USB Cables

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
CAB-11604 SparkFun	USB OTG CABLE - FEMALE A TO MICR	105
3021078-03 Qualtek Electronics Corp.	USB 2.0 A MALE TO USB 2.0 MICRO	1734
UA-30AMFM-SL7B02 LTW (Amphenol LTW)	USB 3.0 A TYPE	9
AK67501-1 ASSMANN WSW Components	CABLE MICRO USB A-B M-M 1M	6062568
09454521924 HARTING	HAR-PORT USB 20 A-A PFT 3 0M C	0
USBG-AAE1B Coolgear	3FT. BLACK USB 2.0 HI-SPEED A TO	401
3021090-01M Qualtek Electronics Corp.	USB 2.0 A MALE TO USB 2.0 TYPE C	1253
PXP4040/C/A/5M00 Bulgin	CBL ASSY USB C TO A M-M 5M	0
CBL-UA-MUB-20WP CUI Devices	CABLE, USB, 2000 MM, TYPE A 2.0	0
MRFS-0304W Coolgear	3FT. WHITE USB 2.0 EXTENSION CAB	1144
UR024-003-WH Tripp Lite	USB A-M TO A-F EXT CABLE 3'	110
10-00655 Tensility International Corporation	CBL USB MNI A RCPT-MCR B PLUG	136
3439 Adafruit	CBL USB A PLUG TO MICRO B PLUG	0
0687680398 Woodhead - Molex	USB 2.0 A TO MICRO B 2.0 L=1M	5909
SC-2CMK020M Stewart Connector	USB 2.0 TYPE C MALE TO MICRO-B M	237
USBAPSCC2210A Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	RCPT USB A FIELD SQUARE FLANGE R	25
U420-16N-G25AFL Tripp Lite	USB-C FLAT CABLE (M/M) - USB 3.1	1400
1487587-1 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	USB, A-B, 28/26, WHITE, 1.0M	285
3021059-01M Qualtek Electronics Corp.	USB 2.0 A MALE TO USB 2.0 A MALE	412
UR050-001 Tripp Lite	USB CABLE	221150

USB Cables

1. Overview

USB cables are standardized connectors used for transferring data and power between electronic devices. They play a critical role in modern technology, enabling seamless integration of peripherals, charging solutions, and data communication across industries. Their universal design and evolving specifications have made them indispensable in consumer electronics, industrial automation, and emerging technologies like IoT.

2. Main Types and Functional Classification

Type	Functional Features	Application Examples
USB Type-A	Rectangular connector, supports USB 2.0/3.0/3.1 standards	Computers, flash drives, game consoles
USB Type-B	Square-shaped connector, robust design	Printers, scanners, industrial equipment
USB Type-C	Reversible 24-pin connector, supports USB 3.2/4.0, Power Delivery (PD)	Laptops, smartphones, tablets
Micro USB	Compact 5-pin connector, common in older mobile devices	Android smartphones, power banks
Mini USB	Larger than Micro USB, phased out in modern devices	Legacy MP3 players, older GPS units

3. Structure and Composition

A typical USB cable consists of:

Conductors: Stranded copper wires for power (VBUS) and data (D+/D-)
Insulation: Polymer layers (e.g., PVC, TPE) to prevent signal interference
Shielding: Foil or braided mesh to reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI)
Connector: Metal contacts and plastic housing with specific pin layouts
Outer Jacket: Durable thermoplastic for mechanical protection

Technical compositions vary by standard: USB 2.0 (480 Mbps), USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps), or USB4 (40 Gbps), with Type-C supporting alternate modes like DisplayPort.

4. Key Technical Specifications

Parameter	Description	Importance
Data Transfer Rate	Varies from 480 Mbps (USB 2.0) to 40 Gbps (USB4)	Determines efficiency in transferring large files
Current Capacity	Up to 5A (USB PD)	Impacts charging speed and power delivery
Voltage Range	5V (standard), up to 48V (USB PD 3.1)	Supports high-power devices
Shielding Grade	Foil + braid shielding (STP) or braided only	Reduces data corruption and noise
Compatibility	USB-IF certification ensures cross-standard operation	Guarantees interoperability with devices
Durability	10,000+ insertion cycles (Type-C)	Extends product lifecycle

5. Application Fields

Consumer Electronics: Smartphones, tablets, wearables
Computing: Keyboards, mice, external storage
Industrial: CNC machines, automation sensors
Healthcare: Medical imaging equipment, patient monitors
Automotive: In-car charging systems, infotainment units

Case Example: USB Type-C cables with 100W PD enable single-cable charging and DisplayPort alt mode for ultrabooks.

6. Leading Manufacturers and Products

Manufacturer	Representative Product	Key Features
Anker	PowerLine II USB-C to USB-C	100W PD, 30,000 bend lifespan
Belkin	USB-C to C Braided Cable	USB-IF certified, 2m length
AmazonBasics	USB 2.0 Type-A to Type-B	Budget-friendly, 2.0 speed
UGREEN	USB-C to Lightning Cable	MFi certified, 8K video support
Apple	Lightning to USB-C	For iOS devices, 1m length

7. Selection Recommendations

Consider the following factors:

Use Case: Charging-only (lower gauge wires) vs. data transfer (shielded conductors)
Device Compatibility: Match connector types (e.g., Type-C for newer laptops)
Performance Requirements: USB 3.2 Gen 2 for 10Gbps speeds, PD for fast charging
Environmental Conditions: Ruggedized cables for industrial settings
Certifications: USB-IF, RoHS, and MFi (for Apple devices)

8. Industry Trends

Key trends include:

Adoption of USB4 for unified 40Gbps speeds and Thunderbolt compatibility
Type-C becoming the EU-mandated standard for all mobile devices
Development of active cables with embedded chips for signal boosting
Increased focus on recyclable materials and reduced e-waste
Integration of USB PD 3.1 for 240W ultra-fast charging