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Showing posts with label USB. Show all posts
Showing posts with label USB. Show all posts

Tuesday, 5 April 2011

3 Types of USB Converters Explained


"Download MP3 Audio" File of This Narration 



If you've recently found yourself in the market for USB converters, you're probably wondering what kind of converter is right for you. While it's easy to become overwhelmed by the sheer volume of options currently available, don't fret. This article will explore various types of USB converters and help break down your options. If USB converters have piqued your interest, simply read on to learn everything you'll need to know.

USB to Serial Converters

If you're looking to run a serial port device through a USB port, look no further than a USB to serial converter. Simply attach the serial port connection end of the converter cable to the serial device of your choosing, then insert the USB connection end of the converter cable into one of your personal computer's designated USB ports and your serial device will operate as though it were a USB device. This particular type of USB converter works particularly well with older mice and video game joysticks, but it is generally not recommended for use with computer monitors. As most recently manufactured computers and laptops do not feature serial ports, this is arguably the most helpful type of USB converter. When shopping around for a USB to serial converter, make sure that the converter cable's serial port connection end is the same size as the serial port connection end of the device with which you wish to use it.

USB to Parallel Converters

If you intend to run a Parallel IEEE device through one of your computer's USB ports, a USB to parallel converter should be right up your alley. This type of converter works in much the same fashion as a USB to serial converter. The setup process is a simple matter of connecting the converter cable's parallel IEEE connection end to the parallel IEEE component of your choosing and subsequently plugging the converter cable's USB connection end into one of your PC's USB ports. Having made all the necessary connections, your parallel IEEE device will now be run through a USB port. This type of USB converter is used almost exclusively with older printers. When shopping around for a USB to parallel converter, take care to select one whose parallel IEEE connection end features the same number of connector pins as the parallel connection end of the device through which you wish to run it. Fortunately, this shouldn't prove too difficult, as your only two options are 25 pins and 36 pins.

USB to SATA Converters

If you'd like to run a SATA device through one of your PC's USB ports, a USB to SATA converter is just what you've been looking for. As is the case with any other type of USB converter, the installation process is a breeze. Simply connect the SATA connection end of the converter cable into the SATA device of your choosing, then insert the converter cable's USB connection end into one of your PC's vacant USB ports. This type of USB converter is generally used in conjunction with heavy-duty PC components, such as disc drives and hard disks, which is why many USB to SATA converters have a power supply included in their packaging.


Related articles :

How to Eradicate 3 Common Problems with USB Cables




"Download MP3 Audio" File of this Narration

USB cables (or Universal Serial Bus cables) were designed to make connecting devices to your computer easier. Today there are many types of devices that can be connected to your computer using USB cables: printers, keyboards, mice, external hard drives, iPods and cell phones just to name a few. Problems with USB devices can make for a frustrating experience, but many problems can be attributed to problems with the USB cables themselves, not the devices. Here are the three most common problems that can occur with USB cables.

Problem #1: Not Connected Properly
This may sound too easy, but many problems with USB cables occur because they are not plugged in correctly. USB cables don't snap into place like phone cords or networking cables, so when you plug a USB cable in, it may not have connected properly. If you're having a problem with a USB device, the first thing to do is check the cables on both ends and make sure the USB cable is correctly inserted.

Problem #2: Wire Damage
Another common problem with USB cables occurs when the wires inside the cable are damaged. This can happen for a number of reasons. Maybe a pet chewed on a USB cable and damaged the wires. Alternatively, if a cable is unplugged from the socket over and over again by pulling on the cable rather than the connector, the cable can be pulled out of place causing the connection to be lost.

Problem #3: Wrong Speed
USB cables come in two forms: high speed (or USB 2.0) and low speed (or USB 1.1 or 1.0). USB 1.1 cables only run at speeds of 12 mbs (megabits per second) while USB 2.0 cables can run at 400 mbs. That's quite a difference! Visually there is no difference between the two, so it's easy to mistake a low speed USB cable for a high speed one. If your USB is designed to run at a certain speed, it's important to use the correct cable. While your device may work using the wrong type of USB cable, it may operate slower than it's supposed to. In some cases, it may not even work at all!

Nothing is more frustrating when something doesn't work the way you expect it to. USB devices are the same way. However, before you consider there is something wrong with the device itself, check the USB cable. Always check to see if the device is plugged in properly before attempting anything else. You'd be surprised how many times that solves your problem! If that doesn't work, and you suspect the USB cable is still the problem, try connecting the device to your computer using a different USB cable. Alternatively, you can connect a USB device that you know is working properly to your computer using the USB cable you suspect is not working properly. If the new cable works and the old one does not, then you may be dealing with a USB cable problem.




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