USB charging hubs and charging cable without Data

[amd6502]

Are there specifically charging hubs and cables that have the data wire omitted for security (as well as lower cost) ? How does one look up a part like this?

Also, are there affordable tester circuits to display whether there is digital activity (or a state other than No Connection) on the data pins?

 

[Jimminy]

How about a USB breakout board? You could then simply cut the traces for the data lines to protect your secret data, and use any old hub you like.

There's a zillion types for differrent USB connections, but here is an example:

Amazon.com: 5V USB A Female Breakout Board Power 2.54mm Header

Amazon.com: 5V USB A Female Breakout Board Power 2.54mm Header

www.amazon.com

You might need a usb cable with pigtailed leads (or make your own, and maybe a cheap soldering iron.

 

[thecoolnessrune]

The cost savings likely isn't there. The power cables are already the larger gauge in a USB cable, and I doubt the cost savings justifies making an entirely separate product line for cables that can only used to charge.

Additionally, the USB DCP standard requires detection by shorting the D+ and D- pins together, so even if a USB port is only for charging, the charger still needs to short the Data pins through the cable to confirm that said charger port is only for charging, and not for any data session.

 

[mindless1]

What are you trying or wanting to accomplish? There are USB chargers resembling hubs that have their own PSU and don't plug into a computer or other host at all. For them to be a security risk we'd be talking about deep spy widgetry where someone snuck a wifi circuit into one and it jumps on any stray wifi signal to report back to the mothership, in the middle of the night so mere mortals never detect the wifi signal.

You can pop open a hub and cut the data wires on the PCB with *any* of them, or put something in series whether you DIY make it or buy something like this:

https://www.amazon.com/PortaPow-3rd-Gen-Data-Blocker/dp/B00QRRZ2QM

There's probably a passive version of the above that just severs data and passes through power for $2 or less on ebay.

https://www.amazon.com/PortaPow-Specialised-3-3ft-20AWG-Charge/dp/B00RQ5AZ6Q

https://www.amazon.com/Plugable-Universal-Charge-Only-Adapter-Android/dp/B00FA9GXKM

Amazon.com: C2G/Cables to Go 27054 USB Charging Y Cable, No Data (10 Inch): Computers & Accessories

Buy C2G/Cables to Go 27054 USB Charging Y Cable, No Data (10 Inch): USB Cables - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

There are more. General search would be something like USB charge "no data".

 

[Spacehead]

USB "condoms"?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USB_c..._one_should_take_to_prevent_juice-jacking[23]

Just make sure you get one from a reputable source.

 

[amd6502]

USB "condoms"?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USB_c..._one_should_take_to_prevent_juice-jacking[23]

Just make sure you get one from a reputable source.

Yes a USB condom is exactly the search term I was looking for. Yes, reputable source is key here. Sorry for the late reply I was on a bit of an AT hiatus. Thanks everyone else for all the good input.

Additionally, the USB DCP standard requires detection by shorting the D+ and D- pins together, so even if a USB port is only for charging, the charger still needs to short the Data pins through the cable to confirm that said charger port is only for charging, and not for any data session.

Very helpful thanks. Checking that D1 and D2 are shorted helps a little for verification. (Can help also in making a primitive and maximally secure DIY charging cable.)