USB Cables

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
CAB-15428 SparkFun	REVERSIBLE USB A TO REVERSIBLE M	0
CAB-14276 SparkFun	USB OTG CBL FEMALE ATOMICROB 5IN	23
CAB-15092 SparkFun	USB 2.0 CABLE A TO C - 3 FOOT	207
CAB-00512 SparkFun	USB CABLE A TO B 6FT	0
CAB-15424 SparkFun	REVERSIBLE USB A TO C CABLE - 2M	114
CAB-11604 SparkFun	USB OTG CABLE - FEMALE A TO MICR	105
CAB-15464 SparkFun	PANEL MOUNT USB MICRO-B EXTENSIO	1656
CAB-16905 SparkFun	USB 2.0 TYPE-C CABLE - 1 METER	171
CAB-15463 SparkFun	PANEL MOUNT USB-B TO MICRO-B 6"	507
CAB-15425 SparkFun	REVERSIBLE USB A TO C CABLE - 0.	49
CAB-11301 SparkFun	SPARKFUN USB MINI-B CABLE - 6 FO	0
CAB-15455 SparkFun	PANEL MOUNT USB-C EXTN CABLE 6"	1068
CAB-15426 SparkFun	REVERSIBLE USB A TO C CABLE - 0.	374
CAB-15429 SparkFun	REVERSIBLE USB A TO REVERSIBLE M	0
CAB-15427 SparkFun	REVERSIBLE USB A TO REVERSIBLE M	0
CAB-14741 SparkFun	TRAVELER MICROB CABLE 1M	0
CAB-14743 SparkFun	USB 3.1 CABLE ATOC 3'	0
CAB-14742 SparkFun	RUGGED MICROB CABLE 1M	0
CAB-11515 SparkFun	CERBERUS USB CABLE - 6FT (SALE)	0
CAB-12016 SparkFun	CBL USB A MALE TO MICRO B/MINI B	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