FLASH CARDS

1.08 Explain basic cable types and their connectors, features, and purposes

  • I/O (Input/Output) Ports

  • Input/Output ports on a PC allow connections to external devices such as monitors, printers, and drives. They can be integrated into the motherboard or added via an expansion card.

  • Connector Types

  • Different connectors like USB, HDMI, DisplayPort, and Ethernet, designed for specific device types or functions to ensure proper data transfer and compatibility.

  • Binary Data Storage and Transfer Units

  • Data is processed as binary digits (bits) in computers, with storage often measured in bytes (B), where one byte equals eight bits.

  • Transfer Rates

  • The speed at which data is transferred between devices, measured in units per second (e.g., Mbps, Gbps). For example, USB 2.0 transfers at up to 480 Mbps, USB 3.0 at up to 5 Gbps, and Thunderbolt 3 up to 40 Gbps.

  • SATA Interface (Serial Advanced Technology Attachment)

  • SATA is the standard for connecting internal storage devices like HDDs and SSDs. Uses 7-pin data cables and separate 15-pin power connectors.

  • SATA Revisions

  • Different versions of SATA with varying data transfer speeds:

  • SATA I: 150 MBps

  • SATA II: 300 MBps

  • SATA III: 600 MBps

  • Molex Power Connectors

  • Legacy power connectors for older devices, consisting of a 4-pin configuration with color-coded wires for different voltages: red (5V), yellow (12V), and black (ground).

  • eSATA (External Serial ATA)

  • Used for connecting external drives, supporting up to 2 meters of cable length.

  • eSATAp (External Serial ATA Powered)

  • Combines eSATA and USB compatibility, often used for powered external drives.

  • USB Host Controller

  • A chip that manages connected USB devices, controls data transfers, allocates bandwidth, and oversees power distribution to devices.

  • Various USB Standards:

  • USB 2.0: Up to 480 Mbps, half-duplex

  • USB 3.2 Gen 1: Up to 5 Gbps, full-duplex

  • USB 3.2 Gen 2x1: Up to 10 Gbps, full-duplex

  • USB 3.2 Gen 2x2: Up to 20 Gbps, uses two 10 Gbps lanes

  • Various USB Connector Types:

  • Type A: Standard host connector, flat and rectangular

  • Type B: Square connector, typically for printers

  • Micro Type B: Compact connector for smartphones

  • USB-C: Reversible, supports up to 20 Gbps and up to 100 watts power delivery

  • HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface)

  • A video interface standard that transmits both audio and video signals, with different versions supporting various resolutions and refresh rates. Commonly used in TVs, monitors, and gaming consoles.

  • DisplayPort

  • A video interface standard developed by VESA, used primarily in PC graphics cards and professional monitors. Supports high resolutions, audio, and daisy-chaining multiple monitors.

  • Thunderbolt Interface

  • A high-speed interface for both data and video transfer, using Mini DisplayPort or USB-C connectors. Thunderbolt 3 supports up to 40 Gbps and is compatible with USB devices.

  • Lightning Interface

  • A proprietary connector developed by Apple for iPhones and iPads, compact and reversible. Requires adapter cables to connect to PCs (e.g., Lightning-to-USB A or C).

  • Cable Lengths (USB)

  • Maximum recommended lengths are 3 meters for Low-Speed and SuperSpeed devices, and 5 meters for Full-Speed and High-Speed devices.

  • Power Delivery (USB)

  • USB ports provide power in addition to data transfer, with standard ports delivering up to 4.5 watts and Power Delivery (PD) ports supplying up to 100 watts.

  • Data Transfer Rates

  • The speed at which data is transferred between devices, critical for interfaces like USB and Thunderbolt, affecting performance and efficiency.