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2021
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Thunderbolt 3 interface
With the strong promotion from Apple and Intel, Thunderbolt 3 has gained significant popularity in the past two years. However, many people may still be confused about what the Thunderbolt 3 interface actually is.
With the strong promotion of Apple and Intel, Thunderbolt 3 has seen a significant rise in popularity over the past two years. However, many people may still be confused about what the Thunderbolt 3 interface is. Users with Apple computers like the MacBook can look for the interface that resembles a type-C port with a lightning bolt symbol next to it, which is the Thunderbolt 3. So what can this Thunderbolt 3 interface do? Is Thunderbolt 3 compatible with type-C? Let's take a look.
1. What is the Thunderbolt 3 interface?
In short, the Thunderbolt 3 interface is the third generation version of the Thunderbolt interface (Thunderbolt 3). Thunderbolt is a data transmission standard that was first introduced by Intel, combining PCI Express data transmission technology and DisplayPort display technology, supporting simultaneous transmission of data and video signals, mainly applied in the physical interface mini DP. With the Thunderbolt 3 protocol, the physical interface type-C has been recognized for its many advantages, and Intel subsequently replaced the physical interface mini DP of the Thunderbolt 3 protocol with type-C, adding a lightning symbol next to it for distinction, thus forming the Thunderbolt 3 interface we use today.
2. Thunderbolt 3 interface transmission speed
The Thunderbolt 3 interface includes PCIE data transmission technology and DPP display technology, and its transmission speed is as fast as its name suggests: the Thunderbolt 3 interface supports a maximum bandwidth of 40Gbps, with a theoretical maximum transmission speed of 5GB/s, supporting multi-device 8K ultra-clear video transmission. At the same time, the physical interface of Thunderbolt 3 is type-C, supporting bidirectional power supply and charging, with a current PD charging power of 100W.
3. Is Thunderbolt 3 compatible with type-C?
Since the Thunderbolt 3 interface and type-C interface are the same, many friends may wonder if Thunderbolt 3 is compatible with type-C.
The answer is that Thunderbolt 3 can be compatible with type-C. However, comparing the Thunderbolt 3 interface with the type-C interface is not very precise, because Thunderbolt 3 refers to the transmission protocol standard, while type-C refers to the physical protocol standard, and the two are not on the same level. Since the type-C we often refer to is the USB 3.1 transmission protocol standard, type-C is generally assumed to be the USB 3.1 transmission protocol standard, and Thunderbolt 3 is compatible with the USB 3.1 transmission protocol. Therefore, Thunderbolt 3 can be used on a regular type-C interface and can support USB 3.1's maximum data transmission rate of 10Gbps and 100W PD charging. However, USB 3.1 is not compatible with the Thunderbolt 3 standard, so general type-C devices cannot replace Thunderbolt 3 devices.
In summary: The Thunderbolt 3 interface is compatible with type-C (USB 3.1), but type-C is not compatible with Thunderbolt 3.
4. How to determine if it is Thunderbolt 3?
As mentioned above, the Thunderbolt 3 interface looks the same as a regular type-C interface, so how can we determine if a device is Thunderbolt 3?
First, look at the computer interface. An interface that has a type-C appearance and a lightning bolt symbol next to it is Thunderbolt 3. Thunderbolt 3 interfaces are commonly found on high-end laptops such as Apple MacBook, Huawei MateBook X Pro, and Lenovo ThinkPad X1, as they are expensive, regular mid-range and low-end computers generally do not come with Thunderbolt 3 interfaces.
Next, look at the peripheral device interfaces. Thunderbolt 3 expansion devices mainly include Thunderbolt 3 data cables, Thunderbolt 3 docks, Thunderbolt 3 hard drives/array boxes, etc. The ultra-high transmission speed of Thunderbolt 3 devices relies on Intel's dedicated JHL series main control chips, which are significantly more expensive than regular type-C. When choosing Thunderbolt 3 devices, in addition to checking whether the computer has a Thunderbolt 3 interface, it is also important to ensure that the connecting cables, docks, and other devices support Thunderbolt 3. Genuine Thunderbolt 3 devices are usually marked with Intel certification and chip model, and their corresponding prices are generally above several hundred yuan. In contrast, fake Thunderbolt 3 products use low prices as a gimmick, pretending to be regular type-C interfaces, but internally lack the Thunderbolt 3 main control chip solution, completely failing to support the Thunderbolt 3 standard, let alone the 40Gbps transmission speed.
For Thunderbolt 3 devices, you can check the official certification at:https://thunderbolttechnology.net/consumer/
Thunderbolt 3, Type-C
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