What is Thunderbolt Technology?

Intel created Thunderbolt in the late 2000s for a project they named as 'Light Peak'. The intention was to add optical fibre for transferring data. However, scientists realised while testing with their copper wiring prototype, that similar results were generated with a much lower cost, this led to the invention of Thunderbolt technology.

 

So far, there are three types of thunderbolt interfaces, Thunderbolt 1, Thunderbolt 2 and Thunderbolt 3

 

Thunderbolt 1 was introduced in the year 2011, which provided a data transfer rate of 10 Gbps. It used protocol 4 x PCI express 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.1a

 

Thunderbolt 2 was later introduced in the year 2013, with a data transfer rate of 20 Gbps. It used protocol 4 x PCI express 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.2. Both Thunderbolt 1 and 2 uses the Mini DisplayPort connector.

 

Thunderbolt 3 was later introduced in the year 2015 with much better improvisations than its counterparts.

The biggest advantage of this version is that it uses the same design as USB-C connector.

It supports connection speed of up to 40 Gbps, which is double the speed of its previous counterparts.

Offering a speed of 10 Gbps, it can connect to two 4K displays, providing a video and audio output at the same time.

It also supports DisplayPort 1.2, HDMI 2.0 and 10 GbE fast networking. Plus, Thunderbolt 3 is backward compatible to Thunderbolt 2.

ALOGIC provides four types of Thunderbolt 3 Docking stations with various connectivity options that you can choose from, the Thunderbolt 3 Dual Display Docking station features HDMI supporting 4K display, Gigabit Ethernet, 5 USB-A 3.0 Slots, SD Card reader, 3.5mm Audio Jack port and Thunderbolt 3 port.

The Thunderbolt 3 Dual HDMI Portable Docking Station with 4K, this dock allows you to connect two monitors simultaneously through two HDMI outputs on the dock, it features a gigabit ethernet port to enable wired connection, USB-A 3.1 and 2.0 to connect USB-A accessories such as hard drives, USB sticks, keyboards, mice, etc

The Thunderbolt 3 Dual DisplayPort Portable Docking station with 4K allows you to convert your portable notebook or laptop into a complete workstation by adding an array of ports such as the 4K DisplayPort, USB-A 3.1, and Gigabit Ethernet port

The Thunderbolt 3.0/USB-C Turbo Docking Station with Dual Display, this dock supports Ultra high definition dual display and features 2 DisplayPort slots, USB-A and USB-C slots, Gigabit Ethernet and a Combo headphone and Mic jack

 

The Thunderbolt Technology works best for data and power transfer via a single port. It helps consolidate extra power, video, audio, and data ports into one superport. It's multitasking technology decreases the clutter on your desk and opens new possibilities for device performance.