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How Can I Obtain Details about Failures on my USB Type-C Cables Detected by the Advanced Cable Tester?
Rena Ayeras

Question from the Customer:

I have the Advanced Cable Tester running tests on two identical working USB Type-C cables. The report shows one cable passed everything on the physical wiring section, but the other cable failed the physical wiring on SBU1 and SBU2. I have checked all wiring and function of these two cables to make sure they are working the same. Can you explain these test results?

  • What are these results based on?
  • What does it mean if a section is failing?
Response from Technical Support:

Thanks for your questions! For the digital pins SBU1, SBU2, as well as DP1/DM1, and DP2/DM2, a simple continuity test is used to verify the presence or absence of signals.

  • How this test works: This test consists of applying a voltage at one end of the cable and measuring the incoming signal at the far end of the cable.  The inputs are weakly pulled to the rail to prevent any false readings from a floating conductor.

  • What causes a failure: This test fails if the lines are AC coupled between the Upstream and Downstream ports of the Advance Cable Tester.

For more information about the tests the Advanced Cable Tester can run, take a look at the Test Specification section - which includes Test Coverage, Test Sequence, Detailed Test Information and more - in the Advanced Cable Tester User Manual. We also have an introductory video about using the Advanced Cable Tester:

Additional resources that you may find helpful include the following:

More questions? More ideas? You can also contact us and request a demo that applies to your application, as well as ask questions about the Advanced Cable Tester and other Total Phase products.

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