Micro USB connectors. Types of USB connectors, their features

The technological process does not stand still. Modern models of a variety of digital devices are strikingly different from their older counterparts. Not only their appearance and internal equipment changed, but also ways of connecting to computers and chargers. If even 5-7 years ago many phones and even cameras did not have such an opportunity. But at the moment absolutely every digital device can be connected to a personal computer or laptop. A phone, a player, a smartphone, a tablet, a video camera, a player, or a camera - all have connectors that allow them to be connected to other devices.

But, as you can easily see, the connector is loose. And bought with the phone cord for some reason can not be used in conjunction with your favorite player. As a result, a bundle of cables is accumulating, you constantly get confused in them and can not understand why it was impossible to make one wire suitable for connecting all devices. But, as is known, this does not happen. Although now there is a more or less standard connector, at least for smartphones, phones and tablets. And his name is micro-USB. What is this miracle and how it works, we will tell below.

Micro USB connector: what is it?

The two most popular connectors in recent years are mini and micro-USB. Their names speak for themselves. These are smaller and more practical designs that are used on small digital devices to save space and, perhaps, for a more elegant appearance. For example, the micro-USB connector for the tablet is almost 4 times smaller than the standard USB 2.0. And considering that the device itself is several times smaller than a personal computer or even a laptop, this option is just perfect. But there are also their nuances here. For example, the larger one can never do less, so micro-USB connectors can not be replaced even with mini-USB. Although in some cases, the reverse process is permissible. Yes, and replacing the micro-USB with their own hands is unlikely to end with something good. It's painful jewelery is work. In addition, under the word "micro" there are several types of connectors at once, and this must be remembered. Especially if you are trying to buy a new wire. The micro-USB of your tablet may not be compatible with the connector on the end of the cable that you purchased.

Varieties

Micro-USB connectors can be of two completely different types. They have different spheres of application and, accordingly, they look different. The first type is called micro-USB 2.0. Type B - it is used in devices by default and is the public standard for the latest models of smartphones and tablets, because of this it is very common and almost everyone at home has at least one micro USB 2.0 cable. Type B.

The second type - micro-USB 3.0 - these connectors on the tablets are not installed, but can be found on smartphones and phones of some brands. Most often they are used to equip external hard drives.

Benefits

The main advantages that have micro-USB connectors for tablets, you can consider the increased density and reliability of fastening the plug. But this fact does not exclude the possibility of malfunctions with these components. Most often, the cause of the breakdown is the inaccuracy of the owners of digital devices themselves. Sharp movements, drops of tablets and phones on the floor or even the asphalt, especially to the side where the connector itself is located, attempts to fix something with their own hands without adequate knowledge are the main reasons why even the most solid parts of USB ports go out out of service. But it happens that this is due to the wear of the device, improper operation or factory rejection.

Most often, the cause of the disruption of the work is either the micro-USB connectors themselves, or the neighboring parts connected to them in the circuit. For any experienced master, his replacement is a matter of minutes, but not everyone can handle it at home. If you are still interested in how you can repair the micro-USB connector yourself , pinout (or, in other words, wiring) - the process is not the longest and most complicated if you approach it wisely and read the relevant information. A few tips will be given below.

Micro USB connector: pinout

As is known, with ordinary ports and connectors everything is simple - you just need to take the image of the front part of their connector, but in a mirror image, and solder. With USB mini- and micro-types everything is a little different. Their connectors contain 5 contacts, but on connectors of type B the contact under number 4 is not used, and on type A it is closed with GND, which takes the fifth place.

The functions of the "legs" of the micro-USB connector

Since most modern tablets have micro-USB, serving not only for charging, but also for synchronization, because of the more frequent use of the connector, problems with it occur more often.

So, as it was said above, the usual micro-USB connector has five "legs". One plus, five volts, and one minus. They are located on different sides of the connector and, consequently, suffer less from the motherboard. Only one "leg" of the connector, which more often than others breaks out from the contact pad, is more exposed to wear. It is closer to the negative "leg". If this contact is damaged, the device can not be charged. That is, the system can see the power supply, but the charging process will not be performed.

The remaining two "legs" are responsible for synchronization, that is, for the ability to download and upload photos, music, etc. They do this at the same time, so the separation of one will entail the termination of the second.

Knowing the function of the "legs", you will be able to determine, due to the distance of contacts which you have started to have problems and which ones you will need to solder to return your tablet "in the system".

The consequences of improper connector replacement

Inadequately soldering micro-USB, owners often face the following problems:

1. Short-circuited power supply if they are soldered inverted type.
2. The tablet determines the charging cord, but the battery does not charge.
3. The battery of the tablet is perfectly charged, but it does not synchronize with the laptop or computer.
4. The tablet works properly, but sometimes "reminds" that you should take it to the workshop, and not solder yourself (for example, charging does not start immediately after turning on or sometimes the cord needs to be pulled out and inserted again several times before the charging starts) .

The Future of Micro USB

Since these are some of the most popular ports to date, if you learn to change them once, this skill will help you out in the future very often. And let them not be taken for the "gold standard" when developing phones and other digital devices. And we still have to have a whole collection of wires especially for the Acer laptop, for the phone from Samsung, for the iPad from Apple and the Nikon camera, but the active use of micro connectors gives hope, then soon instead of the "bouquet" we will have one A micro USB cable suitable for at least 90% of the equipment in the house.