USB Cables and Connectors

Cables

SpecificationSpeedNumber of LinesMaximum
Length
1.0Low4 ( VBUS, Gnd, D+, D- )5
1.0Full4 ( VBUS, Gnd, D+, D- )5
2.0High4 ( VBUS, Gnd, D+, D- )5
3.0Superspeed9 ( VBUS, Gnd, D+, D-
SSRX-, SSRX+, Gnd, SSTX+, SSTX- )
3
3.1Superspeed +9 ( VBUS, Gnd, D+, D-
SSRX-, SSRX+, Gnd, SSTX+, SSTX- )
3

USB Type-C® calls for a cable with 24 signals:

Depending upon the mode of operation, all of the signals may not be needed.

  • When running in USB 2.0, only the signals associated with 2.0 (VBUS, GND, D+, and D-) and VCONN need to exist.
  • To be USB 3.x compliant all the lines must be present.
  • To allow Type-C Alternate mode to run, the following pins need to be able to be re-allocated: TX1+/-, TX2+/-, RX1+/-, RX2+/-, SBU1, and SBU2. If these signals are not used in the Alternate mode, they may be eliminated.

Electronically Marked Type-C cables

USB Type-C provides for a cable containing embedded circuitry. The circuitry may draw up to 70 ma which can be drawn from either VBUS or VCONN. An electronically marked Type-C cable is required when running underSpecification 3.1 or when executing thePower Delivery 2.0 protocol.

Connectors

A connectors face the Host. B connectors face the device.
Connector TypePin outPictureNotes
Type Atype-a-diagram.pngtype-a-picture.pngOperates in USB 2.0 mode, if plugged into a USB 3.0 A receptacle.
Type Btype-b-diagram.pngtype-b-picture.pngOperates in USB 2.0 mode, if plugged into a USB 3.0 B receptacle.
Mini Bmini-b-diagram.pngmini-b-picture.png
Micro Amicro-a-diagram.pngmicro-a-picture.png
Micro Bmicro-b-diagram.pngmicro-b-picture.pngOperates in USB 2.0 mode, if plugged into a USB 3.0 Micro B receptacle.
3.0 Type A30-type-a-diagram.png30-type-a-picture.pngOperates in USB 2.0 mode, if plugged into a USB 2.0 A receptacle.
3.0 Type B30-type-b-diagram.png30-type-b-picture.png
3.0 Micro B30-micro-b-diagram.png30-micro-b-picture.png

24 pin reversible USB Type C connector

type-c-diagram.png
type-c-picture.png