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Product Features
Technical Overview
This USB 3.0 active extension cable utilizes standard USB Type A connectors with a male connector on one end and a female connector on the other, creating a seamless extension path for any USB Type A device. The included 5V AC power supply provides the necessary amplification to maintain signal strength and power delivery across the entire 5-meter length, with voltage ratings of 120V AC and 230V AC supporting international power standards.
The cable's active extension circuitry ensures compatibility with USB 3.0 specifications while maintaining backward compatibility with USB 2.0 and USB 1.1 devices and ports. This allows you to extend older USB equipment while preparing for future USB 3.0 upgrades, all without requiring additional drivers or software installation.
Relevant factors for this section include First End Connector Type, First End Connector Detail, Second End Connector Type, Voltage Rating. When those points are considered together, they give buyers a clearer picture of how the product is equipped, how it fits into deployment, and what kind of day-to-day role it is meant to support.
Key Product Advantages
The Plugable USB3-5M-D combines extended reach with full USB 3.0 performance, solving distance limitations that constrain standard USB setups. Unlike passive extension cables that lose signal integrity beyond recommended lengths, this active solution maintains data throughput and power delivery across the entire 5-meter span.
Integrated Power Management
The included AC power adapter provides stable voltage with back-voltage protection, preventing power surges from damaging connected devices while ensuring consistent performance for power-hungry peripherals.
- 120V/230V AC compatibility
- 2A current rating
- Full back-voltage protection
Universal Compatibility
Works seamlessly across Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems without requiring special drivers, while supporting gaming consoles like PlayStation and Xbox for versatile deployment options.
- No driver installation needed
- Cross-platform support
- Gaming console compatible
Deployment / Use Cases
This active USB extension cable serves multiple deployment scenarios where standard USB cable lengths prove insufficient. In office environments, it enables placement of USB printers and scanners in optimal locations away from workstations, while maintaining high-speed connectivity for document processing and scanning operations.
For IT professionals and system integrators, the cable facilitates clean cable management in server racks and workstation setups by extending USB connections to peripherals that require placement outside standard reach. The back-voltage protection makes it particularly suitable for environments with fluctuating power quality or where multiple devices share power circuits.
Office Peripheral Extension
Extend USB printers, scanners, and document cameras to optimal locations while maintaining full-speed data transfer and reliable power delivery for continuous operation.
Gaming and Entertainment Setup
Connect gaming controllers, racing wheels, flight sticks, and other USB peripherals to consoles or PCs from comfortable viewing distances without compromising responsiveness or functionality.
What's in the Box
This package includes everything needed for immediate deployment of your extended USB connectivity solution.
Highlights
- 5-meter (16-foot) active USB 3.0 extension cable maintains full 5Gbps speed
- Includes AC power adapter with back-voltage protection for device safety
- USB Type A male to female connectors for seamless extension of existing cables
- Compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux systems without special drivers
- Supports gaming consoles including PlayStation and Xbox
- Backward compatible with USB 2.0 and USB 1.1 devices and ports
- Delivers up to 900mA power for connected peripherals
- 2-year limited warranty with Seattle-based email support
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Plugable Technologies |
| Manufacturer Part Number | USB3-5M-D |
| Brand Name | Plugable |
| Product Name | USB 3.0 5M (16ft) Extension Cable with Power Adapter and Back-Voltage Protection |
| Packaged Quantity | 1 |
| Product Type | Power Extension Cord |
| Technical Information | |
| First End Connector Type | USB Type A |
| First End Connector Detail | USB Type A Female |
| Second End Connector Type | USB Type A |
| Second End Connector Detail | USB Type A Male |
| Device Supported | USB Device,Printer,Scanner,Mouse,Gaming Console |
| Power Description | |
| Voltage Rating | 120 V AC,230 V AC |
| Current Rating | 2 A |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Cord Length | 16 ft (4.88 m) |
| Miscellaneous | |
| Package Contents | USB Extension Cable with Back-Voltage Protection - USB 3.0, 16.5ft (5m) Power Supply |
| Compatibility | Compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems. No special drivers required on any operating system Most gaming setups including, Sony PlayStation and Microsoft Xbox Backwards compatible with USB 2.0 ports Backwards compatible with USB 2.0 and USB 1.1 devices |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Warranty | |
| Limited Warranty | 2 Year |
FAQ
What is the maximum data transfer speed of this USB extension cable?
This active USB extension cable supports USB 3.0 transfer speeds up to 5Gbps (gigabits per second) across the entire 5-meter length. The active extension technology maintains signal integrity that passive cables lose at longer distances, ensuring you get full USB 3.0 performance for data-intensive tasks like file transfers, video streaming, or peripheral communication.
Does this cable work with USB 2.0 devices and computers?
Yes, the Plugable USB3-5M-D is fully backward compatible with USB 2.0 and USB 1.1 devices, ports, and computers. You can use it to extend older USB equipment while maintaining their native speeds, and it will automatically negotiate the appropriate speed for each connected device. This makes it an ideal solution for mixed-environment deployments where both older and newer USB equipment need extended connectivity.
Why does this extension cable include a power adapter?
The included AC power adapter provides the necessary power amplification to maintain signal strength and deliver up to 900mA to connected devices across the full 5-meter length. USB signals degrade over distance, and the active circuitry requires external power to boost both data and power signals. The adapter also includes back-voltage protection to prevent power surges from damaging your connected USB devices.
What types of devices can I connect with this USB extension?
This cable supports a wide range of USB devices including printers, scanners, mice, keyboards, gaming controllers, external storage, document cameras, and other peripherals. It's particularly useful for devices that benefit from extended placement from the host computer, such as printers in shared office spaces, scanners in document workflow stations, or gaming peripherals in entertainment setups.
Is this cable compatible with gaming consoles?
Yes, the Plugable USB3-5M-D is compatible with popular gaming consoles including Sony PlayStation and Microsoft Xbox systems. You can use it to extend controllers, racing wheels, flight sticks, or other USB gaming peripherals to comfortable playing distances. The cable works with console USB ports without requiring special configuration or drivers.
What warranty coverage does this product include?
Plugable backs this USB extension cable with a 2-year limited parts and labor warranty. The warranty covers manufacturing defects and includes Seattle-based email support for troubleshooting assistance. This warranty reflects the product's build quality and reliability for business and personal use scenarios where consistent performance is essential.