# USB 3 receptacle

> The latter class of legacy USB receptacles

**Wikidata**: [Q133869729](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q133869729)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/usb-3-receptacle

## Summary
USB 3 receptacle is a class of legacy USB receptacles, including types like Standard-A, Standard-B, and Micro-B, that were replaced by the USB-C connector. These receptacles preceded the unified USB-C standard and were part of the USB 3 generation of connectors.

## Key Facts
- USB 3 receptacle is classified as a legacy USB receptacle, excluding USB Type-C (USB-C) connectors.
- It encompasses subtypes including USB 3 Standard-A, USB 3 Standard-B, USB Powered-B, USB 3 Micro-AB, and USB 3 Micro-B receptacles.
- The USB 3 receptacle class is a subclass of USB 3 connectors and broader legacy USB receptacle classes.
- It has been entirely replaced by the USB Full-Featured Type-C receptacle.
- Common aliases include USB 3.0 receptacle, USB SuperSpeed receptacle, SuperSpeed USB receptacle, and USB 3.1 receptacle.
- It is distinct from USB 3 plugs, USB 2 legacy receptacles, USB-C receptacles, and USB 2 receptacles.
- The term "latter class" in its description indicates it represents the final generation of pre-USB-C receptacles.
- It is documented under the Commons category "USB 3 receptacles" and has 1 sitelink.

## FAQs
### Q: What is a USB 3 receptacle?  
A: USB 3 receptacle refers to a class of legacy USB connectors, including types like Standard-A, Standard-B, and Micro-B, that were part of the USB 3 standard. These have been superseded by the universal USB-C connector.

### Q: How does USB 3 receptacle differ from USB-C?  
A: USB 3 receptacle is a legacy design replaced by USB-C, which offers reversibility, higher power delivery, and unified device support. Unlike USB 3 receptacles, USB-C does not require multiple physical form factors.

### Q: What are the subtypes of USB 3 receptacle?  
A: Subtypes include USB 3 Standard-A (commonly on host devices), USB 3 Standard-B (peripheral devices), USB Powered-B, USB 3 Micro-AB (OTG devices), and USB 3 Micro-B (mobile devices).

### Q: Why was USB 3 receptacle replaced?  
A: It was replaced by USB-C to eliminate connector fragmentation, enable bidirectional data/power flow, and standardize device connections across different device types.

## Why It Matters
USB 3 receptacle marked a significant evolution in USB technology by introducing SuperSpeed data transfer capabilities before its replacement by USB-C. Its existence addressed growing bandwidth needs for peripherals like external hard drives and video devices, facilitating faster file transfers and enhanced connectivity. As the final iteration of pre-USB-C receptacles, it represented a transition toward universal connectivity, enabling more seamless device interoperability. Its eventual replacement by USB-C simplified user experiences and reduced manufacturing complexity by consolidating multiple receptacle types into a single, reversible connector.

## Notable For
- Final generation of pre-USB-C USB receptacles before the advent of universal USB-C.
- Support for SuperSpeed data transfers, enabling high-bandwidth device connectivity.
- Diverse physical subtypes (Standard, Micro, Powered-B) tailored to specific device roles.
- Complete replacement by USB Full-Featured Type-C receptacle, ending decades of connector fragmentation.

## Body
### Classification
USB 3 receptacle is a class entity encompassing all legacy USB receptacles from the USB 3 era, explicitly excluding USB-C designs. It falls under two parent classes: "USB 3 connector" and "legacy USB receptacle." The latter group includes all non-USB-C USB receptacles, which USB-C replaced entirely.

### Subtypes
The USB 3 receptacle class comprises five distinct subtypes:
- USB 3 Standard-A receptacle: Host-device interface (e.g., desktops).
- USB 3 Standard-B receptacle: Peripheral-device interface (e.g., printers).
- USB Powered-B receptacle: Specialized high-power variant.
- USB 3 Micro-AB receptacle: OTG (On-The-Go) support for mobile devices.
- USB 3 Micro-B receptacle: Compact peripheral interface for smartphones, tablets.

### Replacement
USB 3 receptacles were definitively replaced by the USB Full-Featured Type-C receptacle. USB-C eliminated the need for multiple receptacle types by offering a single, reversible connector supporting all legacy and new USB standards.

### Differentiation
USB 3 receptacle is explicitly distinct from:
- USB 3 plug: The male connector counterpart.
- USB 2 legacy receptacle: Earlier, lower-speed standard.
- USB-C receptacle: The modern universal replacement.
- USB 2 receptacle: Predecessor to USB 3 speeds.