Intona Professional IDS+VNA Impedance Controlled USB cable – Vector Network Analysis (VNA) tested/measured and individually serialized USB cable

Best-in-class signal transfer

Impedance controlled design, double shielding and stronger power lines. Individually characterized.

Our goal was to develop a professional USB 2.0 Hi-Speed cable for highest demands in data and media transmission.

Full compatibility to USB 2.0 specifications and devices are of course the minimum pre-conditions, but we go a huge step further…

For the first time ever, a unique characterized USB cable is available and we are able to classify the performance level of the cable with individually measured data.

Constant Impedance vs. cable length

The ideal USB cable shows an absolutely flat impedance vs. cable length. But unfortunately reality is different and all wires in the market show significant impedance variations over length – even in a single production lot.

Where ever there is a change in the impedance, there is a reflection of energy. When these returning energy reflections meet with other imperfections, some of the signal recoils in its original direction and creates multiple echo effects. These echoes reach the receiver at different intervals and make it very hard for the receiver to detect data values on the signal in an error-free way. The effects out of this process can be very similar to those of jitter – the natural, audible enemy in any audiophile HiFi-system. The deformations caused by these echoes can also be cleary seen in the signal eye pattern.

• Highest possible impedance continuity is a key for excellent signal integrity
• Any change in impedance causes a reflection of energy
• The reflected energy causes echo effects which disturb original signal
• The resulting effects are similar to those of Jitter – the natural enemy in any audiophile HiFi-System
• Intona’s Innovation: the first commercial USB 2.0 Hi-Speed cable offering a visible and measured level of impedance continuity

Individual cable characterization by Intona

Before our cables get assembled, we are using our own Vector Network Analyzer to measure and analyze the raw cable. Following the results of the measurement, we are already sorting out parts of the raw cable, which simply don’t meet our internal quality standards for impedance continuity. We are sourcing the raw cable from a german supplier on a very high quality level and of course all parts of the cable are originally fully compliant to USB 2.0 specs but our goal is to build an even better cable.

In other words: we are disposing parts of the raw cable, that other suppliers would love to use!

The remaining part of our raw cable gets carefully assembled, a unique serial number is assigned and the next measurment routine is applied to classify the cable into one of our three quality grades: PREMIUM, REFERENCE and ULTIMATE

One thing is common for all three grades: our internal requirements for impedance continuity are much more demanding and narrower than the original USB 2.0 specifications!

The following charts show a representative Intona cable out of each performance level compared with a Hi-End USB 2.0 audio cable, which has an excellent reputation in the market. Compared with obviously one of the best cables out of this market, each Intona cable is able to show a significant improvement in terms of impedance continuity vs. cable length and thus a dramatically improved reliability and signal integrity.

Premium material selection

For our professional USB cable, we have selected the finest materials available to provide durability and best performance possible.

• Conductors made from Oxygen-Free Copper (OFC) for best conductivity
• 24K gold plated connectors
• Zero-resistance and highly conductive material composition for the plugs
• CNC machined connector housings made from solid all-aluminium
• Intermediate Polyurethane cable sleeve provides ultra-high stability and prevents from buckling
• Outer cover made from ultra fine tinned copper

Engineered and manufactured in Germany.