We recommend using the original USB-C cable with our docking stations and USB devices whenever possible, this helps to ensure the best compatibility and performance, however we understand that some users may need a longer cable to optimize their workspace.
Before purchasing a replacement USB-C cable we recommend confirming the replacement cable meets the minimum requirements of the docking station or USB device.
The USB 3 Type-C cable specifications provide maximum lengths for cable supporting different USB features sets:
For compatibility reasons, most manufacturers will only produce cables that support USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps) with many only reaching 0.9m(~3ft), however some 1.8m(~6ft) USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps) cables can be found online.
Most USB-C cables greater than 1m(~3.3ft) only support USB 2.0 data and USB-C Power Delivery and are sold as "charging" cables. These cables will have limited compatibility with our USB-C docking stations and USB 3 devices.
Our USB-C Docking Stations require either a USB 3.1 Gen 1 (5Gbps) or USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps) cable depending on the docking station's model and features:
| Model | Required Bandwidth | Maximum Cable Length | Included Cable Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| USB-C Triple Display Docking Stations | |||
| UD-3900PDZ | 5Gbps | 2m(~6.5ft) | 0.9m(~3ft) |
| UD-ULTCDL | 5Gbps | 2m(~6.5ft) | 0.9m(~3ft) |
| UD-6950PDZ | 5Gbps | 2m(~6.5ft) | 0.9m(~3ft) |
| UD-ULTC4K | 5Gbps | 1m(~3.2ft) | 0.9m(~3ft) |
| USB-C Single Display Docking Stations | |||
| UD-CA1A | 5Gbps | 2m(~6.5ft) | 0.5m(~1.5ft) |
| UD-CAM | 5Gbps | 2m(~6.5ft) | 1m(~3.3ft) |
| UD-CUBE | 5Gbps | 2m(~6.5ft) | 0.9m(~3ft) |
Plugable does provide a range of separate cables which are compatible with our docking stations below, based on the USB or Thunderbolt bandwidth in the table below.
| Model | Maximum Supported Bandwidth | Cable Length | |
|---|---|---|---|
| USB 3.0 Type-C Cables | |||
| USBC-C100 | 10Gbps USB 3.1 Gen 2 | 1m(~3.2ft) | |
| Thunderbolt Cables When using a Thunderbolt cable with a USB device, we recommend following the maximum USB cable length specification from the USB-IF above, for example if the maximum cable length is 1M we do not recommend using a 2M Thunderbolt 3 cable. | |||
| TBT4-40G1M | 40Gbps Thunderbolt 4 | 1m(~3.2ft) | |
| TBT4-40G2M | 40Gbps Thunderbolt 4 | 2m(~6.4ft) | |
| TBT3-40G80CM | 40Gbps Thunderbolt 3 | 0.8m(~2.6ft) | |
| TBT3-20G2M | 20Gbps Thunderbolt 3 | 2m(~6.4ft) | |
When using a USB-C cable from a third party we recommend verifying the cable supports the docking station's or USB device's required features, many cables with "charging" in the product title or description without specifically stating USB 3 5Gbps or 10Gbps data rates are limited to USB 2.0 and do not support USB-C DisplayPort Alternate Mode Video. Cables which specifically state USB 3 data rates and DisplayPort Alternate Mode (or "4K" video support) and include a USB-IF certification will provide the best options for replacing the original USB-C cable provided with our products.
If you are unsure if a specific cable will meet your needs, please feel free to contact our support team via email at support@plugable.com and we will be happy to help!