Defining the Trend - Why We Need USB-IF Certification
USB (Universal Serial Bus) is the most popular interface in the IT industry today, thanks to its ease of use and versatility. In recent years, USB has also gained popularity in industrial applications as more and more devices support the interface. But industrial operations are more demanding than your typical office application and require additional considerations. For example, a factory floor may be subject to extreme temperatures that are too hot for a consumer-grade USB hub to handle. Industrial applications also require a higher level of reliability because system downtime is not only costly but potentially dangerous. To ensure that your USB devices meet these demands, system engineers should consider the following factors when selecting a USB device for industrial environments.
USB-IF Certification
USB-IF (USB Implementers Forum) is a non-profit organization founded by the group of companies that developed the Universal Serial Bus specification. Any vendor can design a USB product by following the USB specification but this doesn't mean their products have been tested for flaws. That's where
USB-IF certification comes in. Products that pass certification testing are authorized to bear the USB logo and listed on the official USB-IF Integrators List on the USB-IF website. Users can choose products with the USB logo to ensure reliability and interoperability. Both USB device vendors and users can benefit from USB-IF certification. For more details about USB-IF certified USB hubs, just click here!
Why Do We Need USB-IF Certification?
USB's popularity is due to its easy to use, Plug and Play interface. But when it comes to using USB in industrial applications, engineers have reported several problems. For example:
P1 :
The USB device doesn't work with some operating systems.
P2 :
The host hangs or is unable to recognize/detect the device.
P3 :
The USB 2.0 device is detected as a USB 1.1 device and only runs at 12 Mbps.
P4 :
The USB device malfunctions after plugging in and unplugging the device several times.
These problems are attributed to design flaws that can be easily detected and prevented through detailed testing. USB-IF certification testing identifies these design related problems so vendors can provide high quality USB products. By choosing a vendor whose products have passed USB certification, you can rest assured that your USB device will not malfunction or damage your host USB port—eliminating the above-mentioned problems.
