History of Computers - Universal Serial Bus

This page was created by Geoff Dunn.

The Universal Serial Bus, better known as USB, is a standardized serial bus used for high speed data transfer between devices and a computer released in 1996 (version 1.0). It is widely accepted that USB was invented in 1998; however, this is the 1.1 version that worked for both PC and Mac, not the actual first USB.

Overview

The USB was first designed to be a standardized socket for many devices instead of specialized sockets that require certain cables. It also was meant to improve the plug-and-play capability of computers by the use of hot swapping: adding, removing, or replacing components or devices on a computer without needing to restart it before using the peripheral. The USB has been successful in all these areas. It even allows up to 127 different connections to a single computer. The USB was meant and is successful in replacing older serial and parallel ports with its standardized socket; it is the most successful interconnection between devices and computers in computer history.

USB sockets also provide low amounts of power (5V) and oftentimes, specific software or drivers are not always necessary for devices to work. USB cables do not need devices to lock onto the socket such as screws or clips; they are held in by the friction of the plug. In addition, the USB was designed to be hardy and withstand the constant plugging and unplugging for the intended use of plug-and-play devices and therefore does not have pins that can be bent or other delicate parts. USB cables do have a maximum length, which is determined by the speed of the data being transferred. Generally, the maximum length is about 5 meters because of the delay caused by the data having to travel the distance and the computer not responding if it does not get a reply in a certain amount of time.

It is possible to boot a computer off of a USB mass storage device (generally a flash drive in modern times), although this is not its intended use.

Significance

The significance of the USB is the increased convenience for manufacturers and users due to the standardized nature of the sockets and cables. This convenience also makes computers even more user-friendly, increasing the marketability. With everyone using the same kind of plug for different devices, there becomes almost no need for other types of sockets aside from specialized ports for the monitor, networking cables, power supply, or other special needs. The standard socket of the USB makes computers much more versatile with the vast array of devices that can be connected to the computers.