USB connectors are used with Universal Serial Bus (USB) standard ports. USB is an external bus standard that supports data transfer rates of 12 Mbps in its version 1.1 and 480Mbps in its version 2.0. A single USB port can be used to connect up to 127 peripheral devices, including mice, modems, and keyboards. USB also supports Plug-and-Play installation and hot plugging. USB 2.0 connectors are the “glue” that holds these systems together, allowing them to transfer, receive and translate data.

The USB connector types can be used to connect USB products to other USB products or they can be used to connect USB wires and peripherals to other standard port types.  Some of the more common crossover USB cable connectors include serial to USB connectors, parallel to USB connector types, RJ11 USB connectors, and USB Ethernet connectors.

Some styles of USB connectors can be mounted directly into PC boards.  These USB are among the most commonly used types of USB connectors and are often referred to as USB motherboard connectors or internal USB connectors.  The drawback to this style of connector is that it takes up space on the PC board and requires either drilled holes or preform slots into which it can be mounted. The other common mounting style is surface mounting.  Unlike PC mount connectors, mount panel USB connectors do not require drilled holes in the PC board.  They are attached to the PC board traces by soldering.  For the most part, this style is attached to the front of the PC board and is alternately referred to as USB front panel connectors or simply front USB connectors.  Straight and right angle connectors are also available.  As with most connector types, USB connectors are available with either male or female plugs.   Specific male-to-male or female-to-female adapters are also available, but may require custom manufacture.