USB 2.0 Compact Memory Card Reader

Q: What’s the difference between the different USB versions?

• USB 1.1
  
  
  
  • Released in 1998
  
  
  • Specifies max data rates of 12 Mbit/s (Full Speed)
  
  
  • Mostly used on devices such as keyboards mice joysticks printers scanners.
  
  
  • Still used by some devices that don't need faster data transfer rates.
  
  
  
  


• USB 2.0
  
  
  
  • Released in 2000
  
  
  • Specifies max data rates of 480 Mbit/s (Hi-Speed)
  
  
  • Compatible with USB 1.1 but some hardware designed for USB 2.0 may not work with USB 1.1 host controllers.
  
  
  
  


• USB 3.0
  
  
  
  • Released in 2008
  
  
  • Specifies max data rates of 5 Gbit/s (SuperSpeed)
  
  
  • A January 2013 press release from the USB group reveals plans to update USB 3.0 to 10 Gbit/s to put it on par with Thunderbolt by mid-2013.
  
  
  
  

Q: What is 'hot-swapping?'

A: One of the best features of USB is that it is hot swappable. This means you can walk up to a computer plug in a new device using USB and use it right away. Most connectors on computers can only be plugged in when the computer is off. This prevents electrical shorts or glitches that can cause damage. USB doesn't have this limitation.

Q: What is 'plug and play?'

A: Plug and play refers to the ability to use a new peripheral without going through an elaborate configuration process. USB is well suited for plug and play operation. No jumpers need be set or ID's selected. There are no interrupt conflicts or other messy configuration issues involved in using USB devices.