USB
The USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) facilitates the development of high-quality compatible USB peripherals (devices) and USB compliance test development.
USB enables easy and quick connections between pcs and peripherals, saving users the hassles of using an USB external card or a switch. USB can be found in almost any IT products, such as laptops, cameras, printers, keyboards, mice, displays, routers, mobile phones, and the latest consumer electronics.
InquiryAllion’s USB Testing Capabilities
Allion Labs is a USB Independent Test Lab (ITL) and offers all USB related certification tests.
Allion has invested greatly in test facilities, providing a convenient, efficient, and economical test solution to ensure impeccable quality, compatibility, and interoperability of USB products. Allion’s extensive experience has paved the way for the lab to become a long-term, trusted USB ITL.
The Latest USB Specifications
The USB-IF released in 2019 the newest USB4® Specification, which is now available for download on the USB-IF official website. Here are some highlights of USB4®:
1.
Two-lane operation using existing USB Type-C® cables and up to 80 Gbps operation over 80 Gbps certified cables
- Up to 120 Gbps with asymmetric configuration
2.
Multiple data and display protocols to efficiently share the maximum aggregate bandwidth
3.
Aligns with DisplayPort 2.1 and PCI Express® Gen 4
4.
Backward compatibility with USB 3.2, USB 2.0 and Thunderbolt 3
USB Power Delivery (USB PD) is a specification which aims to power electronic devices through a single USB cable. USB PD also shortens charging time and helps create more device mobility for the user.
In October 2024, the USB-IF announced the Power Delivery Revision 3.2 Version 1.1. This update includes
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Voltage Ranges
- 9-15V for SPR Sources up to 45W
- 9-20V for SPR Sources 45W and up
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SPR AVS voltage range 9V to 20V, adjustable in 100mV increments
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No programmable Current Limit like PPS; maximum current available in PDO
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SPR AVS eliminates the need for optional voltages >9V so they are NO longer allowed
Definition: Shared Capacity Power Delivery Products:
In October 2024, the USB-IF released the USB Type-C® Cable and Connector Specification Revision 2.4. This updated includes
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Total Shared Power may be equal to each port PDP on a power gang
- 7.5W no longer required to be reserved for each unattached Type-C® port
- Requires 7.5W be available within 3 seconds when device attached to a Type-C® port
- Rebalancing power shall not use Hard Reset, Error Recovery or Disabled state
USB Signal Integrity (SI) Test
Continually rising USB transmission rates brings challenges to circuit design. Signal integrity issues become more prominent and it is ever more vital to conduct testing to discover and improve signal issues.
Allion can help you figure out potential risks using professional test equipment, such as oscilloscopes, network analyzers, and various test tools and equipment developed by Allion. By doing so, you catch risks within your products early on and avoid the mess of debugging after the product launch.
Navigate the EU New Regulations:
How to Ensure Your Product Meets USB-C Common Charging Requirements
With the release of Directive (EU) 2022/2380 and Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/1717, the EU has introduced new regulations requiring all radio equipment to adopt USB-C as the common charging port. This means your product must comply with this directive to enter the EU market successfully.
EU Conformity to USB-IF Specifications Program
To help businesses meet the latest EU requirements, USB-IF has launched the EU Conformity to USB-IF Specifications Program. This program offers a “common charging” solution to assist OEMs and ODMs in ensuring their products meet the EU’s new regulations.
This program defines the mandatory interoperability requirements for USB-C® and USB Power Delivery, with key specifications as follows:
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The ‘Universal Serial Bus Power Delivery Specification, Revision 3.2, Version 1.1, 2024-10’ issued by the USB Promoter Group and the USB-IF
- IEC 62680-1-2:2022
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The ‘Universal Serial Bus Type-C® Cable and Connector Specification, Release 2.4, October 2024’ issued by the USB 3.0 Promoter Group and the USB-IF
- IEC 62680-1-3:2022
The EU Conformity Program is tailored specifically for the EU Common Charger Directive. It covers the minimal required tests for compliance and provides OEMs and ODMs with a cost- and time-efficient solution.
As a USB-IF authorized Independent Test Lab (ITL), Allion Labs offers immediate support to help you ensure your products meet the requirements of the EU Common Charger Directive, enabling faster market entry.
For more information, please visit the USB-IF EU Conformity website.
USB Fixtures and Test Equipment
Customized Fixture Design and Production
As a USB Authorized Test Lab, Allion not only participated in the creation of the USB4 specification but also developed over 100 high-frequency and automated test fixtures. Allion fixtures increase both test accuracy and test speed, making the validation process quick and easy.
Automated Test Equipment
Specifically for USB 3.2 and USB4 cables and connectors, Allion developed the Allion Cable-Connector Multiport System (ACMS), which can be used with a network analyzer and Get_iPar (Intel) for high frequency automated tests.
Aside from certification testing, Allion also provides debugging services, compatibility and interoperability tests, and other USB consulting services.
For more cable and connector related test issues, please contact Allion at: service@allion.com
About the USB-IF
The USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) is a non-profit organization which supports the advancement and adoption of Universal Serial Bus technology. By providing a standard and consistent transmission specification, USB makes connections between computers and peripheral devices simple, eliminating the needs for an external card or switch.
There are a wide range of products which utilize the USB specification, including computers, cameras, printers, keyboards, mice, displays, network devices, mobile phones, and various consumer electronics.
For more information about USB-IF technologies, please refer to the USB-IF Official Website.
Related Test Services
- Interoperability Test
- Electrical Test
- Battery Charging Test
- SCSI Command Test
- OTG (pretest only)/Embedded Host TPL (Targeted Peripheral List) Test
Disclaimer
The above information is for reference only and should not be regarded as official USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) information. You may find official USB-IF Information at usb.org or obtain it from the USB-IF directly.
USB4® , USB Type-C® and USB-C® are registered trademarks of USB Implementers Forum.