What is this USB type?
Posted by networkconfidential@reddit | sysadmin | View on Reddit | 106 comments
So I came across a pair of scanners, both Fujitsu, same model. One has the standard USB 3 port and the other has a similar but flipped configuration port that I've never seen and can't find online. What is this called?
myworkaccountduh@reddit
I've actually come across this, also with a Fujitsu scanner. When removing the USB cable from the back of the scanner, the plastic piece sometimes comes loose. Whoever put it back on, simply had it rotated 90 degrees. You should be able to yank it out, and put it in correctly.
networkconfidential@reddit (OP)
I thought about that but when I took the bottom panel off, the module is soldered to the board, no way to rotate it. It appears that either someone broke the center and somehow rotated it without messing up the pins or this was just a manufacturer defect that they don't want to own up to.
sflesch@reddit
USB b 3. https://www.ebay.com/itm/204676556072
Entegy@reddit
It doesn't look exactly, but it reminds me of RetailUSB, a common USB adjacent "standard" on retail devices that requires more power than traditional USB. 12V for things like card payment machines and 24V for receipt printers. The lower portion was a regular USB port but the above peripherals had an extra bit on top to connect to more power.
This kind of looks like an evolution of that?
tofu_b3a5t@reddit
PoweredUSB, also known as Retail USB, USB PlusPower, USB +Power, and USB Power Plus
autogyrophilia@reddit
The USB people should have been stopped there Jesus Christ what a mess.
FireLucid@reddit
Not to mention the USB 3 standard has been updated a few times and each time, the retroactively rename the previous versions of the standard.
D00shene@reddit
USB 3.0 Type B
dustojnikhummer@reddit
Indeed, I got one in my monitor's USB hub. Surprised it is on a scanner.
garthy604@reddit
It carries extra power and data I think.
Arudinne@reddit
I've seen it on some scanners. With the resolution and/or speed some models now offer, it's possible that USB 2.0 speeds aren't enough.
networkconfidential@reddit (OP)
The normal one is USB 3.0 Type B but what is the other one?
D00shene@reddit
Both are intended to be Type B. For some odd reason when I look up this model, some come with the middle pin in the expected orientation and others do not. For the same model and part #.
Clear_Key5135@reddit
I almost wonder if they had a bad batch and just dumped them on the secondhand market instead of repairing them. I have thousands of these scanners and have never seen one with a proprietary cable.
networkconfidential@reddit (OP)
Might be right, I got a reply from Ricoh Support telling me this is "damaged" and needs to be sent in for repair. I explained that nothing is broken or twisted. The connector orientation is correct. She said there is no such connector and this needs to be sent in for repair.
changework@reddit
Knowing Ricoh they’ll say it’s exactly what you told them originally after you ship it and they’ll charge you for the experience.
networkconfidential@reddit (OP)
Do they have some proprietary cable that fits this??
kuzared@reddit
I think it’s a manufacturing defect, which they realise and that’s why they’re asking you to send it back for repair.
ImperialKilo@reddit
What's the model of scanner?
Are you sure it's not just broken? It has an SS symbol which refers to USB 3.0 super speed, so it has to be a normal USB standard port.
networkconfidential@reddit (OP)
They are both fi-7160, doesn't look broken or tampered with.
ArcOfADream@reddit
See https://origin.pfultd.com/downloads/IMAGE/manual/fi-7x8060/P3PC-4292-05ENZ0.pdf, page 17 of 231. The round port is for a printer accessory.
networkconfidential@reddit (OP)
I know what the round port does, it's for an imprinted. I'm asking about the USB port, compare the two pictures and you'll see that they are not the same.
ArcOfADream@reddit
Yep, I see that - it may be some sort of proprietary cable, still a fast (SS) USB-B. Some manufacturers will do nonsense like this when marketing devices meant to be sold as parts of an integrated system, or for other (??) reasons.
garthy604@reddit
I'd say it's a usb type b 3.0 but it looks broken to me.
dukandricka@reddit
I didn't scroll down far enough in imgur initially, but: one is USB 3.0 type B as others have said, the other is proprietary (they rotated the centre plastic block 90 degrees). If I had to put money on proprietary vs. manufacturing defect, I would put 80% on proprietary. (I have a hard time believing a part manufacturer, AND Fujitsu QA/QC, would BOTH miss this mistake and ship it anyway.)
If the dodgy printer came with a USB cable (and you're 100% sure it's the cable that came with it), check the cable. If the cable matches the 90-degree-rotated centre plastic block, then you know it's proprietary.
Veniui@reddit
I thought this too, but the part and model numbers on the normal vs this thing are the same. Totally a new one for me
dukandricka@reddit
You mean on the printer? Yeah, that doesn't mean jack squat. Oh the stories I could tell you of vendors not changing their P/N or M/Ns when they make "revisional" changes...
networkconfidential@reddit (OP)
So the verdict is in. Damaged.
Ricoh support told me this is a damaged port, not a defect. Not sure how this could have happened but if I push on that center with a screwdriver, there's a little play so maybe someone twisted it and broke it.
masterxc@reddit
Possibly a misaligned mold, as you can see the break off point on the bad one (the little white circle of plastic) or it was accidentally damaged somewhere on the line and missed.
WWGHIAFTC@reddit
Looks like Covid Era Manufacturing at it's finest.
Psdyekick@reddit
TODO: identify and name the aspects of USB connectors. Pinout. "Plug" positions.
Psdyekick@reddit
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USB_hardware#Durability
SpotlessCheetah@reddit
Definitely a manufacturing defect. I've plugged in enough Fujitsu scanners in my time and they don't have a proprietary USB 3.0 Type B connector.
KneticTheory@reddit
Hey there. I deal in these Ricoh/Fuji scanners often. The newer units come with this 3.0 B port. From the looks of it your user damaged that port (can see where plastic is sheared inside the port. lots of unplug/plug wear too). Check if that port is loose? Maybe misaligned? I'd lean into replacing that unit. Consider a hardware service warranty for this user?
Jaybone512@reddit
This.
The top right corner of the wacky one - plastic is broken. Bottom right side of the wacky one - the metal surround stops, instead of continuing up to the "shoulder" like on the normal port; maybe a manufactuing change, but my money is on "user broke it."
Someone just jammed stuff back in the hole it came out any way they could, and put it up for sale.
Mr_ToDo@reddit
Bugger of a problem.
I wonder if that was custom made to try and prevent theft. Not sure how they'd prevent just taking the custom cable though. Can't think of a reason other than that and manufacturing Issues though(and I'd have thought they'd have pulled those back from the sellers if the messed up that way). If it didn't come with a cable, that'd be my only idea.
Just my guess anyway. Certainly something I've never seen anyway, I'd love to know how this turns out in the end.
Veniui@reddit
Everything points to the adapter being incorrectly oriented in its module somehow, then attached to the scanner, for me at least
networkconfidential@reddit (OP)
All I can guess at this point would be a manufacturing defect with the connector manufacturer..but when Fujitsu installed it, would they not have tested the scanner?
theoneandonlymd@reddit
Is this a used/return unit? Maybe it's the end of a connector that got stuck in there and broke off?
networkconfidential@reddit (OP)
It is used, I received it from a third-party seller but there is no broken part. That is definitely the receive side of the USB module. I have 14 other 7160 scanners here (some older and some newer) and none have this type of connector. I do think it's a defect but another redditor found the same port on the same model of scanner, being sold on ebay..so maybe there is a slim chance this is on purpose. I sent the pictures to Fujitsu/Ricoh support,wil report back when they confirm things.
BrentNewland@reddit
Maybe it's a really bad counterfeit
CoknZambies@reddit
I worked with hundreds of fi-7160s at my previous job and they all only ever used standard USB type B cables. This is definitely a defect
McluvinMclovin@reddit
I work specifically with the 7160 models at my job plus their newer and older models and can confirm they are all standard usb ports. I am thinking this is a defect potentially as I've never seen nor had a use for any proprietary cables with these scanners
McluvinMclovin@reddit
I have a 7160 sitting in my office is can snap a picture of tomorrow 🙃
Aggressive_Pie6045@reddit
It’s still usb3 just a different type of plug. I have this type on a usb3 powered hub i use
Blehninja@reddit
If you zoom in on the vertical one you can see broken plastic. So I would try to just pull on the center and see if you can pull the plastic part out. There's no connectors or anything in it either.
nascentt@reddit
The Fujitsu Fi-7160 needs a Usb 3.0 A Male To B Male Cable
networkconfidential@reddit (OP)
That cable doesn't fit this scanner. Look at the images and you'll see the difference in the connectors.
nascentt@reddit
That's the cable that belongs to that model. If your connector differs from that you have a faulty unit.
LRS_David@reddit
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USB_hardware
Alaknar@reddit
And specifically, which one do you think it is?
LRS_David@reddit
Is this a trick question? There are 9 choices in the diagram. Seems obvious to me.
Alaknar@reddit
Ah, so you're saying you haven't actually checked OP's photos... Imgur is annoying because it's easy to miss that there are three, not just one.
LeiterHaus@reddit
Me: Oh... swipes sideways
new gif appears
Three what?!?
closes and reopens
scrolls down
Ohhh... that's why you don't use Imgur.
Chimsokoma@reddit
That will teach you to use Imgur ! Did you ever resolve this ? If you think about the injection molding process used to create this connector, it is conceivable that the center rectangle could be a separate tool and could have been inserted at 90' on 3rd Shift !
-Steets-@reddit
Crazy how few people are actually looking at the image. I'm also leaning towards manufacturing defect, but it's a hell of a defect if so.
Motor_Line_5640@reddit
The Reddit app is opening and showing one image. It's unclear there is an imgur link to look at initially.
dustojnikhummer@reddit
I honestly didn't see the second picture until others pointed it out.
traumalt@reddit
Imgur is literally giving me a blank page, so the thumbnail I’m seeing is all I can go off…
charleswj@reddit
Imgur sucks. No indication when there are multiple images and it's easy to accidentally tap your way to a different page
theoneandonlymd@reddit
And the one time that circling the two would help, too many people commenting about the DIN looking circular socket.
WTFpe0ple@reddit
Took me a while too. I was like wat? they are the same and then I saw it. I've worked on a LOT of equipment. Never seen that before.
Neverhadachance3@reddit
That’s the USP port…
“Use to blame postmasters”.
It’s a standard part of any Fujitsu tech.
Some-Challenge8285@reddit
Looks like a manufacturing defect, I have seen Fujitsu desktops with the PS/2 port the wrong colours before so I wouldn't put it past them.
ITSt3phani3@reddit
That is a USB-b cable. I usually just call it a printer cable because that's primarily what it is used for it seems. You can get it in different generations like the traditional USB-a.. 2.0, 3.0, etc.
Alaknar@reddit
It's not, look at the second picture.
infeliciter@reddit
Could it be this? https://www.howardstore.com/accessories/detail.cfm?id=S8426263
networkconfidential@reddit (OP)
The housing of the connector looks like standard USB 3.0 but that doesn't mean this cable won't work..you may be on to something. I might roll the dice for $6.99! Thank you sir
kheldorn@reddit
Maybe /r/cables/ can help
ajnozari@reddit
I’m almost certain this is a manufacturing defect.
The issue is we can’t guarantee the pins are hooked up properly so even if you could make the cable fit, I doubt it would work. Personally I’d be contacting the manufacturer to see about your cars extended warranty.
skywalker-11@reddit
The shape looks like USB 3 type B.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/USB_hardware#Connectors
But the part in the middle doesn't fit. Maybe a placeholder for variants with/without USB feature?
networkconfidential@reddit (OP)
The connector shape looks similar aside from the center of it being vertical instead of horizontal. There is no other connection method so this is a working port but I don't know what kind of cable plugs in there.
wrosecrans@reddit
It may just have been a manufacturing error.
vagueAF_@reddit
type b Usually see it on printers
Ottaruga@reddit
Jesus christ these comments, fucking /r/tier1helpdesk in here.
muchtall@reddit
It's a USB 3.0 (super speed) type B port. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/USB_3.0#Connectors
Using a regular USB 2.0 type b cord may not work because you might need the extra lanes for high speed and power
networkconfidential@reddit (OP)
A USB 3.0 cable doesn't fit. The center is the wrong orientation.
networkconfidential@reddit (OP)
It's a pretty non-standard connector to be on a consumer device made in 2022. I agree that it's likely USB 3.0 Type B but I can't find any cable that fits it or any picture of such a connector available for sale.
moffetts9001@reddit
That's weird; never seen anything like that. Must be a factory defect.
networkconfidential@reddit (OP)
I'll update once i find out. I emailed pictures to Fujitsu.
networkconfidential@reddit (OP)
That's what everything is pointing to so far...I think my next order of business is to send this to Fujitsu/Ricoh and see if they can provide any clarity..or a cable.
lechango@reddit
That's odd, the 1st one almost looks like a manufacturing defect where they installed the port the wrong way
networkconfidential@reddit (OP)
I thought maybe someone installed it sideway but that doesn't appear to be the issue, the shape of the module looks correct but the center is inverted. Really odd indeed.
lechango@reddit
Yeah it sure looks like a USB B port but a 3.0 B cable wouldn't orient that way to have the extra connection that's normally on top fit. I bet if you find an old 2.0 USB cable from another printer or something that you could get it plugged in sideways.
networkconfidential@reddit (OP)
Just tried that, it actually does fit sideways but no device recognition. The port has pins up top so I don't think that's the cable it wants :(
lechango@reddit
Yeah, I really think it is a manufacturing defect of the connector, which explains why the 2.0 cable doesn't work either, the pins probably aren't soldered to the right place. Looking around on ebay I did find one other with this wonky port, but the all other listings looked normal.
LeakyAssFire@reddit
Oh, that's super odd.... are you sure it isn't just messed up? Maybe a defect?
networkconfidential@reddit (OP)
Messed up, no...but a defect, totally possible. I just don't see how this could have made it out of the factory like this. If no one here has figured out a clue by now I think my next step it to send pictures to Fujitsu/Ricoh and see what they say.
ThePerfectBreeze@reddit
Looks like a non-standard USB 3.0 plug This was common before USB C.
networkconfidential@reddit (OP)
The device was manufactured in 2022, the one with the proper connection was manufactured in 2020...this was done on purpose.
ThePerfectBreeze@reddit
Proprietary, then. It could be the spec for the cable was non-conforming so they wanted to force you to use their own cable. Or they just wanted to sell USB cables.
networkconfidential@reddit (OP)
I considered that but the Fujitsu website has no such cable and shows the standard USB cable to fit this model. The replacement cable they sell is the standard one.
Newbosterone@reddit
USB B.
networkconfidential@reddit (OP)
One of them is USB B but the other one has the center configuration flipped...what is that one?
Newbosterone@reddit
Sorry, that round connector might be a DIN 9 Pin SCSI. Is the scanner old enough (90s, aughts) to g HD Ave been Mac compatible? What does the fine print next to the port say?
networkconfidential@reddit (OP)
No the scanner is from 2020, the round port is and EXT port for an imprinter device that can be added optionally. Says "EXT" next to it. The port i'm confused about is the blue one. Look at both images, they aren't the same.
sryan2k1@reddit
It's a non-standard USB-B used for high power or something other than USB.
networkconfidential@reddit (OP)
Perhaps. but it has the same pin layout as USB, just with the inverted center.
SpecialistSix@reddit
That's USB-A. Was fairly common for peripherals about 10-15 years ago.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USB_hardware
Image on far right of that grid.
networkconfidential@reddit (OP)
So that cable is the standard one that fits the first scanner but look at the other one. I see no cable that fits that one..
networkconfidential@reddit (OP)
USB A is 2.0, this is a 3.0 or SS port. I added a third picture for comparison sake.
medium0rare@reddit
USB A/B/C is the shape. 2.0 is the protocol or version. However a USB A 2.0 and 3.0 are the same shape, but USB B 2.0 and 3.0 are different shapes.
datec@reddit
USB-A is the flat connector that's on your PC, laptop, old iPhone power brick...
Carribean-Diver@reddit
r/confidentlyincorrect
Posts a link that says it's USB-B, and the blue indicates it's USB 3.0.
FSK405N@reddit
USB-B. For printers, etc..
The rectangle end on most USB cables is the 'A'.
networkconfidential@reddit (OP)
One of them is USB3 Type B but what is the other? I added a side-by-side image to compare..