IEC Endorses Four USB-IF Standards

GENEVA & BEAVERTON, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) and the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) today announced IEC adoption of four USB-IF specifications to enable global standards and interoperability for data transfer and charging. Those include the Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) specification, USB Cables & Connectors specification v2.0, USB Battery Charging specification v1.2, and Micro-USB Cables and Connectors specification v1.01.

“IEC has worked with the USB-IF to give consumers worldwide standard solutions for data and charging applications. We believe that the broad adoption of USB specifications will enhance IEC International Standards for a wide range of applications”

USB-IF specifications are recognized around the world as the de facto USB standards. IEC adoption and endorsement of four USB-IF specifications elevates these standards to a formal international level of recognition.

Most WTO (World Trade Organization) member states rely on IEC International Standards as the technical basis for their laws and regulations for electronic and electrical devices and systems. The inclusion of USB-IF specifications into IEC International Standards provides additional protection for the USB brand within the technology industry worldwide. Many organizations rely on IEC International Standards for their procurement processes, and the adoption of USB specifications into IEC International Standards opens new opportunities for USB technology solutions in this area.

The four above-mentioned USB-IF specifications have been included in the newly approved IEC International Standard IEC 62680, Universal Serial Bus interfaces for data and power. The Standard has been developed by IEC TC (Technical Committee) 100: Audio, video and multimedia systems and equipment, TA (Technical Area) 14, and has now been formally accepted by IEC Member states through their National Committees. The agreement between IEC and USB-IF allows for the adoption of additional USB specifications into IEC International Standards in the future.

“IEC has worked with the USB-IF to give consumers worldwide standard solutions for data and charging applications. We believe that the broad adoption of USB specifications will enhance IEC International Standards for a wide range of applications,” says Ronnie Amit, General Secretary and CEO of the IEC. “This collaboration benefits manufacturers and consumers by broadening global support and recognition of these specifications,” explains Mr. Shuichi Matsumura, Technical Area Manager of TA 14 and Senior Expert, Standards Strategy Office at Fujitsu Limited. TA 14 was the first IEC Technical Area to include USB specifications into an IEC International Standard.

“Worldwide recognition from IEC helps further advance USB-IF’s world-wide position in data transfer and charging,” said Jeff Ravencraft, President & COO, USB-IF. “In addition to current joint efforts, IEC and USB-IF will continue to collaborate to promote the adoption of USB specifications within the IEC.”

Resources

To learn more about IEC, visit http://www.iec.ch/.
To learn more about USB-IF and USB specifications, visit www.usb.org.
To view the European Union video in support of the Micro-USB standard, please visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E07ReXG4ims.

About the USB-IF

The non-profit USB Implementers Forum, Inc. was formed to provide a support organization and forum for the advancement and adoption of USB technology. USB-IF facilitates the development of high-quality, compatible USB devices through its logo and compliance program recognized around the globe and promotes the benefits of USB and the quality of products that have passed compliance testing. Further information, including postings of the most recent product and technology announcements, is available by visiting the USB-IF website at www.usb.org.

About the IEC

The IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) is the world's leading organization that prepares and publishes International Standards for all electrical, electronic and related technologies. Over 10,000 experts cooperate within the IEC so that products work everywhere safely with each other, permitting companies of all sizes to access global markets, and nations to better protect their citizens.

IEC International Standards cover a vast range of technologies: power generation (including all renewable energy sources), transmission, distribution, Smart Grid, batteries, home appliances, office and medical equipment, all public and private transportation, semiconductors, fibre optics, nanotechnology, multimedia, information technology, and more. They also cover safety, performance and the environment. The IEC manages Conformity Assessment Systems which certify that equipment, systems or components conform to its International Standards.