USB 1 vs USB 2 cables

AllGamer

Senior member
Apr 26, 2006
504
0
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from the USB cables point of view

are there any Pin and Lay out differences between USB 1 cables vs the USB 2 cables?

for example if the computer ports are USB 2, any USB cable should deliver USB 2 speed right?

or it is true that if you use an USB 1 cable, then it will slow down the connection?

thx
 

PurdueRy

Lifer
Nov 12, 2004
13,837
4
0
The cables are the exact same besides a slightly more strict shielding specification
 

tcsenter

Lifer
Sep 7, 2001
18,816
484
126
In fact, there is no separate cabling standard or specs for USB2.0. The only existing cabling specs cover it all. Its either USB certified (or compliant) or its not.
 

Synomenon

Lifer
Dec 25, 2004
10,547
6
81
That's just great. All this time I've been paying more to make sure I got cables that say "USB2.0" when I could've been buying cheap, regular USB cables instead. :disgust:
 

bendixG15

Diamond Member
Mar 9, 2001
3,483
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Following copied from usbman web site

USB 1.1 cables vs. USB 2.0 cables - how to tell
Frankly, there's no easy way to tell. Older, high-quality USB cables often work fine with USB 2.0. The standard as set by the USB-IF for USB 1.1 cables was sufficient for USB 2.0 devices. Many cheap cables which did not meet the USB-IF's standards were made and sold. These seemed to work fine for USB 1.1 devices, but fail utterly with USB 2.0. Certified USB 2.0 cables should have the Hi-Speed USB logo on a tag or a plug. They may have "USB 2.0" or "Rev. 2" printed on the cord insulation. In the end, the best way to tell is to test the cable yourself
 

tcsenter

Lifer
Sep 7, 2001
18,816
484
126
Originally posted by: bendixG15
Following copied from usbman web site

USB 1.1 cables vs. USB 2.0 cables - how to tell
Frankly, there's no easy way to tell. Older, high-quality USB cables often work fine with USB 2.0. The standard as set by the USB-IF for USB 1.1 cables was sufficient for USB 2.0 devices. Many cheap cables which did not meet the USB-IF's standards were made and sold.
Which confirms my statement, sort of...

This excerpt from the USBMan website first implies there is a difference between USB 1.1 and USB 2.0 cables, then goes on to state that cabling for USB 2.0 need only comply with the standard for USB 1.1. Ergo, there is no difference between USB 1.1 and USB 2.0 cables.

The enhanced cabling spec was introduced for USB1.1 "Full Speed" (12Mbps) The 1.1 cabling spec added an RF shielding test at the connector (interface), not along the cabling. Copied from USB-IF (the standards group):

Hi-Speed FAQ

Q: Aren't the requirements for cables different at the new higher speed or will Original USB cables work with Hi-Speed USB?

A: Fully compliant Original USB cables will work fine at Hi-Speed USB speeds. USB cables are not all fully Original USB compliant and it is important to evaluate cables that you intend to include in your products.