By PURPLELEC | 19 December 2024 | 0 Comments
Thunderbolt 3 Technology Explained: High-Performance Connectivity via USB-C
Thunderbolt 3 brings Thunderbolt technology to the USB-C interface, providing a fully functional and compact port that offers the fastest and most versatile connections for any dock, display, or data device, with speeds of up to 40Gbps. To help users better understand Thunderbolt 3, we have compiled the following frequently asked questions (FAQ) list along with relevant technical specifications.
Thunderbolt 3 Technical Specifications:
1. Compatibility: Thunderbolt 3 supports Thunderbolt, USB, DisplayPort, and Power Delivery over USB-C connectors, delivering performance entirely through the USB-C connector rather than the Mini DisplayPort connector. Additionally, Thunderbolt 3 is backward compatible with Thunderbolt and Thunderbolt 2 products, but requires an adapter.
2. Ports and Cables: Thunderbolt 3 ports and cables are designed to be compact and reversible, making them user-friendly. A variety of Thunderbolt 3 laptops, devices, and cables are currently available on the market.
3. Data Transfer Speed: Thunderbolt 3 offers data transfer speeds of up to 40Gbps, which is double the speed of Thunderbolt 2. It supports bidirectional, dual-protocol (PCI Express and DisplayPort) connections, including four PCIe Gen 3 lanes and eight lanes of DisplayPort 1.2 (HBR2 and MST).
4. Display Support: Thunderbolt 3 supports two 60Hz 4K displays or one 60Hz 5K display, while also being compatible with existing DisplayPort, DVI, HDMI, and VGA displays.
5. USB Support: Thunderbolt 3 provides USB 3.1 Gen 2 data support (10 Gbps) and is compatible with existing USB devices and cables.
6. Networking Features: Thunderbolt 3 includes built-in 10GbE full-duplex computer connectivity, offering high-speed network performance.
7. Device Connectivity: Up to six devices can be connected in a daisy chain to a single Thunderbolt 3 port.
8. Power Delivery: Thunderbolt 3 supports bidirectional power delivery, with system charging capabilities of up to 100W (if supported). In the absence of USB power, Thunderbolt 3 can provide up to 15W of power to bus-powered devices.
Thunderbolt 3 Cable-Related Questions:
Maximum Cable Length: Thunderbolt 3 passive cables have a maximum length limitation. Currently, there are passive Thunderbolt 3 copper cables available in lengths of 0.5 meters (1.65 feet), 1 meter (3.3 feet), and 2 meters (6.6 feet), but speeds may vary based on length. Active cables will be available in the future to provide 40Gbps bandwidth at longer lengths.
Difference Between Active and Passive Cables: Active Thunderbolt 3 cables support 40Gbps data transfer and can be up to 2 meters long. Passive low-cost cables can only achieve 20Gbps data transfer at lengths of 1 meter or 2 meters, but can achieve the full 40Gbps at the shorter length of 0.5 meters.
Common User Questions:
Does the USB-C port support Thunderbolt 3? Not all USB-C ports support Thunderbolt 3. Thunderbolt 3 ports feature the Thunderbolt icon, indicating that the host or device has passed Intel's rigorous certification process.
Number of Displays Supported: A single Thunderbolt 3 connection can support one 4K display (4096 x 2160) at 30 bits @ 120 Hz, one 5K display (5120 x 2880) at 30 bits @ 60 Hz, or two 4K displays (4096 x 2160) at 30 bits @ 60 Hz.
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