The Ultimate Guide on Knowing USB Active Optical Cable

Optical fiber technology has been around for close to 150 years. Even though this technology was around for close to one and half centuries, it was in 1965 that optical fibers were first used as a means to transfer data. Due to their durability and consistency in transferring data over a long distance, optical fibers have mainly been common in servers and intercontinental cables. 

 

However, the invention of USB active optical cables has now made it possible to have this technology at the consumer level. With the many advantages that optical fiber tech has over several other types of data transfer cables, USB active optical cables have become increasingly popular worldwide. 

 

In case you are still unfamiliar with USB active cables, this article will guide you to clear you everything you need to know about USB 3.0 active optical cables, including their best use cases, data transfer speeds, power consumption, and many more. 

 

What is USB Active Optical Cable?

The USB active optical cable (AOC) has a standard copper USB interface on each end. Each side of the cable has a transceiver that converts electrical signals to optical and vice-versa. These cables usually have USB A to C, USB A to A, USB C to C, or USB A to USB 3.0 micro B cable. So, you get to choose the right USB type depending on the type of USB interface to the devices you are connecting. 

 

Applications of USB Active Optical cables

USB active optical cables are used for various data transfer purposes, but some of their best use cases include the following:

  • Machine vision cameras: These cables are used in machine vision cameras because of their high bandwidth and reliability.
  • Security cameras.
  • Commercial uses.
  • Medical imaging equipment such as CT Scan machines.
  • High-resolution projectors.
  • Airplane video entertainment systems.
  • TV broadcast stations.

 

Key features of USB Active Optical cables

It is acknowledged that the tremendous benefits and features contribute to the wide application of USB active optical cables. Some of the significant advantages are as follows.

 

  1. Faster data transfer speed: These cables support USB 3.0 technology, which has a speed of up to 5 Gbps, which is about 10 times faster than USB 2.0. 
  2. Lower consumption: Since they transfer data using light rather than electricity, these cables consume way less energy than the normal copper wire USB cables. 
  3. Lower interconnection losses:These cables offer stable data transfer speeds due to the lower energy losses, which makes them ideal for long-distance data transmission.
  4. Additional hubs for more devices: USB active optical cables support the connection of extra hubs allowing users to add extra devices to the network. 
  5. Excellent performance: The cable’s performance is not altered even when you bend it with a lower bend radius. 
  6. Lightweight: The inside of any USB active optical cable is hollow, which makes them extremely lighter than the copper USB data cables. 

 

Where to Purchase the Best USB Active Optical Cable?

Now that you must have an explicit understanding of USB active optical cables, you may be clear about what to consider when choosing the best USB active optical cable. However, it is tricky for you to decide which to buy among various choices. Thus, we would like to recommend the USB 3.0 A to Micro B active optical cable from SmartAVLink, an expert in providing various active optical cables. The following are the superior features of the product that SmartAVLink provides.

 

  • Support all USB 3.0 device types:This cable supports all devices with the USB 3.0 interface that is very popular nowadays. 
  • Suitable for various applications:This cable is very versatile, so it can be used for a wide range of applications, including transmitting audio and video signals, transferring data, and many more.
  • Additional hubs for more devices:It supports adding multiple USB hubs, making it possible for users to add multiple devices.
  • Faster data transmission:This cable supports up to 5Gbps data transfer speeds, higher than most USB cables in the market. 
  • Supports various systems:Supports all the major operating systems, including Linux, Windows, and macOS. 
  • Long-distance data transmission:This cable will offer you stable and fast data transfer for up to 50m or about 164 feet. 

 

Conclusion

Overall, USB active optical cables are very reliable cables that we highly recommend for anyone who values stable and fast data transfer speeds. The SmartAVLink USB 3.0 A to Micro B active optical cable, in particular, is a very reliable cable for long-distance, stable, and fast data transmission. Due to its numerous benefits, such as smaller bending radius, low power consumption, lightweight, and minimized interconnection losses, this cable becomes the ideal choice for most people. 

 

We at SmartAVLink is a professional in providing different active optical cables. Except for our excellent USB 3.0 A to Micro B, we own USB A male to B male, USB A male to B male with screw, USB A male to type C, USB A male to A female, and other types. Thus, if you are in the market to find the best USB active optical cable, we are your trustworthy partner that you can’t miss. Come and take some time to hear how we may help you.