A Guide to the Mini USB Port
USB that translates to Universal Serial Bus, the word “universal” might be misleading. There are many different types of USB connectors and standards. USB connectors have five different styles- Types A, B, C, micro B, and mini B. This article potentially consists of mini USB ports. So keep on reading to know what connection you can expect by pairing it with various devices.
What is a USB?
The universal serial bus is a plug-and-play interface developed in 1990 to ease the connectivity of computer and peripheral devices. Due to their compatibility, cost, and simplified use, USB cables have become famous worldwide. From keyboard to mouse, printers to flash drivers, USB-connected devices have achieved a broad range of compatibility.
USB mini b (5-pin)
USB mini b (5-pin) is one of the most accepted styles of Mini b connectors and only to be acknowledged by the USB-IF. This cable type usually has 5-pins with small connectors (around two-thirds of A style connector width). USB mini b is also admired for its newer standard known as “USB on the go,” which enables communication of peripheral devices within a host controller.
One downside you might face with a B-style connector is its overall size, which has half-inch on each side. This disadvantage led B-style to be incompatible with many electronic devices like; cameras, cell phones, and PDAs. As a result, engineers reduced the size of the USB connector to this Mini-b, which became a favored USB later.
USB mini-b (4-pin)
This USB looks like the shape of a B-style connector but miniaturized in size. USB mini -b is an unofficial USB connector found in few types of cameras or other devices. the 4-pin type B connector is small, has bevelled corners, and is roughly square by resemblance. Mini-b is found on accessories manufactured around the early-to-mid 2000s. Still, many digital cameras are fully compatible with this connector, but not all of them. Therefore, you need to check compatibility to avoid any inconvenience later on.
USB mini b (Fuji)
You can find this type of USB port in digital cameras, especially on a few models manufactured by Fuji. Therefore, it is one of the widely used unofficial connectors. With its flat rectangular shape, it resembles A-style connectors.
Mini USB connectors are typically used on older non-apple mobile phones and other devices. However, in recent years, USB micro has replaced the mini connectors, and USB-C might take over the micro anytime soon.
The mini USB port has compatibility with the first and second-generation USB standards but was replaced by USB micro before USB 3.0.
Mini connectors and its pin-
Connector pins | Name | Cable colour | function |
1 | VCC | RED | +5VDC |
2 | D- | WHITE | DATA- |
3 | D+ | GREEN | DATA+ |
X | ID | N/A | Device presence |
4 | GND | BLACK | Ground |
Looking at the above table, pins are numbered from 1 to 4, including X, ascending from left to right. All USB wires come protected under a shield, and positive & negative wires twisted in pairs requiring no termination. Since new and advanced devices are launching, these types of USB are no longer certified for it. So it is evident that the USB mini connector will soon vanish from use in the coming time.