Hall Research has announced a new addition to its Javelin active optical cables and has introduced the CUSB3V1-AP for extending USB 3.0. Available in lengths of 15, 30 and 50 meters, the CUSBV1-AP cables support the transparent extension of USB 3.0 (USB 3.1 Gen1) signals at data rates of up to 5 Gbps. The cables are downward compatible with USB 2.0 and 1.1 devices when used with a PC host.

The new AOC cable gives the CUSB3V1-AP its ability to provide precise and regulated 5-volt power to the remote device. USB 3.0 specification doubles the amount of power that a USB host is required to provide. In the past, a challenging problem with long cables has been the drop in 5v power through the cable. The new Hall Research USB AOC cable boosts the 5v from the host to 12v and then regulates the 12v back down to 5v at the device end.

CUSBV1-AP cables are compatible with virtually all USB 3.0 and 3.1 Gen1 devices and can extend 4K videoconferencing cameras, video capture, docking stations and other high-speed data communications. They also work with USB 2.0 or 1.1 devices, although this feature is only available for PCs running Windows.

The cable is a lightweight hybrid of optical fiber plus copper and is plenum-rated to ensure compliance with modern building codes. The small cable ends can be easily pulled through most conduits, and no additional power is required, making the CUSBV1-AP a plug-and-play solution.