lesson 1 11/5/23

LO: learn how to identify cables

USB cables and connectors

A Universal Serial Bus (USB) cable is used for data communication and supplying a small amount of power between devices. USB cables come in three sizes:

• Standard

• Mini

• Micro

Each of those sizes can connect to two types of USB connectors: Type-A and Type-B. Standard Type-A connectors are the most common for computers, while mini and micro Type-A connectors are mostly used for mobile devices. Type-B connectors are commonly found on endpoint devices, such as SMART products.

A third type of connector, Type-C, is newer and comes in only one size. Type-C connectors are commonly found on small personal electronics, such as mobile devices and newer Apple laptops.

SMART products have standard Type-A , Type-B, and Type-C connectors. The source device’s USB connection type determines the type of USB cable you will need.

In addition to different connector types and sizes, there are also different varieties of USB cables:

• USB 1.x

• USB 2.0

• USB 3.0

• USB 3.1

• USB4

The main differences among varieties of USB cable are the power delivery and data transfer speeds. Newer varieties (USB 3.0, 3.1, and 4.) carry more power and have faster data-transfer speeds. USB 3.0 and 3.1 are backwards compatible with USB 2.0, but not with USB 1.1. USB4 technology is backward compatible with USB 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, and 2.0 devices, as well as Thunderbolt 3 and 4. Although SMART products support all varieties, USB 2.0 or newer is recommended.

Note 

Although USB 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, and USB4 are designed to be backwards compatible, the compatibility can be less than 100%. For example, you might experience issues when using USB 3.0/3.1 with USB 2.0. If you experience issues while using a USB 3.0/3.1 connection, try connecting a USB 2.0 hub between the SMART product and the computer. If the issues persist, use USB 2.0 instead of USB 3.0/3.1 or contact the computer’s manufacturer. To guarantee the best USB performance, make sure the latest USB 3.0/3.1 and chipset drivers are installed on the computer.

SMART products use the USB connection to enable touch features. Poor quality USB cables that do not meet industry standards can cause issues with a SMART product’s touch functions. Poor quality cables can also cause unexpected behavior with SMART’s software products (such as SMART Notebook collaborative learning software) when the software is used with a SMART product or other touch-enabled display.

Multiple Choice

• VGA

• USB Type A

• Ethernet

• HDMI

Multiple Choice

• Micro USB

• USB Type A

• USB Type B

• USB Type C

Multiple Choice

• VGA

• Ethernet

• USB Type B

• HDMI

Multiple Choice

• Ethernet

• USB Type C

• Micro USB

• VGA

Multiple Choice

• Micro USB

• USB Type B

• USB Type A

• Power Socket

Multiple Choice

• Audio Input

• Audio Output

Multiple Choice

• Audio Input

• Audio Output

Multiple Choice

• USB Type B

• Power Socket

• HDMI

• Mini USB

Multiple Choice

What does USB stand for?

• Universal Serial Bus

• Unedited System Bracket

• Unified Sound Bar

• Unique Sequencing Bus

Multiple Choice

Which USB connectors are most used charging portable devices?

• Mini USB

• Micro USB

• USB Type B

• Both Mini & Micro USB

Multiple Choice

What are VGA cables used for?

• Video

• Audio

• Data Transfer

• Power

Multiple Choice

What are Ethernet cables used for?

• Networking

• Internet

• Audio

• Both Internet & Networking

Multiple Choice

What is the newest and fastest form of USB?

• USB Type B

• Micro USB

• USB Type A

• USB Type C

Multiple Choice

What is HDMI used for?

• Power

• Video

• Networking

• Data Sharing