USB Orientation & Mount Types

USB connectors come in a variety of orientation and mounting styles. This dictates how USB connectors are placed and secured on a PCB.

There are three key mount types: Surface mount, Through hole and Hybrid (a mixture of the two). There are also three key mount positions; Top, Mid and Bottom. Finally there is the Mount orientation which can either be horizontal or vertical.

GCT provides engineers with a comprehensive range of USB options to meet the majority of applications. See below the key orientation and mounting types for Full size, Micro and Type-C USB.

View all USB Connectors

Full Size USB PCB Orientations & Mounting Types

Standard USB PCB Orientations and 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

Micro USB PCB Orientations & Mounting Types

Micro USB PCB Orientations and Mounting Types
Vertical Mount Receptacle - GCT's wide range of vertical Micro USB2.0 connectors includes through hole and SMT types, with a variety of shell stake lengths, profiles and cable assembly lead in options. Example shown USB3140 SMT
Vertical Mount Receptacle - GCT's wide range of vertical Micro USB2.0 connectors includes through hole and SMT types, with a variety of shell stake lengths, profiles and cable assembly lead in options. Example shown USB3145 Through hole
Vertical Mount Plug Ideal for docking applications. Example shown USB3150 Through hole
Bottom Mount - Soldered to the bottom side of the PCB. Example shown USB3080 Surface mount
Bottom Mid Mount - Fits in a hole cut in the PCB and is soldered to the underside of the PCB. As well as contacts, it also has solderable feet which provide extra strength. Example shown: USB3070 Surface mount
Bottom Mid Mount - Fits in a hole cut in the PCB and is soldered to the top side of the PCB. As well as contacts, it also has solderable feet which provide extra strength. Example shown: USB3155 Surface mount
Top Mount - Connector is soldered to the top side of the PCB. Also known as micro USB reverse type. Reverse types allow the physical body of the Micro USB connector to sit on top of the PCB but still accept µUSB cable plugs in standard orientation with the USB symbol facing upwards. B type connectors are polarised, and to allow the correct cable orientation. Example shown: USB3135 Surface mount (Through hole shell stakes)
Top Mount - Connector is soldered to the top side of the PCB. Also known as micro USB reverse type. Reverse types allow the physical body of the Micro USB connector to sit on top of the PCB but still accept µUSB cable plugs in standard orientation with the USB symbol facing upwards. B type connectors are polarised, and to allow the correct cable orientation. Example shown: USB3100 Surface mount

USB Type-C PCB Orientations & Mounting Types

Type-C USB PCB Orientations and Mounting Types
Vertical Mount Plug - Mounted at 90° on PCB. Example shown USB4151
Vertical Mount Receptacle - Mounted at 90° on PCB. Example shown USB4070
Top Mount - Connector is soldered to the top side of the PCB. Example shown USB4110
Mid Mount (Top) - A hole is routed in the PCB and the connector drops onto the top or bottom of the PCB and is soldered in place. Mid mount is mainly used in super low profile applications. Example shown USB4050
Mid Mount (Bottom) - A hole is routed in the PCB and the connector drops onto the top or bottom of the PCB and is soldered in place. Mid mount is mainly used in super low profile applications. Example shown has a short body of 8.65mm deep USB4060
Bottom Mount - Top Mount PCB mounted connectors can be soldered to the top or bottom of the PCB, taking advantage of USB Type C's reversible interface. Example shown USB4065

Be in the know about product launches, promotions and more

By submitting your email, you are agreeing to receive occasional updates from GCT.

Global headquarters

GCT Limited

GCT Inc

GCT Hong Kong Ltd

Regional offices

GCT Logo

Copyright © 2024 GCT (Global Connector Technology) All Rights Reserved

Return to GCT homepage