WEEK 6 USB CONNECTIVITY Flashcards
Why was USB developed, and how did it replace earlier port configurations like parallel and serial ports?
USB was developed to provide a universal standard for connecting peripherals to computers, replacing the complexity of multiple port configurations (parallel, serial, game ports) with a single connector.
Identify three devices in your surroundings that use USB connectivity and explain the type of USB connector each device uses.
Examples may vary:
A smartphone with a USB-C connector for fast charging and data transfer.
A keyboard with a USB-A connector for direct connection to the computer.
An external hard drive with a USB 3.0 micro-B connector for high-speed data transfer.
Arrange these USB versions in chronological order: USB 2.0, USB 4, USB 1.0, USB 3.2.
USB 1.0 (1996), USB 2.0 (2000), USB 3.2 (2017), USB 4 (2019).
Research the device you use most frequently and determine which USB version it supports. Test its data transfer speed to verify compliance with the expected specification.
Example: A smartphone supports USB 3.1; expected speed is up to 10 Gbps.
Explain why USB is considered a “dynamically attachable” interface.
USB supports hot-plugging, allowing devices to be connected or disconnected without needing to shut down or restart the computer.
Plug in a USB device (e.g., flash drive) while your computer is running and observe the time it takes for the device to be recognized. Describe the steps to safely eject it.
Plugging in a USB flash drive typically takes a few seconds for recognition. Safely eject it by clicking the “Safely Remove Hardware” icon and selecting the device.
What is the role of the “power budget” in USB devices, and why is it important?
The power budget determines the amount of energy a USB device can consume based on the available power from the USB host. It ensures optimal power distribution without overloading the system.
Connect a USB-powered device to your computer (e.g., LED lamp) and measure its power consumption using a USB power meter. Compare it to the device’s rated power.
Example: An LED lamp rated at 5V, 1A consumes 5W; verify this with a power meter.
Compare USB-C with USB-A in terms of design and functionality.
USB-C is smaller, reversible, supports faster data transfer rates, and provides higher power delivery than USB-A, which is larger and not reversible.
Examine a USB-C cable and list its features, such as supported power delivery and data transfer speed.
Example: A USB-C cable supports 100W power delivery and up to 40 Gbps data transfer speed (USB 4 specification).
What does the blue color on a USB port typically signify?
A blue USB port indicates it is USB 3.0 or later, supporting high-speed data transfer.
Identify the color of the USB ports on your computer or laptop. Test the speed of each port using a USB 3.0 flash drive and compare the results.
Example: A blue port achieves faster speeds compared to a black (USB 2.0) port.
List three advantages USB has over older connectors like serial or parallel ports.
Higher data transfer speeds.
Simplified and universal interface.
Support for hot-plugging.
Connect an older device using a USB-to-serial adapter. Test its functionality and describe any challenges faced during setup.
Example: An older GPS device connected via USB-to-serial adapter may require driver installation.
Explain the importance of backward compatibility in USB standards.
Backward compatibility ensures newer USB devices can work with older ports and vice versa, preserving device usability.
Use a USB 3.0 device with a USB 2.0 port. Measure the transfer speed and discuss how it differs from using a USB 3.0 port.
The speed will be limited to USB 2.0’s maximum rate (480 Mbps) compared to USB 3.0’s potential 5 Gbps.
