Same Sky’s Rugged USB-C Connectors Meet Diverse Needs

Connectors usually don’t get much call-out or attention, as they’re often considered just another item on the bill of materials in many cases, despite their vital role. But one type has attracted a lot of mass-market attention in recent years: the USB Type-C connector (often referred simply to a USB-C).

The reason is simple: The European Union mandated this connector as of late 2024 for many classes of consumer products, such as smartphones and even laptops, to minimize the need for countless incompatible AC-DC chargers to reduce waste and other reasons. Ever since then, device vendors have been switching to USB-C as a “universal” connector, within limits, of course.

Apple finally gave up its decade-long opposition to USB-C as they preferred that users stay with their proprietary Lighting connector. (See the European Commission news release “EU common charger rules: Power all your devices with a single charger” for a brief overview).

You might say that USB-C is “hot” both figurately and literally, and the connector and associated cable can get pretty warm at its higher-power levels. Nevertheless, especially when used in combination with the complicated USB Power Delivery (PD) standard, it’s presently the connector that people will turn to first — if they can use it or are mandated to do so.

But there’s a problem with USB-C connectors. They’re not rugged or sealed against intrusion, yet that’s where many may be used outside of low-end consumer applications.

A New Family of Waterproof USB Receptacles

Addressing this challenge, Same Sky introduced he UJ family of waterproof USB receptacles with IPX5, IPX6, IPX7, IPX8, IP66, IP67, and IP68 ratings, making them well-suited for applications where moisture and environmental contaminants are a concern (see figure). (Not familiar with Same Sky? They were known as CUI Devices until September 2024 when they changed their name.)