USB4 40Gb/s Active Optical Cables

OWC USB4 Active Optical Cables transmit data at full USB4 speeds over fiber optic cable with the 3M cable supporting 240W power delivery and the 5M cable supporting 60W power delivery. Both cables support DisplayPort Alt Mode and work with USB-C displays in addition to Thunderbolt displays.

OWC USB4 Active Optical Cable coiled

Go the Distance at Lightspeed

To travel far and fast, space traveling movie heroes rely on advanced technology to break through speed barriers. You can conquer the 2-meter distance ‘dark side’ of traditional copper-based Thunderbolt and USB4 cables with the OWC USB4 40Gb/s Active Optical Cable. Employing optical fibers to transmit data in the form of light, you can now beam your data to the furthest reaches of your workspace at lightspeed.

Placement Flexibility

Longer distance connectivity enables optimal placement of USB4 and Thunderbolt 4/3 devices for a highly organized, convenient, quieter, and productive workspace

Powerful

Lab certified to safely deliver up to 240 watts (3M) or 60 watts (5M) to quickly charge your devices

Uncompromised Speed

Work and play faster with up to 40Gb/s of stable data transfer speed over long distance

Diverse Displays

Supports high resolution displays up to 8K including DisplayPort over Thunderbolt, Apple Pro Display XDR, Apple Studio Display, LG Ultrafine, and any display plugged into a Thunderbolt dock or hub

Versatile Connections

Connect to externally powered Thunderbolt 40Gb/s and USB4 equipped docks/hubs, displays, eGPUs, PCIe expansion, RAID storage and more1,2

Premium Reliability 

Braided nylon exterior over advanced internal fiber optical cable for highly durable and consistent signal reliability immune to EMI/RFI interference

OWC USB4 40Gb/s Active Optical Cable ends

See the Light

With 40Gb/s of stable performance at up to 16 feet, you’ll transfer, backup, and stream audio, video, photos, and general data files at speeds and distances you’ve never seen before. By combining cutting-edge optical design with our decades-proven attention to quality, we created the OWC USB4 40Gb/s Active Optical Cable to provide you with unparalleled performance and reliability at a price that outshines other long-distance connectivity choices available today:

Feature Optical Cable Copper Cable

Bandwidth to handle more data at faster data rates over longer distances
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Immunity to EMI/RFI interference for highest signal quality
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Stable signal support beyond 2 meters
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Flexibility to bend and shape for easier routing
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You Have the Will
You Now Have the Way

Whether it’s a new need or a long-held desire, there are many reasons why you would want to extend the distance between your computer and your devices. With the OWC USB4 40Gb/s Active Optical Cable, you now have the way to accomplish your goal in a simple, cost-effective way. By breaking the two meter distance stranglehold of copper Thunderbolt and USB4 cables, you can:

  • Relocate your high-performance RAID storage system to reduce noise distraction.
  • Enjoy Thunderbolt Share connectivity between devices at a greater distance in the same room.
  • Expand the length of your device daisy-chains.
  • Place your devices in a more convenient location or even “hide” them for a more aesthetic work environment.
  • Power your devices with up to 240W (3M) or up to 60W (5M) nearly anywhere in a studio, on a stage, or office.
  • Enhance your cable management by placing AV devices in a rack while keeping your computer at your fingertips.
  • Experience greater freedom of camera movement by tethering during in-studio shoots.
  • Extend Thunderbolt/USB4 network connectivity between rack mounted devices.
  • Elevate your gaming experience by distancing your eGPU from your laptop to fully immerse yourself into the action while freeing up room for your monitors, mic, and camera.
OWC USB4 Active Optical Cable stretched across white surface

The OWC USB4 40Gb/s Active Optical Cable gives you more than the highest speed with the most reliability over long distance. Put up to 240W of power delivery to work for you where you want it. Enthrall your eyes with high resolution displays up to 8K. And do it all with assured durability thanks to its tough braided exterior.

If It's Lit, You're Legit

OWC USB4 Active Optical Cable features LED indicators on both ends that confirm your connection status at a glance. Blue indicates full USB4 speeds, white indicates USB 3, and DisplayPort status is indicated as well. Red on either end signals a connection issue that needs attention.

OWC USB4 Optical Cables connected to a MacBook Pro with information overlay showing status light indicators

Advanced Optical Technology for Signal Stability

By utilizing advanced multi-mode optical fiber technology, the OWC USB4 Active Optical Fiber Cable is built for bandwidth intensive applications that require stable, consistent signal transmission and power delivery free from EMI and RFI interference.

Visual breakdown of the OWC USB4 Active Optical Cable design

All the Right Connections

With universal USB-C connectivity and highly durable braided construction, the OWC USB4 40Gb/s Active Optical Cable is a premium quality It Just Works™ solution for millions of Thunderbolt 4/3 and USB4/3/2 computers, tablets, smartphones, drives, RAID arrays, eGPUs, cameras, displays, docks, and more.1,2

OWC USB4 Optical Cable ends on desktop
Three Environmental Icons

Discover the OWC Difference

Since 1988, our mission has focused on maximizing the usefulness and longevity of your technology investment. Our business operations share that same sustainability commitment. As the first 100% on-site wind powered technology manufacturer/distributor in the U.S., we now generate excess power. 97% of solid waste is recycled. These and other actions have resulted in our headquarters being Energy Star® and LEED® Platinum certified. Learn more about our passion for the planet we share here: Environmental Sustainability

Three Environmental Icons

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does this cable support USB-C displays?

Yes. This cable supports DisplayPort Alt Mode and works with standard USB-C displays in addition to Thunderbolt displays.

How much power can this cable deliver?

This cable delivers up to 240W of Power Delivery to a connected laptop when used with a Thunderbolt or USB4 device that provides power.

What is the maximum length of this cable?

This cable is 3 meters (approximately 9.8 feet) in length.

What is the difference between this cable and the standard 3M OWC USB4 Active Optical Cable?

This cable supports DisplayPort Alt Mode for USB-C displays. The standard 3M cable does not.

What data transfer speed does this cable support?

This cable supports data transfer speeds up to 40Gb/s.

  1. Due to the varying power needs of bus-powered devices, use of this cable with such devices is not recommended.
  2. Using with an OWC ThunderBlade X8 may result in reduced performance, with maximum speeds up to 1800MB/s.