IEC 62680-2-3:2015

Overview

IEC 62680-2-3:2015 - Universal serial bus interfaces for data and power, Part 2-3 (Revision 2.0) specifies mechanical, electrical, environmental, design and performance criteria and voluntary supplier compliance requirements for USB cables, connectors and fabricated cable assemblies. Published by the IEC based on USB Implementers Forum (USB‑IF) material, this class document defines requirements for design, approval and implementation of application‑specific USB connectors and cable assemblies and the procedures for compliance testing and certification.

Key Topics

• Scope and purpose: Requirements for USB connector and cable assembly design, approval and voluntary supplier compliance.
• Mechanical and electrical criteria: Physical dimensions, contact resistance, mating/un‑mating forces and cable retention requirements.
• Environmental and reliability tests: Durability, vibration, shock, temperature life, thermal shock, humidity cycling and mixed flowing gas.
• Electrical safety and performance: Insulation resistance, dielectric withstanding voltage, high‑frequency performance and power‑line resistance checks.
• Manufacturing and inspection: Cable construction inspection, solderability, drain wire inspection and visual pin/contact inspection.
• Compliance process: Sample selection, primary and sustaining qualification testing, compliance test reports, Integrators List, and authorized USB logo usage.
• Test grouping and procedures: Organized test groups (durability, temperature, gas exposure, insulation, solderability, HF testing, critical dimensions, cable tests) and referenced test methods.

Applications

IEC 62680-2-3 is practical for:

• Product designers and electrical/mechanical engineers developing USB connectors, cables and custom cable assemblies for consumer electronics, computing devices, mobile accessories and embedded systems.
• Manufacturers and contract assemblers implementing production inspection criteria and pre‑qualification test sequences to ensure consistent quality and interoperability.
• Test laboratories and compliance engineers running the specified environmental, mechanical and electrical test groups and preparing compliance test reports.
• Procurement and QA teams selecting certified suppliers and verifying USB logo authorization and Integrators List status.

Practical use cases include designing application‑specific USB connectors, qualifying new cable assembly variants, ensuring long‑term reliability in harsh environments, and supporting USB certification efforts for market access.

Related Standards

• IEC 62680-1-1 - USB Battery Charging specification (common components)
• IEC 62680-2-1 - Universal Serial Bus Specification, Revision 2.0
• IEC 62680-2-2 - USB Micro‑USB Cables and Connectors Specification

By following IEC 62680-2-3:2015, organizations can align USB cable and connector products with internationally recognized mechanical, electrical and environmental compliance practices and support interoperability, safety and market acceptance. Keywords: IEC 62680-2-3:2015, USB cables and connectors, USB compliance testing, USB-IF, cable assemblies, connector design.