According to GCT, when designing equipment with USB Type A connections, engineers often take for granted how many times they are mated and unmated in its lifetime. For some, this is not a concern as most are tested to 5,000 mating cycles, more than enough for its intended application. For others, this could mean the difference of a product failing far earlier than expected.
GCT said that it has seen an increasing demand for USB Type A connectors with ultra-high mating cycles, primarily for equipment and hardware in public environments and transportation applications for charging purposes. Increased usage is likely due to exposure to high levels of footfall.
The USB1086 maintains a standard retention force of =>8N over 20,000 cycles due to its stainless steel shell construction. USB Type A connectors typically have a nickel-plated brass shell, resulting in tabs losing retention due to its low elasticity properties. This is not a problem for the USB1086 as it uses a high strength stainless steel material shell for enhanced tab elasticity.
The USB1086 exceeds the standard mating cycles of newer USB types too, including USB Type C which is usually tested to 10,000 cycles.
