Intel released new details about
Thunderbolt™ 4, the next generation of its universal cable connectivity
solution, delivering increased minimum performance requirements, expanded
capabilities and USB4 specification compliance. For the first time, Thunderbolt
4 will offer docks with up to four Thunderbolt ports and universal cables up to
2 meters in length. Intel’s upcoming mobile PC processors, code-named “Tiger Lake,” will be the first to
integrate Thunderbolt 4. Intel also announced the Thunderbolt 4 controller 8000
series, compatible with the hundreds of millions of Thunderbolt 3 PCs and
accessories already available. Thunderbolt 4 developer kits and certification
testing are now available.
In July 2020, Intel announces the
Thunderbolt 4 controller 8000 series, which includes JHL8540 and JHL8340 host
controllers for computer makers and JHL8440 device controller for accessory
makers. Thunderbolt 4 developer kits and certification testing are available.
(Credit: Intel Corporation)
Why It Matters: Thunderbolt products deliver a consistent,
industry-leading set of capabilities for connecting computers to data, video
and power with the simplicity of just one USB Type-C port. Connect to powerful
Thunderbolt docks, displays, fast storage or any USB accessory for a
clutter-free workspace. To ensure a consistent best-in-class1 experience and ease of use across a
wide range of product types and manufacturers, Intel works closely with its
ecosystem of computer, accessory and cable partners to employ mandatory
certification for all Thunderbolt products.
“We
expect Thunderbolt 4 products to be an inflection point for accessory makers
who depend on PCs and Macs to offer an industry-leading set of product
capabilities for a consistent user experience. The advancements in Thunderbolt
4 will help Kensington redefine the modern workspace of the future,” said Ben
Thacker, vice president and general manager at Kensington.
“The
new capabilities and minimum requirements of Thunderbolt 4 will provide great
experiences and increased productivity that our IT customers and end users
require,” said Jerry Paradise, vice president, Commercial Portfolio, Lenovo PC
& Smart Devices. “Lenovo is excited to work with Intel to expand our
support of Thunderbolt with the introduction of Thunderbolt 4 PCs and the
expanding portfolio of Thunderbolt accessories.”
What It Delivers: Thunderbolt 4 builds on the innovation of
Thunderbolt 3 for a truly universal cable connectivity experience. Thunderbolt
4 always delivers 40 Gbps speeds and data, video and power over a single
connection. It is the most comprehensive Thunderbolt specification yet with
compliance across the broadest set of industry-standard specifications –
including USB4, DisplayPort and PCI Express (PCIe) – and is fully compatible
with prior generations of Thunderbolt and USB products.
Thunderbolt 4 certification
requirements include:
·Double the
minimum video and data requirements of Thunderbolt 3.
o Video: Support for two 4K displays or one 8K
display.
o Data: PCIe at 32 Gbps for storage speeds up to
3,000 MBps.
·Support for
docks with up to four Thunderbolt 4 ports.
·PC charging on
at least one computer port2.
·Wake your
computer from sleep by touching the keyboard or mouse when connected to a
Thunderbolt dock.
·Required Intel
VT-d-based direct memory access (DMA) protection that helps prevent physical
DMA attacks.
When
It Is Available: Later
this year, Intel expects to deliver the new Thunderbolt 4 controller 8000
series, including:
·
JHL8540 and
JHL8340 host controllers for computer makers.
·
JHL8440 device
controller for accessory makers.
The
first computers and accessories with Thunderbolt 4 ports are also expected to
be available this year, including laptops based on Intel’s innovation program
code-named “Project Athena.”
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