A micro USB cable is a type of USB cable used to charge devices, such as smartphones, tablets, mp3 players, printers, etc.
While using micro USB cables is straightforward, cable assembly companies don’t provide a clear guide on how to wire them.
So we dig deeper into the internet and compile this article to help you understand the micro USB cable diagram.
Table of Contents
What is a micro USB?
Smaller than the standard USB connectors, these USB connectors often transmit data and charge devices, such as digital cameras, photo printers, GPS devices, mp3 players, smartphones, digital cameras, etc. You can also use them in laptop charging cables.
A micro USB
Types of Micro USB
Micro USB Type-A
Micro USB-A connectors are compact and rectangular, measuring around 6.85mm x 1.8mm.
They have a distinctive trapezoidal shape that features a slatted bottom and top. This offers proper orientation when you plug it into the cable.
Micro USB-A features five pins: Ground, ID, D+, D-, and Vcc. The Ground and Vcc pins transmit electrical power, often a 5V DV supply.
ID is a Mode Detection pin, while D- (Data-) and D+ (Data+) transmit data signals.
The pinout diagram of a micro USB Type-A
| PIN number | PIN Name | PIN Description | Wire Color |
| 1 | VBUS | +5 Volts DC | Red |
| 2 | D- | Data negative | White |
| 3 | D+ | Data positive | Green |
| 4 | ID | Allows for the detection of the cable end is hooked in; Host device (“A” connector): connected to the signal ground, device (“B” connector): not connected | N/A |
| 5 | GND | Ground signal | Black |
Micro USB Type-B
Similar to the micro USB-A, these USB connectors are trapezoidal with a slatted bottom and top. Their design allows for plugging in a specific orientation, ensuring proper connection.
While micro USB-B connectors have the same number of pins as micro USB Type-A, the pins are of different shapes and sizes.
Micro USB type-B connectors
Micro USB Type-B is often used to transfer data and charge compact and mobile devices and is the most common.
The pinout diagram of a Micro USB-B
| PIN number | PIN Name | PIN Description | Wire Color |
| 1 | VBUS | +5Volts DC | Red |
| 2 | D- | Data negative | White |
| 3 | D+ | Data Positive | Green |
| 4 | ID | Allows for the detection of the cable end is hooked in; Host device (“A” connector): connected to the signal ground, device (“B” connector): not connected | N/A |
| 5 | GND | Ground signal | Black |
Micro USB Type-B 3.0
The micro USB Type-B 3.0 are the superspeed standard of the micro USB-B.
Compared to the micro USB Type-B and Type-A, micro USB-B 3.0 have five extra pins.
This gives them a broader structure and offers the following advantages;
- Provide compatibility with a broader range of devices
- Offer improved power management
- Provide increased data transfer rates
Micro USB type-B 3.0 connectors
While micro USB Type-B 3.0 are backward-compatible with older standards of the USB versions, they are not compatible with all USB devices.
To leverage the increased capabilities and speeds provided by micro USB 3.0, both the PC’s port and the device must support the new USB version.
The pinout diagram of a micro USB Type-B 3.0
| PIN Number | PIN Name | PIN description | PIN color |
| 10 | USB-3 SSRX+ | SuperSpeed receive positive | Orange |
| 9 | USB-3 SSRX- | Superspeed receive negative | Purple |
| 8 | GND | Ground data signal | N/A |
| 7 | USB-3 SSTX+ | Superspeed transmit positive | Yellow |
| 6 | USB-3 SSTX- | Superspeed transmit positive | Blue |
| 5 | GND | Ground | Black |
| 4 | ID | Mode detection | Often dark blue |
| 3 | D+ | Data positive | Green |
| 2 | D- | Data negative | White |
| 1 | Vcc | +5Volts DC | Red |
Micro USB Type-C
These latest micro USB connectors have 24 pins and are often used on all the latest devices.
Their oval shape, small size, and reversible structure allow you to plug them into a USB device in either orientation.
This type of micro USB supports the ability to transmit video and audio signals, higher power delivery capabilities, and faster data transfer speeds.
Besides, micro USB Type-C is versatile, as you can use them on various devices, such as laptops, tablets, smartphones, and peripherals, and in different orientations.
Micro USB type-c connectors
Furthermore, micro USB-C allows for transmitting power and high-speed data simultaneously and has many additional functions.
Micro USB Type-C pinout and cable diagram
| PIN Number | PIN Name | PIN description | PIN color |
| A1 | GND | Cable ground | Green |
| A2 | TX1+ | High-speed data USB SS, SS+, TX, or alternative mode | yellow |
| A3 | TX1- | High-speed data USB SS, SS+, TX, or alternative mode | yellow |
| A4 | VBUS | Cable Bus power | red |
| A5 | CC1 | Plug configuration detection | Light green |
| A6 | D+ | USB 2.0 data line | blue |
| A7 | D- | USB 2. Data line | purple |
| A8 | SBU1 | Sideband used for alternative mode, not used for USB | Light blue |
| A9 | VBUS | Cable Bus power | red |
| A10 | RX2- | High-speed data USB SS, SS+, TX, or alternative mode | orange |
| A11 | RX2+ | High-speed data USB SS, SS+, TX, or alternative mode | orange |
| A12 | GND | Cable ground | green |
| B1 | GND | Cable ground | green |
| B2 | TX2+ | High-speed data USB SS, SS+, TX, or alternative mode | Orange |
| B3 | TX2- | High-speed data USB SS, SS+, TX, or alternative mode | orange |
| B4 | VBUS | Cable Bus power | Red |
| B5 | CC2 | Plug configuration detection | Light green |
| B6 | D- | USB 2.0 data line | Blue |
| B7 | D- | USB 2.0 data line | purple |
| B8 | SBU2 | Sideband use for alternative mode, not used for USB | Light blue |
| B9 | VBUS | Cable Bus power | red |
| B10 | RX1- | High-speed data USB SS, SS+, TX, or alternative mode | yellow |
| B11 | RX1+ | High-speed data USB SS, SS+, TX, or alternative mode | yellow |
| B12 | GND | Cable ground | green |
What is a micro USB cable?
The inside of a micro USB cable features the following four wires;
| S/N | Micro USB wires colors | Description |
| 1. | Green | the negative data wire (D-) |
| 2. | Black | the ground wire (GND) |
| 3. | White | The positive data wire (D+) |
| 4. | Red | The positive wire supplies 5V DC power to the USB device. |
If your micro USB cable does not follow the above wiring combination, it will have the following color combination;
| Wire color | Wire pin | Description |
| Orange | Vcc | +5 DC power |
| White | GND | Ground wire |
| Blue | D- | Data negative |
| Green | D+ | Data positive |
Types of micro USB cables
Standard Micro USB cables
A micro USB cable is usually plugged into devices, such as smartphones or tablets to transfer data or charge them. These cables have the following two connectors;
- A micro USB connector, which is hooked into the tablet or smartphone.
- The USB Type-A connector, which is linked to the PC or charger.
A Standard micro USB cable
Micro USB-to-HDMI cable
The displays of smartphones and tablets allow users to watch videos & movies and play games. However, most users find these displays so much small that they require a bigger display.
The good news is that you can use a micro USB-to-HDMI cable to connect your MHL-compatible smartphones and tablets to bigger display devices, such as TVs, through the HDMI port.
It is a cheap and convenient method; you won’t get lost in the cable mess.
The micro USB-to-HDMI cable works by connecting it to the micro USB port of the smartphone or tablet.
It then transmits the signal to your adapter, which is then converted to an HDMI format for transmission to the television or a bigger display device.
These types of micro USB cables support audio and video. While the latest MHL standards can play video at 4K resolution and give an 8-channel surround sound, the older standards support video at 108p resolution with 7.1-channel digital audio.
When choosing an ideal micro USB-to-HDMI cable, we recommend checking if your smartphone or tablet is MHL-enabled.
For example, if your television is incompatible with MHL, you should connect your USB power cable to a converter, which supplies charge to your tablet or smartphone.
Micro USB Cable Diagram: Micro USB extension cable
A short charging cable that does not reach the wall power outlet from your couch makes it difficult to charge your smartphone or tablet while sitting on the couch.
Fortunately, you can instantly resolve this difficulty by using a micro USB extension cable.
Besides, micro USB extension cables are used in solar panels to establish connections over longer distances.
What is more? These micro USB cords have a micro USB female port and a micro USB male port.
You must consider your data transfer needs when buying the correct extension cable, as these types of micro USB cords support USB 3.0 and USB 2.0.
Remember that the micro USB extension cables have varying connectors at the ends, which include micro USB-B and micro USB-A ports.
Besides, some latest versions come with Type-C ports. Therefore, check the device port you intend to connect to before choosing or purchasing a suitable micro USB extension cable.
Micro USB Cable Diagram: Micro USB-to-micro USB cable
These micro USB cables feature micro USB ports at either end of the cable. One end, often labeled “Host”, should be plugged into the primary device.
However, the device you connect to the cable’s “Host” must be OTG (On-the-Go) compatible. Fortunately, most Android tablets and smartphones support OTG functionality.
You can use micro USB-to-micro USB cables to connect two devices to transfer charge or data.
The master device is connected at the “Host” end, and the micro USb-to-micro USB cable carries power to the other device.
However, data can be transferred both ways.
When a direct hardline connection is established between two devices using a micro USB-to-micro USB cable, you will eliminate the lag in performance and the need for additional adapters.
For example, you can connect two smartphones, one smartphone to a tablet, or two tables to charge the device or exchange data.
The micro USB-to-micro USB cables are useful when you do not have a charger nearby to source power from one device to emergency charge the other.
These micro USB cables allow you to connect SSDs or external hard drives to do the data read and write functions.
Moreover, you can also connect other accessories with a micro USB port.
For example, you can hook a micro USB-to-micro USB cable to connect your controllers, cameras, and keyboard to your smartphone or tablet.
Conclusion
Micro USB cables have become increasingly vital in connecting and charging devices like smartphones and tablets.
As discussed in this article, understanding the micro USB cable diagram will help you know how to wire your micro USB cable appropriately.
We at Clooms Tech deliver top-quality cables that accurately match the specs of your wiring diagram.
