What is Thunderbolt Technology

Thunderbolt, a collaborative project of Intel and Apple, was presented today at the new line of MacBook Pro from Apple. Apparently, the next big thing, he is quoted to be the most powerful, flexible I / O technology into a personal computer.

This technology aims to replace the interconnections as FireWire, USB and other connections with up to 10 Gbps of bandwidth full-duplex per channel. Thunderbolt is based on the fundamental concept: create a technology unbelievably fast input / output that can connect everything. This line of thought is formed, allowing more high-performance PCI Express and DisplayPort devices to connect to a computer via a single physical connector.

The two most basic types of I / O: data display (with video and audio format). DisplayPort and PCIe Thunderbolt in a meta-protocol, and is responsible for transmitting them through the same cable routing and traffic control. Intelligent routing is through the implementation of garlands and hotplug devices. It 's a movement essentially clear and intelligent use of both technologies.

Thunderbolt uses copper wires, which are actually two full-duplex channels can provide 10 Gbps of bandwidth bidirectional. At 10 Gbps, the lightning is much faster than most current I / O technologies. This speed is 20 times faster than the theoretical limit of USB 2.0, 12 times faster than FireWire 800 and two times faster USB3.

According to Intel,

The choice of PCI Express was clear, providing for off-the-shelf controller use to attach to nearly any technology imaginable, and the choice of DisplayPort was equally clear for meeting the needs of the PC industry with capabilities like support for greater-than-highdefinition display resolutions, and support for up to 8 channels of high-definition audio.

Thunderbolt cables may be electrical or optical, since both use the same connector. The merit of the electric cable is that it may extend only to the connections of up to 3 meters in length and up to 10W of power transfer. Optical cables are however capable of much better performance. However, once again, users can add functionality to their machines for high performance on a cable, series connection, one after another, up to a total of 7 units, 1 or 2, which can be viewed with high resolution DisplayPort .

Thunderbolt connector on a computer can be connected with a cable to Thunderbolt DisplayPort products or devices. Because the connector Thunderbolt is extremely low, it is ideal for cable systems, thin and compact. A method of interoperability between devices and household products DisplayPort provides compatibility with DisplayPort DisplayPort devices if the device is detected, a disk controller Thunderbolt will Compatibility Mode DisplayPort signals to this device. As such the existing monitors are equipped with Mini DisplayPort already compatible and can be connected directly, and Mini DisplayPort to VGA, DVI or HDMI even work.

The main features can be enumerated as follows:

* Dual-channel 10 Gbps per port

* Bi-directional

* Dual Protocol (PCI Express and DisplayPort)

* Compatible with existing DisplayPort

* Devices in a daisy chain

* Electric cables or optical

* Low latency synchronization with the very precise time

* Use the native protocol driver software

* The power supply for devices powered by the bus

In the words of Intel, the Thunderbolt technology brings a new balance of performance, flexibility and simplicity for end users and developers of similar products.