in this article we’ll read the difference between 2.0 and 3.0 USB. USB is also known as “Universal Serial Bus” and its usage is growing up very fast and every person related to computer has at least one. Before going to difference, we’ll take little brief overview.
Overview of Universal Serial BUS
USB, an abbreviation of the universal serial bus, is an international standard for connecting computers and its related devices. For instance, a mouse or printer can be connected to the computer by using Universal Serial Bus ports of these devices. These ports are differentiated on the basis of their transfer rates and are categorized as 1.0, USB 2.0 and USB 3.0. Therefore, it can be said that versions of USB depend upon their transfer rates.
Need for Universal Serial Bus
- As the computer market increased, there was a dire need for an internationally set protocol and standard for connecting different devices.
- The seven companies namely, Compaq, DEC, IBM, Intel, Microsoft, NEC, and Nortel, took responsibility and designed a functional USB.
Difference Between Mbps and MBps
Before going further, it is recommended to learn the difference between Mbps and MBps. Mbps stands for megabits per second and MBps for megabytes per second. 1 byte is equal to 8 bytes. S0, 8Mbps is equal to MBps. These two terms should not be confused.
Difference Between 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0 USB
What is 1.0?
- This version was released in January 1996 and had two transfer speeds, i.e. 1.5Mbps as low speed and 12 Mbps as high speed.
- It did not gain much success until the release of version 1.1 in 1998.
- After the release of 1.1 computer manufacturers, such as Apple, widely used this version.
- This version could work with mouse or keyboard but was not able to handle high power devices.
What is USB 2.0?
- This version was released in April 2000 and has a maximum transfer speed of 480 Mbps or 60 MBps (Gbps).
- It was the successor of USB 1.1 and had 40 times more speed than its predecessor.
- Owing to its high speed, it is also called High-speed Universal Serial Bus.
- It has the ability to provide a maximum power of 500 mA.
- Its cable’s maximum length is 30 m.
- It can only support unidirectional data transfer.
- Connecting USB 2.0 to USB 3.0 port: It is possible to connect 2.0 device with 3.0 port, but the transfer will remain that of USB 2.0.
What is USB 3.0?
- It was released in November 2008 and is the successor of 2.1.
- It is up to 10 times faster than 2.0.
- Designers: by Intel, HP, Microsoft, NEC, NXP Semiconductors and Texas Instruments.
- It can support high power devices.
- It is compatible with 2.0 version but not with older versions such as 1.1 and 1.0.
- It provides a maximum 900 mA of power.
- It can support cable of a maximum length of 18 m.
- This USB comprises blue colour Standard-A connectors and Receptacles, an essential feature distinguishing it from 2.0.
- Its major advantage is that it can simultaneously receive and transfer data.
- Connecting 3.0 to 2.0 ports: It is possible to do this, but 3.0 device will transfer data at USB 2.0 speed.
What is USB 3.1?
- It is an upgraded version of 3.0 and is also known as Super Speed USB.
- Its generation 2 can transfer data at an unprecedented rate of 10Gbps.
Different types of USBs
- Different types of USBs are used in different fields such as USB A and B, Mini A and Mini B, Micro A and Micro B.
- The widely used USB type is USB A.