The technological process does not stand still. Modern models of various digital devices are very different from their older counterparts. Not only their appearance and internal equipment, but also the methods of connecting to computers and chargers have changed. If 5-7 years ago many phones and even cameras did not have such an opportunity. But at the moment, absolutely every digital device can be connected to a personal computer or laptop. Phone, player, smartphone, tablet, camcorder, player or camera - all of them are equipped with connectors that allow you to connect them to other devices.
But, as you can easily see, the connector is a different connector . And for some reason, the cord purchased with the phone cannot be used in conjunction with your favorite player. As a result, a bunch of cables accumulates, you are constantly confused in them and can’t understand why it was impossible to make one wire suitable for connecting all devices. But, as you know, this does not happen. Although now there is a more or less standard connector, at least for smartphones, phones and tablets. And his name is micro-USB. What kind of miracle is this and how it works, we will tell below.
Micro USB connector: what is it?
The two most popular connectors recently are mini and micro-USB. Their names speak for themselves. These are smaller and more practical designs that are used on small-sized digital devices to save space and, possibly, for a more elegant appearance. For example, the micro-USB connector for a tablet is almost 4 times smaller than the standard USB 2.0., And given that the device itself is several times smaller than a personal computer or even a laptop, this option is simply ideal. But there are some nuances here. For example, you can never make less out of more, so micro-USB connectors cannot be replaced even with mini-USB. Although in some cases the reverse process is acceptable. And replacing the micro-USB with your own hands is unlikely to end with something good. It really hurts jewelry is a job. In addition, under the word “micro” several types of connectors are hidden at once, and this should be remembered. Especially if you are trying to buy a new wire. Your tablet’s micro-USB may not be compatible with the connector on the end of the cable you purchased.
Varieties
Micro USB connectors can be of two completely different types. They have different fields of application and, accordingly, they look different. The first view is called micro-USB 2.0. type B - it is used by default in devices and is the unofficial standard for the latest models of smartphones and tablets, because of this it is very common and almost everyone at home has at least one micro-USB 2.0 cable. type B.
The second type is micro-USB 3.0 - these connectors are not installed on tablets, but can be found on smartphones and phones of some brands. Most often they are used to equip external hard drives.
Benefits
The main advantages possessed by micro-USB connectors for tablets can be considered increased density and reliability of the plug. But this fact does not preclude the possibility of problems with these components. The most common cause of failure is the inaccuracy of the owners of digital devices themselves. Sudden movements, tablets and phones dropping to the floor or even asphalt, especially to the side where the connector is located, trying to fix something with your own hands without the appropriate knowledge - these are the main reasons because of which even the most durable parts of USB ports come out out of service. But it happens that this happens due to wear and tear of the device, improper operation or factory defects.
Most often, the cause of the malfunction is either the micro-USB connectors themselves, or the parts adjacent to them and connected to them in a circuit. For any experienced master, replacing it is a matter of minutes, but not everyone can handle it at home. If you are nevertheless interested in how you can fix the micro-USB connector yourself, pin-out (or, in other words, pin-out) is not the longest and most difficult process, if you approach it wisely and pre-read the relevant information. A few tips will be given below.
Micro USB Connector: Pinout
As you know, with ordinary ports and connectors everything is simple - you just need to take an image of the front of their connector, but in a mirror image, and solder it. With USB mini- and micro-types, everything is a little different. Their connectors contain 5 contacts, but on type B connectors, pin number 4 is not used, and on type A it is closed with GND, which takes fifth place.
Functions of the legs of the micro-USB connector
Since most modern tablets have micro-USB, which serves not only for charging, but also for synchronization, due to the more frequent use of the connector, problems with it arise more often.
So, as mentioned above, a regular micro-USB connector has five “legs”. One plus, at five volts, and one minus. They are located on different sides of the connector and, accordingly, suffer less when separated from the motherboard. Only one “leg” of the connector, which breaks out of the contact pad more often than others, is more subject to wear. It is closer to the minus "leg". If this contact is damaged, charging the device is not possible. That is, the system can see the power supply, but the charging process will not occur.
The remaining two "legs" are responsible for synchronization, that is, for the ability to upload and download photos, music, etc. They do this at the same time, so the separation of one will entail the termination of the second.
Knowing the functions of the “legs”, you will be able to determine due to the separation of contacts of which you started having problems and which of them you will need to solder in order to return your tablet “to operation”.
Consequences of improper connector replacement
Incorrectly soldering micro-USB, owners often face the following problems:
- Short circuits of the power supply if they are soldered inverted type.
- The tablet detects the charging cord, but the battery (battery) does not charge.
- The battery of the tablet is perfectly charged, but it does not synchronize with a laptop or computer.
- The tablet works properly, but sometimes it’s “reminiscent” that you should take it to the workshop and not solder it yourself (for example, charging does not start immediately after turning it on, or sometimes you need to pull out the cord and insert it again several times before charging starts) .
The future of micro USB
Since these are some of the most popular ports to date, if you learn to change them once, this skill will help you out in the future very often. And let them not be mistaken for the "gold standard" in the development of telephones and other digital devices. And we still have to have a whole collection of wires specifically for the Acer laptop, for the Samsung phone, for the Apple iPad and the Nikon camera, but the active use of micro-connectors gives hope that soon we will have one on the shelf instead of a “bouquet” micro-USB cable, suitable for at least 90% of the equipment in the house.