Design: Choosing USB-B/mini/micro ?

[Precipice]

And the phones are replaced before the connector starts to fail ..

when, not before.

Dropping my phone while charging from micro-USB did for it. Fortunately, it's still got a real charge socket (Nokia), and bluetooth for data...

We'll see how good these new USB3 wonder-sockets are, and whether there's a version that actually attaches to the PCB in a meaningful way. It's not as if it's been a process of continuous improvement on USB hardware so far.
Since the cables are getting fatter , heavier and stiffer, I hope that there's at least some effort put into defending against the levering effect of the cable.

Ah - the pictures from that earlier link
http://www.extremetech.com/computing/187882-reversible-usb-type-c-connector-finalized-devices-cables-and-adapters-coming-soon
do suggest that they've listened to the whining about micro connectors being far too easy to tear off boards. Yay! (Although the standard calls it an 'optional hold down strap' - I hope it's the default on connectors.)
Looking further at the standard, I can't help but think we'll be seeing older sockets being used on low volume maker-style hardware for a while longer, or maybe some connector manufacture producing an easy-to-solder USB2-only variant. The full socket, with its 24 pins hidden underneath, on 0.5mm pitch, isn't going to be trivial to assemble or inspect. Hmm, maybe we'll see pigtails on products?
 

[Monkeh]

Micro SUCKS. While the contacts may be rated for 10K mate cycles, the connector is good for a few dozen and then it's done.

You must be kidding. There are more than billion micro usb cells phones sold every year and people charge them at least once a day.

And the phones are replaced before the connector starts to fail ..

Your 'few dozen' doesn't account for over two and a half years of good service from mine.

Perhaps you should stop being brutal and ignorant and treat it as an expensive, delicate device, not as a hammer looking for a nail.

[hans]

If you have an industrial or "more sturdy" application, USB B is the way to go (even for maintenance ports) and optionally USB Mini.

Afaik there are no "weather & dirt proof" USB micro connectors available off-the-shelf. I have only been able to find 1 USB micro connector on Digikey that's panel mount, but had no dust cap to protect against dirt. I contacted some connector manufacturers and they had no plans whatsoever to make USB micro connectors in the future because they view them as consumer-grade connectors (and they don't make their money from consumers). They do have versions for USB B and mini. In that case you need to have them custom made.. but I don't need 5000 connectors for a small (<100 units) project.

For normal applications I don't really mind any of the 3 connectors. Sometimes USB-B connectors aren't out of place if your board also has a RJ45 connector. Both connectors are tall by todays standards.

[ovnr]

I've never had any issues with Micro B ports, and it's what I usually use myself on projects. I still like Mini B, but I've had more issues with bad connections.

At the end of the day, it's not like there is a huge difference.

[Jeroen3]

Why isn't this a poll?

[SirNick]

Why isn't this a poll?

It's not tall enough. 

[electr_peter]

I like mini B the best, because these are small and reliable. I do not like micro B too much (I had few incidents were connector were ripped with D+/D- copper traces from PCB, not even worth to repair).
I think that micro B is not as reliable as mini B because

• it is not as firmly attached to pcb as mini B
• it encounters much more violent insertions/extractions
• it is harder to identify polarity.

However, for a new product I would choose micro B because it is a new standard.

[ConKbot]

http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Amphenol-Commercial-Products/MUSB-K152-30/?qs=sGAEpiMZZMulM8LPOQ%252bykyVH%2fhPQ59j80dFehTRqUy4%3d

Micro, though hole, so they wont rip it off the PCB, though PCB slots to retain the connector, and screws to bolt it to the panel.   

[free_electron]

stay away from micro like the plage.  They don't have proper thru-hole pins , or if they do they are for .8mm thick boards or less ) so they break off the boards, ripping off the pads an all.  i hate those micro connectors. Mini is still somewhat ok.

[Precipice]

However, for a new product I would choose micro B because it is a new standard.

I don't really understand this. It's worse, but it's newer. Well, screw that, I'll sit this one out, and if the next new standard is better, I'll move to that.

(Also, imagine my delight when a drawing came in today for a new design. Vertical micro USB socket... Three reasonably sturdy through-board pins, but the same old five 0.5mm pads. If the connector flexes at all, off they'll pop. I've asked the mechanical guy for as much support and cable guiding as he can give me, but I've still got a bad feeling about this.)

[Jeroen3]

I guess this is a significant argument in choosing connectors.
grid 1mm

The micro one might be a bit hard to solder...

[zapta]

I guess this is a significant argument in choosing connectors.
grid 1mm

The micro one might be a bit hard to solder...

Reflowing shouldn't be a problem.

BTW, the two footprints are bad, no through hole support. Will peel easily. Even vias should improve significantly.

And while on the topic of micro USB, I got on amazon an micro usb cable set like this one and am very happy with it. The colors allow to distringuish between cables, being flat they don't entangle and I was able to charge my Nexus 5 a 1A and they cost ~$1 each.