As the optimistic trend about the upcoming super speed transmission technologies is emerging, Jargy, a manufacturer that has been producing PC accessory products over 20 years, has launched several USB 3.0-based devices, including signal amplifying technology-featured USB 3.0 extension cables, which are able to transmit signals and electrical power to a device over 10 meters away without losing any signal or power strength; and 2-port and 4-port USB 3.0 hubs, which are designed specifically for notebooks and do not require an external power source for connecting devices such as hard drives.
Limited by existing USB 3.0 controller chip technology as well as the quality of cable materials, unstable signal transmission can often been seen with a standard 2-meter long USB 3.0 data cable; however, Jargy's USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 extension cables with built-in signal amplifying technology are able to amplify the transmission signals as well as power voltages and currents at the terminal end of the cable to allow its voltages to stay at 5VDC plus and minus 5%, with currents at 900mA. The technology will solve the issue that a host is not able to recognize a USB device causing a malfunction due to the weakening signals and power, according to Jargy president Johnny Chung.
Based on consumer demand, Jargy is currently offering four different lengths for its USB 3.0 extension cables. 3-meter, 5-meter, 7-meter and 10-meter, and consumers can extend cable lengths further by connecting multiple cables together.
Most existing notebooks currently only feature one USB 3.0 port due to concerns about high power consumption, and if users wish to connect more than two USB 3.0 devices, they will face the problem of an insufficient number of ports. To solve the issue, Jargy has released a 2-port USB 3.0 hub, which can extend the original 1-port into 2-ports. Its advantages over small-size and light-weight make it easy for users to carry around. The device also adopts a special power design to remove the requirement for an external power source. The device won lots of praise when demonstrated at Computex 2010.
The company also has a 4-port USB 3.0 hub. Even without the connection of an external power source, the device works smoothly when connected to a 2.5-inch SATA II hard drive or a 2.5-inch SATA II SSD.
Jargy has also launched several specially designed stand-alone hard drive enclosures, which combine a traditional 2.5-inch SATA II hard drive enclosure with a USB 3.0 hub. The hybrid design will allow users to save space as well as have a multi-function device.
The company's USB 3.0 two-bay 2.5-inch SATA II RAID hard drive enclosure also features the ability to switch between RAID 0 and RAID 1 modes. Users can enjoy the mirroring data backup capability of RAID 0 mode, or can simply switch to RAID 1 mode to enjoy its super speed transmissions and expanded hard drive storage space. The device also does not require an external power source for normal operation, while its metal chassis design strengthens its heat dissipation, and a special shining surface treatment also raises its overall quality.
Commenting on the future of USB 3.0 applications, despite the fact that the market is currently led by solutions from NEC/Renesas, Chung is optimistic and believes that after USB 3.0 solutions from Taiwan-based IC designing companies such as VIA Labs, ASMedia and Etron Technology pass certification by USB-IF, related players will have more choices and will be able to reduce their costs, which may help boost the development of USB 3.0-based applications such as card readers, file transfer cables or even surveillance systems.
Jargy USB 3.0 extension cable
Photo: Company
