What is USB?
Many portable devices, likesmartphones, eBook readers, and small tablets, use USB primarily for charging.
Themaleconnector on the cable or flash drive is typically called theplug.
Thefemaleconnector on the rig, computer, or extension cable is typically called thereceptacle.
Just to be clear, there are no USB Micro-A or USB Mini-Areceptacles, only USB Micro-Aplugsand USB Mini-Aplugs.
These “A” plugs fit in “AB” receptacles.
USB Troubleshooting
Using a USB gear is usually pretty straightforward: just plug it in.
Anything else necessary for the unit to work is often handled automatically for you, in the background.
Unfortunately, it’s not always that simple.
Some brand-new USB-connected hardware need specialdevice driversto fully function.
Typically, though, the best troubleshooting advice is going to be specific to whatever gear you’re using.
The USB standard is maintained by the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF).
Since 2019,USB4has been the current USB standard.
Only USB-C connectors (rather than traditional mini/micro-USB) can support USB4.
EIA-232F is an older connection standard that was replaced by USB.
The USB standard is faster and consumes less power, making it much more efficient.
