How to determine which USB port is on a laptop or computer? What is the difference between USB2.0 and USB3.0 What does usb 2.0 mean.

Third version of the USB standard was finally adopted back in 2008. Then the development companies, which included Intel, NEC, Microsoft and Hewlett-Packard, agreed on the final specification. The new standard remained compatible with USB 2.0 connectors and allowed the correct use of devices that complied with it. In addition, the connection throughput increased significantly. Now the transfer speed was 600 megabytes per second. The changes also affected the current strength: it was increased to 900 mA.

It seemed that high-speed devices would soon appear. Copying files will be performed 10 (!) times faster, which means flash drives and external hard the discs will become much more convenient to use. But in 2009, data appeared that one of the world's leading manufacturers, Intel, is not planning mass production implementation of USB 3.0 support into chipsets until the beginning of 2011. A strange situation has arisen: there is a standard, but there are practically no motherboards that support it.

Meanwhile, devices capable of working with USB 3.0 began to appear more and more often on the computer equipment market. At the same time, a number of manufacturers only have motherboards with the appropriate controller in the highest price range. What to do if you want to use high speeds, but there is no port on your computer? It turns out there is a workaround.

The need for invention is cunning, or how to get USB ports without a USB controller

The point is that there is PCI Express port, which provides sufficient bandwidth compared to USB ports. And at the same time, such connectors are available on almost any motherboard, regardless of model, cost and release date. Of course, if we do not consider completely outdated devices that have a couple of decades of active use for the benefit of the owner. The reason is that this particular connector has become actively used for installing graphic cards. Accordingly, manufacturers cannot ignore this. This means that there is a high probability of finding a free PCI-e slot on the motherboard. Especially if you use an integrated graphics subsystem.

It remains to solve the problem of converting the free PCI Express connector into convenient and affordable USB ports that support the 3.0 standard. Of course, no one will manually solder the adapter - these are not the times. And the complexity of the technological process no longer allows one to cope with such tasks at home with minimal training and a soldering iron. But you can purchase the corresponding device in the online store.

As a rule, it is a card installed in a PCI Express slot. It has a controller that ensures the functioning of USB connectors. In this case, there are usually a pair of outputs, which, after installation, appear on the rear side of the system unit. Actually, installing a USB 3.0 PCIe adapter allows you to immediately resolve the issue.

Pitfalls of the most comfortable method

But there are also some inconveniences. Often system unit installed in such a way that the outputs on the rear side become inaccessible. Or, in order to get to them, you need to regularly move it from its usual place. Therefore, the most acceptable option would be output of USB 3.0 connectors to the front side of the unit. For example, using a special panel that has one or more USB ports of the third version.

To implement such an installation, you need to find USB 3.0 controller with corresponding internal connector. Then all that remains is to stretch the wire inside the case from the expansion board to the front panel with ports. But here there is one insidious moment. The fact is that the connecting connectors of the adapter and the panel with USB ports can be designed to use different types of cable. For example, the internal connector is different from the standard external output. So special attention needs to be paid to choosing the components that match each other.

A good option might be to purchase a ready-made kit. In this case, the component manufacturer guarantees the ability to connect the panel to the adapter. Naturally, the cost in this case may differ significantly.

Deceptive simplicity

At first glance, the solution is simple and elegant. But you need to understand that not everything is simple with PCI Express connectors. Sometimes there are two of them on the motherboard, and one is occupied by the video card. It seems that you can safely use the second one to install the adapter. But sometimes it turns out that the second connector only formally complies with the PCI Express standard. But in reality, the operating speed of such a slot turns out to be much lower. This means that data transfer through the USB port will be limited. Understand the intricacies of the device motherboard Not everyone can. So for USB installation 3.0 adapter in a free slot, it is better to contact a competent specialist. Then you won’t have to watch with disappointment how the 3.0 standard port works at speed regular USB 2.0 output.

Daily progress in the field information technologies only speeds up its pace. The volumes and speeds of transmitted data are growing. However, to meet the needs of modern software Do not forget about the improvement and development of the hardware component.

The connector is widely used for data transfer between devices. USB, which appeared in 1996. However, not everyone has the idea that today many modern devices are equipped with the third generation of this connector - USB 3.0. In this article we will try to figure out what changes and improvements the developers have “invested” in the 3.0 generation and what the differences between USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 are.

backward compatibility

In theory, devices equipped with 3.0 ports are backwards compatible with devices that have previous generation USB connectors. The only limitation will be speed indicator. While the 2.0 will operate at the limit of its speed capabilities, its “big brother” will not use half of its resources.

Increased performance

In the now outdated but still widely used USB 2.0 standard, the data transfer rate was within 460-490 Mbit/s. With the new standard 3.0, this figure can reach 8 times greater value - up to 5 GB per second. What do these numbers mean for the average user? Here's what: now, to transfer large files, such as movies, archives, etc., you will need to spend 10 times less time. However, not all so simple. These indicators characterize only the 3.0 connector standard, and in order to transfer, for example, files to flash memory at high speeds, they must also be supported by the controller chip, the “flash drive” itself.

Technical features

As written above, connectors 2.0 and 3.0 are compatible with each other. But still there are a number of differences both in design features and in technical specifications. Both connectors, as before, have four contacts for mutual backward compatibility purposes, however, the cord used in conjunction with the 3rd generation connector has two additional contacts for organizing operation at high speeds, increasing the current used to power various devices, as well as for implementing other benefits. As a result, the cord became slightly thicker, and its recommended length was reduced from five to three meters. In addition, the cord has become a little stiffer due to the introduction of a special shielding coating into the cable to protect against electromagnetic fields induced in it.

It is also worth noting that now the current present in the connector has increased to 950 mA, while in connector 2.0 this figure was 500 mA. As a result, it is now possible to use a higher charge current for charging smartphones and other devices, which significantly reduces the time required to fully charge this class of devices. In addition, the number of devices simultaneously receiving charge from one connector can now be increased.

External differences

At first glance, it is actually very easy to distinguish between USB 2.0 and 3.0 connectors. It's all about the color of the plastic insert on which the four contacts of the connector are attached. In the 3.0 standard, this plastic insert is blue, sometimes even red, while in 2.0 it is black or gray. These two standards have no other external differences.

Price

The average cost for flash memory equipped with a USB 2.0 connector is approximately $10 for 8 GB volume, And $5 for 4 GB. This price is, in principle, not very expensive and suits most buyers. However, it is worth paying for the increase in speed, and not very little.

The price of a flash drive with a 3.0 connector is an order of magnitude more expensive than one with a 2.0 connector. Average cost is $40 or more. This is where the question should arise: are you ready to “spend” that amount of money out of your pocket for an increase in speed? If the purpose of the purchase is a cheap tool for transferring small files, then the choice should still be made in favor of 2.0, but if speed is a fundamental factor in using a flash drive, then you cannot do without the capabilities of 3.0

How to choose the right one

Of course, the characteristics of the 3.0 connector allow you to get significant increase in speed, but before choosing it for purchase, you must carefully read the technical description supplied with the device. In some cases, it happens that the device is equipped with a 3.0 connector, but the central processor (controller chip) is not at all designed to work at such high speeds. So it looks like the connector is blue, but there is no significant increase in speed.

In addition, the 3.0 connector can achieve the highest data transfer speed when using the same generation of USB connector at the other end of the wire. If a device with a 3.0 connector is running on one side, and a 2.0 connector on the other, then the speed will be limited by the capabilities of the second generation connector.

If you plan to connect to the 3.0 connector, for example, devices such as computer keyboard or “mouse”, then you will not feel any differences from 2.0.

Conclusion

The new third generation offers a lot of new technical features, but today you have to pay for them and pay not so little. Of course, over time and as distribution continues, the cost of a new generation of connectors will decrease and all devices will be equipped only with this type of connector.

Before purchasing devices equipped with 3.0 connectors, you need to weigh the pros and cons. Do you need an increase in speed or will the capabilities provided by the USB 2.0 connector be sufficient?

So how can you tell the difference between USB 3.0 and USB 2.0? Well, everyone already knows that USB 3.0 is faster, but few people know how to distinguish a fake from a real one or how they differ in general.

First, let's look at our first USB, the so-called 1.0 usb, they are used even in new mice, webcams, and all those devices for which the first USB is enough:

As you can see, they have 4 contacts inside and plastic underneath them white. This is an easy way to determine that this is the 1st usb.

Now let's look at the 2nd one:

Here, of course, it is difficult to see and understand that there are 4 contacts and black plastic underneath them - this is a clear sign of usb 2.0. As we already know, 2.0 and 1.0 are compatible, the only differences are in speed: 2.0 is faster in speed, but it’s not the flash drive that reads faster, it’s the controller through which communication takes place that works faster. Of course, on usb 2.0 they usually indicate that this is the 2nd usb, but there are all sorts of cases.

Let's see what the USB 2.0 connector looks like:

As you can see, it is also black, although in rare cases manufacturers change this color intentionally (design), but the correct color should be black for 2.0 usb.

And now, finally, let's look at 3.0:

This is the best photo I’ve ever taken; USB 3.0 has nine contacts: 4 in front and 5 in back (they are slightly raised higher):

And as you can see, the plastic under the contacts is blue - this is a clear sign of 3.0: after all, they should make it blue everywhere.

Here is the usb 3.0 connector:

The inscription SS indicates that the controller is made for Super Speed, that is, the maximum possible speed. This can also be seen on external hard drives 3.0.
If both the external connector is SS and the connector is SS, then there will be a maximum data transfer rate.

So, the problem is how to distinguish if the design is, for example, blue, like here:

The plastic here is blue, but it is USB 2.0. So how to differentiate? - according to contacts, I said that the third nine contacts, and the second has four:

Here it is in analysis, and here you can clearly see that there are only 4 contacts.

USB 3.0 is compatible with 2.0 and 1.0, so you can plug both 2.0 and 1.0 into 3.0 connectors. If you insert 2.0 into the third USB connector, then the speed will be 2.0, if 1.0, then the speed will be 1.0. So don't be afraid to put others in there as well. Just when you need speed and you have a 3.0 device, insert it into 3.0. USB 3.0 has an internal connector that supports transfer speeds of up to 5 Gbps.

Recently, the so-called USB 3.1 entered the market; it is designated as SS (Super Speed) for each of the connectors. It is faster than USB 3.0 and is compatible with USB 2 and 1. USB 3.1 is either black or blue (as in my case the color), and 3.0 only blue.

Intel proposed creating a consortium whose main goal was to develop a new high-speed data transfer standard, USB 3.0. The consortium included Intel, HP, Microsoft, NEC, NXP Semiconductors and Texas Instruments.

The USB Implementers Forum finalized the USB 3.0 standard specifications in late 2008. The new standard has increased bandwidth, although the increase is not as significant as the 40-fold increase in speed when moving from USB 1.1 to USB 2.0.

According to the specification, USB 3.0 will operate at 5 Gbps, which is about 10 times faster than USB 2.0. The throughput is almost twice as high as the modern Serial ATA standard (3 Gbit/s, taking into account the transfer of redundant information).

The new interface will be designed for use in consumer electronics and mobile devices ah, where you need to transfer large files. USB 3.0 is based on existing USB technology and will be backwards compatible, with slightly different connector sizes. In addition, the new standard will consume less electricity. The first devices supporting USB 3.0 are expected to appear in 2009-2010.

Advantages

If we talk about the main advantage of the USB 3.0 standard compared to the USB 2.0 standard, it is, of course, data transfer speed. The USB 3.0 specification provides SuperSpeed ​​mode with data transfer speeds of up to 5 Gbps (640 MB/s), that is, more than 10 times higher than those provided by the USB 2.0 specification. Of course, the actual data transfer speed will most likely be lower, but even taking this into account for most peripheral devices This USB 3.0 bus bandwidth is more than enough.

Naturally, the high transfer speed of the USB 3.0 bus is not its only difference from the USB 2.0 bus. But despite all the differences (of which there are many), USB 3.0 remains backward compatible with USB 2.0. That is, in the USB 3.0 specification, in addition to the SuperSpeed ​​mode, Hi-Speed, Full-Speed ​​and Low-Speed ​​modes are also retained. Additionally, USB 3.0 connectors are compatible with USB 2.0 connectors. This means that all USB 2.0 peripherals can be connected to the USB 3.0 bus.

The next important difference between the USB 3.0 specification and USB 2.0 is that the standard provides for bidirectional data transfer over different twisted pairs. Thus, there are more contacts in USB 3.0 connectors. The number of wires in the USB cable has also increased. Thus, in the USB 2.0 standard, one twisted pair was used for receiving/transmitting data, and the other for power supply, that is, the USB 2.0 connectors had four contacts, and the USB cable contained four wires.

In the USB 3.0 specification, the first twisted pair is used to transmit data, the second is used to receive data, and the third

For power supply, and for compatibility with the USB 2.0 standard, a fourth twisted pair is provided, through which data is received/transmitted to USB mode 2.0 (Hi-Speed, Full-Speed ​​and Low-Speed). In addition, there must be another “ground” (GND_DRAIN) in the form of a braid of two twisted pairs.

Thus, a USB 3.0 cable has not four wires (as in a USB 2.0 cable), but eight, and USB 3.0 connectors have at least nine pins (the braided twisted pairs are connected to the GND_DRAIN pin).

Seagate will be the first to demonstrate a device with USB 3.0 at CES in Las Vegas (January 2009). USB 3.0 will be used in the Seagate FreeAgent external hard drive equipped with a Symwave controller. The latter provides support for USB 3.0.

8/10 bit encoding

To guarantee reliable data transfer, the USB 3.0 interface uses 8/10 bit encoding, which is used, for example, in Serial ATA. One byte (8 bits) is transmitted using 10-bit encoding, which improves transmission reliability at the expense of throughput. Therefore, the transition from bits to bytes is carried out with a ratio of 10:1 instead of 8:1.

Power Saving Modes

Of course, the main goal of USB 3.0 is to increase available bandwidth, but the new standard effectively optimizes power consumption. The USB 2.0 interface constantly polls for device availability, which consumes energy. In contrast, USB 3.0 has four connection states, named U0-U3. The connection state U0 corresponds to active data transfer, and U3 puts the device into sleep.

If the connection is idle, then in state U1 the ability to receive and transmit data will be disabled. State U2 goes one step further by disabling the internal clock. Accordingly, connected devices can transition to the U1 state immediately after data transfer is completed, which is expected to provide significant power consumption advantages when compared to USB 2.0.

Higher current

In addition to different power consumption states, the USB 3.0 standard differs from USB 2.0 in the higher supported current. If USB 2.0 provided a current threshold of 500 mA, then in the case of the new standard the limitation was shifted to 900 mA. The connection initiation current has been increased from 100 mA for USB 2.0 to 150 mA for USB 3.0. Both parameters are very important for portable hard drives, which usually require slightly higher currents. Previously, the problem could be solved by using an additional USB plug, drawing power from two ports, but using only one for data transfer, even though this violated the USB 2.0 specifications.

New cables

USB 3.0 does not use fiber optics because they are too expensive for the mass market. Therefore, we have the good old copper cable. However, it will now have nine rather than four wires. Data transmission is carried out over four of the five additional wires in differential mode (SDP-Shielded Differential Pair). One pair of wires is responsible for receiving information, the other for transmitting. The principle of operation is similar to Serial ATA, with devices receiving full bandwidth in both directions. The fifth wire is ground.

Color coding

The USB 3.0 standard is backward compatible with USB 2.0, meaning the plugs appear to be the same as regular Type A plugs. The USB 2.0 pins remain in the same place, but there are now five new pins located deep in the connector. This means that you need to insert the USB 3.0 plug all the way into a USB 3.0 port to ensure USB 3.0 operation, which requires additional pins. Otherwise you will get USB 2.0 speed. USB Implementers Forum recommends that manufacturers use Pantone 300C color coding on the inside of the connector.

USB 3.0 Type B connector

With a Type B USB plug, the differences are visually more noticeable. A USB 3.0 plug can be identified by five additional pins.

The USB 3.0 Type B connector, like the USB 2.0 Type B connector, will be used to connect stationary peripherals such as printers, MFPs and external drives.

Computers will not use USB 3.0 Type B female connectors (just as USB 2.0 Type B female connectors are not used). The USB 3.0 type B connector is partially compatible with the USB 2.0 type B connector, that is, in a USB 3.0 type B female connector, in addition to the USB 3.0 type B male connector, you can insert a USB 2.0 type B male connector. But insert into a USB 2.0 type B female connector A USB 3.0 Type B male connector will fail.

USB 3.0 Powered-B connector

The USB 3.0 Powered-B connector in its form factor is fully compatible with the USB 3.0 type B connector, but differs from it in the presence of two additional power contacts (DPWR and DGND) and two additional wires in the USB cable, which allows you to power USB adapters without the need for connection them to the network.

The USB 3.0 Powered-B female connector accepts a USB 3.0 Powered-B male connector, a USB 3.0 Type B connector, and a USB 2.0 Type B connector. There are a total of 11 pins in the USB 3.0 Powered-B connector.

Mobile device connectors

For connectors for mobile devices, the changes are more noticeable. The old Micro-B USB 2.0 connector was 6.86 mm wide, but now the width of the USB 3.0 Micro-B connector for mobile phones, players and smartphones has increased to 12.25 mm. Again, the connectors have been designed to be USB 2.0 compatible.

USB 3.0 Micro-B connector

The USB 3.0 Micro-B connector is designed for use in portable devices such as Cell phones, communicators, etc. It is compatible with USB 2.0 Micro-B connector, that is, the USB 3.0 Micro-B female connector can also accept a USB 2.0 Micro-B male connector in addition to the USB 3.0 Micro-B male connector. However, a USB 2.0 Micro-B female connector cannot accept a USB 3.0 Micro-B male connector.

Compatibility of a USB 3.0 Micro-B female connector with a USB 2.0 Micro-B male connector is achieved due to the fact that the USB 3.0 Micro-B connector is divided into two structural parts: USB 2.0 and USB 3.0. A USB 2.0 Micro-B plug connector can be inserted separately into the USB 2.0 part. The USB 3.0 Micro-B male connector is also designed into two parts and can only be inserted into a USB 3.0 Micro-B (or USB 3.0 Micro-AB) female connector.

The USB 3.0 Micro-B connector has a total of ten pins. In addition to the standard VBUS, D-, D+, GND, SSTX-, SSTX+, GND_DRAIN, SSRX- and SSRX+ pins, there is another specific ID pin designed to identify the OTG mode.

USB 3.0 Micro-AB connector

The USB 3.0 Micro-AB female connector will only be used in devices that support the OTG (On-The-Go) standard (in fact, like the USB 2.0 Micro-AB connector). The USB 3.0 Micro-AB female connector will accept USB 3.0 Micro-B, USB 3.0 Micro-A, USB 2.0 Micro-B, and USB 2.0 Micro-A male connectors. But the USB 2.0 Micro-AB female connector will only be compatible with USB 2.0 Micro-B and USB 2.0 Micro-A male connectors.

The cable length has also changed. The USB 2.0 standard allowed cables up to five meters in length, but USB 3.0 only supports a maximum length of three meters.

USB 3.0 hubs

Of course, USB 3.0 will require new USB hubs that allow multiple devices to be connected via a single physical connection. USB 3.0 hubs will be more complex than USB 2.0 class devices because they will have to include two hubs: the first SuperSpeed ​​for USB 3.0 operation, the second for USB 2.0 support. Everything will be transparent to the user, since all ports will be connected to both hubs. However, this approach still does not increase the maximum number of devices per USB port, which remains 127.

It should be noted possible problems compatible with the USB 1.1 standard, since USB 3.0 devices are not guaranteed to be compatible with the older 12 Mbps standard. Therefore, USB 3.0 hubs will not work with older USB 1.1 controllers.

Prospects

The specifications have already been approved, but it will be several more months before USB 3.0 devices hit the market in any significant quantities. USB 3.0 Promoter Group expects USB 3.0 consumer products to be available by 2010 - a year later than previously expected.

Microsoft has already announced that the company will not support USB 3.0 in native mode after Windows release 7. Time between finalization of USB 3.0 specifications and shutting down Windows 7 was too short to add support to Windows 7.

However, Microsoft will definitely add USB 3.0 support through updates. But it is not yet known whether USB 3.0 support will be available for operating system users Windows systems XP or Windows Vista so that they too can benefit from Super Speed ​​technology.

The delay also affected product development at other manufacturers such as Intel. Initially, there were rumors that the Ibex Peak (P55) chipset would support USB 3.0, but this did not happen. Users will have to wait until Intel's 2010 platform to get native USB 3.0 support.

To the question of how USB 2.0 differs from USB 3.0, we will immediately answer - speed. Moreover, the maximum. But still, I think you will be more interested in learning about all the intricacies of a fairly new standard for exchanging data between drives.

What is the difference between USB 2.0 and USB 3.0, besides speed?

USB is a very useful tool. Chances are, even if you don't know what it is exactly or how it works, you've probably heard of it; and even if you didn't, you were still probably using it without realizing it.

The main purpose of USB, which stands for Universal Serial Bus (USB), is communication. It is mainly used to transfer information, data and connectivity between devices. In the 90s, when computer technology really took off and began to grow, the number of devices that were launched and used needed a new format for fast and stable data transfer between gadgets.

Compatibility and better versatility

These devices used different, different forms of wires and ports to connect to the computer. USB has become universal way to connect and connect devices to a computer. Even now imagine various devices connected to your computer. This list primarily includes a mouse and keyboard, but may also include a camera, printer, eternal HDD etc. If they are connected, then they are using USB. USB is also used to charge your phone and to copy and transfer data from your phone, external hard disk, etc.

USB is one of the most commonly used communication protocols today. It was originally released in January 1996 and was developed by a consortium of Compaq, DEC, IBM, Intel, Microsoft, NEC and Nortel. The idea was to develop a universal communication protocol to replace the various connectors used by different companies; and they succeeded. USB 2.0, an improved version with faster speeds, was released in April 2000, followed by USB 3.0 in November 2008.

What is the speed of USB 3.0 and 2.0

Besides that USB 2.0 is more old version 3.0 , the main differences between them are speed. USB offers a maximum speed of 480 Mbps, while USB 3.0 provides data transfer speeds of up to 4.8 Gbps. This difference is almost 11 times. However, in reality, everyone's speed will vary depending on the types of devices they use. USB 2.0 and 3.0 are also compatible with backwards compatible, which means you can plug the USB 2.0 wire into USB port 3.0 or vice versa. However, this will also affect the data transfer speed.

Speed ​​increase data transfer is due to the fact that USB 3.0 has more wires; this allows it to carry more data, hence effectively reducing the time it takes to transfer all the data. USB 2.0 has 4 internal wires in its cable, while USB 3.0 has 9, which is more than double.

Two versions USB also differs in the way it transfers data. USB 2.0 uses a half-duplex method for data transfer. This means that data flow on USB 2.0 is unidirectional, meaning you can either send data or receive data; they can't do both. On the other hand, the data flow on USB 3.0 is bidirectional as it uses a full duplex method to transfer data. This allows the user to send and receive data simultaneously.

By the way, earlier we talked about. You can follow the link above.

How to distinguish a cable with USB 3.0 from 2.0?

Here the USBs are painted white

Continuing to develop the topic of how USB 2.0 differs from USB 3.0, we will touch on Another difference between USB 2.0 and 3.0, namely it is visual. The USB 2.0 port is mostly black or gray, the USB 3.0 port is blue. This is basically done so that people can tell the difference at first glance by looking at a port that looks the same. Also, the USB 2.0 and 3.0 port itself is different. The USB 2.0 port has 4 copper pins and the USB 3.0 port has 9 copper pins to match its 9 wires. The pins are located in two different rows, one with 4 and the other with 5.

USB example Type C

It should also be noted that both USB 2.0 and 3.0 have different ports: Type A ports, which are mainly intended for use on computers and large devices; Type B ports, which are mini and therefore suitable for use in small devices such as digital cameras, MP3 players, old smartphones, etc. However, most mini-B ports have now been replaced by micro-USB ports. This is the one we see on most smartphones.

In 2014, USB 3.1 was released as an upgrade to USB 3.0. It works the same as USB 3.0, but improves speed. However, it is not widely used.

However, the latest craze is USB Type C, which will apparently eventually become more popular than USB 3.0. Type C has a removable port, which means both ends are the same. However, it remains to be seen whether it will reach the popularity and widespread use of USB 2.0.

conclusions

We hope you understand What is the difference between USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 and what innovations the update of this format brought for users.

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