USB Cables

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
3021023-16 Qualtek Electronics Corp.	CBL USB A-BLUNT CON 16' 24/26AWG	725
105-1032-RE-B0150 CnC Tech	USB 2.0 TYPE-A TO USB TYPE-C CAB	153
CBL-A31-C31-10BT CUI Devices	CABLE, USB, 1000 MM, TYPE A 3.1	0
PX0844/A/0M50/B Bulgin	CABLE PLUG IP68 USB A-B 500MM	12
0687840001 Woodhead - Molex	CABLE MICRO USB B TO STD A 1.0M	0
10-02330 Tensility International Corporation	CBL USB A PLUG-MNI A PLUG 1M BLK	0
UBAMAFB-2M Coolgear	PRO-SERIES USB 2.0 HI-SPEED A TO	1300
SC-2CMK010M Stewart Connector	USB 2.0 TYPE C MALE TO MICRO-B M	486
U024-016 Tripp Lite	USB 2.0 GOLD EXT CABLE A M/F 16'	1014700
NUB-3106 Quest Technology International	USB 2.0 CABLE TYPE AM TO BM 6 F	257
0847320003 Woodhead - Molex	USB DUAL PLUG A&B EXT CORD 2M	0
U325-001-KPA-BK Tripp Lite	USB 3.0 ALL-IN-ONE KEYSTONE/PANE	14050
CBL-UA-UA-10BT CUI Devices	CABLE, USB, 1000 MM, TYPE A 2.0	0
A-USB30AM-30AF-050 ASSMANN WSW Components	CABLE USB3.0 AF TO AM, 0.5M	0
AA-UF-2W Coolgear	2FT. WHITE USB CABLE A TO A EXTE	978
IS.ACAMUSBB-1.5M Industrial Shields	USB-A TO USB-B 1.5M	63
MRFR-0304W Coolgear	WHITE 3FT. USB 2.0 EXTENSION CAB	214
3021091-01M Qualtek Electronics Corp.	USB 2.0 TYPE C MALE TO USB 2.0 T	0
CAB-15464 SparkFun	PANEL MOUNT USB MICRO-B EXTENSIO	1656
1487596-1 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	USB, A-B, 28/24, BLACK, 2.0M	0

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