mini USB or micro USB for new product - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: atwoz
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 17, 2012, 01:28:50 pm
content: Hello,I'm designing a product that will have USB connection that will rarely be used since it's just for configuration (probably around 30 uses Max in its life time).I have enough room to put a mini USB with no problem.I read that the mini USB has been deprecated by the USB Org.I like the mini USB because its easier to see the orientation of the connector and because it's easier to hand solder.What do you guys think, should I use mini USB or micro USB for this new project.Thanks for sharing your opinion!

author: 8086
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 17, 2012, 01:31:08 pm
content: Always micro USB on new designs.

author: Short Circuit
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 17, 2012, 01:46:38 pm
content: Do whatever you preffer. Mini USB is still used alot, so cables will be readily available for quite some time.Also, mini USB connectors have more 'body', allowing for ~2mm protruding through the wall or frontpanel of a housing. Standard Micro USB sockets are less suitable for that.btw According the wikipedia article, Mini USB B is not deprecated, only the Mini USB A variant (for USB Host/OTG).

author: T4P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 17, 2012, 02:13:40 pm
content: Quote from: Short Circuit on June 17, 2012, 01:46:38 pmMini USB only lasts for 1,500 USB 5,000 µUSB 10,000

author: hlavac
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 17, 2012, 02:46:28 pm
content: Haha Big USB B for me any time... just for the mechanical meatinessI hate these sneeze-to-break miniature versions...

author: firewalker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 17, 2012, 02:49:21 pm
content: I believe that standard USB is for 1500 cycles an mini for 5000.Alexander.

author: T4P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 17, 2012, 03:02:34 pm
content: Quote from: firewalker on June 17, 2012, 02:49:21 pmRead up wiki, it's the other way round mini is the worst of the lotQuote from: hlavac on June 17, 2012, 02:46:28 pmMechanically the µUSB is the toughest

author: firewalker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 17, 2012, 03:10:57 pm
content: Wikipediastates:QuoteAlexander.

author: 8086
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 17, 2012, 04:47:24 pm
content: Makes sense, since the standard usb connector is for larger eqiupment and will usually be plugged/unplugged less often than the smaller connectors often found on portable devices

author: codeboy2k
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 18, 2012, 06:43:35 am
content: Micro-USB can have more insertion cycles, but they are not the toughest (i.e. strongest) usb connector. The micro-usb is still more fragile, and will break internally or tear off the board with forces applied to the protuding lead. It will do this much more easily than the larger connectors.It does have a longer insertion lifetime, however, if it will last that long on your product.

author: atwoz
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 21, 2012, 01:55:53 am
content: Thanks a lot for the replies. I think I will go for mini-usb type B.

author: T4P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 21, 2012, 02:24:09 am
content: Quote from: atwoz on June 21, 2012, 01:55:53 amNO! It's not going to last at ALL!Seriously if you think you want mini B go micro B reallyI have seen mini B break off faster then micro B many times

author: atwoz
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 23, 2012, 01:23:21 pm
content: Oh, thanks for the info! However the USB will only be used from 5 to 40 times on each product. It's just for configuration purposes. What do you think?

author: T4P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 23, 2012, 01:59:29 pm
content: Quote from: atwoz on June 23, 2012, 01:23:21 pmIn that case, as big as you can get will be much better