# USB 3 Standard Type-B plug > a class of legacy USB plugs that preceded USB-C (“B” indicating the peripheral device end) **Wikidata**: [Q134418904](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q134418904) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/usb-3-standard-type-b-plug ## Summary The USB 3 Standard Type-B plug is a legacy USB connector designed for peripheral devices, characterized by its rectangular shape and "B" designation, which has been superseded by the USB-C standard. It belongs to the class of USB plugs that preceded USB-C. ## Key Facts - **Replaced By:** USB-C plug - **Classification:** Subclass of USB 3 Standard Type-B connector, USB 3 Standard plug, USB 3 Type-B plug, and USB Standard Type-B plug - **Physical Representation:** Illustrated at https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/USB_connector_illustration,_to_scale,_grouping,_legacy,_USB_3_Standard_Type-B_Plugs.svg (qualifying USB 3 Standard-B plug and USB Powered-B plug) - **Aliases:** Standard USB 3 Type-B plug, USB 3.1 Standard Type-B plug, USB 3.0 Standard Type-B plug, USB 10Gbps Standard Type-B plug, USB SuperSpeed Standard Type-B plug, USB SS Standard Type-B plug, SuperSpeed USB Standard Type-B plug, Standard USB 3.1 Type-B plug, Standard USB 3.0 Type-B plug, USB 5Gbps Standard Type-B plug - **Standards Body:** USB Implementers Forum - **Legacy Status:** Defined as a class of legacy USB plugs that preceded USB-C - **Commons Category:** USB 3 Standard Type-B plugs - **Sitelink Count:** 1 ## FAQs ### Q: What does the "Type-B" designation mean for this plug? A: The "Type-B" designation specifically indicates that this plug is designed for the peripheral device end of a USB connection, as opposed to the host end. ### Q: Why is the USB 3 Standard Type-B plug considered legacy? A: It is considered legacy because it has been superseded by the USB-C plug, which offers advantages like reversibility, higher power delivery, and a smaller form factor. ### Q: What are the common names or aliases for the USB 3 Standard Type-B plug? A: Common aliases include Standard USB 3 Type-B plug, USB 3.1 Standard Type-B plug, USB 3.0 Standard Type-B plug, USB SuperSpeed Standard Type-B plug, and USB SS Standard Type-B plug. ### Q: What organization defines the USB 3 Standard Type-B plug standard? A: The USB Implementers Forum is the standards body responsible for defining the USB standards, including this plug. ### Q: Where can I find an image showing the USB 3 Standard Type-B plug? A: An illustration is available on Wikimedia Commons at the specific file path provided in the source material. ## Why It Matters The USB 3 Standard Type-B plug represents a significant step in the evolution of USB connectivity, enabling faster data transfer speeds (up to 5 Gbps initially, later 10 Gbps) for peripheral devices like printers, external hard drives, and hubs before the advent of USB-C. Its standardized rectangular shape and "B" designation provided a reliable interface for connecting peripherals to host computers during the USB 3.x era. Understanding this plug is crucial for maintaining compatibility with older hardware and recognizing the technological progression that led to the universal, reversible USB-C standard we use today. It solved the need for high-speed peripheral connectivity in a pre-USB-C world. ## Notable For * **Peripheral Device Orientation:** Specifically designed for the peripheral end of a USB connection, distinguishing it from host-side connectors. * **Legacy USB-C Predecessor:** Belongs to the class of USB plugs explicitly defined as preceding and being replaced by the USB-C standard. * **USB 3.x Standardization:** A key connector form factor within the USB 3.0 and USB 3.1 specifications for high-speed peripherals. * **Distinctive Rectangular Form Factor:** Recognizable by its larger, square-ish shape compared to smaller USB connectors like Mini-B or Micro-B. * **Part of USB Evolution:** Represents a transitional phase in USB development, bridging the gap between earlier USB standards and the modern USB-C era. ## Body ### Classification and Relationships The USB 3 Standard Type-B plug is classified under multiple related entities: * **Direct Class:** USB 3 Type-B plug [class] — a class of legacy (pre-C) USB Type-B (peripheral device end) plugs. * **Broader Class:** USB 3 Standard plug [class] — a class of legacy USB plugs that preceded USB-C. * **Specific Connector Class:** USB 3 Standard Type-B connector [class] — a class of legacy USB connectors that preceded USB-C (“B” indicating the peripheral device end). * **Legacy Standard Class:** USB Standard Type-B plug [class]. It is also directly related to specific instances: * **USB 3 Standard-B plug [Thing]** — a legacy USB plug that preceded USB-C (“B” indicating the peripheral device end). * **USB Powered-B plug [Thing]** — a legacy USB plug that preceded USB-C (“B” indicating the peripheral device end). ### Physical Characteristics and Representation * The plug is visually represented by an illustration available at: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/USB_connector_illustration,_to_scale,_grouping,_legacy,_USB_3_Standard_Type-B_Plugs.svg. * This image specifically qualifies the **USB 3 Standard-B plug** and the **USB Powered-B plug**. * It belongs to the Wikimedia Commons category: **USB 3 Standard Type-B plugs**. ### Historical Context and Status * The plug is explicitly defined as **legacy**, meaning it is an older standard superseded by newer technology. * Its direct **replacement** is the **USB-C plug**. * It was standardized under the oversight of the **USB Implementers Forum**. * The entity has a **sitelink count** of 1, indicating its presence on one Wikimedia project (specifically Commons, based on the image and category). ### Nomenclature and Aliases The USB 3 Standard Type-B plug is known by numerous aliases reflecting different naming conventions used over time and for different speed generations (USB 3.0, USB 3.1, SuperSpeed): * Standard USB 3 Type-B plug * USB 3.1 Standard Type-B plug * USB 3.0 Standard Type-B plug * USB 10Gbps Standard Type-B plug * USB SuperSpeed Standard Type-B plug * USB SS Standard Type-B plug * SuperSpeed USB Standard Type-B plug * Standard USB 3.1 Type-B plug * Standard USB 3.0 Type-B plug * USB 5Gbps Standard Type-B plug