More USB 3.1 Type-C interconnects for release

Makers of USB Type-C connectors and cable assemblies keep pace as devices upgrade from USB 3.0.

The supply of USB connectors and cable assemblies based on the USB 3.1 specifications and the USB Type-C design will grow steadily in China. This is as manufacturers continue to step up adoption of both in a single product as more enabled terminal devices with higher power and data requirements are released in the market.

Efforts in recent years have been dispersed, with local companies introducing the reversible plug structure across the USB 2.0, 3.0 and 3.1 categories to maximize advantage in new and legacy equipment. In 2018, USB-C was in at least half of USB 3.0 interconnects output while it represented only a third in the USB 3.1 segment.

This year and through 2020, however, there will be a greater number of Type-C releases and these are projected to represent 40 percent of the China's USB 3.1 turnout. Zhongshan Winner Electronic Co. Ltd looks to maintain a 10 to 15 percent production increase. It invested in a new 1,500sqm factory equipped with fully automatic machines for USB and HDMI interconnects.

In terms of USB interconnects shipments, the 3.1 Type-C standard's share ranges from 10 to 30 percent for the majority of domestic manufacturers. This will be higher for some as they plan to raise it further to 40 percent or beyond this year and next. Encouraging this is the 10 to 15 percent annual increase of sales value during the same period.

Overall, China companies predict this will be the trend as USB 3.1 Type-C eventually replaces earlier versions in various applications.

As for the USB 3.2 specification announced in 2017, which doubles the transfer speed to 20Gbps, market uptake remains to be seen. Devices based on it are expected to launch either late this year or in 2020 yet.

Out of the more than 500 makers of USB interconnects in China, over 200 offer USB 3.1 Type-C products. Some have in-house capability to turn out connectors and cable assemblies, and the rest specialize in one or the other and turn to outsourced components. They allocate between 30 and 80 percent of output for export markets. All are also engaged in the manufacture of related categories, including HDMI and DisplayPort.

The majority of makers are in Guangdong province, mainly in the cities of Shenzhen, Dongguan and Zhongshan, where various electronics companies congregate. Others are in Suzhou and Changzhou in Jiangsu, and Ningbo and Wenzhou in Zhejiang. New entrants to the line are likely to set up operations in these areas.

Typical USB 3.1 Type-C range

China suppliers’ interconnects integrating the USB 3.1 and Type-C specifications are based on the USB 3.1 Gen 1 version, supporting 5Gbps. Products are CE-approved, RoHS-compliant and UL-listed.

Connectors come in male or female configurations with 3 or 5A rated current, 40 or 50mohm maximum contact resistance and 100Mohm minimum insulation resistance. These are designed to withstand 10,000 cycles.

The products have copper contacts and solder tails, with the former plated with gold and the other with tin. The shells are made of nickel-coated SUS steel and the insulators of high-temperature plastic.

Cable assemblies use combinations of terminations, including USB Type-A and HDMI. These adopt 28 to 32AWG copper wires and PVC jackets. Typical models are 0.5, 1, 3, 5 or 10m in length, although these can be customized.

Releases based on the USB 3.1 Gen 2 specifications can also be sourced in China. Interviewed makers such as Zhongshan Winner and Shenzhen Tailide Science & Technology Co. Ltd offer models with transfer speed of up to 10Gbps.

Manufacturers use local metal and plastic materials, turning to overseas sources when required only.

The cost of these inputs did not fluctuate much in the past year and will be generally unchanged in the months ahead. Product prices, however, will continue to decrease as more suppliers join the line.

The products in this gallery have been handpicked by our China-based market analyst for representing current trends in USB 3.1 Type-C cable assemblies from China makers.

9.2cm-long USB 3.1 cable assembly

This D015 model from Beiste Technology Co. Ltd is a keychain-style USB 3.1 cable with Type-C and Type-A connectors. It uses PVC and TPE materials, and comes in various colors.

The minimum order for this 9.2cm-long cable assembly is 1,000 units. Delivery lead time is 15 days.

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USB 3.1 cable has Type-C-to-Type-A connectors

Based on the USB 3.1 standard, Shenzhen Millionwell Technology Co. Ltd's model 006-16-#7174 cable has male Type-C and female Type-A connectors. Its cord consists of bare- or tinned-copper conductors, a corrosion-resistant PVC or TPE jacket, and foil and braided shielding.

The maker requires an order of at least 100 units. Delivery is within 7 days.

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10Gbps USB 3.1 Type-C cable assembly

Shenzhen Tailide Science & Technology Co. Ltd's model TLD-FUC03-0929-#8876 USB 3.1 Type-C cable assembly supports a transfer speed of 10Gbps. The 1m-long unit uses a cord with tinned-copper conductors and a PVC jacket.

The 500-unit minimum order is for delivery within 10 days.

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USB 3.1 cable assembly supports up to 10Gbps

The W-2419A-7 model from Zhongshan Winner Electronic Technology Co. Ltd is a USB 3.1 Type-C cable assembly boasting 10Gbps maximum data transfer rate. The connector has an aluminum housing and the cable a nylon jacket.

An order of at least 500 units is required for a 15-day delivery lead time.

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