Intel has officially introduced the new Thunderbolt generation. Thunderbolt 5 achieves 80 Gbit/s bidirectionally and even up to 120 Gbit/s for video purposes. The interface protocol is based on USB 4 2.0 and DisplayPort 2.1. Accessories and computers are scheduled to appear in 2024.
Intel had already revealed the first details about the successor to Thunderbolt 4 in October 2022, and the protocol has now been finalized. The company has shared more information about the Thunderbolt 5, but so far there’s only a prototype dock and notebook. Thunderbolt 5 computers and related accessories such as docking stations are available Expected in early 2024. The Intel controller required for this is codenamed “Barlow Ridge”.
Boost mode for video connection
As with USB4 version 2.0, the protocol uses so-called pulse amplitude modulation PAM-3. Three bits of the modulation signal are transmitted in two cycles, which increases the bandwidth Bidirectional connection from 40 to 80 gigabits per second In double bandwidth boost mode, the protocol switches from two transmit and two receive channels to three transmit and one receive channels, which Up to 120 Gbit/s in one direction Active – The reception channel then operates up to 40 Gbit/s
It is primarily intended for use with screen connections for higher resolutions or refresh rates. Also based on Thunderbolt 5 DisplayPort 2.1 And theoretically supports multiple 8K monitors, three UHD monitors with 144 Hz or 540 Hz refresh rate for UHD.
Although Thunderbolt 5 uses a newer DisplayPort standard than USB 4 2.0, the USB standard supports PCIe 5.0, while Thunderbolt relies on PCIe 4.0. As per Power Delivery 3.1, Thunderbolt 5 also has charging capabilities 240 watts Possible (plus 15 watts for a dock). However, 240 watts is not mandatory for the protocol. Thanks to the high bandwidth of Thunderbolt 5, PCIe 5.0 SSDs can also achieve their high speeds (10 GB/s bidirectional, 15 GB/s in boost mode). Overall, not much has changed from Thunderbolt 4 to Thunderbolt 5 for mainstream and office use; Intel primarily sees benefits for CEOs and gamers as well as workstation users.
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