USB Connectors
USB (Universal Serial Bus) connectors are the standard connection between a computer and a peripheral device such as a monitor, keyboard or mouse. USB is an industry standard that sets up details for cables and connectors and conventions for association, communication, and control supply between peripherals, and computers. USB standards typically are defined by versions or generations such as 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, etc., which defines the data transfer speed and the function of the USB cable, while the USB ports or plugs like USB type A, type B, type C, etc., defines the shape of the cable plugs and ports.
EDAC Standard USB+ family of connectors are available in all types A, B and C in vertical or right angle orientations. USB’s combine data and power in a small package. Type C offers ten times the speed of conventional USB’s and will mate in either direction.
Highlights:
- Up to 1.5 Mbps communication speed for standard USB 1.0
- Up to 480 Mbps communication speed for standard USB 2.0
- Up to 5 Gbps communication speed for standard USB 3.0
- Industry Standard Plug and play technology
- Hot Pluggable
- Compatible with asynchronous and isochronous data transfer methods
- Consolidated current serial, parallel, keyboard mouse and game ports as well as, ISDN and PBX
Product Spotlight:
3.1 USB-C Connector
- Up to 10 Gbps communication speed for USB 3.1 Type C.
- Industry standard plug and play technology
- Compatible with synchronous and asynchronous data transfer
- Data and power combined in one small package
- RoHS compliant
- 1500 cycles minimum ensures long lasting durability.
- 35N maximum mating for and 10N unmating force
The USB connector has become the standard in many applications such as smartphones, printers, cameras, set top boxes,
portable radios, flash drives, medical equipment, automotive ports, in-flight infotainment systems, and security cameras to name a few.
EDAC’s USB connectors, including USB-C, are used in a variety of medical applications due to their reliability, versatility, and performance. Here’s how they are typically employed in medical devices and equipment:
1. Data Transfer for Medical Devices
- Diagnostic Tools: EDAC’s USB connectors facilitate high-speed data transfer between medical devices like diagnostic tools (e.g., ultrasound, MRI, and ECG machines) and computers or servers. This allows quick and accurate sharing of medical data, images, and patient records.
- Wearable Medical Devices: For devices like heart rate monitors or glucose meters, EDAC’s USB connectors ensure secure data synchronization with mobile devices or health monitoring systems.
2. Power Supply and Charging
- Portable Medical Devices: Many portable medical devices like infusion pumps, ventilators, or handheld diagnostic tools rely on USB connectors for efficient charging. EDAC’s USB-C connectors, in particular, are ideal due to their ability to handle higher power loads.
- Battery-Powered Equipment: Medical devices that run on rechargeable batteries can use USB connectors to maintain power and charge seamlessly.
3. Monitoring Systems and Medical Imaging
- Patient Monitoring Systems: EDAC’s USB connectors are used in real-time patient monitoring systems, enabling continuous data flow from patient sensors to central monitoring units, ensuring critical health data is delivered reliably.
- Medical Imaging Systems: In imaging systems such as X-rays or CT scanners, USB connectors provide fast, reliable communication between the imaging devices and storage or display units, crucial for efficient diagnostic procedures.
4. Durability and Safety in Harsh Medical Environments
- Resistant to Wear and Tear: EDAC’s USB connectors are designed to withstand frequent connections and disconnections, making them durable for high-usage medical devices.
- Compliance with Medical Standards: Many of EDAC’s connectors are developed to meet stringent medical standards for safety, sterility, and electrical performance. This makes them suitable for medical environments where reliability is essential.
5. Data Security and Compliance
- Secure Data Transmission: In medical applications, data security is critical. EDAC’s connectors are designed to support encrypted data transmission, ensuring compliance with regulations such as HIPAA in healthcare settings.
USB’s are available as Type A, Type B, Mini B, Micro B, and USB-C (formally known as USB Type-C). The standard USB has 4 contacts while some come with 5 contacts. USB-C has 24 contacts.
- Right angle (side entry) and vertical (top entry) USBs are available with through hole or surface mount terminations.
- Standard USB 1.0 = Up to 1.5 Mbps communication speed
- Standard USB 2.0 = Up to 480 Mbps communication speed
- Standard USB 3.0 = Up to 5 Gbps communication speed
- USB 2.0 is rated at 700 milli-amps and is good for 1 gigabyte per second speed. USB 3.0 is rated up to 2 amps and runs at 5 gigabytes. The latest, USB Type C 3.1 is rated up to 5 amps with a speed that is 10 times the conventional speed at 10 gigabytes per second.
USB Connector Variations
There are many differences between USB 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 generations, including speed, dimensions, and compatibility. Though not defined in the USB specifications, you can generally tell which USB generation by the color of the plastic inside the device. The USB 1.0 and 2.0 are either black or white, USB 3.0 is blue, and USB 3.1 is teal. The chart below provides the data transfer speeds for the different USB generations. Also, for USB 2.0 and older the data transfer is in a single direction, whereas the later generations USB 3.0 and 3.1, allow data transfer in both directions. The max power output for USB 1.0 is 2.5V / 0.5A, USB 2.0 is 2.5V / 1.8A, USB 3.0 5V / 1.8A and then USB 3.1 is 20V / 5A.
| USB Variation | Top speed | Max Power Output | Data Transfer Direction |
| USB 1.0 | 12Mbps | 2.5V / 0.5A | One way |
| USB 2.0 | 480Mbps | 2.5V / 1.8A | One way |
| USB 3.0 | 5Gbps | 5V / 1.8A | Both ways |
| USB 3.1 | 10Gbps | 20V / 5A | Both ways |
The USB type C is the new addition to the USB family. This connector acts like a traditional mobile charger. The USB type C shape is available only in generation 3.1. This plug is horizontally symmetrical, which means it can be inserted into the receptacle in either direction.
The EDAC USB 3.1 Type C connector is part of their 690 Series of durable USB connectors. The connector complies to the 3.1 standard, offers reversible mating of cables and provides up to 5 amps current and 100 watts power. All of this in a package size close to a micro B! The signal pins can transport data at speeds up to 10ghz. Available in male plug and 5 female board mount versions in vertical and right angle with different stand-off heights.
In addition, the 690 Series is RoHS compliant and offers single port HDMI, dual port HDMI, dual port combo HDMI & Type A connectors. EDAC Type C 3.1 is your best choice for high power and fast data in one package.
Medical Application Spotlight:
EDAC’s USB-C connectors offer reliable connectivity, durability, and flexibility, which are critical in such environments. USB-C connectors are increasingly used in the medical field due to their high data transfer rates, power delivery capabilities, and compact form factor. These features make them suitable for medical devices that require fast data communication, power efficiency, and minimal space, such as diagnostic equipment, monitoring systems, and imaging devices.
EDAC is known for its robust and high-quality connectors, and their USB-C connectors can be designed to meet the stringent requirements of medical applications, such as resistance to wear, high performance in harsh environments, and compliance with industry standards for safety and reliability. In many cases, custom solutions can also be developed to address specific medical needs.
Square shaped, the USB type B is frequently utilized to connect a computer to a printer, scanner, or similar equipment. Generation 1.0 and 2.0 plugs (male) are compatible with generation 1.0, 2.0, 3.0 and 3.1 receptacles (female). 3.0 and 3.1 plugs are only compatible with 3.0 and 3.1 receptacles.
USB type A is the foremost common type and will be on one end of almost all USB cables. USB type A, generation 1.0, 2.0, 3.0 and 3.1 are all compatible with each other.
Mini USB plugs type A and B were used for charging older cells phones, cameras and MP3 players. USB mini type B plugs work with the second generation of mini-B and mini-AB receptacles.
