Which interface to choose: Thunderbolt, FireWire or USB? Thunderbolt technology: how it works and what are its advantages

Connects to a computer using one of four connectors - USB 2.0, USB 3.0, FireWire or Thunderbolt. There is an opinion in the music community that FireWire provides better sound quality and works several times faster than USB and generally preferable for a recording studio. FireWire's superiority is usually supported by outdated data on interface capabilities, as well as arguments from the category “one very respected musician/sound engineer told me.”

Editorial website explains the fundamental differences between USB, FireWire and Thunderbolt, whether there is a difference in which port to connect the device through, and why musicians are mistaken when they talk about the superiority of FireWire.

A brief excursion into the history of FireWire, USB and Thunderbolt

Development of the FireWire standard began in the late 1980s as a collaboration between Apple, Sony, Texas Instruments, IBM, STMicroelectronics, and Digital Equipment Corporation. The final result was presented to the public in 1995, at the same time Apple began to position FireWire as the main standard for connecting digital audio and video devices to Mac computers.

First specifications USB standard appeared in the mid-1990s. The developers of the new connector (Compaq, IBM, Intel, Microsoft, Northern Telecom) aimed to reduce the number of ports for connecting external devices to personal computer, offering a universal replacement.

As for Thunderbolt, the interface was initially developed by Intel and Apple and, after its release in 2011, was positioned as a universal connector with which you can transfer any data between laptops, mobile devices and desktop computers. According to the authors, throughput at a rate of 10 Gbit/s would reduce the number necessary for users cables

USB cable

The creation of the Thunderbolt, FireWire and USB standards had different goals:

• USB was designed with simplicity, versatility, and low cost in mind;
• FireWire was designed for maximum performance and speed, especially when working with audio and video;
• Thunderbolt was created as a partial alternative to FireWire to reduce the number of wires and achieve the highest speed.

FireWire and Thunderbolt were originally designed to transfer large amounts of data. This positioning was true before the advent of the USB 3.0 interface, which also ensures comfortable and fast transfer of a large amount of information.

The actual data transfer speed can be found by simply dividing the advertised speed by 10. For FireWire with a advertised speed of 800 Mbps, the actual data transfer speed will be about 80 MB/s. Thus, under ideal conditions, a user can copy 80 megabytes of information per second. In real conditions, the numbers will differ less.

FireWire for a long time was the standard for connecting digital audio and video devices due to its high speed of information exchange. The creators of the interface positioned it as an ideal connector for those users whose daily work involves processing a large amount of photo, video and audio content. Initially, the amount of data that can be transferred per unit of time for the FireWire bus was up to 400 Mbit/s (FireWire 400), and later, with the release of an updated version of the bus, it was increased to 800 Mbit/s (FireWire 800).

Thunderbolt, which partially replaced FireWire, is positioned as an interface for all occasions. Due to the ability to transfer up to 40 Gbit of data per second, the connector is suitable for both everyday tasks (sending documents) and professional work with any media content. At the same time, Apple and Intel strongly emphasized the versatility of Thunderbolt, talking about the ability to connect monitors, cameras and other peripherals through this interface, work with streaming video and audio, and exchange any information.

USB was a cheaper and more accessible “everyday” connector, designed to connect devices that do not need to transfer a large flow of information. The first version of the connector operated at speeds of up to 1.5 Mbit/s, which looked ridiculous compared to FireWire. With the release of USB 2.0 in 2000, the speed advantages of FireWire became less obvious - the theoretical data transfer speed over USB bus increased to 480 Mbit/s. After the release of USB 3.0, whose speed increased to 5 Gbps, the speed advantages of FireWire simply disappeared.

What is the difference between interfaces

The main difference between FireWire and USB is the operating principle. FireWire works on the P2P principle (from English peer-to-peer - equal to equal; see Peer-to-peer network), where all devices are equal in their capabilities. For example, a user can connect two FireWire devices and arrange a direct exchange of information between them.

USB and Thunderbolt operate with the mandatory participation of a third party - a hub that organizes the exchange of information between devices. To connect two devices via USB or Thunderbolt and transfer information between them, both devices must first be connected to the computer.

Other differences include the degree of prevalence and the final cost of implementation. If in the early 2000s the presence of USB was rare, today almost all computers, laptops, ultrabooks and tablets are equipped with USB ports, regardless of the price segment. Moreover, their number starts from 1-2 and ends with 8-10 pieces. As for FireWire and Thunderbolt, they are most often equipped with devices in the highest price range, and there is often only one port itself.

Interesting fact: Acer company, which was the first to introduce the Thunderbolt interface into its own laptops, after some time was the first to abandon this interface, preferring USB 3.0.

This situation arises due to the final cost of the connectors: while the cost of implementing one USB port is on average about $0.2-0.5, the cost of one FireWire connector is $1-2, of which 25 cents must be paid to Apple. as the owner of the technology patent. The situation with Thunderbolt is even worse: the cost of the connector can reach $30, most of which will go into the pockets of Intel and Apple.

Which is better for a musician: FireWire or USB 2.0, Thunderbolt or USB 3.0?

So which is better for a musician - Thunderbolt, FireWire or USB? Among musicians, it is believed that devices with FireWire work better than devices with a USB connection. Moreover, this opinion applies even to identical models of audio interfaces that differ only in the connection method.

Official PreSonus support notes that FireWire, unlike USB 2.0, supports higher bandwidth and transfers large amounts of data faster. PreSonus says this allows more inputs and outputs to be used simultaneously, improving stability and performance of studio equipment. Among other advantages of FireWire, the company highlights:

• Streaming data, which gives greater performance when working with sound;
• Possibility of simultaneous data transfer in two directions: from the device to the computer and back;
• The ability to sequentially combine several identical FireWire devices into one.

Among the advantages of USB, PreSonus notes:

• Ability to use USB devices with any computer, laptop or tablet equipped with a USB port;
• Lower cost of USB devices compared to FireWire versions.

If you care about numbers, then the performance of USB 2.0 and FireWire 400 is almost identical - 480 Mbps versus 400 Mbps. USB 3.0 is many times faster than FireWire 800 in terms of information exchange speed - 5 Gbit/s versus 800 Mbit/s. However, audio interfaces and other studio devices with USB support 3.0 is just starting to hit the market. Thunderbolt bandwidth exceeds USB and FireWire combined, reaching up to 10 Gbps over copper and up to 40 Gbps over optical fiber.

Representatives from Audient recently explained why they chose USB 2.0 when designing new Audient iD audio interfaces, despite its lower performance compared to other interfaces. According to official information, the company's engineers understood that USB 3.0 and Thunderbolt provide greater bandwidth, but at the same time they realized that audio interfaces simply do not need this: in comparison with USB 2.0, when working with an audio signal, the third version of the connector simply transfers more data when similar speed of information exchange.

To understand this solution, the company proposed to imagine two parallel roads: the first with one lane (USB 2.0), the second with two (USB 3.0). Both routes have identical speed limits and different widths. Even though more cars will be able to travel along the second road, their speed will be similar to the first road. If there is heavy traffic, the first road will become clogged and fewer cars will be able to travel along it compared to the wider path. However, under normal traffic conditions, both highways will carry the same number of cars at the same speed. Disputes are pointless: the speed of the cars will always be identical, even if one road is more spacious than the other.

Audio information is the very cars that are driving along one of the roads. The structure of the audio data is such that the traffic density on our road will be normal. If a video or a huge number of different and different-sized files travel along the road, then the traffic density will increase greatly - heavy traffic will form. The conclusion is obvious: USB 3.0 will not provide obvious superiority to the movement.

To finally verify this, you can carry out simple calculations. The bandwidth of USB 2.0 is 480 Mbit - in one second we can transfer 480,000,000 bits of information. Knowing this, let's imagine a worst-case scenario: the Audient iD44 audio interface simultaneously handles 44 channels of input and/or output signal with a sampling rate of 96 kHz and 24 bits. It turns out that the audio card receives or transmits 44 independent data streams or samples in 24 times the size, with each signal transmitted 96,000 times per second. To calculate how many bits of information the card processes every second, let’s multiply the numbers:

44 channels × 96,000 samples × 24 bits = 101,376,000 bps

Of course, other service data is also transferred to the card and computer in the general stream. Taking into account their transfer, the final number will increase by a couple of tens of thousands of bits, but even so we will not even reach the USB 2.0 bandwidth threshold. Even if we connect a similar interface to the iD44 via ADAT and double or even triple the number of channels, we still won’t reach the limit. As you can see, the increased bandwidth of USB 3.0, amounting to 5 Gbit/s, is simply excessive, especially at home, where the number of simultaneously used channels (data streams) rarely exceeds 10-12 pieces.

According to Audient, Thunderbolt theoretically offers increased data transfer speed and channel width compared to USB. In practice, the actual speed largely depends on the audio drivers used.

However, Thunderbolt, for all its advantages, is still not widely used (especially on PCs). More than 95% of computers are not and will never be compatible with this connector. In 2018, when an audio interface must be not only productive, but also mobile, this becomes critical: you will not be able to take a Thunderbolt card to a friend to record on his laptop, and you will be tied to your computer. Such a problem is simply unthinkable for USB: any version of the interface is compatible with each other, so even if all USB 2.0 ports disappear from computers, any devices with this connector will continue to work as if nothing had happened.

It is not entirely correct to talk about a delay in signal passage time (latency) in relation to an audio interface. Latension is directly related to how quickly the computer can process audio data, not how quickly the signal is transmitted.

And what's the result?

The issue of FireWire and USB performance was a hot topic in the late 1990s and early 2000s, when FireWire bandwidth was significantly higher and the market was filled with FireWire-only devices. Today, when the speed of the USB connector exceeds FireWire, manufacturers of music and studio equipment either completely refuse to support FireWire, or release two or even three versions of devices - with Thunderbolt, FireWire and USB.

The difference between the connectors exists only on paper. In a recording studio, you won’t notice any difference between FireWire, Thunderbolt, USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 in performance, signal delay time and other indicators. The choice of device should depend only on the technical equipment of the recording studio (see). If maximum compatibility with other devices is important to you, it is better to look towards USB, if performance is at the forefront, think about Thunderbolt, and if nothing is more important to you than the possibility of further expansion, then pay attention to FireWire.

Thunderbolt is a technology that is used to connect peripheral devices. Intel and Apple corporations worked on the technology; it forms a universal standard for connecting PCs to other peripheral devices. It is a kind of alternative to USB, but improved and more modern.

Thunderbolt – translated as “clap of thunder” and is a combination of two interfaces DisplayPort and PCI Express. One such port can connect up to six peripheral devices, thereby combining them into one chain.

Benefits of use and characteristics

The main advantage of the technology is that the need disappears in using a switch or hub if you need to connect a number of gadgets. Using just one dual-channel port you can use up to six devices simultaneously, but they will not lose speed or performance. Now the technology has been developed to such a level that it allows data transfer rates of up to 40 Gbit/s. Considering that even the first versions of Thunderbolt were approximately twice as fast as USB, the technology is developing rapidly.

Another feature of the technology is that it allows simultaneous reception and transmission of data. Using the Thunderbolt connector, you can also connect displays with Mini DisplayPort or with a DisplayPort, VGA, DVI, HDMI adapter using adapters.

The advantages of the Thunderbolt at high data transfer speeds do not end yet, since this interface powers the peripheral devices connected through this port. Thus, allowing the user to relieve the need for multiple cables.

Comparison of versions

There are now two versions Thunderbolt interface– 2 and 3. More early version uses a Mini Display Port connector and does not have as much bandwidth, it is limited to 20 Gbps, which is still several times higher than USB bandwidth. Thunderbolt 3 is the latest development. The creators left the MDP connector and switched to a more popular one USB Type C at the same time increasing throughput up to 40 Gbit/sec.

The entire top line of Apple (Mac and Mac book) are equipped with a version of Thunderbolt 3.

Thunderbolt and PCi Express

PCI Express architecture uses a high-speed bus to connect and exchange data between various computer components. With this architecture, data flows to the gadget “directly” without any interference, thereby ensuring fast interaction between components. Thunderbolt in turn using a busPCI makes a direct connection to it, thereby providing itself with greater information transmission capacity.

Port Thunderbolt

Many people wonder which connector to connect the Thunderbolt cable to? In this matter, the developers did not dodge and Thunderbolt is connected to a regular MDP port, which is present on all Macintoshes.

Thunderbolt and mini Displayport what is the difference

Thunderbolt includes features of PCI Express and mini DisplayPort technologies. Accordingly, it can be used to transmit video of the same quality as through MDP.

Unlike common connectors for transmitting video signals, such as VGA and DVI, Thunderbolt has better picture quality and, most importantly, the ability to transmit power using one cable. In turn, the USB interface, which provides power to peripheral devices, does not have the ability to transmit a video signal good quality. The only thing that USB wins is low cost of production, which is why many manufacturers do not want to abandon it in favor of Tuderbolt.

USB and FireWire compatible

Other developers produce adapters/adapters so that you can connect devices using FireWire 400, FireWire 800, and the more common USB interfaces. Speed ​​limits appears due to the controllers installed on these devices.

If you connect devices on the FireWire 400 interface, the data throughput will be limited to 400 Mbit/s. And if the connected gadget uses the USB 3.0 interface, then the speed limit will be 5 Gbps.

It follows from this that when connecting any other device via a special adapter, the bandwidth limitation is set by another interface.

Is it possible to connect multiple devices?

One Thunderbolt port can connect up to six various devices. To do this, you will need two such ports on each device. One for input, the other for serial communication.

Unlike the older USB interface, on which the data transfer speed sags when connecting a slow gadget, Thunderbolt technology is designed specifically in such a way that it can cope with a large number connected low-speed devices without sacrificing speed main channel.

Technologies are constantly evolving. Are changing technical capabilities laptops, appearance, communication connectors. For recent years Apple technology received a Thunderbolt port. Every updated laptop has at least one such port. Although it was expected that Thunderbolt would supplant Port USB 3.0, this has not happened yet. Some Apple laptop models are equipped only with new ports, which is not convenient to use. What are the advantages of Thunderbolt?

The first name of this interface is Light Peak. This is development Inteltogether with Apple. What and why is it needed? This standard is not just a new optical interface for external devices, it connects PCI Express and Display Port into a serial stream. This ensures high data transfer rates. The interface supports highly accurate time synchronization. This is the main requirement of peripheral audio and video equipment.

How does this work?

Nowadays, video cards with PCI (or PCIe) - Express interface are used. Integration of controllers into the system can be done in two ways: direct connection to the PCI Express lines of the processor ( Ivy Bridge or Sandy Bridge). Or communication with the PCH chipset via a PCIe line. Data from Display Port and PCIe enters the controller separately, then moves together along the cable and diverges at the output. The cost of the cable is high due to the fact that it is active. Each cord tip is equipped with a low power transmitter chip. Transmitter chips amplify the transmitted signal.

The developer company discovered that the cable provides high speed not only with fiber optic cable, but also with copper. The technology also supports “hot” connection, like the FireWire interface. Connect up to 6 devices into one daisy chain, including two monitors with Display Port . For daisy chaining, devices must have two Thunderbolt ports. A device with a single port is placed as a trailing one, since it will not be possible to transmit the signal further through it.

The port has a physical connection with the Mini Display Port, so there will be no difficulties when connecting. The interface has two data lines, both transmitting signals in both directions at speeds of up to 10 Gbps. One line is used for transmitting information between equipment, and the second is used for screen signals.

Every laptop released by Apple for lately equipped with one or more Thunderbolt ports. The gadget body is equipped with them on both sides closer to the hinges. If the laptop has only one single port (or all) and it is Thunderbolt standard , then you can’t do without an additional adapter. An adapter may be needed to connect an external video card. This simple manipulation will improve Apple's graphics capabilities. MacBook Air 11″ Mid-2013. If you want to connect TV to a laptop, you can do this via the HDMI connector. If it is not there, the adapter will come to the rescue again.

Belkin Express Station

This is a device connected via a Thunderbolt port, allowing you to connect up to eight pieces of equipment. The connection is made using FireWire, USB, Ethernet and Thunderbolt daisy chain standards. With this tool you will not need additional adapters. The tool allows you to obtain high speed information transfer. Universal to use. The design of the device is minimalist, stylistically suitable for all Apple gadgets. The Belkin Express Station transmits large volumes of information quickly and in high quality.

Comparison of USB 3.0 with Thunderbolt

Despite expectations, the USB standard has not been supplanted. On the contrary, he is popular. But with the advent of the Thunderbolt interface, technical capabilities have expanded, albeit at a high price. Time will tell how the struggle between these interfaces will develop, but for now let’s compare their characteristics.

Main Features

Port USB provides high data transfer speeds without cable length limitations. The power supply is managed normally and complies with previous standards. High speed is achieved through parallel auxiliary buses. This increases the transmission speed and allows information to be transmitted in full duplex (data is transmitted simultaneously in two directions).

The level of power supply is 1.5 times higher than that of version 2.0 (if the devices are optimized for the standard). If the connectors are not used, they switch to energy saving modes. This standard can cope with applications that require high throughput.

Port Thunderbolt 2 transfers data at high speed. This is a two-way serial interface used to connect displays. Everything is the same as HDMI, but there is also support for VGA and older video analogues. The technology provides “hot” connection without overloading the system. Monitors, even 4K HD quality, are connected through it. The connector allows you to connect more than three devices in series (up to six) without losing the throughput of each. Gives a power of 10 W.

Considering the main characteristics of each interface, it is impossible to say that one is superior. Both show great promise for further use and development.

Speed ​​indicators

The speed indicators that will be indicated below are theoretical or the maximum possible. In fact, they are lower. The highest speed of USB 3.0 reaches 5 GB per second. This is ten times higher than the figure for version 2.0. Suitable for high throughput scenarios, even for RAID storage.

The Thunderbolt connector has four independent transmission lines. So for each connected device the transfer speed will be 10 GB per second. The second generation is capable of transmitting information at a speed of 20 GB per second. This figure is 4 times higher than the speed level of USB 3.0. This high-speed capability is provided by two transmission lines in two directions simultaneously. Therefore we can safely say that this standard has an advantage over USB 3.0.

Price

USB 3.0 is used everywhere precisely because of its low cost. Manufacturers install on Intel chipsets and AMD this standard. This is a universal standard, so almost every device has a corresponding connector. This gives the consumer a wide choice of cables of all types. Their price range is within the affordable range.

In the case of the Thunderbolt standard, everything is different. A laptop that has such a connector is in the price category of $1,000. To use this connector, its presence alone is not enough; adapted peripheral devices are needed. They are also not made from cheap technology. Even buying adapters, you will have to spend a significant amount. This technology is more expensive due to the fact that it is not mass produced. In terms of price, this standard loses.

Compatibility

3.0 and 2.0 USB compatible. If you use a standard cable with a lower standard port, the data transfer will go to the highest limit of the lower standard port. This connector is popular and used everywhere, so you will not have any problems using it and supporting it with external devices.

The Thunderbolt 3 interface is compatible with two previous generations: 1 and 2. “Native” cables can also be used for all generations. To obtain the highest transfer speed, it is necessary that all gadgets in the chain have support for the 3rd generation of the standard. You can connect a peripheral display with a Mini Display Port directly. However, the Mini Display Port cable cannot be used with an external Thunderbolt device.

To connect other standards, such as VGA, DVI and HDMI, adapters are required. The cost of these adapters is high, and they are also not easy to find. Therefore, the USB 3.0 standard is the most convenient due to its widespread use.

Conclusion

Thunderbolt technology looks far into the future. It is really capable of transmitting data to high speeds. Difficulty in use is largely caused by other devices not being ready to work with the connector. The standard is not used as popularly as USB 3.0, so its production is not commercialized and the cost is high. Pairing with peripheral devices that do not have the required port is complicated by the additional costs of purchasing adapters. But, if we consider connecting and working with adapted devices, the interface shows high results and huge potential.

If we consider USB 3.0 as an affordable alternative, the interface shows good performance. Today there is already version 3.1, which is superior in performance to its predecessor. At the same time, it is compatible with almost all devices. This allows you to avoid spending money on additional accessories in the form of adapters. The popularity of the standard also ensures mass production of both equipment with ports and various accessories at affordable prices.

Now USB 3.1 is considered a convenient standard to use. But if we look to the future, the Thunderbolt 3 standard sets the bar high. Only over time will we find out which “input” will implement the largest number of requirements.

This article describes the main differences between Thunderbolt 3 and USB 3.1 (USB-C).
The USB-C connector is used in Thunderbolt 3 mainly because it is compact. However, the compatibility of these two technologies is limited.

Below are answers to frequently asked questions about Thunderbolt 3.

How can I tell if my computer has a Thunderbolt 3 port?
Check your computer's documentation. The Thunderbolt 3 port on a computer looks like this USB port-C with a Thunderbolt icon. See illustration below:

Is it possible to use Thunderbolt 3 instead of a drive? USB drive 3.1 (USB-C)?

• The Thunderbolt 3 computer port supports both the interface of the same name and USB-C.
• The computer's USB 3.1 (USB-C) port only supports USB devices.

• Thunderbolt 3 cables support Thunderbolt 3 and USB 3.1 (USB-C) devices.
• USB 3.1 (USB-C) cables do not support Thunderbolt 3 devices.
• To use a Thunderbolt 3 drive on your computer, you must have a Thunderbolt 3 cable and a Thunderbolt 3 port.

Some of our Thunderbolt drives offer multiple interfaces (such as Thunderbolt 3 and USB 3.1), allowing them to be used with systems that do not support Thunderbolt 3 technology.

Note. All adapters are not guaranteed to be fully compatible with Thunderbolt 3 devices.

Are all Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) cables the same?
No. There are two types of Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) cables: passive and active. Passive ones are cheaper and provide data transfer rates of up to 40 Gbit/s (with a length of up to 0.5 m) and 20 Gbit/s (with a length over 0.5 m). Active cables allow you to achieve speeds of up to 40 Gbit/s with a length of up to 2 m.

Thunderbolt | Now on PC

Mac and PC users will never agree on which platform has the best operating system. But when it comes to hardware, PC owners have a clear advantage. When selecting processors, video cards and motherboards, we have much more choice. If you use a Mac, you'll have to wait until Apple adds support for the device you want (if it ever does).

Thunderbolt broke the rule that PCs get the latest technology first. For almost a year now, owners of new Macs have been using the interface Thunderbolt, which was developed by Intel in collaboration with Apple. For experienced users The PC had to just sit and wait, although the lack of products with this interface made this wait much easier.

MSI recently introduced the first motherboard to support Thunderbolt. The Z77A-GD80 ends Apple's monopoly on the coolest interface since the first USB standard. The board we received is almost identical to the Z77A-GD65 model, which we reviewed in review of six Z77 motherboards priced at $160-220 except for the presence of a port Thunderbolt 10 Gbps on the rear I/O panel (instead of the DVI port), along with a new 14-phase voltage regulator.

If you are not yet familiar with the technology Thunderbolt or its implementations, we are sure that you will want to have such an interface in your next system, even though the number of devices that support it is not very large yet.

Thunderbolt is the name of an Intel initiative that was originally codenamed Light Peak, an optical interface for connecting peripheral devices. When Intel first introduced Light Peak technology at IDF 2009, it was believed that the optical interface would provide 10 Gbps throughput. However, the copper version turned out to be better than previously expected, and allowed Intel to switch to it, reducing the cost of the final solution and adding power lines for connected devices (up to 10 W).

What enthusiasts don't like most is that USB 3.0 already exists as a standard part of the functionality AMD chipsets and Intel. Why should we pay for another interface? After all, USB Gen 3's 5Gbps throughput is nearly on par with the peak performance of today's SSDs. However Thunderbolt not just another interface for peripherals. It combines DisplayPort and PCI Express into a serial data stream, allowing for fairly high-speed connections between devices (along with innovative ideas such as the MSI GUS II).

Manufacturers have been playing with graphic solutions for USB, but no one has ever really succeeded at it because USB's unique command set simply wasn't designed to handle high-performance graphics I/O. However, the interface Thunderbolt It has low latency and high throughput, making it a reliable data transfer technology that supports highly accurate time synchronization, ideal for external video and audio devices.

How does Thunderbolt work?

Two schemes for connecting a Thunderbolt controller in the system

Controllers Thunderbolt are integrated into the system in one of two ways: either they are connected directly to the PCI Express lines of class processors Sandy Bridge or , or communicates with the chipset (PCH) via its PCIe lanes.

It seems to us that in the desktop segment, most motherboard vendors will implement the connection via PCH, so as not to take up lanes on the processor, which are mainly intended for discrete graphics. This configuration could potentially create a bottleneck, since the DMI connection between the processor and the chipset can theoretically handle 2 GB/s flows in both directions. If you have connected many SATA drives, then maximum performance interface Thunderbolt may be limited.

In the image above you can see how DisplayPort data flows between the controller Thunderbolt and Flexible Display Interface (FDI) on the PCH. FDI has its own path dedicated to transmitting information, and it does not burden DMI 2.0.

Data from PCIe and DisplayPort enters the controller Thunderbolt separately, mixed pass through the cable Thunderbolt and are separated at the end.

For Thunderbolt you need an active cable, that's why it's so expensive (around $50). Each end of the cable uses two tiny Gennum GN2033 low-power transmitter chips, which are responsible for amplifying the transmitted signal to provide data transfer rates of 10 Gbps over distances of up to three meters.

Initially Thunderbolt had to transmit data using an optical transmitter and fiber optic cable. But Intel engineers discovered that the 10 Gbps target could be achieved with cheaper copper cable. However, the implementation of the fiber optic option continues, and in the future we hope to see optical cables that allow devices to be connected over fairly long distances. As we already mentioned, the wired version is capable of powering devices up to 10W. When the optical option appears, all connected devices will need a separate power source.

Despite the many unique features, many ideas Thunderbolt borrowed from other places. For example, it supports hot plugging. And, like FireWire, it is designed to work in a chain with other devices. Systems with controllers Thunderbolt will be equipped with one or two ports, each will support up to seven devices in a chain, two of which can be DisplayPort-enabled monitors. Combinations can be as follows:

• Five devices and two displays with Thunderbolt ports
• Six devices and one display with Thunderbolt port
• Six devices and one display via mini-DisplayPort adapter
• Five devices, one display with Thunderbolt port and one display via mini-DisplayPort adapter

Of course, daisy chaining requires that each device (except the last one) have two ports Thunderbolt. So when you have attached a display that does not have a port Thunderbolt(via a mini-DisplayPort adapter), or it only has one port, it will not be possible to transmit the signal further along the chain. Thus, when connecting many components, displays should be placed last.

The connector itself Thunderbolt physically compatible with mini-DisplayPort, so there will be no problems connecting.

If there are any conditions for placing PCIe and DisplayPort data on the same cable? In theory, no. Apple and Intel addressed the output quality issue on early devices through a firmware update in 2011. The interface uses two data channels, each of which is capable of transmitting information at a speed of 10 Gbit/s in both directions. In this solution, one channel is used to transmit data between devices, the second for display signals. And even in this case we are talking about 10 Gbps as an official characteristic Thunderbolt, since adding the speeds will not be a completely correct approach.

Thunderbolt | Interface Bandwidth: Comparison with USB 3.0, FireWire and eSATA

According to Intel partners, ultrabooks will use a single-port Cactus Ridge controller due to the low power consumption of the platforms. Enthusiast-oriented desktop systems and chained devices will use the Cactus Ridge 4C controller. Both Cactus Ridge controller models use four PCIe 2.0 lanes. It was previously believed that version 2C would only occupy two lanes, but the developer has confirmed that this belief was wrong.

The Intel Port Ridge controller is also a second generation development. However, it was specifically designed for end devices. Such devices must be connected to the end of a daisy chain or used separately. A good example The end device is a portable 2.5” SSD Elgato with one port Thunderbolt. And since the interface can power devices up to 10W, there's no need for additional power.

But why do we need controller differentiation? Thunderbolt? Intel is trying to make the technology more accessible where possible. We've heard that Light Ridge costs about $25-$30, and Eagle Ridge is about half that. Port Ridge has one channel removed Thunderbolt, used for DisplayPort signals, and is essentially one half of the Eagle Ridge controller. Thus, Port Ridge's single-channel, single-port controller allows suppliers to significantly reduce the cost of end devices.

Dual display support

The Cactus Ridge 4C and Light Ridge controllers use two DisplayPort outputs. On desktop systems, one channel is connected to the processor's integrated graphics Sandy Bridge or . The second is given to the discrete video card. Of course, the ability to connect a second screen is important for high-end systems, so motherboards based on the Z77 chipset will use a four-channel Cactus Ridge controller. The implementation will look a little strange since you will need a DisplayPort return cable between the discrete graphics card and motherboard. But this is the only way to establish a second connection to the Cactus Ridge 4C controller.

The question arises, why not just connect the monitor to the video card and not suffer? Because Thunderbolt uses an active cable.

The active cable allows the controller Thunderbolt interact with displays over long distances without compromising signal integrity. However, a long DisplayPort cable is not the best option because after two meters the signal begins to deteriorate. DVI uses only passive cables, and the resolution and refresh rate decrease as the length increases (that's what DVI extenders are for). Thunderbolt solves these problems and simplifies monitor connection.

The HD Graphics 4000 architecture engine supports up to three independent displays. Therefore, configurations without an additional video card, but equipped with a Light Ridge/Cactus Ridge 4C controller, make it possible to control two screens Thunderbolt when the laptop display is running.

If your laptop has an Eagle Ridge or Cactus Ridge 2C controller, you will only be able to connect one display Thunderbolt. This is a limitation of the controller, so even if you have a discrete graphics card, you will not be able to connect a second device with a socket Thunderbolt .

It is technically possible to connect two displays via Thunderbolt using Intel's integrated graphics desktop system, but for this it must meet the following requirements.

• The motherboard must have a Light Ridge or Cactus Ridge 4C controller.
• The motherboard must have a DisplayPort input to route the signal to the second display.
• The motherboard must have a built-in DisplayPort output (from Intel HD Graphics 3000/4000) that feeds back to the input.

Even though connecting the return cable is extra work, it still makes sense. The cable gives you the ability to control a second screen using discrete video card. Without this, connect the monitor Thunderbolt to a high-performance video card is not possible.

Thunderbolt | Thunderbolt 103: controller from the inside

When you use a serial circuit or end device, the controller Thunderbolt provides PCIe 2.0 x4 connection. However, it also provides greater flexibility for multiple connected devices. For example, with four devices connected, you can configure the connection as four separate PCIe 2.0 x1 lanes. According to Intel, the Cactus Ridge (2C/4C) controller can be configured as follows:

• 1 * x4: one device for four lines
• 4 * x1: four devices, one line each
• 2 * x2: two devices with two lines each
• 1 * x2 + 2 * x1: one device for two lines and two devices for one line each

Most often, one device is used connected to the controller. Thunderbolt, i.e. 1*x4 configuration. However, there are situations where one controller Thunderbolt controls multiple devices.

Thunderbolt | Active cable temperature

Perhaps you didn't think that external solutions There may be problems with temperature, but Thunderbolt is literally a “hot” technology.

Infrared image of where the cable is Thunderbolt connects to the motherboard shows that the temperature there reaches 43.30 degrees, even when the device is idle. With active data exchange, the temperature rises to 48.80 degrees.

These results refer to the active cable Thunderbolt with two Gennum GN2033 chips on each end. When the flow of information passes through the cables, the chips process the data more actively, which is why we get such temperature readings.

Not surprisingly, in a more space-constrained environment, such as a 13.3" MacBook Pro, thermal performance is even more alarming. In the image above, the cable temperature Thunderbolt is in the 50 degree range. To the left of it is a FireWire 800 cable. On the other side is a USB 2.0 cable. And although these interfaces also seem to emit heat, they are actually heated by the cable Thunderbolt, located nearby. Fortunately, only the ends of the cable heat up, and the wires themselves remain cold.

High temperatures will not be a problem for you if you use a mini-DisplayPort adapter. The display signal is always present in the cable.

So, in comparison with USB and FireWire, cables Thunderbolt quite hot. But the heat is generated only at the plug, which you touch for a short period of time when you disconnect/connect the cable, and the temperature is not so high that you will get burned.

Thunderbolt | Beating the path to high-speed interfaces

Despite a lackluster debut on PC, the interface's pure performance Thunderbolt impressive. It provides approximately 1 GB/s of throughput, making ultra-fast external storage a reality. But Thunderbolt not only allows you to use large external drives, but also brings out the PCIe bus of your motherboard, thereby helping to realize innovations that we have already seen to some extent, and those that will no doubt surprise us in the coming year.

Perhaps the biggest drawback Thunderbolt is the price, which is not very suitable for budget solutions. Seagate GoFlex based adapter Thunderbolt costs $190, which, you see, is not cheap at all. For comparison, FireWire 800 adapters, which were previously considered expensive, cost around $80, and USB adapters 3.0 sells for about $30. For such a high price, you can thank Intel controllers Thunderbolt, especially given the fact that device vendors based on Thunderbolt Cables are not included. Those. Expect to spend another $50 just to connect the new toy to the motherboard.

However, Intel representatives claim that the company is doing everything possible to reduce the cost: cheaper controllers are presented Thunderbolt second generation (Cactus Ridge and Port Ridge), and the company provides subsidies to partners to help cover costs.

Despite its technological effectiveness and more high performance, enthusiasts should still stick to cheaper drive controllers, SATA-based SSDs, and internal graphics cards. Number of tasks that require interface capabilities Thunderbolt still very little. You can get high-speed external storage using JBOD arrays, and most people don't find the limitations of DVI cables a constraint. At the moment technology Thunderbolt occupies a certain niche in desktop computers, attracting professional audio and video editors who need low latency and high throughput to move quickly large volumes data.

Interface Thunderbolt, perhaps more promising in the field mobile devices. We love laptops for their portability. But they usually lose in performance and flexibility. By bringing the PCI Express and DisplayPort interfaces outside, Thunderbolt makes it possible to add a fast drive, external device for graphics processing and a large monitor small laptop, who previously could not work with such equipment.

There's no doubt that Thunderbolt compensates for the shortcomings of modern external interfaces. Thanks to the standards on which the technology is based Thunderbolt, outside the case (mobile or desktop) you can do things that were previously impossible.