USB Connector range - Type C, USB 2.0 and 3.0
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About USB Connectors
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.
Mini USB 2.0 - Micro USB 2.0 - Full size USB 2.0 - Full size and Micro USB 3.0 - 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 Mini vs. Micro USB Connector Size Comparison

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