B+B SmartWorx 1 Port Rugged USB Isolator

Meet the UHR401, the 1-port Rugged USB Isolator from B+B SmartWorx. Built to endure demanding industrial settings, this device delivers safe, reliable USB communication between hosts and peripherals while shielding equipment from electrical noise, surges, and ground loops. Designed and tested to meet heavy EMC standards, it is the ideal solution for factories, outdoor installations, and mobile machinery where high vibration and harsh conditions are the norm. With its rugged construction, high-retention USB connectors, and plug-and-play simplicity, the UHR401 helps you keep data flowing where standard USB interfaces would fail.

• Ultra rugged design for harsh industrial environments: The UHR401 is engineered with a rugged enclosure and hardened USB interface to withstand dust, temperature fluctuations, mechanical shock, and continuous vibration. This ruggedization translates into dependable data transfer on factory floors, robotics applications, outdoor equipment, and mobile machinery, where consumer USB devices struggle to survive. The isolator’s architecture emphasizes EMI tolerance and durability, providing consistent performance across a wide range of operating conditions and ensuring long-term reliability in demanding installations.
• Galvanic isolation and EMI protection: The isolator delivers clear galvanic separation between the USB host and the connected device, dramatically reducing the risk of ground loops and electrical noise coupling into sensitive equipment. By isolating the data path, it helps protect PCs, PLCs, controllers, and peripheral devices from transients and electrical faults while preserving data integrity, compatibility with a broad array of USB devices, and predictable performance in industrial networks.
• High retention USB connectors: The UHR401 employs high-retention connectors that stay securely connected even in environments with significant vibration and movement. These robust connectors resist inadvertent unplugging, maintaining reliable operation under challenging conditions. With a disconnect force rating up to 3.2 lbs-force, you can trust the USB link remains seated during operation, reducing downtime and maintenance in high-shock workflows and motion-rich deployments.
• Versatile family and deployment options: The UHR401 is part of the UHR401/UHR402 family, offering 1-port and 2-port configurations to fit your exact needs. Choose the UHR401 for compact, space-constrained setups, or scale to the UHR402 if you require multiple isolated USB connections in a single system. This flexibility makes it suitable for standalone machines, distributed control networks, and equipment cabinets where multiple USB devices must be isolated without adding bulky adapters or complexity.
• Plug-and-play compatibility and broad device support: Connect standard USB cables between the host and the isolated device; no software or drivers are required. The UHR401 supports a wide range of USB peripherals—from keyboards and mice to sensors, data loggers, and programmable controllers—across common operating systems. Its straightforward, driver-free installation minimizes downtime and accelerates integration into existing industrial networks, PCs, and embedded systems.

Technical Details of B+B SmartWorx UHR401 1-Port Rugged USB Isolator

• Product family: B+B SmartWorx UHR family (1-Port UHR401 and 2-Port UHR402)
• Ports: 1 USB port (isolated)
• Isolation: USB galvanic isolation between host and device
• Construction: Ruggedized enclosure designed for heavy industrial EMC environments
• Retention: High-retention USB connectors supporting up to 3.2 lbs-force disconnection
• Compatibility: Works with standard USB cables and devices; plug-and-play without drivers

How to install B+B SmartWorx UHR401 1-Port Rugged USB Isolator

Follow these steps to ensure a correct and reliable installation:

• Power down the USB host and the target device before making any connections to prevent electrical faults or data corruption.
• Determine the data path: connect the USB host (computer, controller, or industrial PC) to the isolated input side of the UHR401, and connect the USB peripheral (sensor, instrument, or peripheral device) to the isolated output side.
• Insert the UHR401 between the host and device using standard USB cables. Ensure the connectors are fully seated and aligned to avoid any bending or stress on the port pins, which can degrade performance over time.
• Mount the unit in a location that protects it from direct exposure to dust, moisture, and excessive heat while allowing adequate airflow. If mounting inside a panel, use approved hardware and follow best practices for EMC-conscious layouts to minimize conductive paths.
• Power up the system and verify operation: boot the host, connect the USB device, and perform a quick data-transfer test (e.g., file copy, sensor readout, or device enumeration) to confirm both connection stability and data integrity. If issues arise, re-seat cables and check for compatibility with the connected devices.

Frequently asked questions

• What is USB isolation and why do I need it? USB isolation provides galvanic separation between a USB host and a device, which helps prevent ground loops, electrical surges, and noise from affecting sensitive equipment. It enhances safety and reliability in industrial environments, where electrical transients and EMI are common.
• Is the UHR401 compatible with all USB devices? The UHR401 is designed for standard USB devices and cables. While it supports a wide range of peripherals, always verify compatibility with your specific host and device combination to ensure optimal performance in your application.
• What about drivers and software? The UHR401 is a plug-and-play device that requires no special drivers or software. Simply connect the host and device through the isolator, and the USB path should become available to your system.
• Can I use the UHR401 in high-vibration environments? Yes. The rugged design and high-retention connectors are specifically intended to maintain a reliable USB link in high-vibration applications, helping minimize downtime due to unplugging or intermittent connections.
• How do I choose between UHR401 and UHR402? The UHR401 is a 1-port model suitable for single-isolation needs, while the UHR402 provides 2 isolated USB ports for protecting multiple USB devices. Choose based on the number of USB peripherals you need isolated within your system, keeping in mind space, power, and data requirements.