USB Technology

USB (Universal Serial Bus) technology is an industry standard that establishes specifications for cables, connectors, and communication protocols used to connect, communicate between, and supply electric power to computers and peripheral devices. A cornerstone of modern computer architecture, USB simplifies hardware interaction by providing a plug-and-play interface for a vast range of devices like keyboards, external drives, and printers. Its role is equally critical in mobile technologies, where successive generations and connector types, most notably the versatile USB-C, have become the de facto standard for both high-speed data transfer and fast charging of smartphones, tablets, and laptops.

  1. Introduction to Universal Serial Bus (USB)
    1. Historical Context
      1. Computing Peripherals Before USB
        1. Serial Ports
          1. Parallel Ports
            1. PS/2 Ports
              1. Proprietary Connectors
              2. Configuration Challenges
                1. Manual IRQ Assignment
                  1. DMA Channel Conflicts
                    1. I/O Address Configuration
                    2. User Experience Issues
                      1. Device Installation Complexity
                        1. Limited Hot-Swapping
                          1. Inconsistent Power Delivery
                        2. The Vision of USB
                          1. Goals of USB Development
                            1. Universal Connectivity
                              1. Simplified User Experience
                                1. Cost Reduction for Manufacturers
                                2. Plug and Play Functionality
                                  1. Automatic Device Recognition
                                    1. Driver Installation Automation
                                    2. Hot-Swapping Capability
                                      1. Safe Device Insertion and Removal
                                        1. Dynamic Device Enumeration
                                        2. Power and Data Over a Single Cable
                                          1. Integrated Power Delivery
                                            1. Data and Power Coexistence
                                          2. Key Advantages of USB
                                            1. Standardization and Interoperability
                                              1. Cross-Platform Compatibility
                                                1. Device Class Standardization
                                                2. Ease of Use
                                                  1. Simple Connector Design
                                                    1. Minimal User Configuration
                                                    2. Cost-Effectiveness
                                                      1. Reduced Manufacturing Costs
                                                        1. Lower End-User Costs
                                                        2. Expansion Capabilities
                                                          1. Support for Hubs
                                                            1. Device Chaining