The USB Roadmap

The older version USB 2.0 communications are all half-duplex and directionally controlled by the host. The new and improved USB 3.0 is a full-duplex (two data transfer channels, instead of one) styled communications, utilizing SuperSpeed data transfer capabilities. USB 3.0 receptacles are electrically compatible with the 2.0 device plugs in most combinations.

Questions you might be asking yourself:

1. What are the different series of connectors?
2. What standard connector combinations does the USB come in?
3. Which is better, 3.0 or 2.0?

Connector Series

The standard USB cables can be fitted with three different series of connectors, Standard A and B, Mini A and B, and Micro AB and B. Each series of connectors is an evolution from the previous series. Both 2.0 and 3.0 versions share the same connector series.

Standard Connectors

• Type A- Inserts into a "downstream-port" to the USB host and carries both power and data. This plug is frequently seen on cables that are permanently attached to a device, such as those with a keyboard or computer mouse. This is because the USB connections eventually wear out as the male and female connectors loosen through repeated plugging and unplugging. The lifetime for a Type A male connector is approximately 1,500 connect/disconnect cycles.
• Type B- Typically is an "upstream receptacle" on a device that uses a removable cable such as a printer. In addition to supplying data, the Type B connector also supplies power. On some devices, the Type B has no data connection, it’s solely for power.

Mini Connectors

·         Mini-A and Mini-B: Thinner versions of their big brothers Type A and Type B. Mini A and B are often used by digital camcorders, but have the same capabilities as the standard connectors.

Micro Connectors

·         Micro-A and Micro-B: The thinner and even smaller Micro series are intended to replace the Mini connectors in new devices including smartphones and personal digital assistants (PDAs). Unlike the Standard and Mini connectors the Micro connectors are design rated for at least 10,000 connect-disconnect cycles. As a result, the Micro connectors have a longer life cycle.

USB Standard Connector Combination Chart
Plug	Micro B	Micro A	Mini-B	Standard B	Standard A
Standard A	Yes	NS	YES	YES	NS
Standard B	No	NS	No	No
Mini-B	No	NS	No
Micro B	Yes	No
Micro B	No

*NS= Not Standard

3.0 vs. 2.0

In a side by side comparison of the 3.0 vs. the 2.0, seems to be far superior to its older brother 2.0. A new feature is the "SuperSpeed" bus, which provides a fourth transfer mode at 5.0 Gbit/s. The raw throughput is 4 Gbit/s, and the specification considers it reasonable to achieve 3.2 Gbit/s (0.4 Gbyte/s or 400 MByte/s), or more, after protocol overhead. When operating in SuperSpeed mode full-duplex signaling occurs over two differential pairs separate from the non-SuperSpeed differential pair. This results in USB 3.0 cables containing two wires for power and ground, two wires for non-SuperSpeed data, and four wires for SuperSpeed data, and a shield that was not required in previous specifications. If you want speed, compatibility, and reliability, USB 3.0 is the newest USB on the market.

For addition USB 3.0 Specifications, click here to down JEM's USB White Papers!

On-Time Delivery

JEM Electronics

In nearly every business relationship, expectations are set and all parties involved make efforts to fulfill their commitment.  In a good relationship, those expectations are met.  In a great relationship, those expectations are exceeded.

When delivery expectations aren’t met, more than just the business relationship is at stake.  Your internal operations suffer, and your ability to meet customer expectations is compromised. 

Just think about your business…

What happens when materials are late?

                Are products late to market?  Are other divisions of your business affected?

                What happens to your production schedule?

    Do you become unable to meet deadlines internally and for clients?

    Have you seen reduced business from customers, or even lost clients?

At JEM Electronics, we pride ourselves on living up to our commitments so you can live up to yours.  In the past 12 months, JEM has had a 98% OTD rate.  Here is how we do it:

·         Production Capabilities – JEM practices Lean Manufacturing which helps OTD in two key ways.  First, we remain efficient in all of our processes so that we can meet the deadlines set by clients.  Second, we are flexible, which allows us to adapt to the changing needs of our customers in a responsive matter.

·         Strategic Partnerships – In order to hold ourselves to the highest of standards to clients, we hold our strategic partners and suppliers to the highest standards.  JEM continually looks for ways to improve its performance, including the suppliers we do business with.  The strength of the relationships that have been built over thirty years in business gives JEM the ability to offer competitive pricing and lead times while maintaining the highest quality.

·         Account Managers – Account Managers constantly communicate with all JEM departments so that when clients have questions, the questions are answered accurately and quickly.  At JEM, our commitment to client communication is key.  Our goal is to set proper expectations with clients and be proactive in improving our business relationships.

Interested in learning more about JEM?  Click here to download JEM’s Electrical Mechanical Cable Assembly White Papers!

Are RJ45 Network Patch Cable Connectors Meeting Specifications?

In the latest industry news, there has been increasing dialogue regarding quality issues with RJ-45 connectors. Manufacturers and distributors claim their RJ45 connectors meet or exceed Cat5e and Cat6 requirements, but do they really?  Connectors are reaching the marketplace without the requisite amount of gold on the connector contacts and without the correct type of gold.  This affects the network patch cables’ speed and performance, and, in the worst case, it could cause the network patch cable to not function at all.  The main issues companies are experiencing with the RJ45 connectors are: 

• Amount of gold in the contact  

  • RJ45 connectors are supposed to meet a required minimum of micro inches of gold plating.  There is speculation that some manufacturers are trying to “cut corners” by not meeting the required micro inches of gold plating

• Type of gold in the contact  

  • RJ45 connectors are supposed to be manufactured with hard gold, such as 24 karat.  There is speculation that some manufacturers are utilizing soft gold instead.  Soft gold is not hard-wearing enough for RJ45 connectors.

Therefore, if you are experiencing issues with the functionality of your Cat5e and Cat6 network patch cables, it just may be due to the amount and type of gold being used in the RJ45 connectors. Companies need to be vigilant that their manufacturers and distributors are supplying a quality product that meets all RJ45 requirements.

Click Here To Learn More About JEM RJ45 Connectors!

HDMI v1.4: Taking HD to the Next Level

What makes 3-Dimension possible?

In 2002, the High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) was born. HDMI has been manufactured with an evolving set of specifications, each released as a different version and assigned a version number with new specifications. The first version was HDMI 1.0, and since then there has been nine different versions. Each version has used the same hardware and cable, but has increased the speed or throughput and the types of information that can be sent through them. For example, HDMI 1.0 supported a maximum bitrate of 4.9 Gbps, while HDMI 1.3 supports 10.2 Gbps. Now introducing the newest and tenth version HDMI 1.4:

HDMI Ethernet Channel

• Enables high-speed, bi-directional communication
• Sends and receives data via 100Mb/sec Ethernet
• Allows internet enabled HDMI devices to share an internet connection via HDMI link
• Allows HDMI-enabled components to share content between devices

Audio Return Cannel

• Adds an audio channel that will reduce the number of cables required

3D (3-Dimension)

• Defines common 3D formats and resolution
• Standardizes the input/output portion of the home 3D system, facilitating 3D resolution up to dual-stream 1080p

4K Resolution

• Enables HDMI devices to support extremely high HD resolutions effectively four times the resolution of a 1080p device
• Transmits digital content at the same resolution as the state-of-the-art Digital Cinema systems used in many movie theatres

Expanded Support for Color Spaces

• Supports color spaces, which enables more accurate color rendering when viewing digital cameras

HDMI Micro Connector (Type D)

• Significantly smaller 19-pin HDMI connector supporting up to 1080p resolution for portable devices, including cell phones, portable media players, and digital cameras
• 50% smaller than the pre-existing HDMI mini connector

Automotive Connection System (Type E)

• Provides a solution design to meet the rigorous and environmental issues found in automobiles such as temperature, vibration, and noise
• Car manufacturers now have a connection system for HD quality distribution within a vehicle

In conclusion, HDMI v1.4 added many specifications over the previous v1.3 that takes your HD viewing entertainment to the next level. Version 1.4 has raised the bar yet again with its new capabilities, including high speed Ethernet channel, 3D over HDMI, 4K Resolution, expanding support for color spaces, and the new automotive connection system.

Click Here to Download the HDMI v1.4 White Papers!

Standard Cat5e & Cat6 Network Cabling Structure

A standard Network Patch Cable such as Cat5e and Cat6 has eight individual stranded or solid copper wires, with an additional ground or drain wire. Each individual wire is grouped together into what’s called a “Pair”. A Pair is two wires are twists together in a spiral format, which helps reduce Electromagnetic Interference (EMI). EMI is caused by outside disturbances that interrupt, obstruct, or limit the effectiveness of the cable’s performance. EMI is commonly caused by crosstalk of other electrical devices. There are three different types of Crosstalk:

Crosstalk Types:

1. Near End Crosstalk (NEXT) is interference between two pairs in a cable measured at the same end of the cable as the transmitter.
2. Far end crosstalk (FEXT) is interference between two pairs of a cable measured at the other end of the cable from the transmitter.
3. Alien crosstalk (AXT) is interference caused by other cables routed close to the cable of interest.

The most common Ethernet Network Cable and Telephone System Cables are Unshielded Twisted Pairs (UTP). Unshielded Twisted Pairs (UTP) has no metal shielding of any kind, UTP’s only protection from EMI is its internal structure with its twisted pairs. To help reduce additional EMI or Crosstalk, there are different types of shielding options. A shielded cable has a thin metal shield that acts as a protectant against outside electrical interferences. The standard shielding formats for the Cat5e and Cat6 Patch Cables can exist in three different formats.

Shielding Formats:

·         Foiled Twisted Pairs (FTP):  foiled shielding surrounds all four pairs.

·         Shielded Twisted Pairs (STP): each individual pair is wrapped in their own personal shield

·         Shielded Foiled Twisted Pairs (SFTP of S/STP): foiled shielding surrounds all four pairs and each individual pair is wrapped in their own personal shield

The most basic of the shielding formats is the Foiled Twisted Pairs (FTP). The FTP has a thin layer of metal foiling, under that jacket that encases all four pairs. The Shielded Twisted Pairs (STP) differs from the FTP, instead of one larger foil shield there are four separate smaller shields. In the STP format each individual pair is wrapped in a protective foil increasing the cables resistance to EMI ever more. The last shielded format and most protective against the three different crosstalks is Shielded Foiled Twisted Pairs (SFTP or S/STP). The SFTP or S/STP has both the benefits of the FTP and STP formats. The SFTP or S/STP format has the outside foiling protection around the four pairs similar to the FTP format, but in addition, each individual pair is also individually wrapped. SFTP or S/STP is also commonly referred to as Double Shielding.

• UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pairs)

• FTP (Foiled Twisted Pairs)
• STP (Shielded Twisted Pairs)

• SFTP or S/STP (Shielded Foiled Twisted Pairs)

It is very important that EMI is taken into account when choosing between the different Cat5e and Cat6 formats. The cable is going in a low EMI application then UTP is the most economical choice because the EMI or Crosstalk will not greatly affect the performance of your cables. The structure of the Cat5e and Cat6 Network Patch Cable is designed to reduce EMI and crosstalk for your most basic applications (internet connection, etc). For applications that are subjected to abundant crosstalk interference, it is vital to select a shielding that will correctly optimize the cables performance.

Click Here to download JEM's Network Cabling White Papers!

What RAY Should I Choose For My Fiber Optic Cable, Single Mode or Multi-Mode?

An Optical Fiber is a thin, flexible, transparent fiber that acts as a "light pipe" to transmit data signals in the form of light from one end to the other. Currently aerospace and communication design engineers are using Fiber Optics for highly reliable, real-time networking, as well as for low-latency, high-throughput signal processing applications. Fiber Optics comes in two different standard applications; Single Mode and Multi-Mode. Both Single Mode and Multi-Mode have particular benefits but are designed to be optimal in two different ways.

Single Mode

Single Mode optical fiber is designed to carry only a single ray of light; this produces more of a direct line.

·         Used for longer distances

·         Smaller core size, typically between 8 and 10µm.

·         Common for telecommunications

Multi-Mode

As light travels through a Multi-Mode fiber optic cable, the light is bounced back and forth towards the ending direction. The bouncing of the rays of light is more suitable for multiple and shorter connections.

·         Larger core size

·         Used for shorter distances, such as within a building.

·         Multi-mode fiber has a higher light-gathering capacity than single mode

It is very important when choosing the correct fiber optic cabling format, that you take into account what capabilities the fiber optic will need to carry out. If the fiber cable is going to be used for long distances, Single Mode is the best choice. If your application requires a shorter distance, that Multi-mode would be most effective. Choosing the correct format is vital to get the most out of your fiber optic investment.

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How to Stretch Your Fiber Investment: Coiled Fiber Optic Cables

You hear the term “Fiber Optics” being tossed around a lot with telecommunications, cable TV, and the internet. Fiber Optic cable is constructed of optically pure glass as thin as human hair. The down side to this high tech innovation is that the optically pure glass core is fragile; it cannot be stretched or bent because the glass core can break very easily.

Coiled Fiber overcomes these issues, when extending or bundling Coiled Fiber, you do not have to be concerned with compromising the quality of the cable.  This results in substantial cost savings because you can buy one fiber cable to meet various length requirements.  Coiled Fiber is ideal for the following applications:

1)          Military/Defense

a.       Adaptable length extension – Reduces the number of fiber cables needed in the field.  One cable can be used in various applications that require different lengths. 

b.      Solution to tight space requirements - Can be utilized in applications that have limited space.  You have the benefit of flexible lengths while not having the issue of excess fiber cable.  The coiled design neatly bundles any excess fiber cable.

c.       Durability –Coiled Fiber can be extended and recoiled without fiber glass breakage, extending the life of the fiber cable. 

2)          Datacenter/IT/IS and Medical

a.       Organization –Cuts down on wire clutter and keeps excess cables off the ground.  Coiled Fiber not only helps with organization, but it also reduces safety hazards.  The fiber is coiled up tightly rather than having the excess fiber hanging loosely, causing a potential safety risk.

b.      Fits well in very tight spaces – Coiled Fiber utilizes less space.  This is an advantage when using the Coiled Fiber in an application that is short on space, or when storing the cable.  

c.       Accommodates various cable length requirements – Less fiber cables need to be purchased.  Furthermore, the problem of not having the correct length cable is reduced because one coiled fiber cable can meet various length requirements.  

3)          Robotics

a.       Flexibility –The coiled design is perfect for constantly moving parts that require fiber cables.  The flexible length extension greatly reduces the problem of fiber glass breakage.

b.      Cost savings –Fiber Optics are expensive.  Coiled Fiber can be stretched without breaking the fiber glass.  This means less fiber cables will be replaced, which saves the time and money associated with replacing damaged cables.  

c.       Long-lasting –The slinky-like design is rated for up to 80,000 stretches, which let’s your Coiled Fiber investment stretch even further.

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