Thunderbolt over USB Type-C
Thunderbolt is a hardware interface that combines data, video, audio, and power in a single connection. Thunderbolt combines
PCI Express (PCIe) and DisplayPort (DP) into one serial signal, and additionally provides DC power, all in one cable. Thunderbolt
1 and Thunderbolt 2 use the same connector [1] as miniDP (DisplayPort) to connect to peripherals, while Thunderbolt 3 uses a
USB Type-C connector [2].
Figure 1. Thunderbolt 1 and Thunderbolt 3
1. Thunderbolt 1 and Thunderbolt 2 (using a miniDP connector)
2. Thunderbolt 3 (using a USB Type-C connector)
Thunderbolt 3 over USB Type-C
Thunderbolt 3 brings Thunderbolt to USB Type-C at speeds up to 40 Gbps, creating one compact port that does it all -
delivering the fastest, most versatile connection to any dock, display or data device like an external hard drive. Thunderbolt 3
uses a USB Type-C connector/port to connect to supported peripherals.
1. Thunderbolt 3 uses USB Type-C connector and cables - It is compact and reversible
2. Thunderbolt 3 supports speed up to 40 Gbps
3. DisplayPort 1.2 – compatible with existing DisplayPort monitors, devices and cables
4. USB Power Delivery - Up to 130W on supported computers
Key Features of Thunderbolt 3 over USB Type-C
1. Thunderbolt, USB, DisplayPort and power on USB Type-C on a single cable (features vary between different products)
2. USB Type-C connector and cables which are compact and reversible
3. Supports Thunderbolt Networking (*varies between different products)
4. Supports up to 4K displays
5. Up to 40 Gbps
NOTE:
Data transfer speed may vary between different devices.
Thunderbolt Icons
Table 3. Thunderbolt Iconography Variation
Protocol
USB Type-A
USB Type-C
Notes
Thunderbolt
Not Applicable
mDP or USB Type-C
Advantages of Displayport over USB Type-C
●
Full DisplayPort audio/video (A/V) performance (up to 4K at 60Hz)
●
SuperSpeed USB (USB 3.1) data
Technology and components
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