USB hybrid active optical cables are compliant with USB 3.1 and 2.0

The wait is over: high-speed USB connectivity in a single cable is now possible at long distances. This week at Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) 2019, Cosemi Technologies Inc. has launched a new, redesigned version of its USB plug-and-play hybrid Active Optical Cable (AOC). Cosemi’s new lineup supports full 10G bidirectional data for USB 3.1 Gen 2 and is backward compatible to USB 2.0 — in the same cable. Reaching any length up to 50 m, Cosemi’s new USB AOCs offer high-speed connectivity and are available in all of the popular USB connector options, including Type A-A, Type A-C and Type C-C.

USB 3.1 Gen 2 boasts a 10 Gbps data transfer rate — making it a popular choice for streaming 4K video, video collaboration in conference and huddle rooms, and bleeding edge peripherals like cameras, hubs, media servers, monitors, projectors, storage devices, and more. The very nature of these applications requires data transmission over long distances, and while many copper-based cables on the market are capable of transmitting data at the specified speeds, none can do it beyond a few meters — until now.

Cosemi’s USB AOCs, built on the company’s patented hybrid AOC platform, combine the control and power of a copper cable with the high-speed data transfer of fiber optics to support any length up to 50 m. Cosemi redesigned its USB AOCs from the ground up to meet the evolving needs of the market, which now demands connectivity with simpler cabling, native bandwidth and zero conversions or compressions — all at lower costs.

Cosemi’s new USB AOCs offer an unprecedented range of industry-first features. They are the first USB plug-and-play 50-m solutions in a direct-attach cable to support both USB 3.1 Gen 2 and USB 2.0 devices. This eliminates the need for multiple, expensive, power-hungry power supplies and external USB extension/termination solutions.

The new lineup is also flexible enough to support enterprise environments where connections to USB 3.1 or 2.0 peripherals cannot be limited to just a few meters of cabling. Additionally, higher levels of Electrical Magnetic Interference (EMI) and Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) resistance make Cosemi’s new cables well suited for medical applications. Industrial automation applications can also benefit from the longer-reach USB cabling provided by Cosemi.

“The ubiquitous nature of USB is undeniable – it’s used in billions of devices today, and this number will only keep growing,” noted Samir Desai, senior VP of business development at Cosemi. “With every new generation of USB, speeds and feeds are improved, and innovative new applications for consumers and enterprises are born. In this same spirit of breaking new ground, we created our new USB AOCs to replace old, outdated extension solutions and enable new experiences and architectures. With a single-cable solution, we are making high-speed USB connectivity possible at longer distances than ever before.”

Cosemi’s new USB AOCs support stringent fire ratings for in-wall applications globally (including the Americas, EMEA and Asia), and they are the first to support the zero PVC directive— an environmentally-focused trend that is rapidly gaining momentum.

The new USB AOCs are now available in sampling quantities with full production expected to begin in March 2019. Cosemi’s USB solutions will be available via its OEMs, including Liberty AV Solutions, and partner and channel networks, including Amazon.com.

Cosemi Technologies
www.cosemi.com