New cable refined for revised USB 3.0 specifications

Upgrading to SuperSpeed-mode requires new cables and connectors to allow full-duplex data transfer in addition to the increased bandwidth. The additional two shielded differential pairs required by specifications are implemented as parallel strands and, according to Leoni, the resulting cable is suitable for applications that demand normal flexibility, but features a smaller diameter and less weight than comparable products. In 2009, the USB Implementers Forum released the final revision of USB 3.0 specifications. Accordingly, USB 3.0 connectors are required to include five additional electrical contacts, while two additional shielded differential pairs (sdp) complete the new USB cables. They are integrated alongside the old data pair (D+/D-) and two ground wires. In order to comply with emc-thresholds, the cable core is fitted with further shielding. In developing their new USB 3.0-cable for fixed installation and applications demanding normal flexibility in rough industrial environments, Leoni managed to produce a cable capable of transferring data to USB 3.0 standard while retaining an outer diameter of 5.7mm. Twisted pair strands are common in USB cables, but Leoni says its new development uses separately shielded pairs with copper that are capable of transmitting up to 10GBit/s in certain configurations. It transmits 5Gbit/s and has a return loss of 4.7db/m at wire diameters of 28AWG (0.09 mm^²) and an insertion loss of up to 7.5GHz. The maximal Skew is 15ps/m at a resistance of 90Ω. The outer cable sheathing is made from polyurethane, the cable is halogen-free and certified for internal use in accordance with UL AWM.