How to correctly choose a USB-A to USB-C cable

Hardware ZED Mini
1

We bought a ZED Mini and we would like to use a slim cable along with a 180-degree connector to connect it with a Jetson Orin NX. According to the datasheet, a USB 3.0 connection is required. Based on this, I selected a USB 3.0 slim cable (USB-A to USB-C) and a USB 4.0(It is compatible with USB 3.0) 180-degree connector.
I tested all configurations using the diagnostic tool and by reversing the USB-C connector orientation. All cables used are 1 m or shorter. When I say it is “not working,” I mean that the diagnostic tool is unable to detect or connect to the camera.

Here are the results of my tests:

The Stereolabs USB-A to USB-C cable alone works.

The Stereolabs USB-A to USB-C cable with the 180-degree connector does not work.

Two different third-party(USB 3.0) USB-A to USB-C cables alone do not work.

A third-party USB-C to USB-C cable alone works.

A third-party USB-C to USB-C cable with the 180-degree connector also works.

At this point, I am unsure how to proceed, as I followed the requirements stated in the datasheet. Are there any additional specifications or compatibility considerations we should be aware of beyond the one-way USB-C requirement?

Thank you in advance for your assistance.

2

Hi @JPierre
Welcome to the Stereolabs Community.

If the cable is “too slim” and the sections of the internal wires are not large enough, the cable cannot guarantee a stable USB3 high-speed connection, then the camera cannot be detected and used.

Furthermore, you must be sure that the cable has a valid shielding to reduce the amount of electrical noise that can destroy the signals.

Not all cables can guarantee similar features. If you plan to use a non-original cable, it’s possible that you must buy and test many different models before you find a cable that satisfies all the requirements.