The original USB form factor, USB A is still as popular today as when it was first launched in 1996. It is instantly recognisable and has stood the test of time in the face of new USB variants that have launched since it's introduction.

Full size USB remains a vital I/O connection for a vast array of electronics and equipment we see in the market today. USB2.0 and USB3.0 are the two key versions of full size USB.

Despite being the largest USB form factor available, it is still a relatively compact connector. It's the all-round USB solution, a tried and tested option at a good price point.

Full Size USB Interface Types

There are 3 main types of full size USB2.0 and USB3.0. USB Type A and two slightly different versions of USB Type B to accommodate SuperSpeed USB3.0.

USB 3.0 Type B

USB 3.0 Type A

View USB 3.0 Type A Connectors

USB 2.0 Type B

View USB 2.0 Type B Connectors

USB 2.0 Type A

View USB 2.0 Type A Connectors

Full Size USB PCB Orientations & Mounting Types

Vertical Mount - Mounted at 90° to PCB. Example shown USB1040 Through hole

Top Mid Mount - Fits in a hole cut in the PCB and is soldered to the top side of the PCB. Mid mount connectors are perfect for low profile consumer electronics applications where height above and below the PCB are critical. Example shown USB1015 Through hole

Top Mount - Connector is soldered to the top side of the PCB. Example shown USB1046 Surface mount

Short Body - Exceptionally short body USB Type-A connector for compact designs requiring full-size USB. Example shown USB1125

Bottom Mid Mount - Fits in a hole cut in the PCB and is soldered to the underside of the PCB. Example shown USB1020 Through hole

Full Size USB Mating Configurations

The table below shows compatible mating configurations between Full Size USB interface types.

Full size USB Connector Additional Information

• Available in A & B Connector Types.
• USB 2.0 and 3.0 versions.
• 1,500 Mating Cycles are standard for USB 2.0 and 5,000 for USB 3.0 variants. Higher mating Cycle variants are available such as the GCT USB1086, tested to 20,000 cycles.
• Full size USB 3.0 versions have blue insulators and are backward compatible with Full size USB 2.0 variants.
• Receptacles have six friction fingers to ensure high retention force (8.0N min).
• Dual A type receptacles are available such as GCT's USB1035.

Advantages of Full Size USB3.0 vs. USB2.0

Whilst both versions of full size USB are still very popular and can be more than sufficient for its intended application, there are instances where the 3.0 variant has some distinct advantages:

• Higher speeds enables seamless uncompressed transmission of high speed data such as high definition movies and other bandwidth intensive applications.
• Consumes less power due to asynchronous transmission - meaning it turns on only when read/write is required.
• Numerous other power reduction features result in 3.0 versions using approximately 1/3 less power than 2.0.