← IGCSE Computer Science Paper 1

USB connectors and cables

A USB port and plug of a set shape and wiring, so one cable type connects many different devices to a computer, such as a keyboard, a printer or a phone.

Part of: IGCSE Computer Science 0478 — 2.1 Data Transmission Types and Methods — Module 37

Understanding USB connectors and cables in IGCSE Computer Science Paper 1

What it does: The hub plugs into a single port and has extra ports, so more devices can share that one connection. Because the connector and cable are standard, a keyboard, printer or phone can all use the same kind of port. The USB-A connector is shaped so it fits only one way round. That is why people often try it the wrong way first. USB-C is reversible, so there is no wrong way up when you plug it in. USB-A has a fixed shape, so the plug must be turned the correct way before it will go into the port.

Common mistakes: The string is missing its closing quote. It should be connector = "USB-A". A single = assigns a value. To check whether the plug matches the port, use ==: if plug == port:.

Class: _____________________  ·  Name: _____________________  ·  Date: _________

Free printable worksheet with full answer key — or add this module to a class and your students practise it interactively.

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This module's key terms are also in a printable crossword (Modules 131–141) and word search (Modules 121–141).

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Each concept is reinforced from every angle — learned, then applied, then tested.

Learning
Duo
Why can one USB cable type connect a keyboard, a printer and a phone to a computer?
Each device needs its own special connectorUSB uses a standard connector shape and wiring
Matches
USB-A plugs fit either way up
↓
USB-A is not reversible. It fits only one way round. The reversible connector is USB-C.
Applying
Meanings
Term
USB standard connector
Meaning
A USB port and plug of a set shape and wiring, so one cable type connects many different devices to a computer, such as a keyboard, a printer or a phone.
Practice
USB-A: fits only one way round
Testing
Gaps
USB- plug: fits only one way round
Check Answer
Spots
1connector = "USB-A
2device = "keyboard"

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Quick Questions

1. Why can one USB cable type connect a keyboard, a printer and a phone to a computer?
A. USB uses a standard connector shape and wiring ✓
B. Each device needs its own special connector
USB is a standard, so many different devices can share the same connector and cable type.
2. A USB-A plug is the standard rectangular type. How does it fit into its port?
A. Either way round
B. Only one way round ✓
The USB-A connector is shaped so it fits only one way round. That is why people often try it the wrong way first.
3. Which connector can be plugged in either way round?
A. USB-C ✓
B. USB-A
USB-C is reversible, so there is no wrong way up when you plug it in.
4. A computer has only one free USB port but you need to connect four devices. What can you use?
A. A USB hub ✓
B. A longer USB cable
A USB hub plugs into one port and gives several extra ports. A longer cable still has only one plug.
5. Which statement about a USB standard connector is correct?
A. A USB port only works with one kind of device
B. The same port type can be used for many different peripherals ✓
A standard connector means the port is not tied to one device, so a keyboard, printer or phone can all use it.

Match the Pairs

USB-A plug → A flat, rectangular standard connector that fits into a USB port only one way round
USB-C plug → A small, oval, reversible connector that fits into the port whichever way up it is pushed in
A USB hub lets one port on the computer connect several devices at once → 1 computer port -> USB hub -> 4 devices
USB uses one standard connector, so the same type of port works with many different devices → USB port: keyboard, printer, phone
USB-A plugs fit either way up → USB-A is not reversible. It fits only one way round. The reversible connector is USB-C.
Every device needs its own special port type → USB uses a standard connector, so one type of port works with many devices. Special ports for each device are not needed.

Key Term

USB standard connector
A USB port and plug of a set shape and wiring, so one cable type connects many different devices to a computer, such as a keyboard, a printer or a phone.

Fill in the Blanks

1. USB-A plug: fits only one way round
Hint: Type the letter naming the classic rectangular connector that must be turned the right way before it fits.
2. USB-C plug: fits either way round
Hint: Type the letter naming the reversible connector type that works whichever way up you insert it.
3. One standard connector fits many devices
Hint: Type the word for a shape and wiring that everyone agrees to use, so many devices can share it.
4. A USB hub adds more ports to a computer
Hint: Type the name of the device that splits one USB port into several.
5. A USB cable joins a device to a USB port
Hint: Type the item with a plug at each end that links a device to the computer.

Spot the Error

Question 1
A connector = "USB-A
B device = "keyboard"
C if connector == "USB-A":
D print(device, "fits")
Line A — The string is missing its closing quote. It should be connector = "USB-A".
Question 2
A port = "USB-C"
B plug = "USB-C"
C if plug = port:
D print("Connects")
Line C — A single = assigns a value. To check whether the plug matches the port, use ==: if plug == port:
Question 3
A hub_ports = 4
B used = 0
C used = used + 1
D free = hub_ports + used
Line D — Free hub ports are the total ports minus the ports already in use, so it should be free = hub_ports - used.
Question 4
A def plug_in(device, port)
B if port == "USB-A":
C return device + " ok"
D return "No fit"
Line A — The def line must end with a colon: def plug_in(device, port):
Question 5
A flipped = True
B cable = "USB-C"
C if cable == "USB-A":
D print("Works flipped")
Line C — USB-C is the reversible connector that works either way up. The test should be cable == "USB-C", because USB-A fits only one way round.

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