USB-A
Universal Serial Bus Type-A
Invented in
1996
Invented by
Ajay Bhatt & the USB-IF
Availability
Ubiquitous
The connector that ate all the others. USB-A standardised how peripherals connect to computers, for data and power, replacing serial ports, parallel ports, PS/2 and a drawer full of proprietary chargers.
Technical specifications
Introduced1996
SignalDigital data + DC power
Pins4
Speeds1.5 Mb/s → 10 Gb/s
Found on
a laptopa desktop PCa printera TVa games consolea routeran external drivea synth / keyboarda microphonea mixer / interface
Recommended brands
01Anker
02UGREEN
03Lindy
Where to buy
Europe-focused retailer searches. Some links are affiliate links and may earn a commission.
Common adapters and cables
Fun fact
The classic USB-A plug is famously hard to insert the right way first try. Its lead designer later apologised, a regret finally fixed by USB-C.
Tips & tricks
It only fits one way, on most horizontal ports the seam / logo faces up.
Philosophy
A connector designed by committee that somehow became universal. It won by being good enough for everyone, everywhere.
Applications
DataPowerGaming
