# USB 3 Standard-B receptacle

> a legacy USB receptacle that preceded USB-C (“B” indicating the peripheral device end)

**Wikidata**: [Q133458603](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q133458603)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/usb-3-standard-b-receptacle

## Summary
The USB 3 Standard-B receptacle is a legacy USB connector that preceded the USB-C standard, designed for peripheral devices. It was part of the USB 3.0 and later USB 3.1 specifications, featuring SuperSpeed data transfer capabilities and a distinct "B" shape, differentiating it from the "A" type used for hosts.

## Key Facts
- **Legacy Standard**: A USB 3.0/3.1 receptacle that preceded USB-C, introduced in 2008 and revised in 2013.
- **Pinout**: Includes VBUS (red), D− (white), D+ (green), GND (black), and SuperSpeed differential pairs (SSTX±, SSRX±).
- **Voltage**: VBUS supports 5V at 5A for power delivery.
- **Replaced By**: USB-C receptacle, which became the standard in 2014.
- **Connects With**: USB 3 Standard-B plugs, USB Powered-B plugs, and USB 2 Standard-B plugs.
- **Official Name**: USB 3.1 Standard-B receptacle, as per USB Implementers Forum specifications.
- **Aliases**: Includes USB 10Gbps Standard-B, USB 5Gbps Standard-B, and USB SuperSpeed Standard-B.
- **Commons Category**: USB 3 Standard-B receptacles on Wikimedia Commons.
- **Schematic**: Available as an SVG file with pinout details.

## FAQs
### Q: What is the difference between USB 3 Standard-B and USB-C receptacles?
A: USB 3 Standard-B was a legacy connector used before USB-C, featuring a distinct "B" shape and SuperSpeed data transfer. USB-C, introduced in 2014, replaced it with a reversible design and higher power delivery.

### Q: What are the pinout colors for USB 3 Standard-B?
A: The pinout includes red (VBUS), white (D−), green (D+), and black (GND), with additional pins for SuperSpeed data transfer.

### Q: Is USB 3 Standard-B still used today?
A: No, it was replaced by USB-C in 2014 and is considered obsolete for new devices.

### Q: What is the voltage and current rating for USB 3 Standard-B?
A: VBUS provides 5V at 5A for power delivery.

### Q: Where can I find a schematic of USB 3 Standard-B?
A: A schematic with pinout details is available on Wikimedia Commons.

## Why It Matters
The USB 3 Standard-B receptacle was a pivotal part of the USB 3.0 and 3.1 standards, introducing SuperSpeed data transfer (5 Gbps) and higher power delivery (5V at 5A). It was widely adopted in peripherals like external hard drives and monitors before being superseded by USB-C, which offered a reversible design and higher power capabilities. Its legacy persists in older devices, but its role in modern computing is limited.

## Notable For
- **First SuperSpeed USB**: One of the first connectors to support 5 Gbps data transfer.
- **Legacy Design**: Preceded the reversible USB-C standard, which became the industry norm.
- **Power Delivery**: Supported 5V at 5A, a standard for USB 3.0 devices.
- **Widely Used**: Found in external storage, monitors, and other peripherals.
- **Official Standard**: Defined by the USB Implementers Forum, ensuring compatibility.

## Body
### Overview
The USB 3 Standard-B receptacle is a legacy USB connector introduced with USB 3.0 in 2008, featuring a "B" shape to distinguish it from the "A" type used for hosts. It was part of the USB 3.1 revision, which introduced SuperSpeed+ (10 Gbps) in 2013.

### Technical Specifications
- **Data Transfer**: Supports SuperSpeed (5 Gbps) and later SuperSpeed+ (10 Gbps).
- **Power Delivery**: VBUS pin provides 5V at 5A, sufficient for most peripherals.
- **Pinout**:
  - **VBUS (Pin 1)**: Red wire, 5V power supply.
  - **D− (Pin 2)**: White wire, differential data line.
  - **D+ (Pin 3)**: Green wire, differential data line.
  - **GND (Pin 4)**: Black wire, ground.
  - **SuperSpeed Pairs**: SSTX± (Pins 5-6) and SSRX± (Pins 8-9) for high-speed data.
- **Materials**: Typically made of metal with plastic insulation.

### Historical Context
- **Introduction**: USB 3.0 was released in 2008, with the Standard-B receptacle becoming standard for peripherals.
- **Replacement**: USB-C, introduced in 2014, replaced Standard-B due to its reversible design and higher power capabilities.
- **Legacy Use**: Still found in older devices, but obsolete for new hardware.

### Standards and Compliance
- **USB Implementers Forum**: Defined the official specifications for USB 3.1 Standard-B.
- **Compliance Documents**: Available on the USB.org website, ensuring interoperability.

### Media and Resources
- **Images**: Available on Wikimedia Commons, including a to-scale SVG schematic.
- **Schematics**: Detailed pinout illustrations help with wiring and troubleshooting.

### Comparison to USB-C
- **Reversibility**: USB-C is reversible, unlike Standard-B.
- **Power Delivery**: USB-C supports higher power (up to 100W) and faster charging.
- **Data Transfer**: Both support SuperSpeed, but USB-C offers more flexibility.

The USB 3 Standard-B receptacle played a crucial role in the evolution of USB technology, transitioning from USB 2.0 to the higher-speed USB 3 standards before being replaced by the more versatile USB-C.

## 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/usb-type-cr-cable-and-connector-specification-release-24)
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/universal-serial-bus-31-legacy-connectors-and-cable-assemblies-compliance-document)
6. [Source](https://www.usb.org/document-library/usb-20-specification)