Pictorial Guide to Connectors

Sometimes we need a usb cable to connect two devices. Sometimes an HDMI cable a DVI cable is used for video. Getting the correct cable can be surprisingly difficult, because there are many types of connections for each of those cables. The secret is to determine what kind of cable you need before you buy it. Check your device connections carefully to determine precisely which cable you need. Here is a pictorial guide.

USB

There are 4 major USB connectors. Type A is what we are used to on most computers. Type B is most common on printers. The Mini-A connector is, I think the most common on tablets and phones, but sometimes you run into a Mni-B connector (I have one on my GPS). I have a USB Hub at my office with both mini types of cable connectors attached, so I can plug in normal USB thumb drives directly, or either type of Mini.

DVI

Above image from http://www.datapro.net/techinfo/dvi_info.html

Single link cables are limited to a maximum of 1920x1200 pixels, so they may not work with some very high pixel count large monitors.

HDMI

A tablet or notebook could be using either the Full size A or the Mini type C connector or the Micro Type D connector.

Hopefully these pictures will help you be sure and order or buy the correct cable for your device.

Date: April 2013

This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.

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Home Forms About Current Newsletter subscribe Search All Articles Browse by Category Security Internet Mobile Business Hardware Fun		Pictorial Guide to Connectors Sometimes we need a usb cable to connect two devices. Sometimes an HDMI cable a DVI cable is used for video. Getting the correct cable can be surprisingly difficult, because there are many types of connections for each of those cables. The secret is to determine what kind of cable you need before you buy it. Check your device connections carefully to determine precisely which cable you need. Here is a pictorial guide. USB There are 4 major USB connectors. Type A is what we are used to on most computers. Type B is most common on printers. The Mini-A connector is, I think the most common on tablets and phones, but sometimes you run into a Mni-B connector (I have one on my GPS). I have a USB Hub at my office with both mini types of cable connectors attached, so I can plug in normal USB thumb drives directly, or either type of Mini. DVI Above image from http://www.datapro.net/techinfo/dvi_info.html Single link cables are limited to a maximum of 1920x1200 pixels, so they may not work with some very high pixel count large monitors. HDMI A tablet or notebook could be using either the Full size A or the Mini type C connector or the Micro Type D connector. Hopefully these pictures will help you be sure and order or buy the correct cable for your device. Date: April 2013 This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.
		I attempt to provide reliable information, but make no warranty as to the accuracy or safety of these articles. I disclaim all legal responsibility for what following these instructions may do. Follow my advice at your own risk