Intel Takes Concrete Steps To Enable Thunderbolt™ 3 Universally

Intel recently declared that it has released the Intel Thunderbolt protocol specification t the USB Promoter Group. This new allow the firm to make Thunderbolt™ available universally. Release of this new protocol will allow chip makers across the world to create silicon compatible with Thunderbolt without any royalty.

Adding to this, the USB Promoter Group also released the much awaited USB4 specifications supporting Thunderbolt protocol. This new union of the underlying USB and Thunderbolt protocols will pull up the level of compatibility for USB Type-C connecter-based products easing down the process of interconnecting devices with each other.

Fig. 1: Image Showing Thunderbolt 3 Features

Why Consider It?

Intel already had intentions of integrating Thunderbolt with the upcoming lineup of Intel CPUs. Its next 10nm processor code-named “Ice Lake” will be one of the first to take in the Thunderbolt 3 specifications in itself. Apart from this, Thunderbolt 3 is completely compatible with Linux, macOS, and Windows 10 based PCs.

The total quantity of these ports will keep on multiplying will keep multiplying with every passing year. Thunderbolt 3 will now enable more than 400 PC designs. Even the total volume of peripheral devices will keep on doubling per year as even the number of certified devices is expected to exceed 450. This range of certified devices includes external graphics, storage, displays, and docks.

What Makes Thunderbolt A Class Leading Product?

The reason why this product deserves your attention is because it excels in delivering class-apart quality, ease-of-use, and performance. It sets a new standard of product capabilities by integrating multiple industry specifications.

It ensures a flawless experience for all users classes by working with an end-to-end solution enabling program for cable makkers, peripheral device, and computer systems. Intel worked in close proximity with several industry leaders to accomplish this task. For example,

● It worked hand-in-hand with Microsoft to create built-in Windows 10 support for Thunderbolt 3. It helped it in optimizing the same for system wake and charging systems, platform power management, and so forth.

● Intel did a very comprehensive end-to-end testing to make sure interoperability for a versatile profile of product manufacturers and types.

● The firm is also providing a mandatory Thunderbolt certification for all cables, peripheral devices, and computers.

● Thorough cable quality and cable enabling audits for Thunderbolt cable makers.

What’s The Maker Has To Say?

The Client Connectivity Division’s General Manager at Intel, Jason Ziller, adds, “Releasing the Thunderbolt protocol specification is a significant milestone for making today’s simplest and most versatile port available to everyone. This, in combination with the integration of Thunderbolt 3 into upcoming Intel processors is a win-win for the industry and consumers.”