New: USB 2.0 to Serial Adapter RS-422 RS-485 DB9 2-Port IU-110

The IU-110 USB 2.0 to 2 port Serial Adapter RS-422 RS-485 provides an easy way to add a serial ports to your desktop or notebook computer. This USB to two port RS-422/RS-485 Serial Adapter functions as a converter between a USB port and standard serial ports. You can easily connect this adapter to the USB port on your PC or USB hub and get access to any RS-422/485 devices. Made of rugged metal, and featuring a mounting bracket, the USB 2.0 to Serial Adapter RS-422 RS-485 DB9 2-Port IU-110 is suitable for portable devices, and industrial applications.

New: FarSync BERT HS Tester-USB Flex with Bit Error Rate Test (BERT) line quality tester software + cables

Building on the rich feature set of the popular FarSync BERT Tester-USB Flex, the new High Speed (HS) version adds hardware based test algorithms so that lines of up to 16 Mbits/s may be tested using a variety of encoding methods. The FarSync BERT HS Tester-USB provides a comprehensive, simple to use, all in one, line testing utility for testing asynchronous and synchronous lines from your Laptop PC. There are no extra expensive modules to buy to test different line types. All the popular standard BERT test patterns can be selected; the test period can be controlled; real time error counters and user controlled error injection with full line test statistics are provided. Lines with network interfaces RS232C (V.24), V.35, RS530 (EIA530, RS422), X.21 (V.11) and RS449 can be tested with line speeds ranging from 15 baud up to 16 Mbits/s.

The FarSync Flex adapter is simply plugged into any of your Laptop’s USB ports; select one of the cables provided to connect to the line to be tested; the BERT application can then be started and the line quality results are displayed in real time. Features include: API for LabVIEW and Windows Applications, Tests Manchester Encoding, Conditioned Di-phase, Correction for balanced pair signals being connected the wrong way round, Audible Alerts on Errors, RS485 4 wire support, Uses the FarSync Flex v2.

Superior design of Apple's Lightning connectors inspires upcoming Type-C USB standard

It's no secret that the bulky and awkward design of 'Micro' USB connectors has long been problematic especially its unidirectional orientation insertion requirement. While not nearly as elegant as Apple's Lightning connectors, the new USB Type-C connectors promise better than the downright awful existing standard. According to the USB-IF press release:

Key characteristics of the USB Type-C connector and cable solution include:

• An entirely new design tailored to work well with emerging product designs
• New smaller size similar in size to the existing USB 2.0 Micro-B
• Usability enhancements users will no longer need to be concerned with plug orientation/cable direction, making it easier to plug in
• The Type-C connector and cable will support scalable power charging
• Scalability the connector design will scale for future USB bus performance

Several trade publications have covered this story.

The Next-Gen USB Plug To Be Smaller And Finally Reversible

Key characteristics of the USB Type-C connector and cable solution include

Our top selling item September and October: Orico 4-Port Wall AC USB Charger for Mobile Phones and Tablets DCH-4U

Our top selling item: Orico 4-Port Wall AC USB Charger for Mobile Phones and Tablets DCH-4U http://t.co/XOoctDXj5I pic.twitter.com/a3Y5M70IHf
— Synchrotech, Inc. (@synchrotech_inc) November 7, 2013

Perfect for travelers or anyone looking to charge multiple portable devices at once, the Orico 4-Port Wall AC USB Charger for Mobile Phones and Tablets DCH-4U delivers economical performance. The charger provides up to a total of 6 Amperes of power (30W). The DCH-4U features two high-current capacity 5V/2A and two standard 5V/1A power ports. DCH-4U s port versatility allows it to charge four portable devices at once, including two high current draw devices, like iPads. Boasting sophisticated circuit design, the DCH-4U provides over-heating, over-current, and over-charging protection. Charging automatically stops when batteries are full.
The Orico 4-Port Wall AC USB Charger for Mobile Phones and Tablets DCH-4U is compatible with iPhone, iPad, HTC phones, Samsung Galaxy Tab, Samsung Galaxy Phone, Samsung Galaxy Note, Blackberry, MP3 players, Digital Camera, and other USB devices. The four Type-A Female downstream ports are power only. The DCH-4U allows use of existing USB charging cables to charge most USB powered devices. An easy-to-see LED confirms whether USB charger is properly connected.

CryptoMate64 USB Portable Cryptographic Token

CryptoMate64 is a lightweight USB token that provides a strong authentication solution. With a weight of only 6g, it is the most secure and portable cryptographic USB token in the market. CryptoMate64 enables digital signatures, email encryption, online payments, Windows log-on and other Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) applications. With the help of a smart card mini-driver that is automatically downloaded once the device is plugged into the PC, the Cryptomate 64 can easily be used for secure and efficient operations in Windows environments.
Cryptomate64 has a built-in ACOS5-64 Smart Card chip where all cryptographic operations, such as RSA (up to 4096bits), SHA-1, SHA-256, AES-128/192/256 and 3K 3DES, are performed, rather than in the PC or terminal, This ensures that all sensitive credentials protected by cryptographic keys cannot be hacked or sniffed. This allows ultimate security to be achieved.

Apotop All-in-1 USB 2.0 Memory Card Reader/Writers DR85 and DR87 Benchmarks

Apotop All-in-1 #USB 2.0 Memory Card Reader/Writers DR85 and DR87 Benchmarks http://t.co/dIjjagOYQ6 pic.twitter.com/ORd9YBzsqs

— Synchrotech, Inc. (@synchrotech_inc) October 11, 2013

New Item: USB Full Speed PC/SC Smart Card Reader with Fingerprint Sensor AET65

The AET65 Smart Card Reader with Fingerprint Sensor guarantees security and convenience in a variety of applications. Combining the core of ACS’ ACR38-SAM contact smart card reader and Authentec’s swipe fingerprint sensor in a single device, it creates a more cost-efficient and simplified integration of biometric technology in applications where the accuracy of biometric authentication is necessary to ensure a high level of security. Even developers without an in-depth knowledge of biometrics can integrate fingerprint authentication into smart card-based applications. 

AET65 elevates security by requiring of a user something they have (smart card), something they know (PIN/password) and something they are (fingerprint), before enabling any transaction; limits fingerprint extraction and matching to itself (preventing security attacks associated with PCs); comes with a secure access module (SAM); and offers support for third-party algorithms. The AET65 also enhances simplicity since it does away with databases, servers or network connectivity. Instead, fingerprint templates are stored and encrypted in the smart card, reducing operation components into three (local PC/remote server applications, contact smart cards, and the AET65). With these features, the AET65makes integration of secure biometric authentication simple and exchange of information intuitive, and fingerprint and smart card authentication hassle-free.

Portable Bluetooth A2DP Music Receiver M-510

The Portable Bluetooth A2DP Music Receiver M-510 allows playback of streaming music on non-Bluetooth equipped devices like speakers, HiFi Systems, and headphones from a A2DP Bluetooth compatible music source. The M-510 Bluetooth Music Receiver is a great way to provide existing equipment with wire-free capabilities. Play songs from an iPad, Android or other Smart Phone, iPhone, notebook computer or any other device with A2DP Bluetooth transmitting capability to remote speakers up to 10 meters away. The Portable Bluetooth A2DP Music Receiver M-510 provides three power options, AC adapter, USB bus power, or a single AAA battery for maximum portability. Use the included cable to plug into the 3.5mm audio inputs on an output device, pair the Portable Bluetooth A2DP Music Receiver M-510 to source device, and enjoy music streamed wirelessly.

Portable Bluetooth A2DP Music Receiver M-510

Add new life to older desktop computers by providing them SuperSpeed USB 3.0 connectivity

The I/O Flex PU430 PCI to SuperSpeed USB 3.0 Host Adapter 4 Port brings new life to older desktop computers by providing them SuperSpeed USB 3.0 connectivity. The PCI card adapter is fully backward compatible with existing USB 2.0 and USB 1.1 devices, and connects with SuperSpeed USB 3.0 hard drive enclosures, SSD enclosures, backup RAIDS, video converters, printers, and hundreds of other devices while enabling the use of high performance device that were once reserved only for high speed buses like eSATA and FireWire. Able to offer most of the usable bandwidth of SuperSpeed USB, the PU430 is limited to a maximum of 2.133Gbps transfer rates [1] because of the limitations of PCI. However, that's an amazing improvement over USB 2.0, and the PU430 PCI USB 3.0 solution provides over twice (200+%) the performance gain over on-board USB 2.0, and is only 30% slower than the maximum speed USB 3.0 can achieve in PCI-Express (PCIe) slots.

The adapter provides four (4) external USB 3.0 ports. The I/O Flex PU430 PCI to SuperSpeed USB 3.0 Host Adapter features both 15-pin SATA power connector and mini 4-pin power connector for added power source to better support power hungry bus-powered devices. Easy USB installation makes adding new hardware a breeze, with no complex configuration, confusing plug-ins, or IRQs. Connect up to 127 USB products to PCs. Ready for use with self-powered devices, or plug any available 15-pin SATA Power Connector into the onboard connecter for devices requiring bus power.

Benchmarks: PU430 PCI to SuperSpeed USB 3.0 Host Adapter

The I/O Flex PU430 PCI to SuperSpeed USB 3.0 Host Adapter 4 Port The PU430 PCI USB 3.0 solution provides over twice (200+%) the performance gain over on-board USB 2.0, and is only 30% slower than the maximum speed USB 3.0 can achieve in PCI-Express (PCIe) slots

PCI to SuperSpeed USB 3.0 Host Adapter 4 Port I/O Flex PU430

This USB 13 Port Hub can charge an iPad or other high-current-draw device while a computer is off

This #USB 13-hub can charge an #iPad or other high-current-draw device while a computer is off http://t.co/MzQsSjc6am pic.twitter.com/PyTYBtWBbi
— Synchrotech, Inc. (@synchrotech_inc) June 21, 2013

MSO-19 USB 2GSa/s Oscilloscope, 200MSa/s Logic Analyzer, 100MSa/s Pattern Generator and TDR

The MSO-19 is a portable USB based 2GSa/s Oscilloscope, 200MSa/s Logic Analyzer, 100MSa/s Pattern Generator and TDR. All channels sample simultaneously at a max rate of 200MSa/s (5ns), includes probe, clips, wires and software. The device works with Windows XP/Vista/7/8. The MSO-19 has time synchronized oscilloscope and logic analyzer inputs. All 9 channels are sampled at the same time and are displayed together. This is better than separate instruments because the analog and digital waveforms are acquired with the same sample clock assuring accurate time correlation between the two. Even if you went through the effort of cabling two individual instruments together, you would not be able to get the samples to within 5 ns of each other, nor would the triggering be so tightly coupled. Since the software displays the oscilloscope and logic analyzer data on the same screen it stays synchronized no matter how you scroll or zoom.

The MSO-19 can trigger on the Oscilloscope, Logic Analyzer, SPI or I2C inputs. Since all of the 9 inputs sample at the same time you will see a fully synchronized display of all the digital and analog inputs. Oscilloscope trigger: Rising edge, falling edge and pulse width. Logic Analyzer trigger: 8 bit trigger word, SPI trigger: 32 bit trigger word, I2c trigger: 32 bit trigger word. The 100Mpt/S pattern generator has many features not found on other pattern generators.  Since it has shared pins with the Logic Analyzer the pattern data can be tri-stated to create bidirectional bus signals.  The PG also runs on an independent clock from the logic analyzer, hence you can create a slow signal and analyze the response at a much faster sampling rate.  The pattern buffer length is adjustable and can be looped to create complex patterns.  The PG can start manually or be synchronized with the MSO trigger inputs. High speed sampling is key to getting a good capture.  The 200MSa single shot sample rate and 60MHz bandwidth will allow you see a great picture of a 60MHz signal in single shot mode and an even faster one if you use RIS mode sampling. The FFT Spectrum Analyzer has controls for FFT window, FFT type, FFT resolution. The software also supports averaging, memory and plot subtraction.  This allows for a whole range of spectral analysis including: Frequency response analysis, Power supply noise analysis, etc...

MSO-19 USB 2GSa/s Oscilloscope, 200MSa/s Logic Analyzer, 100MSa/s Pattern Generator and TDR

FMJ USB 10-Pin Module Removable Solid-State Memory Storage Subsystem

The FMJ USB 10-Pin Module is a small, low cost, high performance, removable solid-state memory storage subsystem. It is an appropriate replacement for hard disk drives and host systems that require low power and small scalable storage solutions. FMJ technology is designed for customers that prefer reliable operation in harsh environments and long product life-cycle. Amongst the endless number of applications are networking products, military systems, interactive kiosks, record and playback systems, medical equipment, industrial control systems, avionics, and voting machines. Every USB 10-Pin Module is integrated with technology that prevents data corruption and loss from power anomalies. USB 10-Pin Module Pin Information.

FMJ USB 10-Pin Module Removable Solid-State Memory Storage Subsystem

New: Contactless Near Field Communication (NFC) PC/SC Smart Card Reader ACR122U USB 2.0

The ACR122U NFC Reader is a PC-linked contactless Smart Card reader/writer developed based on the 13.56 MHz Contactless (RFID) Technology. Compliant with the ISO/IEC18092 standard for Near Field Communication (NFC), it supports not only Mifare® and ISO 14443 A and B cards but also all four types of NFC tags. ACR122U is compliant with both CCID and PC/SC. Thus, it is a plug-and-play USB device allowing interoperability with different devices and applications. With an access speed of up to 424 kbps and a full USB speed of up to 12 Mbps, ACR122U can also read and write more quickly and efficiently. The proximity operating distance of ACR122U is up to 5 cm, depending on the type of contactless tag in use.

In order to increase the security level, ACR122U can be integrated with an ISO 7816-3 SAM slot. Furthermore, the ACR122U NFC Reader is available in module form, permitting easy integration into bigger machines, such as POS terminals, physical access systems and vending machines. The ACR122U NFC Reader is ideal for both secure personal identity verification and online micro-payment transactions. Other applications of the ACR122U include access control, e-payment, e-ticketing for events and mass transit, toll road fare collection and network authentication.

Contactless Near Field Communication (NFC) PC/SC Smart Card Reader ACR122U USB 2.0

Expanded and Revised: ExpressCard FAQ for ExpressCard/34 and ExpressCard/54

Expanded & Revised: #ExpressCard FAQ for ExpressCard/34 and ExpressCard/54 j.mp/Ajr1oN twitter.com/synchrotech_in…

— Synchrotech, Inc. (@synchrotech_inc) May 16, 2013

Table of Contents

• What is ExpressCard?
• Differences between ExpressCard and PC Card
• Is ExpressCard backward compatible with PCMCIA PC Cards?
• Is PCMCIA PC Card forward compatible with ExpressCard?
• ExpressCard Dimensions
• ExpressCard Slotting
• Is there a way to stabilize ExpressCard/34 inside ExpressCard/54 slots?
• How does ExpressCard 2.0 differ from ExpressCard?
• ExpressCard versus PC Card Overview
• Is it possible to add ExpressCard slots to computers with PCIe?
• Are any hot-swap capable external solutions for SxS ExpressCards?
• Are any Thunderbolt solutions for ExpressCards?

USB 10-Pin Module Pin Information

USB 10-Pin Module Pin Locations and Pin Assignments for devices including FMJ's USB 10-Pin Module Removable Solid-State Memory Storage Subsystem

USB 10-Pin Module Pin Information by Synchrotech

Orico SuperSpeed USB 3.0 W8PH4 Series Portable 4 Port Hubs

Orico's latest portable SuperSpeed USB 3.0 Hub series was designed with the latest laptops, ultrabooks, and tablet PCs in mind. Available in glossy black or white color schemes, the W8PH4 SuperSpeed USB 3.0 Hub is as attractive as it is functional. The W8PH4 4 Port Hub maximizes data transfer speeds when using higher-bandwidth peripherals including external USB 3.0 digital video cameras, disk drives, video surveillance cameras, high-resolution webcams, and multi-channel audio. These Orico hubs support USB 3.0 data transfer speeds up to 5Gb/s and provides backwards support for USB 2.0 and USB 1.1 devices. The 4 port HU430 SuperSpeed USB 3.0 Hub works with a wide range of USB devices and allows simultaneous operation of multiple USB 3.0 and legacy USB devices.

Utilizing Via's efficient VL812 USB 3.0 controller chipset with advanced USB PHY technology, the W8PH4 SuperSpeed hub features advanced power management. Its built-in integrated charging controller circuit provides Digitally Charging Port (DCP) and Charging Downstream Port (CDP) capabilities conforming to the USB Battery Charging 1.2 Specification, resulting in charging efficiency up to 3 times of ordinary USB charging port. What's more, the HU430 4 Port SuperSpeed USB 3.0 Hub provides over-current protection at each port.

Orico SuperSpeed USB 3.0 W8PH4 Series Portable 4 Port Hubs

Product updates: FarSite's FarSync Bit Error Rate Test (BERT) Testers

FarSite has been working to expand its Bit Error Rate Test (BERT) product line, and in accordance, there's been some changes. First, their stand-alone software package to upgrade existing FarSite Flex devices has been discontinued. Second, there's now a 2 port, 10 Mbits/s PCIe PCIe based BERT called the FarSync BERT Tester-PCIe. Lastly, the USB device that used to be called the FarSync BERT Tester, is now known as the FarSync BERT Tester-USB. In addition to adding compatibility with The Windows 8, the FarSync BERT Tester-USB adds the following new functionality.

• API for LabVIEW and Windows Applications
• Tests Manchester Encoding, Conditioned Di-phase
• Correction for balanced pair signals being connected the wrong way round
• Audible Alerts on Errors
• RS485 4 wire support
• Uses the FarSync Flex v2

FarSync BERT Tester-USB Flex with Bit Error Rate Test (BERT) line quality tester software + cables

FarSync BERT Tester-PCIe with Bit Error Rate Test (BERT) line quality tester software + cables

Delock Multi-in-1 SuperSpeed USB 3.0 Memory Card Reader/Writer

Wrapped in a compact aluminum case, Delock's All-in-One combines the capabilities of SuperSpeed USB 3.0 and matches them to a versatile memory card reader. This multi-in-1 SuperSpeed USB memory card reader/writer supports over 60 types of flash memory media cards. While broad card support is its forte, the reader is plenty fast enough to support transfer hungry memory cards like speedy UDMA 6 CompactFlash cards used in high end DLSR cameras. Utilizing SuperSpeed USB's maximum theoretical speeds of up to 5Gbps, waiting for photos and videos to transfer off cards is now a thing of the past. This SuperSpeed USB 3.0 flash memory reader also supports the massive capacities of modern storage devices, currently supporting up to 2TB on some flash media cards such as SDXC.

Delock's All-in-One doesn't trade practicality away for its high end features though. The memory card reader/writer is fully backward compatible with both USB 2.0 and USB 1.1 hosts. Its five open memory card slots can be used at the same time for data transfers and exchanges, even between cards. The reader supports Hot-Swap and Plug-N-Play, and utilizes USB bus power so no additional power source is required. The multi-platform reader is best used with systems that support SuperSpeed USB 3.0 in order to take advantage of its speed.

New and improved: USB 2.0 Hub 12+1 Port with 2.1A iCharge Port Powered with Power Supply

Tired of wrangling multiple USB 2.0 hubs? Synchrotech's 12+1 Port USB 2.0 Hub with 2.1A iCharge Port provides host computers with 12+1 additional USB ports and allows flexible tiered USB configurations with a single hub! This robust and inexpensive hub runs in self powered mode and provides over current protection at each of its downstream ports. Fully USB 2.0 compliant and USB 1.1 backward compatible, it supports low, full, and high speed USB devices and works with any system that supports the USB specification. Providing thirteen downstream ports, this hub features plug and play installation and transparent operation. This hub is fully backward compatible with USB 1.1 and will work with systems and devices using the slower standard. It comes with a free power supply with a generous 4 ampere capacity, and USB 2.0 cable to connect to a host computer.

The new model of this hub trades one data port for a high-current capacity 'iCharge" port for devices requiring 2.1 Amperes to charge, like the iPad®. The charging port is not a data port and does not allow syncing or any other functionality other than device charging. However, this lack of data transfer on the iCharge port does have a distinct advantage—the hub doesn't need to be connected to a computer in order to charge a device. The other 12 ports allow for syncing and other standard USB 2.0 operations for connected devices.

USBScope50 - USB Oscilloscope Demonstration

[click here if you can't view this video]

Elan has released a new video featuring an overview of their USBscope50 device. While we wish the video could have focused more on the software and interface, which typically are what most potential users have the most questions about, the video does cover a lot of topics.

For more on Elan's line of testing devices, see:

USB Test, Measurement and Scope Products Home