USB Cables

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
3438 Adafruit	CBL USB A RECPT TO PLUG	73
4009 Adafruit	USB MICRO B CABLE WITH LEDS - BL	0
898 Adafruit	USB CABLE - 6 A/MICROB	0
3878 Adafruit	USB C TO MICRO B CABLE	0
3879 Adafruit	USB C TO MICRO B CABLE	0
3439 Adafruit	CBL USB A PLUG TO MICRO B PLUG	0
4696 Adafruit	USB TYPE C CABLE WITH DATA/CHARG	0
2379 Adafruit	USB CABLE WITH SWITCH - A/MICROB	611
4056 Adafruit	PANEL MOUNT CABLE USB C TO MICRO	226
3610 Adafruit	MICRO USB TO MICRO USB OTG CABLE	0
3318 Adafruit	PANEL MOUNT EXTENSION USB CABLE	1044
4218 Adafruit	USB C ROUND PANEL MOUNT EXTENSIO	0
1318 Adafruit	RIGHT ANGLE USB CABLE - A/MICROB	0
4111 Adafruit	FULLY REVERSIBLE PINK/PURPLE USB	64
993 Adafruit	USB EXTENSION CABLE 10 FT LONG	0
592 Adafruit	USB A TO MICRO-B USB CABLE	0
899 Adafruit	USB CABLE - 6 A/MINIB	0
4217 Adafruit	MICRO B ROUND PANEL MOUNT EXTENS	0
1197 Adafruit	A TO MINI B CHARGE &MICRO B DATA	0
4216 Adafruit	USB B ROUND PANEL MOUNT EXTENSIO	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