# USB 2 Type-A connector > the class of USB connectors at the host ends of cables and carrying only USB 1–2 and power, all of which are replaced by the USB 2 Type‑C connectors **Wikidata**: [Q133869893](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q133869893) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/usb-2-type-a-connector ## Summary The USB 2 Type-A connector is a class of legacy USB connectors located at the host ends of cables that carry only USB 1–2 signals and power. It is distinguished from newer standards by its specific function as the host-side connection and its limitation to USB 2.0 data speeds. This entire class of connectors has been superseded and replaced by the USB 2 Type-C connector. ## Key Facts - **Definition:** A class of USB connectors situated at the host ends of cables, designed to carry only USB 1–2 data and power. - **Replaced By:** The entire class has been replaced by the **USB 2 Type-C connector**. - **Parent Classes:** Subclass of **USB Type-A connector** and **USB 2 legacy connector**. - **Distinctions:** Different from the USB 2 Type-B connector, USB 2 Type-C connector, and USB 3 Type-A connector. - **Variants:** Includes specific classes such as the **USB 2 Standard-A connector**, **USB 2 Type-A plug**, **USB 2 Type-A receptacle**, and **USB Mini-A connector**. - **Aliases:** Also known as USB 1.1 Type-A connector, USB 1.0 Type-A connector, USB 1 Type-A connector, USB-A 2.0 connector, and USB-A 2 connector. - **Official Name:** USB 2 Type-A connector. ## FAQs ### Q: What is the primary function of the USB 2 Type-A connector? A: It serves as the host-side connector for cables operating within the USB 1.0 to USB 2.0 specification range, facilitating data transfer and power delivery. ### Q: How does the USB 2 Type-A connector differ from the USB 3 Type-A connector? A: While they share a similar physical form factor, the USB 2 Type-A connector is distinct because it carries only USB 1–2 signals and power, whereas the USB 3 Type-A connector supports higher data transfer rates associated with USB 3.0 and beyond. ### Q: Has the USB 2 Type-A connector been deprecated? A: Yes, the class of USB connectors carrying only USB 1–2 and power (including Type-A) has been replaced by the USB 2 Type-C connector. ## Why It Matters The USB 2 Type-A connector represents a foundational era in the history of universal serial bus technology, defining the standard "host" interface for personal computing and peripheral connectivity for decades. As the primary point of contact for keyboards, mice, flash drives, and countless other devices during the USB 1.0 through 2.0 eras, it established the "A" (host) to "B" (device) hierarchy that structured early USB architecture. Its significance is further highlighted by its eventual replacement. The transition from this legacy standard—including its Standard-A, Mini-A, and Micro-A variants—to the USB 2 Type-C connector marks a major shift in hardware design. The industry moved away from the directional, fragile, and multiple-form-factor nature of Type-A towards the unified, reversible, and robust design of Type-C. Understanding the USB 2 Type-A connector is essential for maintaining legacy hardware and comprehending the evolution of the modern USB-C ecosystem. ## Notable For - **Host Identification:** Specifically designated as the connector found at the "host ends" of cables, distinguishing it from device-side connectors like Type-B. - **Legacy Status:** Being a part of the "USB 2 legacy connector" class that has been officially superseded by Type-C technology. - **Broad Aliases:** Known by a wide variety of names in common usage, including USB-A 2.0, USB 1.1 Type-A, and USB-A 1.0. - **Variety of Forms:** Encompassing multiple form factors including the Standard-A plug/receptacle and the deprecated Mini-A connector. ## Body ### Definition and Classification The **USB 2 Type-A connector** is officially classified as a subclass of both the **USB Type-A connector** and the **USB 2 legacy connector**. It is defined as the class of connectors found at the **host ends of cables**. Technically, it is designed to carry only **USB 1–2** signals and **power**. This entity serves as the broader category for several specific connector types, including: * **USB 2 Standard-A connector:** The traditional rectangular host connector. * **USB 2 Type-A plug:** The male termination found on cables. * **USB 2 Type-A receptacle:** The female port found on host devices. * **USB Mini-A connector:** A deprecated compact form factor for the host end. ### Succession and Replacement The USB 2 Type-A connector is part of a generation of hardware that has been entirely replaced. According to current specifications, all connectors in this class (carrying only USB 1–2 and power) are replaced by the **USB 2 Type-C connector**. This replacement covers the functionality of both the plugs and receptacles associated with the Type-A standard. ### Related Entities The USB 2 Type-A connector is distinct from other similar connectors in the USB family: * **USB 2 Type-B connector:** The device-side counterpart. * **USB 3 Type-A connector:** A physically similar connector that supports higher USB 3.0 data speeds. * **USB 2 Micro-A plug:** A related USB Micro plug used in hosts, which is also replaced by the USB 2 Type-C plug. ## References 1. [Source](https://www.usb.org/document-library/usb-31-legacy-cable-and-connector-revision-10) 2. [Source](https://www.usb.org/document-library/universal-serial-bus-31-legacy-connectors-and-cable-assemblies-compliance-document) 3. [Source](https://www.usb.org/document-library/usb-32-revision-11-june-2022) 4. [Source](https://www.usb.org/document-library/usb-type-cr-connectors-and-cable-assemblies-compliance-document-rev-21b) 5. [Source](https://www.usb.org/document-library/usb-type-cr-cable-and-connector-specification-release-24)