USB interconnects makers sustain initiatives to keep selections updated

China's USB interconnects line includes units based on the USB-C and the USB 3.1 standards. Higher product performance is on companies’ agenda as well.

Product upgrades in China's line of USB connectors and cable assemblies continue. These include the steady release of models carrying the USB-C reversible plug design, while types based on the USB 3.0 and 3.1 specifications now dominate supply as USB 2.0 has been deemphasized although such units can still be sourced.

Driving the USB Type-C agenda is increasing adoption in smartphones and tablet PCs, which received a boost when Apple added the interface to its 12in MacBook in 2015. The standard is expected to lead in the mobile electronics field in the next one or two years, with reach likely to also extend to wearable devices, TVs, automotive electronics and smart home products.

Based on estimates, USB-C is now present in 50 to 60 percent of China makers’ USB 3.0 selections, 30 to 40 percent of USB 3.1 and about 10 percent of USB 2.0. Type A and Type B variants make up the rest.

In terms of specification, USB 3.0 units constitute the bulk of output with a 40 to 50 percent share, followed closely behind by USB 3.1 with 30 to 40 percent. Companies said they are ready to adjust the portion for the latest standard to meet an increase in demand.

Local suppliers are working to boost product performance and life span as well, and plan to adopt new materials. They are considering nylon 66, PET fiber and even Kevlar, the material made by DuPont and used in bulletproof vests, for cable jackets, alternatives to widely adopted PVC and TPE. There are already some companies that turn out cable assemblies with nylon 66 jackets.

The global USB-C category covering connectors and cable assemblies will have a total market size of $10.8 billion in 2020, surging from $75 million in 2015, according to projections in Sohu News.

There is a parallel expansion in China, which is one of the major production bases for USB interconnects. Since the adoption of the USB Type-C standard, the region has been exceeding 10 percent annual growth in sales of compliant products. This applies to exports as well, and the rise will be sustained at 10 percent in coming years.

For suppliers such as Sinotek Technology Co. Ltd, the anticipated rise in revenue will be more than 15 percent through 2019. The USB-C segment accounts for over 80 percent of the maker’s total shipments of USB interconnects products. At present, its range consists mainly of USB 3.0 models. Sinotek allocates the bulk of output for overseas markets.

Interviewed companies estimate there are more than 500 suppliers of USB-C connectors and cable assemblies in China now and many more are expected to join the line.

All, including foreign-invested operations there, offer USB 3.1 and 3.0 types, besides USB Type A, HDMI and DisplayPort products. USB-C units account for 30 to as much as 60 percent of their shipments for the USB category.

Guangdong, Zhejiang and Jiangsu provinces are the key production areas, with the first gathering more than half of the makers in the cities of Shenzhen, Dongguan and Zhongshan. In the second and last provinces, Ningbo and Suzhou are the cities where other companies congregate.

Mainstream USB-C selection

USB-C connectors and cable assemblies in USB 3.0 and USB 3.1 specifications are widely available from China suppliers. The former comes in male and female genders with copper or zinc alloy contacts, stainless steel shells and UL94V-0-rated thermoplastic insulators.

Cable assemblies may have USB-C plugs or a USB Type A, HDMI or another connector at one end, depending on the requirement. The cables used adopt a copper conductor, PE insulation and PU, PVC, TPE or nylon braid. These range in sizes of 22 to 28AWG, while lengths are 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2. The latter can be customized. In terms of color, the choices include black, white, red, blue and orange.

Makers source copper, zinc, stainless steel, thermoplastic, PE, PU, PVC, TPE and nylon locally, but accommodate requests for imported variants. The cost of these materials will remain stable, but due to competition, most companies reduced prices by about 5 percent in past months. Some makers may continue to offer lower quotes to attract more orders.

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

USB cable assembly with Type-A-to-Type-C connectors

The USB Type C Data Cable model from Dongguan JieYe Electronic Co. Ltd has a Type-A connector at one end. It comes in USB 3.0 and 2.0 versions. The cable has a TPE jacket and the plug a rubber insulator. Color options are red and black, while the length is 0.8m.

The minimum order is 100 units and the delivery lead time 15 days.

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USB 3.0 Type-A-to-Type-C cable assembly

Richupon Enterprise Group (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd’s RG-507-AW-#0187 model is a USB Type-A-to-Type-C cable assembly in the USB 3.0 specification. Its connectors have nickel-plated aluminum alloy shells. The cable with a TPE jacket and PET braid is 4.5mm in diameter and 0.3, 1 or 2m long. The length can be customized.

An order of at least 1,000 units is required. Delivery takes 5 days.

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USB 3.1 Type-C-to-Lightning cable assembly

Shenzhen Xinquanxin Electronic Technology Co. Ltd offers the LL0078 model, a USB 3.1 Type-C-to-Lightning cable assembly. The connectors have aluminum shells and the 1m cable has a nylon fiber jacket.

The order quantity is negotiable. Delivery is within 7 days.

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USB 3.1 Type-A-to-Type-C cable assembly

Model MFL-18#586 USB 3.1 cable assembly from Sinotek Technology Co. Ltd has Type-A and Type-C connectors with aluminum shells. Its cable with a 4.5mm outer diameter has a TPE jacket and nylon braid, and comes in lengths of 1, 2, 3m or as specified.

The maker requires a minimum order of 2,500 units for delivery within 25 days.

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