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USB Connector range - Type C, USB 2.0 and 3.0

A comprehensive selection of USB connectors are available with various combinations of form factors, interface and version types, vertical and horizontal configurations, as well as a unique new USB 2.0 Type-C charging option. Chances are GCT have the right USB connector for you.

USB (Universal Serial Bus) was originally developed and introduced in 1996 as a way of setting up communication between a computer and peripheral devices by replacing many varieties of serial and parallel ports.

USB connectors have become the standard connection method for devices such as mice, keyboards, game pads & joysticks, scanners, digital cameras, printers and external hard drives.

Although designed for personal computers USB has become commonplace on other devices such as mobile phones, PDA's, video game consoles, AC power adaptors, memory sticks and mobile internet access dongles.

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Defines connector body style, from largest, Full Size, down thru Mini and Micro.

USB2.0 is available in Micro, Mini and Full Size.
USB3.0 is available in Micro and Full Size only.

Full size types are available in both A & B, A is the ‘in-line’ rectangular type, B the square.

Micro receptacles are available in B & A/B. B types accept USB B cable plugs and A/B types accept USB A or B cable plugs. A/B is normally used in On The Go (OTG) applications. Click here for more information.

GCT offer connectors for the following USB versions:

USB2.0 is suitable to 480 Mbps, with 4 contacts in Full Size, 5 or 10 contacts in Mini and 5 contacts in Micro.
USB3.0 (also known as USB3.1 Gen 1 or USB Superspeed) is suitable to 5 Gbps, with 9 contacts in Full Size and 10 contacts in Micro.
USB3.1 (also known as USB3.1 Gen 2 or USB Superspeed+) is suitable to 10 Gbps, with 9 contacts in Full Size, 10 contacts in Micro and 24 contacts in type C.

Position of the connector mating face relative to the PCB. Vertical (straight) is 90° to the PCB, horizontal (right angle) is 180° to the PCB. Upright/flag types have the connector mounted on its side.

Male Plugs mate with Female receptacles. When mated the body of the plug is enveloped by the female USB socket.

For Full Size types, mated connectors are held in place by sprung tangs on the female shell which latch into two cavities on the male shell.

Micro types have the opposite arrangement with tangs on the male shell and cavity on female shells, this is a key reason why USB Micro receptacles are suitable for ten thousand mating cycles.<

How has USB evolved over the years?

How durable are USB connectors?

What is Mini USB 2.0?

What is Micro USB 2.0?

What is Full size USB 2.0?

What is Full size and Micro USB 3.0?

What is USB 3.1 Type C?

USB evolution

1996	USB 1.0	1.56Mbits/s
1998	USB 1.1	12Mbits/s
2001	USB 2.0	480Mbits/s. This releases included the Mini USB
2007	Addition of micro USB and On-the-Go (OTG) to 2.0 specification GCT developed and added mini & micro USB to portfolio
2008	USB 3.0	5Gbits/s
2010	USB 3.0	Gained traction with xHCI Spec release taken up by Linux community

USB Product Life Cycles - USB durability under normal conditions

Two key factors:
Contact design: Major effect on the durability of the spring force, will eventually reduce to a level that will not give good contact. Gold plating: Thicker the gold, longer it takes to wear out.

Number of mating cycles:
USB2.0 Full Size: 1,500 mating cycles, gold flash plating.
USB2.0 Mini: 5,000 mating cycles, 15µ” gold plating.
USB2.0 Micro: 10,000 mating cycles, 30µ” gold plating.
USB3.0 Full Size: 5,000 mating cycles, 30µ” gold plating.
USB 3.0 Micro: 10,000 mating cycles, 30µ” gold plating.
Type C: 10,000 mating cycles, 30µ" gold plating.

Why Micro types offer better durability?
Accomplished by moving leaf-spring from the PCB receptacle to plug, the most-stressed part is now on the cable side of the connection.
Inexpensive cable bears most wear instead of the µUSB device.

Searching for specific USB connector products? View GCT Micro USB connectors, Mini USB connectors, Full size USB, USB2.0 and USB3.0

If you would like more information or would like to request samples, please contact GCT or view our USB connector range