Geotab IOX-USB: What It Does, Specs and Uses

What Is the IOX-USB?

Fleets that put tablets or phones in the cab for electronic logs, inspections, dispatch or navigation run into the same problem: the device dies halfway through the shift, or a driver runs a loose charger off the power outlet that falls out on the first bump. The IOX-USB is Geotab's answer. It is an IOX expansion module with a USB Type-A charging port that draws its power from the GO device, so the mobile device stays charged whenever it is plugged in.

The driver's own USB cable, the one supplied with the phone or tablet, connects to the IOX-USB port. Geotab recommends a one meter cable. The earlier IOX-USBM is discontinued, and this module replaces it.

The IOX-USB as a schematic: a charging module with one USB Type-A port, its lead, and the connector that joins the GO device's IOX port.

What Does the IOX-USB Do?

Charges at up to 1.5 A. A 5 V, 1.5 A USB output keeps power-hungry apps running through a full shift.
Follows the ignition. The tablet or phone display turns on and off with the vehicle's ignition.
Automatic vehicle assignment in Geotab Drive. When a device is connected through the IOX-USB, the Drive app skips vehicle selection and assigns the connected vehicle, and reassigns the driver if they were set to a different unit.
Two-way third-party data. With the USB data parameter enabled and the right plan, a third-party device or app can exchange data with the GO device over USB 2.0 full speed using the Android Open Accessory protocol.
Surge and low-current protection. Geotab's marketplace describes the module as regulating power and protecting against current surges.

What Do Fleets Use the IOX-USB For?

ELD and hours of service tablets. Trucking fleets running Geotab Drive for logs need the tablet on all day. A fixed charging point tied to the GO device removes one of the most common reasons a driver loses a log screen.
Driver assignment without extra steps. Shared vehicles in delivery and service fleets benefit from Drive auto-assigning the vehicle as soon as the tablet is plugged in.
Field service apps. Technicians running work orders, photos and navigation on a phone keep it charged between stops.
Third-party mobile integrations. Partners who build apps that talk to the GO device can use the USB data link, subject to the ProPlus plan.
Clean, permanent cab installs. Fleets that do not want cigarette lighter adapters and loose cords get a mounted, concealed USB port instead.

In the cab, the tablet rides in its mount and plugs into a concealed IOX-USB port, while the module joins the IOX chain off the GO device behind the dash.

What Are the IOX-USB's Key Specifications?

Spec	Detail
USB output	5 V / 1.5 A, female USB Type-A
Data interface	USB 2.0 full speed host, up to 12 Mbit/s, Android Open Accessory protocol
Input voltage	12 V / 24 V nominal
Current draw, no USB load	40 mA typical; 0.4 mA sleep
Current draw with load	About 290 mA at 500 mA load, 540 mA at 1000 mA, 800 mA at 1500 mA
Interface	CAN at 500 kbps for daisy chaining
Overall length	1190 mm
Weight	64 g
Operating temperature	-40 °C to +85 °C
Compatibility	GO7 and newer; charging on Base, Pro, ProPlus and Regulatory plans; USB data needs ProPlus

What Should Installers Know About the IOX-USB?

Charging load changes the power math. With a tablet pulling the full 1.5 A, the module draws about 800 mA from the IOX chain, so we total the maximum draw of every module before adding anything else to the same GO device. Geotab requires professional installation and says the GO device must be unplugged first. The USB receptacle should be mounted or concealed where it does not interfere with driving, and the wire routed to match. On permanent installs, Geotab advises taping or otherwise securing the two USB ends together so vibration does not separate them. The IOX-USB cannot share a GO device with the older IOX-USBPWR or IOX-USBF and USBM modules. If third-party data is part of the plan, the USB data parameter is applied and the plan level confirmed before the app is set up.

Who Is the IOX-USB Right For, and Who Should Choose Something Else?

The IOX-USB fits any fleet that keeps a phone or tablet in the vehicle for Geotab Drive, logs, inspections or dispatch, and wants charging and vehicle assignment handled at the hardware level. It is not a USB hub and it does not replace the device's own cable. Fleets that need to connect serial equipment such as scales or gas monitors should look at the IOX-RS232, and fleets integrating CAN-based third-party sensors should look at the IOX-CAN.

What Are Common Questions About the IOX-USB?

Will it drain the truck battery overnight?

Geotab lists a sleep draw of 0.4 mA for the module, and the connected display follows the ignition. Total chain draw still needs to stay within the GO device's limit.

Does using the data link change our plan?

Third-party USB data transfer requires ProPlus. Geotab states that Pro plan devices upgrade automatically, with charges, once data transfer starts, and Base plan devices must request an upgrade. Charging alone does not require that.

Can the driver use any cable?

Geotab says to use the cable supplied with the phone or tablet, ideally one meter long. We can supply and install the module and mount the port where the driver can reach it.

API Signal supplies the IOX-USB and installs it at your yard, with the port placed where drivers can reach it and the wiring kept out of sight. Give us a call at 803-513-1009, or ask through Get a Quote.

Sources: Geotab IOX-USB support document; Geotab Marketplace IOX-USB listing; Geotab guide to IOX add-ons. GEOTAB is a registered trademark of Geotab Inc. API Signal is an independent installer and is not Geotab.

Every Geotab Product →Trackers, cameras, asset trackers and IOX add-ons. Get a Quote →The IOX-USB supplied and installed on one written quote.

Geotab IOX-USB