USB

USB (Universal Serial Bus) is a popular hardware interface that allows users to attach secondary hardware devices to their computer in a Plug-and-Play fashion. Originally released in 1995, USB ports began to appear in newly manufactured computers by 1997. Windows 98 was the first Windows platform to support USB technology. It wasn't long before the popularity of USB grew to the point where all previous standards of connectivity were replaced - gone were the now antiquated serial and parallel ports most computers used up to that point. Today's computers will typically provide a minimum of four USB ports as a standard feature.

A single USB port can connect more than one hundred interchangeable devices such as modem, keyboard, mouse, joysticks, scanners, printer, digital cameras, and external storage. USB also supports Plug-and-Play installation and allows devices to be hot swapped. USB has become the standard connection for several devices such as digital cameras and scanners. USB also enjoys wide customer brand recognition and a reputation for high performance and user friendliness.

USB Standardization

USB has become the industry standard primarily because all the major manufacturers collectively agreed to use the design and function of this quick connect technology. Some of the notable companies that agreed to implement the USB technology include Intel, Apple, Microsoft, Hewlett-Packard, NEC, and Agere.

The current USB version 2.0 was released in the spring of 2000 and has provided significant advantages through the use of its backward compatibility feature. This allows previous versions of USB to conform to newer applications which is important because as computers age it is increasingly critical to consumers that they be able to utilize still-employed hardware applications that may have already morphed into newer editions, applications and upgraded connectivity.

Hot Swappable

USB allows hardware to be connected without requiring expansion cards to be plugged into the PC's EISA, ISA, or PCI bus. This assists in boosting Plug-and-Play capabilities by allowing devices to be hot swapped by connecting or disconnecting without turning the computer off or rebooting the system. Whenever a new device is plugged into the computer, the host detects and recognizes the device, automatically loading the device driver it needs. This feature, together with easy to reach ports on the front of recent computer cases, give USB added flexibility.

USB 1.0 and USB 2.0

The earlier versions of USB, USB 1.0 and USB 1.1, come with the ability to support data transfer rates up to 12 Mbps. While USB 2.0 Hi Speed, the latest model to hit the streets, operates at 480 Mbps other devices can utilize the full available bandwidth of USB. Lower speed devices typically utilize a 1.5 Mbps sub-channel.

Maximum Use: USB Hubs

USB Hubs are external devices that increase the number of USB ports a computer can use. A USB Hub generally provides four Type A sockets for expansion. The USB Hub is similar to other USB technology and can be plugged into a USB port on the PC providing supplementary hardware acceptance. USB hubs are sometimes used to extend ports to the top of the desk making it easier for the end user to connect and remove external hardware.

USB On-The-Go

USB On-The-Go is an extension to USB, which allows a single port to react as either a host or a device. This is selected by checking which end of the cable is plugged into the socket on the unit. The two units may even "swap" ends under program control, even after the cable is hooked up and the units are talking. USB On-The-Go is designed for products like PDA's where the USB link might connect to a computer's host port as a device and sometimes connect as a host itself to a mouse and keyboard device. Try doing that with a serial or parallel port.

USB Without the Cable

Wireless USB is a new application designed to extend the usabilit and brand recognition of USB. This new standard also allows backwards compatibility with USB 1.1 and USB 2.0 on the protocol level. Wireless USB is developing as a cable-replacement technology, and will utilize Ultra wideband wireless technology for data transmissions rates up to 480 Mbps. Wireless USB is well suited for wireless connection of certain portable computer devices allowing transfer of data to occur without the use of a cable.

It only took a decade for more than 2 billion computers and mobile devices to utilize USB technology. Video game consoles such as Microsoft's Xbox 360, Sony's PlayStation 2, Nintendo's Revolution, and PDA's have made the need for USB technology exceptionally strong not to mention ground breaking ventures into the arenas of televisions and home stereo equipment allowing additional communication and entertainment possibilities.