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Product Features
Technical Overview
This active extension cable supports USB 3.0 SuperSpeed data transfer rates up to 5 Gbps, ensuring fast file transfers and responsive peripheral operation. The cable uses standard USB 3.0 Type A connectors—male on one end and female on the other—with nickel-plated contacts for corrosion resistance and durable mating cycles.
Full electromagnetic shielding protects against interference, while the active circuitry regenerates the USB signal to prevent degradation over distance. The cable is USB bus-powered by default, with the included universal external power adapter providing additional stability for power-hungry devices.
This section brings together practical product details such as Cable Type, Cable Characteristic, Cable Length, Color Family, so buyers can judge configuration, deployment fit, and day-to-day suitability with less guesswork.
A strong technical summary explains how the product's interfaces, hardware profile, and operating characteristics work together in real deployment. Buyers often need this context to confirm compatibility with existing devices, expected performance in daily use, and whether installation will be straightforward for IT staff or end users.
Key Product Advantages
This cable extends USB 3.0 connectivity beyond the typical passive cable limit, enabling flexible workspace configurations without compromising on speed or reliability.
Active Signal Boosting
Integrated circuitry maintains signal integrity over the full 3-meter length, ensuring consistent 5Gbps performance where passive cables would fail.
- Prevents data degradation
- Supports full USB 3.0 bandwidth
- Includes optional external power
Robust Construction
Built with durable materials and full shielding to withstand daily use in professional environments.
- Nickel-plated connectors
- Black PVC jacket
- EMI/RFI shielding
Universal Compatibility
Works seamlessly with a wide range of USB 3.0 devices and operating systems without requiring drivers.
- PC and Mac compatible
- Supports Windows 8/7/Vista/XP
- Plug-and-play operation
Deployment / Use Cases
This active extension cable is ideal for scenarios where USB devices need to be positioned beyond the standard cable reach of a computer or hub. Common applications include extending connections to peripherals mounted under desks, in server racks, or across workstations in office and studio environments.
It is particularly useful for connecting external storage arrays, document scanners, label printers, or audio interfaces that require both distance and full USB 3.0 bandwidth. The included universal power adapter ensures stable operation with bus-powered devices like portable hard drives, while the plug-and-play design makes integration straightforward in mixed PC and Mac setups.
Office & Workspace Extension
Extend USB connections to peripherals placed for ergonomic or organizational reasons, such as scanners on shared tables or printers in dedicated corners.
AV & Studio Setups
Maintain high-speed data transfer to audio interfaces, video capture devices, or external storage located away from the main workstation.
Physical Profile
The cable features a sleek black PVC jacket that blends into professional environments while providing durability and flexibility. With a total length of 3 meters (9.8 feet) and a weight of 8.11 ounces (230 grams), it offers substantial reach without excessive bulk. The nickel-plated connectors ensure reliable mating and resistance to wear, making this cable suitable for frequent connection cycles in dynamic setups.
- Weight
- 8.11 oz (230 g)
- Length
- 9.8 ft (3 m)
What's in the Box
The package includes everything needed for immediate deployment of your extended USB connection.
Highlights
- Extends USB 3.0 connections up to 3 meters (9.8 feet)
- Maintains full 5 Gbps SuperSpeed data transfer rates
- Active design with signal boosting for reliable performance
- Fully shielded construction prevents electromagnetic interference
- Plug-and-play operation with no drivers required
- Includes universal external power adapter for bus-powered devices
- Compatible with PC (Windows 8/7/Vista/XP) and Mac systems
- Nickel-plated USB 3.0 Type A male to female connectors
- Durable black PVC jacket for professional use
- Backed by a 2-year limited warranty
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | StarTech.com |
| Manufacturer Part Number | USB3AAEXT3M |
| Brand Name | StarTech.com |
| Product Name | 3m USB 3.0 Active Extension Cable - M/F |
| Packaged Quantity | 1 Each |
| Product Type | Data Transfer Cable |
| Technical Information | |
| Cable Type | USB |
| Cable Characteristic | Extension Cable |
| Cable Length | 9.8 ft (3 m) |
| Connector Type on First End | USB 3.0 Type A - Male |
| Connector Gender on First End | Male |
| Connector on First End Details | 1 x 9-pin USB 3.0 Type A - Male |
| Connector Type on Second End | USB 3.0 Type A - Female |
| Connector Gender on Second End | Female |
| Connector on Second End Details | 1 x 9-pin USB 3.0 Type A - Female |
| Connector Plating | Nickel |
| Shielding | Yes |
| Device Supported | PC,MAC |
| Data Transfer Rate | 5 Mbit/s |
| Features | Plug & Play |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Color Family | Black |
| Product Color | Black |
| Jacket Material | Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) |
| Weight (Approximate) | 8.11 oz (230 g) |
| Miscellaneous | |
| Package Contents | 3m USB 3.0 Active Extension Cable - M/F Universal External Power Adapter |
| Environmentally Friendly | Yes |
| Environmental Certification | EU RoHS |
| Environmental Compliance | Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) 2,Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH),Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE) |
| Country of Origin | Taiwan |
| TAA Compliant | Yes |
| Warranty | |
| Limited Warranty | 2 Year |
User Manual
FAQ
What is the maximum data transfer speed of this USB extension cable?
This active extension cable supports USB 3.0 SuperSpeed data transfer rates up to 5 Gbps (gigabits per second). It maintains full bandwidth over its entire 3-meter length thanks to integrated signal-boosting circuitry, ensuring fast file transfers and responsive peripheral operation without the degradation typical of passive cables.
How does this active extension cable differ from a standard passive USB cable?
Active extension cables include built-in circuitry that regenerates the USB signal, allowing them to extend connections beyond the 3-meter limit of passive cables without losing data integrity or speed. This StarTech.com cable also includes an optional universal external power adapter to provide additional stability for power-hungry devices, whereas passive cables rely solely on bus power and have stricter length constraints.
Does this cable require external power to function?
The cable is primarily USB bus-powered and will function without the external adapter for many devices. However, the included universal external power adapter can be connected to provide additional power stability, which is recommended for bus-powered peripherals like portable hard drives to ensure reliable operation over the extended distance.
What are the environmental and compliance certifications for this product?
This cable is EU RoHS certified, complying with the Restriction of Hazardous Substances directive. It also meets REACH and WEEE environmental standards and is TAA (Trade Agreements Act) compliant, making it suitable for government and institutional procurement where these certifications are required.
What warranty coverage does StarTech.com provide for this extension cable?
StarTech.com backs this USB 3.0 active extension cable with a 2-year limited warranty. This coverage supports the product's durability and reliable performance in professional environments, providing assurance against defects in materials or workmanship under normal use conditions.
What refresh rate or brightness details are available?
Display-oriented products are best judged through screen, connectivity, and installation specifications. Those facts help buyers confirm visual fit, mounting flexibility, and deployment suitability more clearly than generic summary text.
What input or connectivity options are listed?
Connectivity options include USB 3.0 Type A - Male, helping the product integrate into common office or home setups.
Does the display support VESA mounting or adjustment features?
Display-oriented products are best judged through screen, connectivity, and installation specifications. Those facts help buyers confirm visual fit, mounting flexibility, and deployment suitability more clearly than generic summary text.