Suppliers of USB 3.2 Gen 2 interconnects boost Type-C releases

Production of SuperSpeed USB 10Gbps connectors and cable assemblies in China is keeping up with adoption of the reversible physical design in various devices.

While USB 3.2 Gen 2, originally named USB 3.1, connectors and cable assemblies are now in mainstream supply in China, actual production remains split among Type-A, Type-B and Type-C configurations. In the months ahead, manufacturers are set to increase their output based on the reversible Type-C design to take advantage of its broadening use in electronic devices.

By the end of 2020, about half of smartphones and 93 percent of laptops shipped worldwide will have a USB-C interface, according to Elecfans, an electronics industry portal in China. These shares are expected to rise over the next few years, as it is seen to be the standard in mobile devices sold in Europe. The EU Parliament voted in favor of a common charger in January 2020 to reduce electronic waste, though there is so far no provision against proprietary connectors on the device side.

Regardless of the outcome there, suppliers of USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C connectors and cable assemblies in China are counting on the standard's better price-performance ratio compared to Thunderbolt 3. The latter interface integrates PCI Express and DisplayPort, and supports up to 40Gbps transmission speed. However, this performance is achieved in 50cm, the typical length of Thunderbolt 3 cables and too short for most users, while longer versions are priced higher.

As for the speed equivalent, there is USB 4, announced in 2019, that uses the Type-C connector. Few interconnects companies in China currently offer such products, but the number will increase with greater adoption of the specification in the next two years, according to suppliers interviewed for this report.

Expanding anew

A number of manufacturers in China have jump-started expansion plans after putting them on hold in the first half of 2020 due to the pandemic, and will carry on in 2021. Interviewed companies are confident the USB 3.2 Gen Type-C category will sustain an annual growth rate of 15 to 20 percent in the near term.

A number of suppliers continue to invest in machine acquisition. Cable specialist Veetone Technology Co. Ltd has added a fully automatic production line, which includes laser, tin solder dipping, dispensing and welding machines for its output expansion in 2021.

In exports, many enterprises have seen gradual recovery in the second half of the year. Contacted manufacturers expect the momentum to carry through into a 5 to 10 percent shipment rise in 2021. The majority of companies in China send products overseas, with ratios ranging from 30 to 90 percent of output.

Most domestically owned manufacturers operate on a small to medium scale, and offer other types of interconnects, including USB 2.0 and 3.0. USB 3.2 Gen 2 products represent between 10 and 50 percent of total shipments.

These suppliers and foreign companies are mainly based in Guangdong province's key cities such as Shenzhen, Dongguan and Zhongshan. Others are in the provinces of Zhejiang and Jiangsu.

Despite intense competition, more manufacturers, including from abroad, are expected to venture into this product category.

Typical selections

Interconnects based on the SuperSpeed USB 10Gbps from suppliers in China come in variants with a rated voltage of 5, 12 or 20V, and rated current of 1.5, 2, 3 or 5A.

Connectors are available as male or female, Type-A, Type-B or Type-C. Type-A units currently dominate shipments. These have 100W maximum rated power. Most companies ensure products are CE-approved, RoHS-compliant and UL-listed.

In the cable assembly category, Type-A-to-Type-A, Type-A-to-Type-C, Type-C-to-Type-C and USB-to-HDMI units are common. These come in 1, 2, 3, 5 and 10m variants or as specified. There are copper and fiber-optic options, with the latter available in lengths up to 100m. Customization is widely accepted.

Domestically sourced materials, including zinc, gold, PVC and PE, are used, although manufacturers accommodate requests for imported inputs.

Material costs have not changed much, but product prices dropped by 5 percent in the past 12 months as more companies joined the sector and intensified competition. In 2021, outlay for manufacturing inputs and interconnects quotes are expected to stabilize.

The products in this gallery have been handpicked by our China-based market analyst for representing current trends in USB 3.2 Gen 2 connectors & cable assemblies from China makers.

USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C cable with 3-port adapter

The ST-17037 USB 3.2 Gen 2 cable assembly from Changzhou Saintronix Co. Ltd has a Type-C connector on one end and an adapter with USB 3.0, HDMI and USB-C ports on the other. The cable, with a TPE jacket, measures 15cm in length.

The supplier requires a minimum order of 1,000 units. Delivery is within 15 days.

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USB 3.2 Gen 2 connector, carries up to 3A

Dongguan JBL Tech Co. Ltd offers this 413410371 USB 3.2 Gen 2 connector with 100VAC and maximum 3A ratings. Maximum contact resistance is 40mohms and minimum insulation resistance 100Mohms. The unit has 5 to 20N insertion and 8 to 20N withdrawal force. It operates in -30 to 85 C and lasts 10,000 cycles.

The minimum order is 2,000 units for delivery within 7 days.

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USB 3. 2 Gen 2 cable assembly in 0.25 to 3m

In 0.25, 1, 2 and 3m variants, this USB 3.2 Gen 2 cable assembly from Shenzhen Aidelong Intelligent Communication Co. Ltd, the USB3.1TypeC, uses pure-copper conductors, and aluminum alloy and hemp braid.

The 1,000-unit minimum order has a 10-day delivery lead time.

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USB 3.2 Gen 2 cable with Type-C male plugs

With 10Gbps data transfer speed, this USB 3.2 Gen 2 cable assembly from Veetone Technology Co. Ltd, the 931CCRG-020 C2C, has Type-C male-to-male connectors and a braided aluminum cable. The unit, with Power Delivery, enables transfer of up to 100W at 20V, 5A.

An order of at least 1,000 units has a delivery lead time of 15 days.

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