What is the difference between serial cables and USB cables?

1. Transmission speed:
Firstly, there are differences in transmission speed between serial cables and USB cables. Serial cable is a type of cable that transmits data bit by bit through a single data line, so the transmission speed is relatively low. In contrast, USB cables use parallel transmission methods, transmitting data simultaneously through multiple data lines, thus typically having higher transmission speeds.
2. Application areas:
Serial cables are usually used to connect basic devices such as printers, keyboards, mice, etc. They perform well in some simple data transmission scenarios, but may appear inadequate in high-speed scenarios that require a large amount of data transmission. On the contrary, USB cables are widely used to connect various devices, including external hard drives, cameras, phones, etc. The popularity of USB interfaces has made USB cables a universal connection standard.
3. Connection method:
Serial cables usually use DB series connectors, such as DB9, DB15, etc., which are relatively large and require more space. The USB cable uses a more compact USB interface with different specifications, including USB-A, USB-B, Micro USB, USB-C, etc. The popularization of USB interfaces has also brought more convenient connection methods, where users only need to plug the USB plug into the corresponding interface.
4. Power transmission:
USB cables can transmit power while transmitting data. This means that devices connected through USB interfaces can obtain power from computers or other power sources. This feature makes USB cables more widely used in charging devices, mobile devices, and other fields.
5. Compatibility:
USB cables have significant advantages in compatibility. Different types of USB interfaces can be interconnected through adapters, and USB interfaces have become standard on many devices. In contrast, serial cables have poor compatibility, and different devices may require different types of serial connectors, increasing the complexity of use.