USB Overview

A convenient and reliable way to combine your new PC and legacy equipment


USB supports high data rates, plug-and-play connections, noise immunity, and “hot swappability” providing an easy connection to a wide variety of multimedia and network USB device. Universal Serial Bus is a serial protocol and physical layer link. Data is transmitted differentially on one pair of wires, providing relatively good noise immunity. Another pair carries DC power to downstream devices, allowing many low power devices to be bus powered.

Specifications

  • Typical Data Rates: 12 Mbps (USB 1.1); 480 Mbps (USB 2.0)
  • Max Distance: 5 meters
  • Cabling Requirements: Standardized peripheral cable
  • Connectors: Type A upstream, Type B downstream

Pros

  • Plug-and-play connectivity
  • Hot swapping
  • High data rates
  • Noise immunity
  • Available on most newer PCs

Cons

  • 5 meters maximum distance
  • Not always isolated
  • Not often available on industrial/commercial devices
  • Lack of locking connectors

For more detailed information and product datasheets, please visit the B&B Electronics website http://www.bb-europe.com/