USBKabel

USBkabel, or USB cable, is a flexible electrical conductor used to connect devices with USB interfaces for data transfer and power supply. It typically consists of several insulated conductors inside a protective jacket, including data lines, power wires and shielding to reduce interference. The ends are terminated with various USB connectors, with the most common being USB-A, USB-B, USB-C, micro-USB and mini-USB.

Connectors and standards vary by generation. Data speeds depend on the USB version and cable design: USB 2.0 up to 480 Mbps; USB 3.x up to several gigabits per second; USB4 up to 40 Gbps. USB-C is a reversible connector that often supports higher speeds and power delivery, and can carry alternate modes such as DisplayPort or Thunderbolt, depending on the device and cable. Cable quality and length influence performance, especially for high-speed data transfer or power delivery.

Power delivery is another key aspect. USB cables not only transfer data but can also supply electrical power. USB Power Delivery allows higher voltages and currents (up to 100 W) with compatible controllers and cables. Cables without proper certification or with low-rated conductors may be limited to standard charging, such as 5 V at a few amps.

Standards and safety: USB cables may be uncertified, but USB-IF certification helps ensure interoperability and safety. For higher-power or critical uses, choosing certified, high-quality cables is advised. Applications include charging smartphones and tablets, transferring files between computers and peripherals, and connecting external storage, keyboards, mice and printers.

History: The USB standard originated in the mid-1990s to simplify peripheral connections. Over time, several generations and connector types were introduced, culminating in USB-C and USB4, with ongoing work to improve speed, power delivery and cross-device compatibility.