The article will discuss the PS \ 2 to USB adapter. The history and structure of the two physical interfaces presented will be analyzed, and in the end we will talk about what type of adapter is good in one or another case.
Definition
USB is a universal bus for connecting various auxiliary devices to computing units. This physical interface is also interesting in that it is suitable not only for transferring digital information, for example, between a computer and removable media, but also for direct power supply to devices, which allows you to use the USB adapter as a separate device to power devices from the mains. Also, the structure of this device allows you to connect a large number of auxiliary devices even to the device, in the presence of which there is only one port.
USB history
The historical beginning of USB as a universal device began in the ninety-fourth and ended the ninety-fifth year of the last century. The development was carried out immediately by three companies: Microsoft, Intel and Philips. It turned out that the joint work benefited all three companies, although the goals pursued by them were different. But in the end, the work paid off, namely:
- Increase computer productivity. The fact is that the ports and connectors already existing at that time did not give such scope for connecting many auxiliary devices to the computer. And with the advent of USB, it became much easier, because now for many devices there was the same compact connector. In addition, the new port opened up opportunities for the invention of something newer and more perfect.
- Ability to connect mobile devices to a computer. Given that even then the phones used digital transmission of sound and information, this was a very convenient solution.
- Convenience in operation. Using the previous types of connection did not allow working on the basis of the “plug and play” principle. Therefore, manufacturers urgently needed a physical interface that allows them to work without delay, immediately after connecting to the port.
The result of the work surprised everyone. And already in the patch for Windows 95, which was new at that time, it was possible to support USB, and then in Windows 98 USB support was wired by default. Then, USB technology could only be further developed, which was what advanced innovative engineers did.
In recent years, at least eight different modifications have been created, designed for different needs and goals.
History of PS \ 2
This physical interface began in the distant nineteen eighty-seventh year with the release of the IBM PS \ 2 line of computers. These computers used an extended and improved version of the motherboard chip 8042. Its difference from the previous model is that it could support two controllers simultaneously: a mouse and a keyboard. The connection system was also different: instead of five-pin DIN connectors, six-pin MiniDINs were used. Alas, the new series of IBM computers was not successful, but the connection system for PS \ 2 controllers has long been entrenched in the world market and still remains, although it loses noticeably to the new USB buses. But no one forbids you to use the device with the PS \ 2 connector through the USB adapter.
PS \ 2 device
There are six separate channels in the PS PS Connector device, each of which is responsible for transmitting a certain type of signal. The first makes it possible to transfer the main data from the controller to the computer (the so-called DATE). The second is used to transmit a synchronization signal (from the terminology - Clock). The third is needed to directly power the device. The fourth is the so-called "land." The remaining two are used by default only at the moment of direct signal transmission. The rest of the time, the last two contacts remain with zero voltage, so it is considered that they are not used.
Also, the PS \ 2 connector assumes the use of a certain encryption (encoding) protocol and data transfer. Such a connector is characterized by an eleven-bit system, in which the first bit is always the start and zero, followed by eight bits of the main data, then the tenth even bit and the final bit, which is always equal to one.
PS \ 2 to USB adapter
Owners of outdated, but still functional devices with the ability to connect via the PS \ 2 connector often have difficulty connecting them to computers of the latest models. The difficulty is that such a port has not been used on motherboards for several years now. It is being replaced by a more versatile USB port, which is now used by a much larger number of manufacturers. It was for such users that the PS \ 2 to USB adapter was invented. It greatly facilitates the connection.
So, if you have a working device, whether it be a mouse or a PS \ 2 keyboard, a USB adapter will be able to connect it even to the latest computer. This is very convenient, especially in the current realities. All you need to do is purchase a PS \ 2 USB adapter, insert it into the nearest connector and connect the device to it. But this is not the only option. You can also buy a PS \ 2 dual-channel USB adapter. It is almost identical to the above. This adapter differs only in that you can connect both a keyboard and a mouse to one USB port at once (PS \ 2 - USB).