A novel range of extenders use Cat 5, multimode or single-mode fibre-optic cable to extend USB 2.0 connections over distances of 50m, 500m and 10km, respectively.

Amplicon has a novel range of USB 2.0 extenders for professional and industrial applications. Building on the success of the USB1.1 products, the range offers USB extension reliably and transparently over a maximum distance of 10km. The products use Cat 5, multimode or single-mode fibre-optic cable to extend USB 2.0 connections over distances of 50m, 500m and 10km, respectively.

Four-port models are available, allowing several USB2.0 devices to communicate with a PC over the same physical media.

Patented ExtremeUSB 2.0 technology is at the heart of the extender range, providing users with a 'plug and play' experience.

No additional drivers, host controller changes, or user configurations are required.

All USB compatible operating systems including Windows, MAC OS, Linux, Unix and Solaris are supported.

David Evans, Data Communications Product Manager at Amplicon commented: 'Instrument and device manufacturers are capitalising on the low-cost, high-availability and impressive bandwidth associated with USB 2.0 to deliver easy to implement device to PC connectivity'.

'With so many positive attributes to the protocol, we are delighted to be supplying the European market with a solution to the only practical drawback associated with USB 2.0 - the 5m maximum distance limitation'.