# USB Standard connector > a class of legacy USB connectors that preceded USB-C, along with Micro and Mini **Wikidata**: [Q133869843](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q133869843) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/usb-standard-connector ## Summary The **USB Standard connector** is a class of legacy USB connectors that includes the full-size Type-A and Type-B variants used prior to the introduction of USB-C. It serves as the parent category for both USB 2 and USB 3 standard generations, distinguishing these larger interfaces from the smaller Micro and Mini USB form factors. These connectors have effectively been replaced by the USB-C standard. ## Key Facts - **Classification:** Subclass of "legacy USB connector" (defined as all USB connectors other than Type-C). - **Replaced By:** USB-C (USB Type-C). - **Distinct From:** Micro-USB, Mini-USB, and USB-C. - **Included Variants:** Comprises the USB Standard-A connector (host end) and USB Standard Type-B connector. - **Generations:** Subdivided into "USB 2 Standard connector" (earlier class) and "USB 3 Standard connector" (latter class). - **Components:** Encompasses both USB Standard plugs and USB Standard receptacles. - **Official Name:** USB Standard connector (also known as Standard USB connector). - **Visual Representation:** Includes USB 2 and USB 3 variants of Standard-A, Standard-B, and Powered-B plugs and receptacles. ## FAQs ### Q: Is a USB Standard connector the same as USB-C? A: No. The USB Standard connector is a class of legacy connectors that *preceded* USB-C. USB-C is the modern standard that replaces the USB Standard connector class. ### Q: What is the difference between a Standard connector and Micro/Mini USB? A: While all three are considered legacy connectors, the "USB Standard connector" class refers specifically to the full-size variants (like Standard-A and Standard-B). It is distinct from the smaller Micro and Mini form factors often used for mobile devices. ### Q: Does the USB Standard connector class include different versions? A: Yes. The class is divided into the "USB 2 Standard connector" (the earlier class) and the "USB 3 Standard connector" (the latter class), covering the evolution of the technology before USB-C. ## Why It Matters The USB Standard connector represents the foundational hardware interface that defined personal computing and peripheral connectivity for decades. As the primary "legacy" classification, it encompasses the ubiquitous rectangular Type-A ports found on almost every desktop and laptop computer prior to the industry shift toward USB-C. Its significance lies in its role as the "host" and "device" standard that enabled the plug-and-play revolution. By categorizing the distinct full-size A and B connectors—and their evolution through USB 2.0 and 3.0 standards—this classification helps define the scope of the massive existing infrastructure of non-reversible, keyed connectors. While these connectors are now considered legacy and are technically replaced by the universal USB-C, billions of devices utilizing Standard connectors remain in operation. Understanding this class is essential for managing compatibility between modern USB-C ecosystems and the vast installed base of older hardware. ## Notable For - **Ubiquity:** Being the class of full-size legacy connectors (host end) that preceded USB-C. - **Hierarchy:** Acting as the parent class for both USB 2 and USB 3 standard form factors. - **Distinction:** Being explicitly different from the smaller Mobile/Mini form factors and the modern USB-C. - **Replacement:** Being entirely superseded by the USB-C connector, which consolidates the functions of Standard, Micro, and Mini types. ## Body ### Definition and Classification The **USB Standard connector** is an official class of legacy USB connectors. It is defined as a subclass of "legacy USB connector," which serves as the umbrella category for all USB connectors other than USB-C. The Standard connector is distinct from other legacy mobile form factors, specifically Micro-USB and Mini-USB. ### Variants and Hierarchy The class covers the full-size connectors used in host and peripheral devices prior to the USB-C transition. It is organized into specific sub-classes based on generation and gender: * **By Generation:** * **USB 2 Standard connector:** The earlier class of legacy standard connectors. * **USB 3 Standard connector:** The latter class of legacy standard connectors. * **By Type:** * **USB Standard-A connector:** The class of full-size legacy connectors typically found on the host end. * **USB Standard Type-B connector:** The class of full-size legacy connectors typically found on the device end. * **By Gender:** * **USB Standard plug:** The male component of the standard connector class. * **USB Standard receptacle:** The female component of the standard connector class. ### Succession The USB Standard connector class has been functionally replaced by **USB-C**. According to current specifications (including USB 3.1 Legacy Cable and Connector Revision 1.0 and USB 3.2 Revision 1.1), USB-C is the modern standard that supersedes the Standard, Micro, and Mini classes. ## 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)