Overview of USB-C solutions. Part 1, cables

Recently, the European Union has approved a common charging port for all consumer gadgets at the legislative level. Starting fall 2024, all smartphones, tablets, headphones, speakers, cameras, e-readers, netbooks, and even game consoles — virtually all compact and medium-sized devices that use wires for charging and data transfer — will be equipped with a universal USB-C port.

What does this mean for us? Firstly, it means that USB-C is becoming the de facto industry standard. And even tech giants like Apple will be forced to abandon Lightning or completely switch to wireless charging. Secondly, given the current trend of BYOD and collaboration solutions, the continued increase in the number of consumer devices with USB-C ports will lead to widespread implementation of this interface in ProAV equipment.

With that said, we have prepared a number of reviews of our products with USB-C support. In the first part, we will discuss all types of signal transmission lines, hybrid cables, adapters, retractors, interface converters and, of course, installation solutions. In the second, part we will talk about devices themselves.

Let’s start with the Kramer CLS-AOCU31/CC active hybrid cable, which does not require any drivers or external power supply. It features high transfer speeds (10Gbps), USB-C 3.1 Gen2 support and backwards compatibility with 3.0, 2.0, and 1.1 standards. There are several length options ranging from 3 to 15 m. KDOCK-1 is another handy integrator tool, it is a hub multiport adapter from USB type C to HDMI, USB-A and USB-C. Unlike K-SPIDER, which serves as an active converter of HDMI 4K, DisplayPort, miniDisplayPort and USB-C signals to HDMI, KDOCK-1 is designed exclusively for charging mobile devices.

ADC-U31C and AD-RING serve slightly different purposes. The former help to connect a monitor or a projector with various interfaces to a PC, expand the working area of a screen or «mirror» your main monitor by connecting a second one. USB-C to HDMI, DisplayPort, USB 3.0 and even VGA options are available. A set of AD-RING adapters makes it easy to connect smartphones, tablets, laptops, netbooks, digital cameras and other signal sources to HDMI display devices.

We cannot but mention the updated line of KRT-4 cable retractors, which include 9 extension cables (incl. USB-C ones) with an automatic winding mechanism. Most importantly, the new products are compatible with most Kramer TBUS furniture-mounted connection solutions. That creates additional opportunities when equipping classrooms, meeting rooms and conference rooms. And for a simple USB-C to USB-A connection, you can use the WU-CA adapter.

Installation solutions differ both in appearance and content. Let’s list the most interesting ones. The Kondator 935-PD16 compact recessed power outlets have not only a standard USB-A charging port (QC 2.0, 5-12V, 1-2A), but also a USB-C port (3.1 Gen1 20V, 3A), thus providing you access to a 220V outlet and two of the most commonly used charging ports.

A distinctive feature of the Level and Conference power modules is that all USB connectors (Type-A 2.4A max., Type-C 30W) have a soft backlight. Their modular design allows you to equip them with various IMP interface modules, including a UCB-C port. What’s more, all these modules can be daisy-chained.

For more details, please contact our managers.