To make life more convenient, most of us have more than one data cable for our smartphones, one for our home and another for our office. However,  it may upset us if the smartphone that you invest several thousand dollars in is harmed by a bad-quality USB cable. That is the reason why we should choose a high-quality data cable. Here we will share some information about data cables with you, with our aim of giving your inspiration when choosing a data cable.

Basics about Data Cables

Data cables are used for data transfer and charging. However, some only support charging. Therefore, when shopping for one, please try to check its instruction carefully. There are many types of connectors for data cables, including USB-A, USB-B, USB-C, Micro-B, Mini-B, and Lightning, among which USB-A, USB-C, Lightning, and Micro-USB are common in our daily life.

1. USB-A

USB-A is another end of a data cable. Discarded by most smartphone manufacturers, but it is still popularly used by us. When it goes with USB-C, Lightning, or Micro-USB, there will be a USB-A to USB-C data cable, USB-A to Lightning, and USB-A to Micro-USB cable. According to the USB-IF standard, a USB-A to USB-C cable offers a maximum output of 5V/2.4A, while a USB-A to lightning cord's power rating is 5 Volts DC carrying 1.8 Amps of current.

2. USB-C

USB-C is a 24-pin connector that has rotational symmetry. As such, it allows you to use it in either direction. Currently, most smartphones adopt a Type-C interface. Due to its impressive design, it has superior performance in data transfer, charging and video transmission, and more. For example, a USB-C to USB- C cable can deliver a maximum output of 20V/5A and USB4.0 data transfer. 

3. Lightning

The lightning interface is an 8-pin connector only available in Apple Devices. With the momentum of the USB-C interface, Apple company has adopted a USB-C to lightning cable in iPhone since its launch of iPhone 12. And this cable supports a maximum current of 2.4A and USB2.0 data transfer.

4. Micro-USB

Micro-USB interfaces are available in power banks, wireless speakers, and old phones. This interface supports a maximum output of 2.4A and USB 2.0 data transfer.

How to Choose a Good Data Cable?

Data cables consist of inner cores, jackets, and two connectors, and they are made of different materials, which, to a certain degree, influence their performance in terms of charging speed, data transfer, and lifespan.

The Materials of the Data Cable Connectors

Aluminum alloy, Zinc alloy, and PC materials are common materials for the connectors of the data cables.

Aluminum alloy connectors feature excellent performance in anti-oxidation, allowing it not to age even for a long time. Besides, it also offers good impact-resistance and corrosion resistance and delivers good conductivity, making it a perfect option for a durable data cable.

Zinc alloy is also a popular option for creating a data cable connector. This material does better in anti-oxidation and wear resistance than aluminum alloy. As a result, a zinc alloy connector will not easily fade over time. Plus, it is tough enough to prevent it from breakage and detachment. However, this connector brings a high production cost than others.

Both aluminum alloy and zinc alloy connectors have impressive performance and provide good protection for the data cables. However, they share a different production cost.

The Internal Cores of the USB Cable

The materials of the internal wires of the USB cable influence the charging cable. There are many types of materials for data cables, including tinned copper, aluminum-magnesium wire, enameled wire, bare copper, silver-plated copper, copper-plated iron, zinc-plated iron, etc. of which tinned copper, copper, and silver-plated copper deliver excellent conductivity and lower resistance. However, silver-plated copper is more expensive than tinned copper and copper.

In addition, the thickness of the data cable also affects the charging speed. The thicker the wires, the lower the resistance, lending to a greater maximum current and faster charging performance.

Exactly, the thickness of the data cables is determined by the wire gauge. "Gauge" refers to the thickness of the wires; the higher the gauge, the thinner the wire. Cheap data cables often have a higher wire gauge, meaning that it contains less material it can not allow much current, which makes them charge slowly. However, high-quality USB cables from BWOO come with thicker wires that wire reduces electrical resistance and allows for a better flow of electrons.

The Jackets of Data Cables

There are many types of jackets for data cables. Here are some of the common materials for cable jackets.

PVC cables are non-flammable, strong, anti-corrosion, and weather resistant, making them durable without worrying about them breaking over time. Meanwhile, they are usually very soft and not easily knotted.

TPE is a thermoplastic elastomer material which excellent elasticity. Therefore, TPE cables are durable and flexible enough to withstand mechanical loads and resist external influences, such as chemicals or temperatures. Plus, it is halogen-free and more environment-friendly than PVC as TPE is recycled.

Nylon is tough, firm, wear-resistant, and corrosion-resistant. More than that, it is very durable to withstand mechanical load. As such, nylon-braided cables are not easily damaged.

BWOO specializes in providing high-quality data cables made from defense-grade materials. They have 10,000+ bend tests and 10KG loading tests to prove their superior durability.

The Chips of Data Cables

The chip is the heart of a data cable, which determines how fast the charging speed and data transfer it can support. However, fast-charging data cables come with a high-performance chip. For example, BWOO PD100W USB-C to USB-C fast charging data features a high-end E-Marker chip which enables the cable to support 5A high current output and USB3.0 data transfer rate. 

E-Marker, also an Electronically Marked Cable, is considered the ID label of the USB Type-C cables, and these chips determine the data cable ability of power delivery, data transfer, video transmission, and more. Currently, E-marker chips support 5A current, USB 3.1 Gen1, USB 3.1 Gen2, or 40Gbps data transfer rate. However, it is worth noting that these chips have different levels. An E-Marker chip that only supports one function like USB 3.1 Gen1 or USB 3.1 Gen2 is usually considered low-end.

Regular data cables that deliver 3A current and USB 2.0 data transfer rate also comes with a smart chip but not an E-marker chip. Besides, most data cables usually use one chip, while a 2-meter-long or longer cable will employ a dual-chip array to promise better performance.

The Length of Data Cables

Generally speaking, the length of data cables will affect the speed of data transfer and charging. In the case of the same internal cores, the shorter the data cable, the faster it is. Most data cables in the market have a 1-meter length. In addition, BWOO data cables come in 2 meters, 3 meters, or longer without affecting the charging speed and data transfer.

MFI Certification

MFI Certification is a procedure that assures third-party accessories meet Apple's standards for product quality, safety, and performance. If you are looking for a Lightning cable for your Apple device, you should choose an MFI-certified one in case a bad data cable harms your thousands of dollar devices.

The Types of Data Cables

Regarding the design and appearance of the data cables, there are various types of data cables. Let me show them to you.

1. Fast Charging Data Cables

Fast-charging data cables offer better charging speed and data transfer than regular ones. They can support power output ranging from 18W to 240W while enjoying quick data transfer, making it not only suitable for charging a smartphone but also laptops and tablets. Plus, some have digital power displays to let you know the charging data at a glance.

2. Three-in-one data cables

These data cables usually come with three charging interfaces such as lightning, type-c, and micro-USB, which allow you to charge three different devices, making them a perfect option for traveling.

3. LED Lighting Data Cables

These Data Cables offer a LED gradient lighting effect that looks impressively cool. LED lighting data cables offered by BWOO not only enjoy a fantastic look but also offer 65W fast charging. Meanwhile, they will not cause too much heat while charging. 

4. Magnetic Charging Cables

Magnetic charging cables come with a powerful magnet in the charging tip, which ensures a stable connection while automatically adapting to the right position for a charge without fumbling the charging port. Therefore, the cables are very suitable to use while driving. And some of them have a charging tip that 180°rotating, which allows them to easily bend to the optimal angle for convenient use.

5. 90° Angled Data Cables

90° Angled Data Cable is a data cable with a 90° design in the charging tip which aims to prevent the cable from rupturing caused by bending the cable to charge your phone. Therefore, it is very suitable for charging while playing on your mobile phone.

In addition to the mentioned data cables, there is still a variety of data cables, including keychain data cables, 3-in-1 telescopic data cables, noddle data cables, etc., all of which have nice performance and meet all kinds of scenario needs.

About BWOO Data Cables

BWOO provides various types of cables that can meet plenty of charging needs, including those for smartphones, laptops, tablets, game consoles, and more. It integrates high-performance chips, tinned copper cores, and defense-grade jackets to create high-performance data cables. Not only can BWOO data cables have powerful charging capabilities, such as delivering a high power output of up to 100 watts, but they also feature a fast data transfer rate.

Meanwhile, BWOO has an R&D team that develops more innovative technologies and new solutions to create more valuable products. For more wholesale data cables, please check our site.

BWOO  Data Cable Products