Protecting computers in harsh environments

B&B Electronics has expanded its family of industrial-grade USB port protectors with the small-form-factor, affordable USBSSP2 “USB Sentinel” USB 3.0 surge suppressor. Unlike typical non-portable or “pass-through-panel” USB surge protection devices, B&B Electronics’ USB Sentinel is compact (4.5 x 1.22 x 0.96 inches, 11.4 x 3.1 x 2.5 cm) and portable, connecting in-line between the computer and the peripheral device to protect it from the surges, spikes, and electrostatic discharge (ESD) that can occur when connecting computers to equipment in the field and factory. With a wide (0 to 80°C) operating temperature, advanced heavy industrial emissions standards and an EN61000-6-2 heavy industrial rating, the USB Sentinel is small enough to tuck into a pocket or a laptop bag, yet tough enough to stand up to repeated use in harsh environments.

The USB Sentinel is a passive device and provides fast, 20 microsecond clamping of surges -- up to 700 volts on the data lines and 1000 volts on the power lines -- without interfering with normal USB 3.0 connectivity. It is also backwards compatible with USB 2.0, providing a single USB surge suppression solution. The device is transparent to the operating system, host computer or hub, and it requires no drivers.

This suppressor is suitable for field service technicians, as well as fixed installations in industrial automation, instrumentation, security, kiosks, point-of-sale and laboratory market applications.

The USB Sentinel includes a USB 3.0 cable and carries a lifetime warranty.

• Datalink Communications is Distributor/Agent for B&B Electronics products in Ireland. (see B&B Representation in Ireland announced).