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The USB (Universal Serial Bus) standard is a widely used industry standard that defines the connectors, cables, and communication protocols used in data transmission between computers, peripherals, and other devices. Introduced in the mid-1990s, USB has evolved through multiple versions to improve speed, power delivery, and functionality.

The original USB 1.0 standard, released in 1996, supported data transfer rates of 1.5 Mbps (Low Speed) and 12 Mbps (Full Speed). USB 2.0, introduced in 2000, became the most widely adopted version, offering a maximum transfer speed of 480 Mbps (High Speed) while maintaining backward compatibility with earlier versions. This version remains prevalent in many devices today due to its balance of speed and reliability.

USB 3.0, launched in 2008, introduced significant improvements with a theoretical maximum transfer speed of 5 Gbps (SuperSpeed), nearly ten times faster than USB 2.0. Subsequent revisions, such as USB 3.1 (2013) and USB 3.2 (2017), further enhanced performance, with USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 achieving speeds up to 20 Gbps. These versions also introduced features like improved power delivery and enhanced data transfer protocols.

USB-C, introduced in 2014, represents a major advancement in connector design, offering reversible plug orientation, higher power delivery capabilities, and support for multiple USB standards, including USB 3.1 and later versions. It has become a standard in modern devices, including laptops, smartphones, and tablets, gradually replacing older connectors like USB-A and micro-USB.

Beyond data transfer, USB standards have expanded to include features like USB Power Delivery (USB-PD), which allows devices to draw higher power for charging, and USB Type-C Alternate Modes, enabling connectivity for displays, docking stations, and other peripherals. The latest iteration, USB4 (2019), integrates Thunderbolt 3 technology, offering speeds up to 40 Gbps and improved bandwidth for high-resolution displays and data-intensive applications.

USB standards continue to evolve, focusing on higher speeds, greater efficiency, and broader compatibility to meet the demands of modern computing and peripheral devices.