Connector types

Various USB connectors along a centimeter ruler for scale. From left to right:

Micro-B plugUC-E6[a]Mini-B plugtype-A receptacle[b]type-A plugtype-B plug

UC-E6 is a proprietary non-USB connector.

Inverted, so the contacts are visible.

USB connector types multiplied as the specification progressed. The original USB
specification detailed standard-A and standard-B plugs and receptacles.The
connectors were different so that users could not connect one computer receptacle
to another. The data pins in the standard plugs are recessed compared to the power
pins,so that the device can power up before establishing a data connection. Some
devices operate in different modes depending on whether the data connection is
made. Charging docks supply power and do not include a host device or data pins,
allowing any capable USB device to charge or operate from a standard USB cable.
Charging cables provide power connections, but not data. In a charge-only cable,
the data wires are shorted at the device end, otherwise the device may reject the
charger as unsuitable.
Standard connectors
Pin configuration of type-A and type-B plugs, viewed end-on

The type-A plug. This plug has an elongated rectangular cross-section, inserts
into a type-A receptacle on a downstream port on a USB host or hub, and carries
both power and data. Captive cables on USB devices, such as keyboards or mice,
terminate with a type-A plug.
The type-B plug: This plug has a near square cross-section with the top
exterior corners beveled. As part of a removable cable, it inserts into an upstream
port on a device, such as a printer. On some devices, the type-B receptacle has no
data connections, being used solely for accepting power from the upstream device.
This two-connector-type scheme (A/B) prevents a user from accidentally creating a
loop.[11][12]

The maximum allowed cross-section of the overmold boot (which is part of the
connector used for its handling) is 16 by 8 mm (0.63 by 0.31 in) for the standard-A
plug type, while for the type-B it is 11.5 by 10.5 mm (0.45 by 0.41 in).[2]
Mini connectors
Mini-A (left) and Mini-B (right) plugs

Mini-USB connectors were introduced together with USB 2.0 in April 2000, for use
with smaller devices such as digital cameras, smartphones, and tablet computers.
The Mini-A connector and the Mini-AB receptacle connector have been deprecated
since May 2007.[13] Mini-B connectors are still supported, but are not On-The-Go-
compliant;[14] the Mini-B USB connector was standard for transferring data to and
from the early smartphones and PDAs. Both Mini-A and Mini-B plugs are approximately
3 by 7 mm (0.12 by 0.28 in).
Micro connectors
Micro-A plug
Micro-B plug

Micro-USB connectors, which were announced by the USB-IF on 4 January 2007,[15][16]

have a similar width to Mini-USB, but approximately half the thickness, enabling
their integration into thinner portable devices. The Micro-A connector is 6.85 by
1.8 mm (0.270 by 0.071 in) with a maximum overmold boot size of 11.7 by 8.5 mm
(0.46 by 0.33 in), while the Micro-B connector is 6.85 by 1.8 mm (0.270 by 0.071
in) with a maximum overmold size of 10.6 by 8.5 mm (0.42 by 0.33 in).[8]

The thinner Micro-USB connectors were introduced to replace the Mini connectors in
devices manufactured since May 2007, including smartphones, personal digital
assistants, and cameras.[17]

The Micro plug design is rated for at least 10,000 connect-disconnect cycles, which
is more than the Mini plug design.[15][18] The Micro connector is also designed to
reduce the mechanical wear on the device; instead the easier-to-replace cable is
designed to bear the mechanical wear of connection and disconnection. The Universal
Serial Bus Micro-USB Cables and Connectors Specification details the mechanical
characteristics of Micro-A plugs, Micro-AB receptacles (which accept both Micro-A
and Micro-B plugs), Double-Sided Micro USB, and Micro-B plugs and receptacles,[18]
along with a standard-A receptacle to Micro-A plug adapter.
OMTP standard