usb 3.0 backwards compatibility

[wendellt]

hi

just wondering if the usb 3.0 spec is backwards compatible with the standard usb 2.0 plug and spec

http://cgi.ebay.com/BELKIN-F4U024-USB-3 ... 3caf50ac15

im going to use a usb 3.0 devic e but would be great if i can use a legacy usb 2.0 drive on it as well

[Mr Darcy]

To accommodate the additional pins for SuperSpeed mode, the physical form factors for USB 3.0 plugs and receptacles have been modified from those used in previous versions. Standard-A cables have extended heads where the SuperSpeed connectors extend beyond and slightly above the legacy connectors. Similarly, the Standard-A receptacle is deeper to accept these new connectors. On the other end, the SuperSpeed Standard-B connectors are placed on top of the existing form factor. A legacy standard A-to-B cable will work as designed and will never contact any of the SuperSpeed connectors, ensuring backward compatibility. SuperSpeed standard A plugs will fit legacy A receptacles, but SuperSpeed standard B plugs will not fit into legacy standard B receptacles, so a new cable can be used to connect a new device to an old host, but not to connect a new host to an old device; for that, a legacy standard A-to-B cable will be required

Translation:
Yes it should work, but there are some caveats.