Harold Hallikainen wrote:
> I'm working on a USB adapter project where I'd like to put a SMALL circuit
> board and a male USB type A connector in a small box and have a cable
> leave the other end of the box. First off, I'm having trouble finding the
> male type A USB connector. I find LOTS of receptacles, but no plugs!
> Second, I'd like to find a STANDARD plastic housing that this connector
> and circuit board could fit in. Pactec makes stuff like this for D
> connectors, but I don't see anything for USB. Anyone familiar with such a
> box? Ideally it'd have a crosssection about like the molded case of a
> standard USB plug, but be a bit longer so we can fit our board in there. I
> have an MMC/SD reader in a similar case. Anyone know of such a case and
> connector?
>
> THANKS!
>
> Harold
>
>
>
>   
You can't find the small USB end ('A') because you are trying to break 
the USB design rules in order
to make your product as small as possible. The USB organization takes a 
very dim view of this, so unless
it is a prototype or a "one up", you need to use the "B" style. The 
reason is that unless standards are rigidly
adhered to, the usefulness of the scheme will be compromised.

Their rule is that the 'A' end is always the HOST end of the cable, and 
the peripheral is always the 'B' end
of the cable. Unless your project is a host, you are not complying with 
their rules.

I, too (a natural rebel) was surprised by the strength of their 
arguments. But once I understood their reasoning,
it all makes sense. If you must squeeze things down, use a miniature 
version of the "B" end; the USB organization
can help you locate these; some digital cameras use these.

--Bob
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