# USB Micro-B connector > a class of legacy (pre-C) USB Type-B (peripheral device end) connectors **Wikidata**: [Q133930880](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q133930880) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/usb-micro-b-connector ## Summary The USB Micro-B connector is a class of legacy USB Type-B connectors designed for the peripheral device end of cables. Preceding the modern USB-C standard, it serves as a specific interface within the broader Micro-USB family. It is distinct from other form factors like Mini-B or Standard-B. ## Key Facts * **Official Name:** USB Micro-B connector. * **Classification:** A subclass of the Micro-USB class of legacy connectors. * **Status:** Defined as a "legacy" connector type that preceded the adoption of USB-C. * **Function:** Serves as the Type-B (peripheral device end) connection point. * **Variations:** Includes specific classes for plugs, receptacles, and USB 3 versions. * **Distinct Entities:** Differentiated from the USB Micro-A plug, USB Standard-B connector, and USB Mini-B connector. * **Standardization:** Documented in official USB specifications, including USB 3.1 and USB 3.2 legacy cable and connector revisions. ## FAQs ### Q: What is the primary use of the USB Micro-B connector? A: It functions as the peripheral device end (Type-B) for legacy USB connections. It is commonly found on devices that require a smaller interface than the Standard-B connector. ### Q: How does the USB Micro-B connector relate to USB-C? A: It is classified as a "pre-C" or legacy connector. It represents the generation of USB hardware that existed before the USB-C standard was adopted. ### Q: Are there different versions of the USB Micro-B connector? A: Yes. The class encompasses distinct variations, including the standard USB Micro-B plug and receptacle, as well as the USB 3 Micro-B connector, which offers different specifications. ## Why It Matters The USB Micro-B connector represents a critical phase in the evolution of USB technology, serving as the industry standard for peripheral device connections prior to the widespread adoption of USB-C. As a member of the Micro-USB class, it addressed the need for smaller, more durable connectors in increasingly compact electronic devices, effectively replacing the larger Standard-B and Mini-B formats for many applications. Its significance is anchored in its role as the "peripheral device end" interface, ensuring compatibility between host computers and a vast array of external devices for years. Although now considered "legacy" hardware, the existence of specific iterations like the USB 3 Micro-B connector highlights its adaptability during the transition to higher data transfer speeds. Understanding the Micro-B connector is essential for maintaining and supporting legacy hardware ecosystems that predate the universal adoption of USB-C. ## Notable For * Being the designated "Type-B" connector variant within the Micro-USB class. * Preceding the USB-C standard as the primary peripheral connection interface. * Maintaining a distinct classification from the USB Micro-A plug, despite both belonging to the Micro-USB family. * Encompassing a specific USB 3 variant (USB 3 Micro-B connector) to support higher data protocols. * Serving as the "peripheral device end" connector, distinguishing it from host-side connectors. ## Body ### Definition and Classification The USB Micro-B connector is officially defined as a class of legacy USB Type-B connectors. It falls under the broader parent category of **Micro-USB**, a group that includes Standard and Mini formats and is characterized by its existence prior to the USB-C era. The connector functions specifically as the **Type-B** interface, which is the end of the cable or port designated for the peripheral device rather than the host. It is officially classified as a subclass of Micro-USB. ### Variants and Components The knowledge entry for USB Micro-B includes several specific component classes: * **USB Micro-B plug:** The male connector interface. * **USB Micro-B receptacle:** The female port on the device. * **USB 3 Micro-B connector:** An advanced class of the connector designed to accommodate USB 3.0/3.1/3.2 data transfer speeds, backward compatibility, and different pin configurations. ### Differentiation This connector is structurally and functionally distinct from several related entities: * **USB Micro-A plug:** While part of the same Micro-USB family, the Micro-B differs in shape and usage context. * **USB Standard-B connector:** The larger, original Type-B connector. * **USB Mini-B connector:** The immediate predecessor to the Micro family, which the Micro-B eventually superseded. ### Standards and Documentation The specifications for the USB Micro-B connector are maintained in official USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) documents. Relevant revisions include: * **USB 3.1 Legacy Cable and Connector Revision 1.0** * **USB 3.2 Legacy Connectors and Cable Assemblies Compliance Document** * **USB 3.2 Revision 1.1** ## 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)