Are USB cables device-specific?

Question

I have a dozen or so USB or USB to mini-USB cables lying around. It's annoying keeping track of what goes to what.

Are they interchangeable or are they device-specific?

Does it change the answer if I'm expecting the device to transfer data vs. merely charge its battery?

For example: Can I expect the mini USB that charges a cell phone to also charge a PS3 controller?

Would the Ferrite Bead - the cylinder on some cables - affect USB compatibility? Is that a necessary component for the functioning of its intended device?

Answer 1

The U means universal indeed, but some manufacturers (such as Apple) choose to provide their own proprietary USB cables -- which are not interchangeable -- while others provide generic USB cables which are interchangeable.

All standard USB connectors by pinout.

In picture form: micro USB on the left, then mini USB, then regular full-size B and A USB.

Answer 2

The U in USB means Universal. They're totally interchangeable. I just keep one around and the rest as backups/to lend to others, it works pretty well.

Answer 3

They are interchangeable, but you will notice that they are not all same regarding build quality. I have a bunch of mini-USB cables, but only few of them can power a USB hard-drive without a secondary jack.

For devices not hungry for power, usually it does not matter.

Answer 4

Note that there is a new USB 3.0 standard emerging.

Here's a news story entitled USB 3.0 - The new speed limit about it I received earlier today (2010-03-02).

Answer 5

Also, on occasion you will run across a cable that looks like a USB cable, but is really not.

The ML-7 GPS tracker comes to mind. It has a A to mini-B USB cable that actually has a USB-to-serial converter inside the overmoulding on one end.

On the other hand, cables like that are REALLY rare.