# USB Mini-A receptacle > a deprecated compact USB Type‑A receptacle, carrying only USB 1–2 and power, found in hosts, replaced by the USB 2 Micro‑AB receptacle, itself later replaced by the USB 2 Type‑C receptacle **Wikidata**: [Q102143266](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q102143266) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/usb-mini-a-receptacle ## Summary The USB Mini-A receptacle is a deprecated, compact USB Type-A port designed for host devices, distinct from the more common Standard-A. It supports USB 1.0 through 2.0 data speeds and power delivery but has been officially replaced by the USB 2 Micro-AB receptacle and subsequently the USB Type-C receptacle. Unlike later standards, this receptacle was part of an early class of "Mini" connectors that preceded the Micro-USB era. ## Key Facts - **Status:** Deprecated; no longer used in new designs. - **Replaced By:** USB 2 Micro-AB receptacle (interim), later replaced by USB 2 Type-C receptacle. - **Classification:** It is an instance of the USB Mini-A connector, USB Mini receptacle, and USB 2 Type-A receptacle classes. - **Pinout:** Features a 5-pin configuration: 1. **VBUS** (Pin 1): Red, power supply (+5V). 2. **D−** (Pin 2): White, data minus. 3. **D+** (Pin 3): Green, data plus. 4. **ID** (Pin 4): Used for USB On-The-Go (OTG) identification. 5. **GND** (Pin 5): Black, ground. - **Components:** Contains 10 leads. - **Alias:** Also known as "Mini-USB Type-A receptacle." - **Function:** Designed for the host end of cables ("A" indication), distinct from device-side ("B") connectors. - **Compatibility:** Connects with the USB Mini-A plug; distinct from USB Mini-AB, Mini-B, and Standard-A receptacles. ## FAQs ### Q: Is the USB Mini-A receptacle still used today? No, the USB Mini-A receptacle is a deprecated legacy interface. It has been superseded by newer standards, specifically the USB Micro-AB and eventually the modern USB Type-C receptacle. ### Q: How many pins does a USB Mini-A receptacle have? It has 5 pins: VBUS (power), D- (data), D+ (data), ID (On-The-Go identification), and GND (ground). This differs from the 4-pin Standard-A connectors usually found on desktop computers. ### Q: What is the difference between Mini-A and Mini-B receptacles? The USB Mini-A receptacle is designed for host devices, while the USB Mini-B receptacle is designed for peripheral devices. The two are distinct classes of connectors, although both belong to the broader "USB Mini" family and are now considered legacy hardware. ## Why It Matters The USB Mini-A receptacle represents a specific, transitional phase in the evolution of USB technology where engineers sought to reduce the size of host-side connectors. While the Standard-A connector remained dominant for large hosts (like PCs), the Mini-A was an attempt to bring USB host capabilities to smaller, portable devices. Its existence highlights the early challenges of miniaturizing the rigid "A" (host) connector form factor. The receptacle is historically significant as a predecessor to the USB On-The-Go (OTG) ecosystem, evidenced by its inclusion of an ID pin, a feature that allowed devices to switch between host and peripheral roles. Its eventual deprecation in favor of Micro-AB and Type-C reflects the industry's move toward thinner, more reversible, and universal connector designs. While rare in the modern market, it serves as a marker for the rapid iteration of mobile connectivity standards in the mid-2000s. ## Notable For - Being a **host-side** connector in a compact form factor, unlike the Standard-A which was reserved for larger hosts. - Carrying a specific **5-pin layout** that included an ID pin for **USB On-The-Go** functionality. - Being officially **deprecated**, having been fully displaced by the Micro-AB and later Type-C standards. - Belonging to the "Mini" class of connectors, which were the first major attempt to shrink USB ports for portable electronics. - Being distinct from the more common Mini-B, as Mini-A was rarely adopted widely before being made obsolete. ## Body ### Technical Specifications The USB Mini-A receptacle is a 5-pin female connector. According to official USB specifications (USB 2.0 and Legacy Cable revision), the pinout is arranged as follows: * **Pin 1 (VBUS):** Red wire, provides +5V power. * **Pin 2 (D-):** White wire, data negative line. * **Pin 3 (D+):** Green wire, data positive line. * **Pin 4 (ID):** This pin allows the host to identify the device type, specifically enabling **USB On-The-Go** (OTG) protocols. * **Pin 5 (GND):** Black wire, signal and power ground. The physical interface contains **10 leads** and is designed to mate specifically with a **USB Mini-A plug**. It is visually and functionally distinct from the USB Mini-B receptacle (commonly used for older cameras and MP3 players) and the USB Mini-AB receptacle (which accepted both Mini-A and Mini-B plugs). ### Classification and Evolution Taxonomically, the USB Mini-A receptacle is classified as a **USB Mini-A connector** and a **USB Mini receptacle**. It falls under the broader umbrella of **USB 2 Type-A receptacles**, indicating its role as a host connector capable of carrying USB 1.0, 1.1, and 2.0 data signals. This connector is strictly considered **legacy technology**. Its lifecycle followed a direct path of obsolescence: 1. **Usage:** Used in early compact host devices. 2. **Replacement:** Replaced by the **USB 2 Micro-AB receptacle**. 3. **Modern Standard:** The Micro-AB was subsequently replaced by the **USB 2 Type-C receptacle**, which is the current standard for almost all modern mobile and compact devices. As a "Type-A" receptacle, it was intended for the "host" end of a connection, although the strict A-plug-to-B-receptacle topology was complicated by the Mini format's introduction of On-The-Go capabilities. It is listed as the **opposite_of** and **connects_with** the USB Mini-A plug. ## 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)