# USB 2 Type-B connector

> the class of USB 2 connectors (those which carry only USB 1–2 and power) at the peripheral device ends of cables, all of which are replaced by the USB 2 Type‑C connectors

**Wikidata**: [Q133869891](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q133869891)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/usb-2-type-b-connector

## Summary
The USB 2 Type-B connector is a class of legacy USB connectors designed for peripheral devices, supporting USB 1.1/2.0 and power delivery. All variants of USB 2 Type-B (Standard-B, Micro-B, Mini-B) have been replaced by the USB 2 Type-C connector. It is distinct from USB Type-A and USB 3 Type-B connectors.

## Key Facts
- **Official Name**: USB 2 Type-B connector, as defined in USB-IF specifications (2025 references).
- **Replaced By**: USB 2 Type-C connector, which supersedes all legacy USB 2 Type-B variants.
- **Subclasses**: Includes USB 2 Standard-B, Micro-B, and Mini-B connectors, varying in size and design.
- **Protocols Supported**: USB 1.1 (Low/Full Speed) and USB 2.0 (High Speed), up to 480 Mbit/s.
- **Dimensions**: Standard-B (largest), Micro-B (compact), Mini-B (smallest, obsolete).
- **Differentiation**: Not compatible with USB 3.x protocols or speeds; distinct from USB Type-A (host end) and USB-C (reversible).
- **Aliases**: Historically referred to as USB-B 2.0, USB 1.1 Type-B, or USB 1.0 Type-B connector.

## FAQs
### Q: What replaced the USB 2 Type-B connector?
A: The USB 2 Type-B connector was replaced by the USB 2 Type-C connector, which offers a reversible design and broader compatibility.

### Q: Is USB 2 Type-B compatible with USB 3?
A: No, USB 2 Type-B connectors do not support USB 3 protocols or speeds, unlike USB 3 Type-B connectors.

### Q: Why were there different sizes of USB 2 Type-B connectors?
A: Variants like Standard-B, Micro-B, and Mini-B were designed to accommodate different device sizes and use cases (e.g., printers, mobile devices).

## Why It Matters
The USB 2 Type-B connector played a critical role in standardizing peripheral connectivity for devices like printers, external hard drives, and smartphones before the advent of USB-C. Its introduction of USB 2.0 speeds (480 Mbit/s) improved data transfer rates over USB 1.1, supporting early digital workflows. The eventual replacement by USB-C reflects advancements in reversible, multi-purpose designs, but USB 2 Type-B remains relevant in legacy systems and specific applications. Its differentiation from Type-A (host) and USB 3 Type-B (faster speeds) underscores its niche in pre-USB 3.0 ecosystems.

## Notable For
- **Legacy Replacement**: Fully superseded by USB 2 Type-C, marking a shift toward universal connectivity standards.
- **Form Factor Diversity**: Included three distinct sizes (Standard-B, Micro-B, Mini-B) to address varied device needs.
- **Protocol Limitation**: Exclusively supports USB 1.1/2.0, avoiding compatibility conflicts with newer USB 3.x standards.
- **Distinctive Design**: Features a square or rectangular shape with a protruding tab, ensuring physical differentiation from Type-A connectors.

## Body
### Overview
The USB 2 Type-B connector is a legacy interface for peripheral devices, defined by its role in USB 1.1/2.0 ecosystems. It serves as the peripheral end of USB cables, connecting devices like printers, scanners, and external storage to host computers.

### Technical Specifications
- **Data Transfer**: Supports USB 1.1 (Low/Full Speed, 1.5–12 Mbit/s) and USB 2.0 (High Speed, 480 Mbit/s).
- **Power Delivery**: Carries up to 2.5W (5V, 0.5A) for device powering.
- **Physical Design**: Receptacles and plugs vary by subclass (Standard-B: 12.5×12.5 mm; Micro-B: 7.7×5.45 mm; Mini-B: 10×6.5 mm).

### Variants
- **USB 2 Standard-B**: Largest form factor, commonly used in printers and hubs.
- **USB 2 Micro-B**: Compact design for mobile devices (e.g., smartphones, tablets).
- **USB 2 Mini-B**: Obsolete smaller connector, phased out in favor of Micro-B.

### Replacement
All USB 2 Type-B variants are replaced by **USB 2 Type-C**, which maintains backward compatibility while introducing a reversible, faster, and multi-purpose design. The USB-C connector consolidates host and peripheral roles, eliminating the need for distinct Type-A/Type-B ends.

### Differentiation
- **USB Type-A**: Host-side connector; not interchangeable with Type-B.
- **USB 3 Type-B**: Supports USB 3.x speeds (up to 5–20 Gbit/s) and backward compatibility with USB 2.0.
- **USB-C**: Reversible, multi-protocol connector that replaces both Type-A and Type-B in modern devices.

## 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)