Common Ports and Connectors

There are different types of peripherals that connect to computers in different ways, therefore a computer will typically have different port types, connector sizes, shapes, and specifications. So let us discuss about the common ports and the common connectors used in a computer system.

USB (Universal serial bus) Connectors

The universal serial bus (USB) is so common connector which enables us to add different types of peripherals to computers. USB is an industry-standard connector and it can carry both data and power for example we connect our smart phones to computer through a USB cable which enables it to transfer data as well as power to charge it.

USB Generations and Speeds

There are different generations and speeds of USB like USB 2.0, USB 3.x and their types.

USB 2.0

USB 2.0 has further two standards, Regular USB and Hi-Speed USB

• USB 2.0 Regular USB: It can transfer data between 1.5 Mbps and 12 Mbps. These have white ports on a systems that have color-codes for the ports.
• USB 2.0 Hi-Speed USB: It can transfer data at up to 480 Mbps . These have black ports on a systems that have color-codes for the ports.

USB 3.x

USB 3.x is also called SuperSpeed USB and it can transfer data at above 5 gigabits per second (Gbps).Two generations of USB 3.x are 3.1 Gen 1 or it is simply 3.0 with bright blue color-code and USB 3.1 Gen 2 which has faster speed as compared to Gen 1.

Figure: USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 ports

USB Connector Types

There are various types of USB connectors and some of them are discussed below.

• Type-A: This type connects to the “standard” rectangular USB ports available on most desktop and laptop PCs. This kind is mostly used today especially in flash drives and cables.
• Type-B: This type has almost square shape connector and it is mostly used for peripherals like printers.
• Mini-B: It is a smaller peripheral connector for smartphones, digital cameras, MP3 players, and many others.
• Micro-B: It is also used for smaller peripherals and devices. This type is mostly used for the smartphones nowadays. It is more compact than Mini-B.
• Type-C: It is a compact connector which is used for both larger and smaller devices.Type-C can be inserted into their ports in two orientations as it is same from both sides.

Figure: Different types of USB connectors

Thunderbolt Connectors

Like USB, Thunderbolt supports a variety of peripherals. Thunderbolt connectors can also be used to daisy-chain up to six devices like shown in the figure below.

Figure: Thunderbolt connectors in daisy-chain up of 5 storage devices

There are three versions of the thunderbolt which are version 1, version 2 & version 3. Thunderbolt 3 uses the same connector as USB 3.1 Type-C ports.

• Thunderbolt version 1 runs at 10 Gbps.
• Thunderbolt version 2 runs at 20 Gbps.
• Thunderbolt version 3 runs at 40 Gbps.

Figure: Thunderbolt port in Mac

FireWire connectors

It is used for digital cameras, media devices, and external hard drives. It is replaced by the USB nowadays. It has two types

• FireWire 400 runs at 400 Mbps.
• FireWire 800 runs at 800 Mbps.

Figure: Firewire 400 and Firewire 800

eSATA connector

It is used for external SATA storage devices, such as external hard drives. The various eSATA standards run at 1.5, 3, or 6 Gbps.

RJ-45 Connector

It is also called Ethernet networking connector. It is transparent ans its port has visible metal pins inside; the rectangular plastic.

3.5-mm audio

This is same as a small headphone jack, used for microphones, headphones, and speakers. These are color-coded on most systems.

PS/2

These are Round plugs for connecting older mice and keyboards but now these has been mostly replaced by USB.

RJ-11 connector

This is used for connecting modems and land-line telephones. These are rarely used nowadays.

The different connectors above discussed are shown in the figure below.

Figure: Different common connectors

Thanks for reading..!!!