USB FAQ
What is USB 2.0?
USB 2.0 is an evolution of the USB standard. USB 2.0 handles up to 480 Mbps
that creates opportunities for a new class of high performance outside-the-box
peripherals. USB 2.0 provides a straightforward performance enhancement to USB
1.1 and offers forward and backward compatibility with USB 1.1 devices. USB 2.0
preserves USB 1.1 in the plug and play model, driver auto installation, and
power management features. With use of the same cables and connectors, USB 2.0
is fully backward compatible with USB 1.1.
What are the advantages of USB 2.0 over USB 1.1?
USB 2.0 offers 480Mbps of bandwidth, which are 40 times more bandwidth over
USB 1.1 of 12Mbps for Full Speed devices or 1.5Mbps for Low Speed devices.
Unlike in USB 1.1 and other buses, low and full speed devices will run at high
speed rate of USB 2.0. This allows other devices on the bus to share the bus.
What is meant by the slogan "USB 2.0 Ready"
USB Components which will operate out of the box as a fully compliant USB
1.1 host controller under Windows 98SE (Second Edition), ME, XP, 2000, Server
2003. You can connect USB 1.1 and USB 2.0 Hi-Speed peripherals to a USB 2.0
Hi-Speed port and get a data transfer rate of up to 480 Mbits/s (Hi-Speed).
Current USB 1.1 peripherals will continue to have a data transfer rate of 12Mb/s
(Full-Speed) and 1.5Mb/s (Low-Speed).
Can I use the USB 1.1 devices with others in USB 2.0 devices?
Yes. USB 2.0 is forward and backward compatible with USB 1.1. All USB 1.1
devices can be used interchangeably with USB 2.0 devices without affecting
performance of either.
Can I use the USB 2.0 devices with USB 1.1 host controller?
Yes. USB 2.0 is backward compatible with USB 1.1. You can use the USB 1.1
host controller with USB 2.0 devices. But you will not enjoy the 480Mbps benefit
of the USB 2.0.
Can I use the USB 1.1 cables in USB 2.0 environment?
Yes. USB 2.0 is backward compatible with USB 1.1 even down to cable and
connectors. All cables and connectors in USB 2.0 and USB 1.1 are created equal.
You can use the existing certified USB 1.1 cables to enjoy the full benefit of
USB 2.0.
Will USB 1.1 devices run faster in USB 2.0 environments?
No. USB 1.1 devices will not run at 480Mbps in USB 2.0 environment. But USB
1.1 This is due to brilliant architecture of multiple host controllers
inside the host controller chip.
What is the Maximum USB cable length?
15 feet or 5 metres is the maximum length. Distances
beyond this require USB booster cables.
