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Date Created: 7/6/2012   Date Modified: 5/7/2013

+Connectivity Issues With USB 3.0

Even though USB 3.0 was designed to be backwards compatible with USB 2.0 devices, there have been some users reporting device connection issues with USB 2.0 devices.  Some examples of X-Rite USB 2.0 devices are: i1Display Pro, ColorMunki Create, ColorMunki Smile, ColorMunki Photo, ColorMunki Design, ColorMunki Display, i1Display 2, i1Pro, and i1Pro 2.  Basic instrument connection troubleshooting is advised such as…reboot the computer, try another USB port (USB 2.0 if available), turn off or set exclusions in virus protection software, try a powered USB hub, etc…

Some recent MacBookPro and MacBook Air laptops might come with only USB 3.0 and Thunderbolt communication ports.  While these have been the most commonly reported computer with this USB 2.0 device-to-USB 3.0 port connectivity issue, there have been similar reports on PCs as well as other Macs using USB 3.0.  The common thread appears to be USB 3.0 at this time…not necessarily operating system or manufacturer. 

X-Rite customers have reported to X-Rite Technical Support that the use of a powered USB 2.0 hub has been the most successful resolution to this connectivity issue.   This seems to be the simplest and least invasive way to resolve this issue.  Purchase a powered USB 2.0 hub, connect the hub to the computer’s USB 3.0 port, and then plug the device into the hub.  If a powered USB 2.0 hub is not available, try connecting to a monitor's USB port if so equipped.

For additional technical information on USB 3.0, click on “USB 3.0 Technical Information” below.