the fact that there are various different types of connectors under the Universal Serial Bus standard..
USB Types
USB types, not to be confused with USB generations, are the types of connectors for the USB standard.
USB Generations
USB generations, not to be confused by USB types, are the generations of USB standards. As time and technology progressed, new generations supports faster speeds and bigger bandwidths.
USB 4.0
USB 4, is the upcoming newest generation of USB. It boasts speeds up to 40 gigabits/second. It is supposed to be compatible with Thunderbolt 3 and backwards compatible with USB 3.2 and USB 2.0.
USB Implementers Forum
USB-IF or the USB Implementers Forum is the organization responsible for managing the USB standard. Learn more about the USB Implementers Forum here.
