Firewire and USB - a comparison
USB and Firewire are two BUS systems for simple connections and fast data transfer. We provide you with a comparison and show you the specific areas of application.
Firewire: For multimedia, cascading and direct connections
"FireWire" and "i.Link" or "Lynx" are brand names and common names for the "IEEE 1394" standard. It is characterized by the following properties:
- FireWire 400 transfers up to 400 MBbit / s, FireWire 800 almost twice.
- The transmission is full duplex, which means that you can transmit data simultaneously in both directions.
- FireWire ports deliver up to 1.5 amps at 8 to 33 volts. Many devices can be operated via FireWire without an additional power supply.
- FireWire is particularly widespread in the audio and video sector.
- FireWire does not require a host: You can also connect two FireWire devices directly to one another, as well as two computers.
USB: The universal connection between host and peripherals
The "Universal Serial Bus" USB is a widely used bus system for data transfer between a host and a peripheral device.
- USB was created around the same time as FireWire, but was developed more often: first to USB 1.1, then to USB 2.0, USB 3.0 and USB 3.1.
- USB 2.0 has a transmission speed of up to 480 Mbit / s, USB 3.0 up to 5 Gbit / s and 3.1 even up to 10 Gbit / s.
- USB 2.0 transmits data packets in half duplex, i.e. data can be transmitted in both directions, but not simultaneously. Full duplex is supported from USB 3.0.
- USB 3.0 delivers up to 900 mA at 4.45 V to 5.50 Volt. Only USB-PD delivers up to 20 volts and 5 amps for charging devices. With USB 3.1 Type C, it should be possible in the future to charge laptops via USB.
- USB is used for the transmission of large amounts of data (hard drives, audio and video transmission) as well as for any peripherals such as a mouse, keyboard and USB gadgets.
FireWire vs. USB: A comparison
You can see whether FireWire or USB is right for you from the properties described above and the areas of application listed here:
- FireWire 400 transmits data streams and is therefore USB 2.0 superior especially for the transmission of continuous signals - such as audio or video material (despite the slightly lower maximum transmission speeds). The high transfer speed of USB 3.0 makes up for that.
- FireWire is full duplex capable. FireWire is therefore the more sensible variant for applications in which you want to transmit data in both directions over the same cable. However, the high transfer speed of USB 3 also compensates for this shortcoming.
- FireWire allows you to connect two computers directly to one another (ad hoc network) or two peripheral devices, such as cameras. USB devices always need a host.
- FireWire is cascadable: For example, you can connect one audio interface to another and then connect it to the PC in order to be able to use both interfaces.
- FireWire 800 supports cable lengths of up to 100 m. USB transmission usually only works over a few meters.
- USB is usually cheaper than FireWire and also much more common. You can no longer easily connect an external FireWire sound card to many new laptops.
- USB: Even car radios, printer scanners and copiers can often act as USB hosts.
- Since USB 3.0, USB offers such a clearly superior transmission speed that you can now transmit more channels and higher data rates even in the audio and video area. You can find a USB 3.0 speed test in this CHIP-Online article.
- USB is not only responsible for large amounts of data and high transmission speeds. Also computer mouse and keyboard
Further CHIP online practical tips will tell you how to connect a USB headset to the PS3 and the electric piano to the computer.