Reference Guide to USB Port Icons

This article provides a quick reference guide to USB icon port symbols and logos without pop-ups, advertising and other privacy invading tracking junk.

 

Common USB Port Icons

HighSpeed USB

USB connection used for the USB 2.0 standard with data transfers up to 480 Mbps.

 

SuperSpeed USB

USB 3.0 standard also known as (USB 3.1 Gen 1, USB 3.2 Gen 1), stylized with a capitalized and italicized SS, data transfers up to 5 Gbps.

 

SuperSpeed+ USB

Same as above but with twice the speed, 10 Gbps.

 

SuperSpeed with Power Delivery

Not to be confused with its classic SuperSpeed counterpart, this designation carries the same stylized icon encased within a battery-like shell logo including a trademark symbol. Provides data transfers up to 5 Gbps.

 

SuperSpeed+ with Power Delivery

Similar to its SuperSpeed+ counterpart, this designation carries the same stylized icon encased within a battery-like shell logo including a trademark symbol.

 

USB4

The most modern of USB connection types, these devices will be marked clearly with their transfer speed capability (in Gbps) and the classic USB trident.

 

Fast-charging

Anytime a classic black lightning bolt is seen next to a USB-A or USB-C connector, you know the port offers fast-charging for mobile devices whether it’s a phone, tablet, or other connected peripheral.

 

DisplayPort Alt Mode

Rare to see but equally important is a black D icon with a white P inscribed within. This indicates a port supports DP Alt Mode for video delivery.

 

USB-C

USB-C is most usually found on smaller more compact form factor devices. Though USB-C is becoming more and more commonplace in connection with new technologies, not all devices require a USB-C cable. That said, smart phones, tablets, flash drives, SD card readers, power banks, external hard drives, and even some headphones are regularly using USB-C connections. With alternate modes, USB Type-C connector pins can carry other signals such as DisplayPort Alt Mode (often labeled DP Alt Mode) which provides the ability for DP laptops or tablets to connect directly to an external monitor via USB-C ports.

USB Port Compatibility Reference Chart

USB-C supports USB4, 3.2, and 3.1 but is also backward compatible with both USB 3.0 and USB 2.0. Below is a chart indicating which USB versions carry which features.

 

Conclusion

I hope my article covering the most common USB port icons  has helped you identify your USB ports. I welcome your thoughts, questions or suggestions regarding this article.

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