Yesterday, the USB-IF Association announced the launch of the USB4 v2.0 specification, which can achieve data transfer rates up to 80 Gbps (10GB/s). Under the new specifications, the maximum bandwidth of USB4 will double, and the USB-C and PD power supply specifications have also been updated.
Today Intel introduces the next generation of Thunderbolt early prototypes, consistent with USB4 v2.0 and DisplayPort 2.1 specifications, with up to 80 Gbps bidirectional bandwidth. With the help of the PAM3 signal encoding mechanism, asymmetric shunts of 120 Gbps upstream and 40 Gbps downstream can be achieved to meet the growing needs of content creators and gamers.
In addition, the next generation Thunderbolt is compatible with Thunderbolt 4 cables up to 1 meter long.
Intel said this marks an important milestone in providing the industry with the next generation of Thunderbolt. Currently, content creators and gamers have significantly increased bandwidth requirements for high-resolution displays, low-latency output, and backup/transmission of large video and data files. The next-generation Thunderbolt can provide three times the capabilities of Thunderbolt 4. In addition to supporting the latest version of USB4, there are also improvements in various aspects, including:
, with a total bandwidth of 80 Gbps, which doubles on the basis of Thunderbolt 4, while providing up to 120 Gbps for video-intensive use.
supports the newly released DisplayPort 2.1 specification for the best display experience.
PCIe data throughput doubles, enabling faster storage and external graphics solutions.
can be used in conjunction with existing 1 meter passive cable through new technology.
remains compatible with past Thunderbolt, USB and DisplayPort.
is powered by Intel's support and certification program.
Intel has not determined the specific name of the next generation of Thunderbolt. I don’t know if it will be named "Thunderbolt 5 (Thunderbolt 5). According to Intel, the next-generation Thunderbolt is built on the USB v2.0 specification, but the latter has included a series of logos when it was released, which is conducive to faster promotion.
