USB (Universal Service Bus) has become an everyday computer connector since its mid-1990s debut. USB has evolved to meet consumers’ connection needs, from sluggish USB 1.0 speeds to multimedia device-powering USB 2.0 speeds to high-capacity storage-supporting USB 3.0 speeds.
USB is used in embedded cameras for different purposes, like data transfer, power supply, control interface, integration with other devices, and firmware updates. However, it becomes essential to consider all the factors when choosing a USB standard that suits your application’s power and performance objectives.
Let’s understand the difference between USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 and which of them is perfect for your application.
Understanding USB 2.0
USB 2.0 marked a significant progression compared to USB 1.1, when it was first introduced in 2002. It provides a maximal bandwidth of 480 megabits per second (Mbps), which is approximately 40 times the speed of its predecessor. USB 2.0 and USB 1.1 are entirely backwards compatible, allowing for extensive interoperability.
In terms of power efficiency, USB 2.0 implements enhanced power management features that enable devices to enter suspended states. It provides peripherals powered by the bus with up to 2.5 volts.
Besides, USB 2.0 satisfies the power requirements of various peripheral devices by providing adequate power delivery and rapid speeds. Additionally, it supports certain storage devices.
Understanding USB 3.0
In 2010, USB 3.0 was introduced, offering 10 times the data bandwidth of USB 2.0. It functions with maximum frequencies of 5 gigabits per second (Gbps). This feature enables it to provide support for high-bandwidth devices that have demanding data throughput needs.
Furthermore, USB 3.0 provides enhanced power management capabilities, transmitting up to 4.5 watts of power to peripheral devices.
It is particularly used in high-resolution webcams, video equipment, large external storage solutions, and docking stations for connecting multiple peripherals. USB 2.0 backward compatibility enables widespread device utilization.
Key Differences of USB 2.0 vs USB 3.0
While both USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 offer user-friendly connectivity, speed, and power delivery, separate their capabilities for supporting high bandwidth, data-intensive peripherals when building devices and applications to enrich user experiences with responsive functionality, it is important to consider these vital performance specifications. Here are the main differences between USB 2.0 and 3.0:
| Specifications | USB 2.0 | USB 3.0 |
| Max Speed | 480 Mbps | 5 Gbps |
| Impact on Performance | Sufficient for low/medium bandwidth devices, like webcams.
Cannot support high-resolution video and external storage solutions. |
10x faster than USB 2.0. Supports high bandwidth applications, including HD video cameras, high-resolution displays, and docking stations. |
| Power Management | Delivers up to 2.5W for bus-powered devices. Suspend state helps conserve energy. | Supports more efficient power management. Provides up to 4.5W power delivery. |
| Cable/Connectors | Standard USB-A and USB-B connectors and cables. | Additional USB 3.0 connectors and cabling to provide added bandwidth. Backward compatible. |
| User Experience | Provides plug-and-play connectivity for peripherals. Usable bandwidth but constrained for high data needs. | Seamless plug-and-play experience. Significantly faster speeds enable advanced functionality and responsiveness. |
| Cost | Low cost, ubiquitous deployment across devices and systems. | Higher costs than USB 2.0. But becoming widespread and standard for PCs and laptops. |
How to Choose Which USB Standard is Right for the Desired Application?
When designing an embedded camera system, it is essential to consider the USB standard’s compatibility with the CPU that the camera may use for connectivity and data transfer. Also, the plug-and-play functionality of cameras using the UVC (USB Video Class) standard simplifies integration, reducing development costs significantly. The low CPU load of these cameras ensures that they do not overburden the processor, enabling better performance in various embedded vision applications.
Furthermore, the cameras’ ability to support maximum sensor resolution and minimal space requirements makes them ideal for compact and high-performance systems.
Now, let’s look at the different CPUs with which USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 are compatible.
| USB Standard | CPU Models |
| USB 2.0 | MediaTek Genio 500, MediaTek Genio 350, NXP i.MX8M Mini, RK3368, RK3328 |
| USB 3.0 | RK3588, RK3566, NXP i.MX8M Quad, NXP i.MX8M Plus, Nvidia Jetson NX2, Nvidia Jetson Nano |
Reimagining Applications with e-con Systems
e-con Systems has emerged as an industry leader in specialized embedded camera solutions across numerous sectors over two decades. We offer a wide range of camera modules, including GMSL cameras, MIPI cameras, and USB 3.1 Gen 1 cameras, that help in the development of cutting-edge vision application systems.
See3CAM is the embedded camera range that we offer in the USB 3.0 standard. We support a wide spectrum of embedded cameras, from enclosure and 4K to low light, auto-focus, and 3D depth cameras. Let’s look at some high-quality cameras supporting USB 3.0 standard that will be perfect for your application:
- See3CAM_CU31: 3MP 120dB HDR Sony® ISX031 based USB Camera ensures superior imaging quality with an impressive 120dB HDR performance and flicker-free functionality with LED Flicker Mitigation (LFM), even in challenging lighting conditions. This UVC-compliant USB camera is designed to stream video data of 3MP resolution at 30fps. See3CAM_CU31 captures with the 5:4 aspect ratio, providing more vertical coverage without sacrificing horizontal details. With such comprehensive features, this camera proves to be an ideal solution for various applications, including intelligent transportation systems (ITS), border control and security, retail kiosks, parking lot management and more.
- See3CAM_CU55 – 1/2.5″ 5.0 MP Low Noise USB Camera (Color) with onsemi® AR0521 Image Sensor and comes with features like fixed focus, rolling shutter with global reset mode, and on-board high-performance ISP. Suitable for high-resolution surveillance, biomedical instruments, and biometric authentication systems.
- See3CAM_CU512M – 5MP AR0522 Monochrome NIR USB Camera with improved sensitivity in near-infrared spectrum and excellent low-light performance. Suitable for medical applications.
- See3CAM_30 – 3.4 MP Autofocus USB Camera with Liquid Lens, onsemi® AR0330 Image Sensor, USB 3.1 Gen1 type C interface board. It comes with auto-focus and 3.4MP still capture with Zero shutter lag. It is compatible with USB Video Class (UVC), consumes less power, and doesn’t heat up.
We have different embedded camera models available if your application requires USB 2.0 standards.
- e-CAM82_USB – Sony STARVIS™ IMX415 4K Ultra Low-light USB Camera with a dedicated in-built ISP for performing all auto functions, like auto white balance and auto exposure. It is UVC compliant for both Windows and Linux, making it suitable for shelf monitoring systems, Kiosks, document readers, and access control.
- Hyperyon® – 2MP Sony STARVIS IMX290 Ultra Low-light USB camera (Color) with HDR support and H.264/MJPEG compression. It supports Socionext ISP, which features 3DNR (3D noise reduction) and WDR (wide dynamic range), which makes the camera work perfectly in low-light applications.
Wrapping Up
In an era where applications require enhanced functionality and heightened responsiveness, it is imperative to align device speeds with USB standards strategically. Although USB 2.0 is still applicable to peripherals with minimal bandwidth requirements, USB 3.0 is the latest standard that can support devices that require ample data. USB 3.0 enables the seamless operation of high-resolution cameras, external storage solutions, docking stations, and more, with transmission speeds of up to ten times.
Prabu is the Chief Technology Officer and Head of Camera Products at e-con Systems, and comes with a rich experience of more than 15 years in the embedded vision space. He brings to the table a deep knowledge in USB cameras, embedded vision cameras, vision algorithms and FPGAs. He has built 50+ camera solutions spanning various domains such as medical, industrial, agriculture, retail, biometrics, and more. He also comes with expertise in device driver development and BSP development. Currently, Prabu’s focus is to build smart camera solutions that power new age AI based applications.