USBspecific

USBspecific is a term used in technical writing to denote aspects that are unique to USB technology. It describes requirements, features, and considerations that apply specifically to USB devices, hosts, cables, and hubs, as distinct from general data interface concepts. The scope includes the physical layer (connectors such as USB-A, USB-B, USB-C and associated cables), the electrical layer (bus power, current draw, and negotiation through methods like USB Power Delivery), and the protocol layer (the USB protocol, device descriptors, and the host controller interface). It also covers device-class implementations (such as Human Interface Device, Mass Storage, Audio, and Video) and their class-specific transfer mechanisms.

Because USB is an evolving standard with multiple revisions (USB 1.x/2.0/3.x/4 and USB-C), USBspecific documentation often emphasizes compatibility constraints and feature support that depend on USB version and connector type. It is not a formal standard or specification, but a descriptor used to categorize material that would not apply to other interfaces. In practice, USBspecific considerations are important for hardware design, driver development, testing, and interoperability, including proper cable and connector usage, correct power negotiation, safe enumeration, and adherence to security practices for device authorization and trustworthy device enumeration.

Typical topics described as USBspecific include correct USB-C wiring and CC line configuration, negotiation of power through Power Delivery profiles, proper enumeration order, data role and host/device role transitions, and compliance with class-specific descriptors. It also covers security considerations such as preventing USB device spoofing, ensuring safe charging and device authentication, and protecting hosts from rogue peripherals.