# USB Standard Type-B receptacle
**Wikidata**: [Q134421333](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q134421333)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/usb-standard-type-b-receptacle

## Summary
The USB Standard Type-B receptacle is a class of legacy USB interface ports located on the peripheral device end of a connection, distinct from the host (Type-A) side. It serves as the precursor to modern USB-C connections and encompasses specific variants such as the USB 2 Standard-B and USB 3 Standard-B receptacles. This receptacle type is defined and maintained by the USB Implementers Forum.

## Key Facts
*   **Definition:** A class of legacy USB receptacles designed for the peripheral device end of a connection ("B" designation).
*   **Successor:** Replaced by the USB-C receptacle.
*   **Standards Body:** Maintained by the USB Implementers Forum.
*   **Class Hierarchy:** Subclass of "USB Standard Type-B connector," "USB Standard receptacle," and "USB Type-B receptacle."
*   **Variants:** Includes the USB 2 Standard-B receptacle, USB 3 Standard-B receptacle, and USB Powered-B receptacle.
*   **Status:** Classified as a legacy interface that preceded the USB-C standard.

## FAQs
### Q: What is the function of the USB Standard Type-B receptacle?
A: It serves as the input port on peripheral devices, connecting them to a host controller. The "B" designation specifically indicates its role as the device-side endpoint in the connection hierarchy.

### Q: Is the USB Standard Type-B receptacle still current technology?
A: No, it is considered a legacy class of receptacle. It has been effectively replaced by the USB-C receptacle in modern device architectures.

### Q: What specific connector types fall under this class?
A: This class includes the USB 2 Standard-B receptacle, the USB 3 Standard-B receptacle, and the USB Powered-B receptacle.

## Why It Matters
The USB Standard Type-B receptacle played a critical role in the standardization of peripheral connectivity for decades. Before the advent of the reversible USB-C connector, the Type-B series was the industry standard for connecting printers, external hard drives, and other high-bandwidth peripherals to computers. Its distinct shape—different from the flat Type-A host connector—prevented users from incorrectly looping a device back into itself or connecting two hosts directly without a specific crossover cable. By establishing a clear distinction between the "host" end and the "peripheral" end, this receptacle class simplified user interaction with hardware during the USB 2.0 and 3.0 eras. While it is now categorized as a legacy technology superceded by USB-C, the Standard Type-B form factor remains recognizable and is still found on many existing industrial and office hardware installations.

## Notable For
*   **Distinct Role:** Being specifically designated for the "peripheral device end," preventing incorrect cable connections between hosts.
*   **Evolution:** Being the immediate predecessor to the modern USB-C receptacle.
*   **Variety:** Encompassing multiple generations of technology, including USB 2.0, USB 3.0, and Powered-B variants.
*   **Standardization:** Being governed by the USB Implementers Forum, ensuring cross-vendor compatibility.

## Body

### Classification and Hierarchy
The USB Standard Type-B receptacle is taxonomically defined through several parent classes. It is a direct subclass of the **USB Standard Type-B connector**, the **USB Standard receptacle** (which includes non-C formats like Micro and Mini), and the broader **USB Type-B receptacle** class. This hierarchy establishes it as a distinct category of interface that separates it from the host-side (Type-A) and the modern universal (Type-C) standards.

### Technical Variants
Visual and technical documentation of the Standard Type-B receptacle illustrates three primary forms:
*   **USB 2 Standard-B receptacle:** The original square-shaped design with beveled corners.
*   **USB 3 Standard-B receptacle:** A modified version containing additional pins to support higher data transfer speeds.
*   **USB Powered-B receptacle:** A variant designed to support enhanced power delivery.

### Historical Context and Succession
The USB Standard Type-B receptacle is classified as a legacy interface. It represents the era preceding the adoption of USB-C. As per structured data properties, the entity has been **replaced by** the USB-C receptacle, which consolidates the host and peripheral connectors into a single, reversible form factor. Despite its legacy status, the standard was managed by the **USB Implementers Forum**, the governing body responsible for maintaining Universal Serial Bus specifications.