Thunderbolt 1 vs Thunderbolt 2 vs Thunderbolt 3 | Difference between Thunderbolt 1, Thunderbolt 2, Thunderbolt 3

This page compares Thunderbolt 1 vs Thunderbolt 2 vs Thunderbolt 3 interface and mentions difference between Thunderbolt 1, Thunderbolt 2 and Thunderbolt 3 interface types.

Introduction:
• It is hardware interface developed by Intel & Apple which allows connection of any external peripherals to computer/laptop.
• It supersedes Firewire interface.
• There are three types of thunderbolt interfaces viz. thunderbolt-1, thunderbolt-2 and thunderbolt-3.
• Based on these different versions it supports different data rates and cable lengths.
• Thunderbolt 1 and Thunderbolt 2 support 20 Gbps where as Thunderbolt 3 supports 40 Gbps.
• It supports maximum distance of upto 100 meters (300 feet).

Thunderbolt interface

The thunderbolt interface combines PCIe and DP (Display Port) and provides DC power through single cable. It uses 18V bus power and draws current of about 550 mA.

Thunderbolt 1 interface

Following are the features of Thunderbolt 1 interface type:
• Thunderbolt 1 is introduced in the year 2011.
• Thunderbolt 1 uses MDP (Mini DisplayPort) connector.
• There are two channels each supporting 10 Gbps. Hence total 20 Gbps is achievable.
• It uses protocol 4 x PCI express 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.1a.

Thunderbolt 2 interface

Following are the features of Thunderbolt 2 interface type:
• Thunderbolt 2 is introduced in the year 2013.
• Thunderbolt 2 uses MDP (Mini DisplayPort) connector.
• Thunderbolt 2 supports bit rate of 20 Gbps.
• It uses protocol 4 x PCI express 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.2.

Thunderbolt 3 interface

Following are the features of Thunderbolt 3 interface type:
• Thunderbolt 3 is introduced in the year 2015.
• It uses USB-C connector.
• Thunderbolt 3 supports bit rate of 40 Gbps.
• It uses protocol 4 x PCI express 3.0, DisplayPort 1.2, HDMI-2 and USB 3.1 Gen-2.

Thunderbolt 4 Interface

Thunderbolt 4

Refer new Thunderbolt 4 features and difference between Thunderbolt 4 vs 3 >>.

Refer advantages and disadvantages of Thunderbolt interface>>.


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