Micro-USB: Scope and Prospects

Now we can talk about the official birth of micro-USB. Its appearance on the mobile device market was not difficult to predict. In connection with miniaturization, the previous contact forms of communication are gradually being replaced by more compact ones. The transition to a new serial I / O port has already been supported by the largest companies around the world. But why do manufacturers of mobile devices continue to use seemingly outdated types of information exchange? After all, there are already contactless methods of data transmission, for example, IrDA or Blue Tooth.

To answer these questions, you need to consider how the micro-USB connector works. It consists of 5-pin. Two of which are wires for information exchange. Next is power, and a protective screen. In comparison with his predecessor, he became much smaller, but the principle of his work remained the same.

This port is powered by a constant voltage (+ 5V), and its presence in the line reduces possible interference in the transmission of information. The same function is performed by the protective screen. Moreover, the presence of power allows using a micro-USB connector for the chargers.

This is the main advantage of micro-USB in front of wireless communication devices. This is primarily a large noise immunity, and the ability to use this port as a source of constant voltage to recharge the battery.

The operation of the serial I / O port is controlled by a special controller. A good prospect in increasing the speed of data exchange is the growth of the device clock speed. That is, miniaturization of the connector is not the last step in the development of this type of communication.

Compared with wireless devices, it is necessary to note the fact that the operation of IrDA communication is very sensitive even to direct sunlight or a nearby device with a similar principle of operation. Even the included video camera or remote control from the TV can disrupt its normal operation.

BlueTooth wins in distance at data transmission (several tens of meters) and is better protected from interference than its predecessor (IrDA), due to its higher operating frequency. But all the same, it loses to a wired connection in noise immunity and data transmission speed.

To connect the mobile device to a personal computer, you can use the micro USB adapter, as a rule, they can always be purchased in Specialized stores. Or it comes with the device. It should be taken into account only that the new connectors are structurally manufactured in Micro-A and Micro-B versions. That is, before purchasing, you need to check compatibility.

Typically, the micro-USB cable is short, this is due to a parameter such as noise immunity. When operating it is necessary to place it away from network wires or other sources.

Apparently, the new connector has good prospects and will "get accustomed" to the mobile devices market for a long time. It has good performance characteristics, and by some parameters it overtakes alternative types of communication.