15ft USB 2.0 Type A Male to Type A Male Cable
USB 2.0 Type A Male to Type A Male Connectivity
The USB 2.0 Type A Male to Type A Male cable provides a direct connection path between two devices equipped with standard USB Type A ports. Unlike the more common USB A-to-B configuration where one end terminates in a Type B connector for peripheral devices, this cable features identical USB Type A male connectors on both ends. The dual Type A design addresses connectivity requirements for devices that incorporate USB Type A receptacles instead of the standard Type B or Micro-B input, including certain hard drive enclosures, KVM switches, USB sharing devices, and equipment requiring firmware updates through a host-to-host style connection. Each connector measures 12.0mm in width with a 49.8mm overmold length, providing a secure grip during insertion and removal.
Signal Integrity and Shielding Performance
Internal cable architecture consists of one twisted pair of 28AWG conductors dedicated to differential data signaling (D+ and D-) and two 24AWG conductors handling power delivery (VBUS and GND). The twisted pair geometry reduces crosstalk and maintains the 90-ohm differential impedance required by the USB 2.0 specification for reliable 480 Mbps Hi-Speed operation. An aluminum braid shield wraps the entire conductor bundle, delivering electromagnetic interference (EMI) rejection that meets FCC Part 15 Class B emission limits. This double-shielded construction prevents external noise sources such as power supplies, motors, and wireless transmitters from corrupting data packets during transfer operations.
Gold-Plated Connectors and Contact Design
Both USB Type A male connectors utilize gold-flash plating over the four signal and power contacts. Gold plating provides a contact resistance below 30 milliohms and withstands a minimum of 1,500 mating cycles without measurable degradation in electrical conductivity. The beige insulator housing positions each of the four pins (VBUS, D-, D+, GND) at the precise spacing defined by the USB 2.0 mechanical specification, ensuring compatibility with any USB Type A receptacle from any manufacturer. The short-A pierce-type termination method creates gas-tight connections between the cable conductors and connector pins, eliminating cold solder joint failures common in lower-quality cables.
Device Compatibility and Application Scenarios
External hard drive enclosures represent the most common application for USB A-to-A cables, as many 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch enclosure designs integrate USB Type A receptacles rather than Type B or Micro-B ports. Laptop cooling pads draw power through the USB connection to drive their internal fans, and the 24AWG power conductors in this cable supply sufficient current for full-speed fan operation. DVD and Blu-ray players connected to smart TVs or monitors benefit from the shielded construction that prevents video stuttering caused by EMI. Sound bars, set-top boxes, projectors, and USB hubs with Type A upstream ports all accept this cable for data transfer and power delivery. IT administrators deploying KVM switches use USB A-to-A cables to share keyboards and mice between multiple host computers through a single switching device.
Construction Quality and Environmental Compliance
The PVC jacket provides a 4.5mm outer diameter profile that balances flexibility with mechanical protection. UL-style cable construction follows Underwriters Laboratories standards for insulation thickness, conductor spacing, and flame resistance. All component materials comply with the European Union Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive, confirming the absence of lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyls (PBB), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) above permitted thresholds. The cable operates reliably within a temperature range of 0°C to 60°C and maintains structural integrity at storage temperatures from -20°C to 80°C. Molded PVC strain reliefs at each connector junction prevent cable flexion damage at the termination point, extending the operational lifespan of the assembly.
Compatibility and Ordering Information
This USB 2.0 Type A Male to Type A Male cable maintains full backward compatibility with USB 1.1 (Full-Speed, 12 Mbps) and USB 1.0 (Low-Speed, 1.5 Mbps) devices and host ports. The cable also functions when connected to USB 3.0 or USB 3.2 Type A ports, automatically negotiating down to USB 2.0 Hi-Speed (480 Mbps) operation. Available in multiple length options to match different installation requirements, each length variant carries the same double-shielded construction, gold-plated contacts, and RoHS-compliant materials. CableLeader backs every USB cable with technical support and a commitment to quality manufacturing. Browse the complete CableLeader USB cable catalog for additional connector configurations including USB A-to-B, USB A-to-Micro B, USB A-to-Mini B, and USB 3.0 versions of Type A-to-Type A cables.
FAQ
Q1: What is the difference between a USB A-to-A cable and a USB A-to-B cable?
A USB A-to-A cable has identical Type A male connectors on both ends, while a USB A-to-B cable has a Type A male on one end and a Type B male on the other. USB A-to-A cables connect devices that feature Type A receptacles, such as hard drive enclosures and KVM switches, whereas USB A-to-B cables connect peripherals like printers and scanners that use the square-shaped Type B port.
Q2: Is this USB 2.0 A-to-A cable compatible with USB 3.0 ports?
Yes, this cable works with USB 3.0 and USB 3.2 Type A ports through backward compatibility. The connection automatically operates at USB 2.0 Hi-Speed rates of 480 Mbps. USB 3.0 Type A ports accept standard USB 2.0 Type A connectors without adapters or configuration changes.
Q3: What data transfer speed does this cable support?
This cable supports USB 2.0 Hi-Speed data transfer rates up to 480 Mbps. The 28AWG twisted pair data conductors maintain signal integrity at the maximum rated speed. The cable also supports USB 1.1 Full-Speed at 12 Mbps and USB 1.0 Low-Speed at 1.5 Mbps for older devices.
Q4: Do I need to install drivers to use this cable?
No driver installation is required. This cable operates on a plug-and-play basis with all major operating systems including Windows, macOS, Linux, and Chrome OS. Connect the cable to both devices and the operating system recognizes the attached peripheral automatically through standard USB enumeration.
Q5: How do I choose the right cable length?
Measure the distance between the two USB Type A ports you need to connect and add 1 to 2 feet for routing flexibility. The USB 2.0 specification supports cable lengths up to 5 meters (approximately 16 feet) without signal degradation. Shorter cables minimize signal attenuation and provide the most reliable 480 Mbps performance for data-intensive applications.
Product Comparison: USB A-to-A vs USB A-to-B Feature USB A-to-A (This Product) USB A-to-B Connector End 1 USB Type A Male USB Type A Male Connector End 2 USB Type A Male USB Type B Male Typical Devices Hard drive enclosures, laptop coolers, KVM switches, set-top boxes Printers, scanners, audio interfaces, older external drives Data Transfer Rate Up to 480 Mbps (USB 2.0) Up to 480 Mbps (USB 2.0) Connector Shape (End 2) Flat rectangular (12mm wide) Square with beveled top corners Two-Computer Direct Connection Not supported (requires bridge electronics) Not applicable (host-to-device only) Power Delivery Up to 500mA at 5V via VBUS pin Up to 500mA at 5V via VBUS pin Backward Compatibility USB 1.1, USB 1.0 USB 1.1, USB 1.0
