this post was submitted on 20 Jun 2023
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Weird cable with USB A connector with 5 pins (discuss.tchncs.de)
submitted 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) by human_no_4815162342@discuss.tchncs.de to c/askelectronics@discuss.tchncs.de
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Hello, I recently bought a USB A to C cable and it is pretty weird. It is a USB A to USB C cable, seemingly USB 2.0 but the A connector has 5 pins, the 4 pins of USB 2 and what looks like pin 7 of USB 3.0 so in the middle of the back row, the other pins of USB 3.0 are not there and the plasting moulding only allows for that one pin (moreover the USB type C end looks like it only has the few middle pins so it's probably 2.0). The weirdness continues because when connected to a USB power supply the led on the USB C connector lights up but it can only charge simple devices like flashlights or things that generally just accept 5V, anything with fast charging capabilities gets no output. I am probably going to test it with breakout boards and eventually even disassembly it and maybe replace the connectors but in the meantime does anyone have any explanation?

P.S. I will make a follow up post (or an update here) when I open it up, with photos of course.

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[–] Belgdore@lemm.ee 2 points 1 year ago (2 children)

Sounds like you bought a crappy cable. Why not just buy a good one instead of disassembling and replacing stuff?

My guess is that it needs the fifth pin to trick some devices to think that it’s a 3.0 cable instead of a 2.0 with a c connector.

[–] human_no_4815162342@discuss.tchncs.de 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Type C 2.0 exists and is widespread and that is what I wanted, the issue is that it doesn't work as a 2.0 cable either. I like the liquid silicone exterior and I have a few connectors ready so if I like what's inside I may upgrade it. Otherwise I will recycle it and I already have better cables.

[–] Belgdore@lemm.ee 1 points 1 year ago

Hey fair enough. If you are really concerned about what it if you could always reach out to the manufacturer