Dell P80G, Service Manual, Page: 12 / 131

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 as miniDP (DisplayPort) to connect to peripherals, while Thunderbolt 3 uses a USB Type-C
connector.
Figure 4. 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 1.4 – 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
Figure 5. Thunderbolt Iconography Variations
12 Technology and components