Intel has introduced Thunderbolt™ 4 in its latest 11th generation Core™ processor series (Tiger Lake), an innovative interface that combines the fastest speeds, advanced protocols, and reliable standardization, providing users and IT professionals with an unprecedented connectivity experience.
Thunderbolt™ 4 not only retains the iconic 40Gbps speed, 100W power delivery, and extensive protocol support (DisplayPort, PCIe, USB) of Thunderbolt™ 3, but also brings several significant upgrades. It now supports dual 4K displays or a single 8K display, as well as PCIe 32 Gbps transfer speeds, meeting the needs of high-performance users such as content creators, photographers, and developers. Additionally, Thunderbolt™ 4 is compatible with the USB4 standard, further enhancing its compatibility and connectivity.
For users, the launch of Thunderbolt™ 4 means they can confidently adopt new technologies while clearly understanding their performance. By raising the mini-mum performance standards, implementing mandatory certification, and introducing new productivity-enhancing accessories, Thunderbolt™ 4 reduces compatibility confusion and inconsistencies, giving buyers confidence that their Thunderbolt devices and accessories will perform at their best.
Thunderbolt™ 4 also offers several advantages, one of which is its ability to simplify connectivity and compatibility. It provides backward compatibility with Thunderbolt™ 3 and USB3 while adhering to the USB4 standard, offering users more choices and flexibility. Furthermore, Thunderbolt™ 4 introduces Intel VT-d-based DMA protection, safeguarding devices from unauthorized access during connections, thereby enhancing its security.
Laptops equipped with Thunderbolt™ 4 provide businesses with a universal solution that accesses multiple protocols, including DisplayPort 1.4, PCIe 3.0, and USB4, all while remaining lightweight and portable. This enables IT teams to design customized workstations that meet the evolving needs of employees and organizations, boosting productivity and efficiency.
As the size of laptops and their I/O profiles and port options continue to shrink, the demand for connectivity accessories has surged. The introduction of Thunderbolt™ 4 will enable new connectivity accessories to offer enhanced convenience, performance, and reliability. Accessory manufacturers can now launch Thunderbolt™ 4 docks with up to four downstream Thunderbolt ports, opening new possibilities for simplifying connections with Thunderbolt host devices.
Intel is also collaborating with accessory manufacturers to launch cables that universally support Thunderbolt™ 4 and USB4, which will support longer-distance 40Gbps transmissions, further enhancing Thunderbolt™ 4's connectivity capabilities.
Manufacturers of connectivity accessories, such as Purplelec, have begun developing products compatible with Thunderbolt™ 4, including docks, cables, and adapters. These new products will help businesses fully leverage the advantages of Thunderbolt™ 4, enhancing team productivity and workstation flexibility.
In summary, Thunderbolt™ 4, as a next-generation high-speed interface, not only inherits the speed and versatility of the Thunderbolt series but also brings several significant upgrades and enhancements. It will provide users and IT professionals with a more confident, flexible, and secure connectivity experience, leading connectivity technology into a new leap forward.
