High speed USB

Jon Lawson

The latest addition to Cliff Electronics rapidly expanding range of XLR-Format Feedthrough Data Connectors is a USB Type - C format socket. This new high speed connector offers system integrators and panel builders a number of useful features.

The Cliff USB Type - C format socket offers greater flexibility and smaller form factors than previous generations of USB connectors and provides designers with an ultra-slim USB-C connector reducing the number of cables required for system interconnection. The new connector is capable of supporting higher data speeds of up to 10 Gbps, data compatible with USB 3.1. It is rated up to 100W for power supply delivery or charging portable devices. USB Type - C connectivity offers end users the potential to reduce the number of sockets per device and is forecast to be the future connector of choice for many electronic devices currently requiring multiple sockets for power, data and video connections.

Cliff’s growing range of feed-through connectors are packaged in the widely used 24mm diameter XLR connector format and are available in black plastic or with a rugged die cast aluminium fascia finished in nickel or black to enhance the high quality, high performance and prestige image of this new product range.

Other models in the range provide Digital and Optical Feed-Through connectivity in formats including USB3 to USB3 in all gender changing configurations - A-A, A-B and B-A. Also available are all popular data and Ethernet connectors including USB 2.0 and 3.0, LC and SC fibre (Duplex & Simplex), UTP and FTP RJ45s in both Cat6 and Cat5e (shielded and unshielded), USB “gender” changers, Toslink, RCA Phono and HDMI and blanking plates. Further options will continue to be introduced throughout 2016 and custom design enquiries are welcomed.

All versions, metal and plastic, share the same features and dimensions and offer a complete range of very cost effective audio, data, and fibre connectors, all of which can both front or rear mounted into industry standard 24mm XLR connector mounting holes. The new FT Series are simple to mount into any panel designed to accept XLR connectors including instrumentation, control and rack panels, wall-plates, etc. For ease of assembly the Cliff FT Series are available with standard or countersunk mounting holes. Bezels are available in 7 colours to identify the function of FT connectors when fitted to a control panel.

The FT Series offers true feed-through connection, allowing standard cabling to be used to connect at both front and rear, eliminating the need to solder or terminate the connections and simplifying and speeding up assembly.