USB Splitters?

Hello all, I'm struggling to find a USB splitter or hub that has a USB A connection at one end and two USB A connections at the other end. They are easy to find of course but the ones I've bought so far are not compatible with my i-pad. I cant see such a product on the official apple store, can anyone recommend a brand or product that may be suitable? Many thanks




Rich

iPad Pro, 12.9-inch, 6th Gen, Wi-Fi

Posted on Jan 24, 2023 3:45 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jan 24, 2023 6:58 AM

Thank you for this clarification. What you are attempting to achieve is at best inadvisable - and at worst, may cause significant damage to your expensive Apple devices. USB is essentially a one-to-one connection - i.e., one charging port to one device.


If you intend to simultaneously charge multiple devices from a single Power Adapter, the Power Adapter must have multiple connections; one port = one device!


Here is an example of a Power Adapter that is designed to simultaneously safely charge multiple devices…:


  • mophie speedport 120 4-port GaN wall charger (120W)

https://store.apple.com/uk/xc/product/HPZE2B/A



Also consider that your sixth generation iPad Pro supports USB PD (Power Delivery) over USB-C. When charged from a compatible Power Adapter, you iPad will optimally charge at its maximum supported charging rate of 20W; USB-C Power Delivery can operate at higher voltages than standard USB 5V.


When your iPad Pro is instead connected to a USB Type-A power source, the maximum charging rate is limited to 2.4A @5V. Be aware that many computer/accessory USB ports cannot source sufficient power to charge an iPad. Unless explicitly designed for charging connected devices, computer USB ports are typically limited to 0.5-1A @5V (i.e., 2.5-5.0W).


In summary, I urge you to abandon your current intent. You are having difficulty finding a “splitter” because you are attempting something that you shouldn’t.


4 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jan 24, 2023 6:58 AM in response to richmelvin

Thank you for this clarification. What you are attempting to achieve is at best inadvisable - and at worst, may cause significant damage to your expensive Apple devices. USB is essentially a one-to-one connection - i.e., one charging port to one device.


If you intend to simultaneously charge multiple devices from a single Power Adapter, the Power Adapter must have multiple connections; one port = one device!


Here is an example of a Power Adapter that is designed to simultaneously safely charge multiple devices…:


  • mophie speedport 120 4-port GaN wall charger (120W)

https://store.apple.com/uk/xc/product/HPZE2B/A



Also consider that your sixth generation iPad Pro supports USB PD (Power Delivery) over USB-C. When charged from a compatible Power Adapter, you iPad will optimally charge at its maximum supported charging rate of 20W; USB-C Power Delivery can operate at higher voltages than standard USB 5V.


When your iPad Pro is instead connected to a USB Type-A power source, the maximum charging rate is limited to 2.4A @5V. Be aware that many computer/accessory USB ports cannot source sufficient power to charge an iPad. Unless explicitly designed for charging connected devices, computer USB ports are typically limited to 0.5-1A @5V (i.e., 2.5-5.0W).


In summary, I urge you to abandon your current intent. You are having difficulty finding a “splitter” because you are attempting something that you shouldn’t.


Jan 24, 2023 3:57 AM in response to richmelvin

Setting aside the hub for a moment - what, precisely, are you attempting to achieve or connect with your iPad?


USB is an often misunderstood interface. You cannot, by example, interconnect two USB Type-A connections (as these are USB Controllers) - but must instead connect USB Type-A to a Type-B connection.


Unlike USB Type-A, USB-C is bidirectional. You can interconnect two USB-C devices; if compatible, they will auto-negotiate which device will assume the role of the USB Controller.

Jan 24, 2023 6:41 AM in response to LotusPilot

Thank you for replying so swiftly I really appreciate that. So the exact scenario is that my sofa has a console with 2 USB charging points. We would typically have a Samsung lead in one to charge a phone and an apple lead in the other for the ipad. However one of the usb ports has become damaged and having to switch the two leads from the one remaining functional port is proving to be annoying. So its purely for charging the two devices at the same time basically.




Many thanks once again



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