Mobile Device Ports and Accessories

Question 1

What are the main types of USB connectors used with mobile devices?

Answer 1

USB-C: Becoming the industry standard

microUSB: Previously the most common

miniUSB: Less common now, mostly outdated

Question 2

What is Apple’s proprietary mobile device connector called?

Answer 2

Lightning connector

Question 3

What is the TRS audio jack and what does it stand for?

Answer 3

Tip, Ring, Sleeve (TRS)

Commonly a 1/8 inch (3.5 mm) audio jack used for headsets and microphones

Question 4

What is tethering in mobile devices?

Answer 4

Connecting a mobile device to a computer to share the device’s internet connection, typically via USB, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi

Question 5

What is a COM port and what are RS232 and DB9 used for?

Answer 5

COM port: Legacy serial communication interface

RS232: Standard for serial communication

DB9: 9-pin connector used with RS232 interfaces

Question 6

What are HDMI and DisplayPort used for on mobile devices?

Answer 6

HDMI: High-definition audio/video output

DisplayPort: Alternative to HDMI, used for external displays

Question 7

What is Thunderbolt and how is it used?

Answer 7

High-speed data, video, and power connection

Often uses USB-C connector

Common in laptops and docking stations

Question 8

What are some common accessories for mobile devices?

Answer 8

Touch pens (stylus)

Headsets

Speakers

Webcams

Trackpads

Question 9

What is the difference between a docking station and a port replicator?

Answer 9

Docking Station: Adds additional functionality (e.g., GPU, storage)

Port Replicator: Expands existing ports for connectivity, simpler and more limited