Introduction to OTG Data Cable Functions

What functions does an OTG data cable have? Let the USB data cable manufacturer give you a detailed understanding of this question.

​Generally, when we refer to an OTG cable, we are talking about an OTG data cable. Its function is to enable direct connection between mobile devices other than computers. It is very popular and practical for smartphones and tablets nowadays. With an OTG data cable, we can directly connect our phones to USB flash drives or other USB devices, greatly facilitating user usage. The OTG cable serves as the best bridge for this purpose.

The emergence of OTG data cables has changed the situation where mobile devices could only exchange data through PCs. OTG data cables do not require a PC connection. Instead, they allow direct connections between mobile devices. For example, by connecting a phone to a USB flash drive, mouse, keyboard, digital camera, etc. via an OTG data cable, users can directly access files, expand functionality, and transfer data. Connecting a USB flash drive allows for file and image browsing, uploading, and downloading. Connecting a mouse and keyboard facilitates gaming and typing. Connecting a digital camera enables image viewing, uploading, and downloading, allowing for instant sharing. OTG data cables are very convenient to use when away from a PC.

When a phone is connected to a device via an OTG data cable, the phone needs to provide power to the external device. So how does the phone distinguish between an OTG data cable and a regular USB data cable? After disassembling the two cables, you will notice that the 4th pin of the USB data cable is floating, while the 4th pin of the OTG data cable is shorted to ground. The phone’s chip should be able to determine whether a USB data cable or an OTG data cable is plugged in based on the status of the 4th pin, and decide whether to enable OTG power supply accordingly. The hardware difference is that one end of the OTG cable has an additional PIN connected to the GND ground line, allowing the device to differentiate between the host and the external device. From appearance alone, it is impossible to distinguish between a USB data cable and an OTG data cable.