Terminology » Other Wireless » Thunderbolt 1 vs Thunderbolt 2 vs Thunderbolt 3: Key Differences

Thunderbolt 1 vs Thunderbolt 2 vs Thunderbolt 3: Key Differences

thunderbolt interface data rate connector protocol

This article delves into the world of Thunderbolt interfaces, comparing Thunderbolt 1, Thunderbolt 2, and Thunderbolt 3. Developed by Intel and Apple, Thunderbolt serves as a versatile hardware interface, connecting external peripherals to computers and laptops. It’s designed to be a successor to the older Firewire interface. Let’s explore the key differences between these three versions.

Introduction:

  • Thunderbolt is a hardware interface developed by Intel & Apple to connect external peripherals to computers/laptops.
  • It supersedes the Firewire interface.
  • There are three main versions: Thunderbolt 1, Thunderbolt 2, and Thunderbolt 3.
  • These versions vary in data rates and supported cable lengths.
  • Thunderbolt 1 and 2 support up to 20 Gbps, while Thunderbolt 3 doubles that to 40 Gbps.
  • Maximum cable length can reach up to 100 meters (300 feet).

Thunderbolt interface

The Thunderbolt interface cleverly combines PCIe and DisplayPort (DP) functionality, all while providing DC power through a single cable. It operates on an 18V bus, drawing approximately 550 mA of current.

Thunderbolt 1

Introduced in 2011, Thunderbolt 1 boasts the following features:

  • Release Year: 2011.
  • Connector: Uses a Mini DisplayPort (MDP) connector.
  • Data Rate: Employs two channels, each supporting 10 Gbps, resulting in a total of 20 Gbps.
  • Protocols: Utilizes 4 x PCI Express 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.1a.

Thunderbolt 2

The Thunderbolt 2 interface, released in 2013, offers these characteristics:

  • Release Year: 2013.
  • Connector: Also uses the Mini DisplayPort (MDP) connector.
  • Data Rate: Supports a bit rate of 20 Gbps.
  • Protocols: Uses 4 x PCI Express 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.2.

Thunderbolt 3

Here’s what makes Thunderbolt 3 stand out:

  • Release Year: 2015.
  • Connector: Utilizes a USB-C connector.
  • Data Rate: Supports a bit rate of 40 Gbps.
  • Protocols: Incorporates 4 x PCI Express 3.0, DisplayPort 1.2, HDMI 2, and USB 3.1 Gen 2.

Thunderbolt 4 Interface

Thunderbolt 4