Description from IOGEAR about this GUC100KM adapter,
Universal Serial Bus (USB) port technology has emerged in response to
the proliferation of external peripheral devices (scanners, digital
cameras, removable drives, etc.), that are increasingly being connected
to the latest generation of PCs. USB behaves in a similar fashion to
conventional bus ports (i.e., serial, parallel, PS/2), but since it does
not require any IRQs, more devices can be attached to the system, and
the problem of IRQ conflict is eliminated. The guc100km
PS/2 to USB Keyboard and Mouse interface converter provides the means
for PS/2 type keyboards and mice to connect to a PC, notebook, laptop,
or handheld computing device that supports the USB specification via the
USB bus instead of using conventional bus technology. An advantage of
this for notebooks, for example, is that now an external mouse and
keyboard can be connected at the same time without causing conflicts.
The guc100km comes with two
standard 6 pin mini DIN female connectors for the PS/2 keyboard and PS/2
mouse to plug into and has an attached 30 cm USB cable with a type A
plug for connection to the PC's USB port, or to a USB hub. For further
convenience - especially to users of notebooks, laptops, and handhelds -
the guc100km adapter derives
its operating power from the Universal Serial Bus itself, so no bulky
external power supply needs to be taken along. And because it is a USB
Specification compliant device, the guc100km supports energy-saving suspend and resume operations.
what is the difference between a passive converter and an active converter?
THIS passive converter operates on the limited power provided by the usb port.
AN active converter provides additional power through an external ac power supply for keyboards or mice which may require more power,
more current, more juice, is sometimes required on older legacy devices,
like the older IBM clicky keyboards or legacy keyboards with lots of lights.
GO to my other items and search keyword IBM CLICKY KEYBOARD if you require the more advanced converter
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