USB Connectors
USB (Universal Serial Bus) connectors are essential electrical connectors known for their flat, rectangular shape that accommodates corresponding plugs. Widely used in Hong Kong, these connectors are found on computers, hubs, and various peripherals such as printers, scanners, audio interfaces, and test equipment, facilitating versatile connectivity for a range of devices.
USB connectors have many types of variations and different speeds, however, they all do the same job. Typically the job of a USB is to transport data and power to a device through various communication protocols. Our USB connectors can also be paired with a variety of USB gadgets to further enhance your options.
Benefits of USB Connectors
When you use a USB connector, you gain:
Combined Power and Data: Many USB connectors, such as the USB Type A female connector or USB B connector, transmit both.
Broad Compatibility: Connect a vast array of devices, from everyday gadgets to complex industrial systems.
Diverse Range: Find the perfect fit, from USB Type A female connector and USB B connector to robust industrial USB connectors and compact micro USB connectors.
How USB Connectors Work?
USB connectors are ingeniously designed to facilitate seamless communication and power delivery across diverse devices. These essential components enable a reliable physical and electrical connection for your systems.
You can integrate a USB connector directly onto PCBs (Printed Circuit Boards) for internal device connectivity, or utilise its terminals to craft custom USB cables using the terminals on the connectors. This versatility extends to their use as external interfaces; for example, a USB Type A female connector or USB Type B connector can function as a panel mount solution, seamlessly replacing or augmenting existing interfaces in computer systems.
Each USB plug features multiple pins that are dedicated to carrying power and bidirectional data, ensuring efficient signal transfer. And regardless of the form, both USB male connectors and USB female connectors are consistently engineered for reliable performance.
Types of USB Connectors
To best suit your connectivity needs, a variety of USB connector types are available in RS Hong Kong’s catalogue.
USB Type A
This is the most common USB plug, recognised by its flat, rectangular design. It's typically used on host devices like PCs and laptops.
USB Type B
The USB Type B connector is primarily used for larger peripherals such as printers or scanners. It usually connects the device to a standard USB Type A port on your computer.
USB Type C
The versatile USB Type C connector offers reversible connection, faster data speeds, and higher power delivery. It’s found in a diverse range of devices, such as smartphones and laptops.
Mini USBs
The mini USB connector is a smaller, now largely superseded, USB connector type. This type was previously a common choice for charging and transferring data on earlier mobile phones and cameras.
Micro USBs
This type is now an outdated option due to its non-reversible design and slower speeds compared to USB C. However, you may still find specialised IP67 micro USB connector variants available.
Different Mounting Types for USB Connectors
You can choose from a range of mounting options, including panel, surface, through-hole and cable mounts. There are designs with waterproof housing (for example made from rugged thermoplastic) for added protection and durability, these are suitable for harsh environments, where protection from water and dust is essential. You could also simply choose to have the chassis plugs and sockets for printed circuit boards.
How to Choose the Right USB Connector
Each of the USBs comes in a variety of speeds, types and what communication protocols they can be used with. When picking the right connector for you, it's important to take into account the key attributes such as;
- Gender: USB ports come in either a female or male gender.
- Device Compatibility: Identify the specific port you're connecting to, as this dictates the necessary USB plug type.
- Speed and Power Needs: For rapid data transfer or high-power delivery, choose newer and up-to-date USB versions like the USB C. For older peripherals, a standard USB Type B connector might suffice.
- Environment: For demanding conditions, prioritise robust industrial USB connectors or specialised IP67 micro USB connector types for durability and protection.
- Mounting Type: Whether you need a straight PCB connection type or a cable-mounted device.
Applications of USB Connectors Across Industries
USB connectors are incredibly versatile, enhancing connectivity for your devices and systems across numerous sectors:
- Computing & Peripherals: Facilitate essential connections for keyboards, mice, and external monitors to personal computers, and enable seamless data exchange and power delivery for printers, scanners, and external storage drives.
- Consumer Electronics: As a unified solution, USB connectors, including micro and various USB plug types, are standard for charging and data transfer in smartphones, cameras, and media players.
- Industrial Applications: To maintain efficient operations, USB connectors ensure strong data and power transmission between computers and devices like sensors, programmable logic controllers, and industrial computers.
How to Order USB Connectors from RS Hong Kong?
RS Hong Kong is a trusted provider of USB connectors, featuring quality products from leading brands like Molex, Amphenol Communications Solutions, TE Connectivity, and our very own RS PRO.
To order from our website, simply add your chosen USB connectors, plug, or adaptor to your basket and proceed to our secure checkout to finish your order.
How Delivery Works at RS Hong Kong
With RS Hong Kong, benefit from our efficient global network, ensuring your USB connectors and other components are dispatched swiftly. With convenient tracking available through your RS Online account, you can easily monitor your order's journey from our distribution centres to your location in Hong Kong.
For further details on shipping services and associated costs, please refer to our Delivery page.