USB Port Symbols - A Guide
Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a professional, or simply someone looking to better understand the myriad of symbols adorning your devices, this guide is designed to demystify the world of USB ports. USB port symbols can often seem like a cryptic language, but they hold the key to understanding the capabilities and compatibilities of your gadgets.
What Are the Key USB Symbols?
It's important to understand that different USB generations of cables, based on their release stage or intended transfer speeds, offer varying features. These features are generally categorized into data transfer, audio, video, and power delivery. Each generation of USB technology brings enhancements and specialized functions that cater to the evolving needs of modern devices, making it essential to recognize and understand these distinctions.
To help you navigate this landscape, here are the main symbols in approved USB iconography that you should be aware of:
High Speed USB
The USB connection known as Hi-Speed, or USB 2.0, is identified by specific icons on devices that support a bandwidth of 480 Mbps.
Its symbol features a simple three-pronged pathway, beginning with a circle that leads to a smaller circle, an arrow-like triangle, and a square.
Super Speed USB
SuperSpeed USB, also known as USB 3.0, is an advancement over its predecessor, Hi-Speed USB.
Its symbol includes the standard USB trident logo, enhanced with an "SS" and "5" inscription, indicating its SuperSpeed capability and a transfer speed of 5 Gbps, displayed above the trident.
Super Speed+ USB
SuperSpeed+ USB, also known as USB 3.1 Gen 2 and USB 3.2 Gen 2, is an advanced USB standard that offers speeds twice those of USB 3.0.
Its symbol features the standard USB trident logo with an added "SS" and "10" inscription, indicating a transfer speed capability of 10 Gbps, shown above the trident.
Super Speed with Power Delivery
SuperSpeed with Power Delivery is a USB standard that combines the high-speed data transfer capabilities of SuperSpeed USB (USB 3.0 and later versions) with enhanced power delivery functionality.
The symbol features the same stylized icon seen in SuperSpeed USB, encased within a battery-like shell logo and includes a trademark symbol.
Super Speed+ with Power Delivery
SuperSpeed+ with Power Delivery is an advanced USB standard that integrates the high-speed data transfer capabilities of SuperSpeed+ USB (USB 3.1 Gen 2 and USB 3.2 Gen 2) with power delivery functionality.
Its symbol features the same stylized icon found in SuperSpeed+ USB, encased within a battery-like shell logo, and includes a trademark symbol.
USB4
USB4 is the latest USB standard that offers faster data transfer speeds and improved compatibility.
USB4 is easily identifiable by its clear marking of transfer speed capability and the standard USB trident symbol. For example "20" denotes a transfer speed of 20 Gbps, and "40" denots 40Gbps.
Fast Charging
Fast-charging capability is indicated by a traditional lightning bolt symbol next to a USB-A or USB-C connector.
This signifies that the port offers rapid charging functionality for mobile devices, including phones, tablets, and other connected accessories.
DisplayPort Alt Mode
While not frequently encountered, DisplayPort Alt Mode can be recognized by a black icon featuring a white "D" with a "P" inscribed inside.
This symbol signifies that the port supports DP Alt Mode, allowing for the transmission of video content.
USB-C
Form Factor & Common Connections
USB-C is engineered to cater to devices with a sleeker and more streamlined form factor, while also facilitating swifter data transfer rates.
As USB-C continues to gain traction, it is becoming ubiquitous in association with emerging technologies. It is predominantly found in smartphones, tablets, flash drives, SD card readers, power banks, external hard drives, headphones, and a variety of modern laptops such as Google's Chromebooks and M1 Series onward Macbooks.
Alternative Modes
The USB Type-C connector pins possess the capacity to transmit signals beyond the conventional USB data and power, enabling functionalities such as DisplayPort Alt Mode. This feature facilitates direct connections between laptops or tablets equipped with DisplayPort capability and external monitors via USB-C ports.
USB-C Transfer Speeds
USB-C offers compatibility with a range of USB standards, including USB4, 3.2, and 3.1. Additionally, it maintains backward compatibility with older USB versions such as USB 3.0 and USB 2.0. The versatility of USB-C enables seamless connectivity across a variety of devices, from cutting-edge peripherals to legacy hardware. Below is a chart outlining the distinct features and capabilities associated with each USB version:
| Symbol | USB Version | Data Transfer | Audio | Video | Power Delivery |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
HighSpeed |
 |
|||
 |
USB 3.2 Gen 1 SuperSpeed 5Gbps |
|
|
|
|
 |
USB 3.2 Gen 2 SuperSpeed 10Gbps |
|
|
|
|
 |
USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 SuperSpeed 20Gbps |
|
|
|
|
 |
USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 SuperSpeed 5Gbps Power Delivery |
|
|
|
|
 |
USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 SuperSpeed 10Gbps Power Delivery |
|
|
|
|
 |
USB 4 20Gbps |
|
|
|
|
 |
USB 4 40Gbps |
|
|
|
|
