At the end of 2020, with the release of TigerLake, the 11th-generation Core processor, Intel has further promoted the development of the Athena program, bringing a new Evo platform certification standard. Evo platform certification has been comprehensively optimized for the real-world experience of the majority of users, and is committed to allowing thin and light notebooks to meet the characteristics of fast wake-up, high performance, long battery life, and ultimate connectivity to cope with various workloads.
Specifically in terms of connectivity, for mobile devices such as thin and light notebooks, connectivity includes two dimensions: wireless connection and wired connection; thanks to the new features of the 11th generation Core processor, in terms of wireless connection, Evo platform certified models can be compatible with AX201 network card through the chipset integrated CNVio2 module, thus supporting Wi-Fi6 wireless network and Bluetooth 5.1; in terms of wired connection, models certified by Intel Evo platform are also at the forefront of PC development and can support the latest and most powerful Thunderbolt4, commonly known as the Thunderbolt4 interface.
Speaking of Thunderbolt4 interface, many users may have many questions, such as "Thunderbolt4 looks the same as USBType-C, is it a more advanced USB?" "What is the difference between the newly launched Thunderbolt4 and the previous Thunderbolt3?" "In terms of experience, what convenience can the Evo platform thin and light notebook that supports Thunderbolt4 interface bring?" In this article, the author will provide comprehensive popular science on Thunderbolt4 based on these issues. The chaotic situation of the
USB protocol and the unique Thunderbolt3
For PC usage scenarios of the majority of users, USB is the most common interface. USB is the full name Universal Serial Bus (Universal Serial Bus), a serial bus standard connecting computer systems and external devices. It is widely used in information and communication products such as personal computers and mobile devices, and has been expanded to photography equipment, TVs, set-top boxes, game consoles, mobile phones, tablets and other products, and is widely used.
However, when talking about specific USB-related protocols and standards, it is very complicated to use. Many consumers will be confused by nouns such as USB3.0, USB-Type-A, USB-Type-C, USB3.2Gen2×1, USB4... when buying a notebook; there are also close connections between USB4 and Thunderbolt3 and Thunderbolt4. The author will interpret their similarities and differences in the following text.
In fact, the USB standard is formulated by the USB Developer Forum (USB-IF), and Intel is also a member of the organization. Let’s first briefly review the development history of USB.
In April 2000, the USB-IF organization released USB2.09 (now called Hi-Speed), with USB2.0 data transmission rate of 480Mbps and a maximum theoretical speed of 60MB/s. USB2.0 is compatible with Type-A, Type-ASuperSpeed, Type-B, Type-BSuperSpeed, Type-C, Micro-B, Micro-BSuperSpeed and other interface types. To this day, USB2.0Type-A is still widely used in some laptop and desktop platforms, mainly used to be compatible with old external devices.
USB-IF organization released USB3.0 in November 2008, and the speed of USB3.0 has been greatly improved from 480Mbps to 5Gbps. The USB3.0 socket is usually blue and backward compatible with the original USB2.0 and USB1.x. However, since the beginning of the USB 3.0 era, the naming of USB has become increasingly chaotic. After the release of USB3.1 specifications, USB3.0 was renamed to USB3.1Gen1. After the release of USB3.2 specifications, USB3.0 was renamed to USB3.1Gen1 again.
Speaking of USB3.1 specifications, this was announced by the USB-IF organization on July 31, 2013. The transmission speed is increased to 10Gbps, doubled compared to the 5Gbps of USB3.0, and is also backward compatible with USB2.0/1.0. Among them, USB3.1Gen1 was renamed from USB3.0, and there is no essential change. The real new standard is USB3.1Gen2. However, what is ridiculous is that after the release of USB3.2 specifications, USB3.1Gen2 was renamed to USB3.2Gen2x1 again.
USB3.2 is the latest version of the USB connection interface announced by USB-IF on July 25, 2017. Since USB3.2, Type-C has become the only recommended interface solution for USB-IF. USB3.2 can achieve dual channels on the Type-C interface, thus achieving higher speeds. Among them, USB3.2Gen2x2 can be understood as the dual-channel mode of USB3.1Gen2, with a speed of up to 20Gbps (10Gbps per channel).
Of course, the USB-IF organization has not forgotten the early USB3.0 (it was called USB3.2Gen1 after changing its name twice), and has added support for dual-channel mode. The USB3.2Gen1×2 can also reach 10Gbps (5Gbps per channel).
USB-IF organization's huge contribution to the industry is undeniable. But it has to be complained that every time the USB-IF organization launches a new standard, after a slight incremental upgrade, it will also change the name of the previous old standard, making the USB standard even more chaotic. A large number of users are very confused about the development of USB3.0, and it has greatly increased the difficulty of purchasing PC and USB-related accessories.
Specifically, when the same standard, such as USB3.0 has different names at different times (USB3.0, USB3.1Gen1, USB3.2Gen1), how many users can react at the first time?
Some manufacturers also do not indicate the specific suffix when promoting a laptop that supports USB3.2. So how should users determine the specific information of this interface? Is it USB3.2Gen2x2 that supports 20Gbps speed full of health? Or is it an old standard renamed version of USB3.2Gen2x1 or USB3.2Gen1?
The following figure is a comparison table of the specifications and names of the versions after USB3.0:
is aimed at the complex naming of the post USB3.0 and its functional imperfections. The market needs a powerful and more adaptable protocol and interface. Intel has a keen insight into this market demand and released Thunderbolt3 at the COMPUTEX2015 event on June 2, 2015, with bandwidth reaching 40Gbps. Thunderbolt3 has a maximum power supply of up to 100W, based on PCIe3.0x4, and supports protocols such as HDMI2.0 (4K60Hz) and DisplayPort1.2 (5K60Hz). Thanks to the ultra-high bandwidth of 40Gbps, Thunderbolt3 can achieve extremely fast data transmission, fast charging, support output of 4K ultra-clear displays, external independent graphics card expansion docking stations and other functions. In addition, Thunderbolt3 deprecated the MiniDisplayPort interface and instead used USBType-C for better compatibility.
Thanks to the best performance, rich features, and good compatibility, Thunderbolt3 has become the exclusive selling point of Intel platform PC products for a long time. In the first Athena plan proposed in 2019, Core Mobile Super Edition thin and light notebooks will also support Thunderbolt3 to bring better connectivity than ordinary USB.
Speaking of the Evo platform certified Thunderbolt4, it is a further evolution of Thunderbolt3; Thunderbolt4 is not only perfectly compatible with Thunderbolt3 and USB4, but also provides more stringent standards to make the connectivity of thin and light notebooks uncompromising.
is better than excellent. Thunderbolt4 compares Thunderbolt3 and USB4
As mentioned in the previous article, Intel is an important member of the USB-IF organization, so Intel has also participated in the designation of the next generation of USB4 standards and contributed a lot of technology. In fact, the USB4 specification is developed based on the Thunderbolt3 protocol specification and is compatible with existing USB3.2 and USB2.0 devices. Type-C is the only recommended interface solution.
Perhaps many users are thinking that Thunderbolt4, Thunderbolt3 and USB4 have a deep blood relationship, so what are the similarities and differences between them? After USB4 gradually becomes popular in the future, how many advantages can Thunderbolt4 supported by Evo platform certified thin and light laptops have?
In fact, this question is not too difficult to answer. Thunderbolt4 has increased the lower limit of standards in all aspects compared with Thunderbolt3. The following figure shows the similarities and differences of Thunderbolt4 compared to Thunderbolt3 and USB4.
In fact, Thunderbolt4 is built on the innovation of Thunderbolt3 and can provide a truly universal cable connection experience. Thunderbolt4 provides 40Gbps bandwidth, data, video transmission and power over a single connection. Thunderbolt4 complies with a wide range of industry standards, including USB4, DisplayPort (PCIe), and is fully compatible with previous generation Thunderbolt and USB products. Specifically, Thunderbolt4 certification requirements include:
doubles the requirements for minimum PC video specifications and minimum PC data specifications compared to Thunderbolt3.
Video: Supports two 4K displays or one 8K display.
Data: PCIe transmission speed is up to 32Gb/sec, and storage transmission speed is up to 3,000MB/sec.
supports docking stations with up to 4 Thunderbolt4 ports.
PC can be charged on at least one computer port.
After connecting to Thunderbolt docking station, wake the computer from sleep by touching the keyboard or mouse.
requires Intel VT-d-based direct memory access (DMA) protection to block physical DMA attacks.
In short, Thunderbolt4 is committed to providing unparalleled simplicity, highest performance and most reliable connectivity. It is more powerful than Thunderbolt3 and includes all the functions and features of USB4.
However, the above words cannot be said the other way around! Not all USB4s are as powerful as Thunderbolt4. The most obvious thing is that in terms of transmission bandwidth, although USB4 can provide up to 40Gbps high-speed version (USB4Gen3×2), it also retains the lower-speed 20Gbps version (USB4Gen2×2); due to inconsistent standards, devices that support USB4 in the future retail market may still be of varying quality and cannot obtain a completely consistent experience. In terms of wires, Thunderbolt4's brand logo is very concise, but it is highly recognizable. It is convenient for users to easily distinguish between ordinary USB cables and DP cables. Users can recognize Thunderbolt4-enabled data cables at a glance among the numerous Type-C data cables, and easily connect with thin and light notebooks on the Evo platform, enjoying the most complete expansion and powerful compatibility, and no longer compromise on any functions.
supports connecting multiple monitors, external high-speed hard drives, external fever-level independent graphics cards, external Thunderbolt4 docking stations with 4 ports, and various USB accessories. Thunderbolt4 can be said to play a role of "one move" with its richer and more powerful functions!
supports external Thunderbolt4 docking stations with 4 ports. It is one of the important improvements to Thunderbolt4 (Thunderbolt3 only supports 2). It can give Evo certified thin and light notebooks the opportunity to connect to more accessories products that support the Thunderbolt protocol, further providing expansion. For example, through the new expansion dock, the ultra-high bandwidth and multifunctional features of the Thunderbolt4 protocol can be better utilized, and more Thunderbolt4 ports can be introduced, and multimedia devices such as high-definition displays, high-speed mobile solid-state drives, headphones and audio are connected, turning thin and light notebooks into professional workstations with stronger expansion and support more advanced equipment.
Of course, Thunderbolt4 also supports external graphics card expansion docks. Through graphics card expansion docks that match Thunderbolt4, the Evo platform certified thin and light laptop can be connected to the top desktop version of high-performance independent graphics cards, thus making a significant leap in graphics performance and gaining gaming experience and content creation efficiency close to gaming laptops.
As for the 100w power supply provided by Thunderbolt3, Thunderbolt4 also inherits this advantage and can support fast charging of laptop PDs. Users only need a USBType-C interface PD charger when traveling on business or traveling, which can meet the charging needs of mobile phones and Evo platform devices at the same time, reducing the burden caused by additional cables.
Previously, there were 0.2m and 0.8m options for Thunderbolt3. After the release of Thunderbolt4, Intel also provided a 2m universal cable to suit more usage scenarios. It is understood that in the future, Thunderbolt4 ultra-long cables of 5m or even 50m will be launched, which will not be limited by distance while meeting high bandwidth. Specifically, longer cables are also intended to apply to more application scenarios, such as connecting Evo certified thin and light notebooks with batteries and projectors more relaxedly in the conference room to quickly share screen content.
In short, Thunderbolt4 is the most powerful interface at present, perfectly taking into account simplicity, high reliability and rich functions, and achieving all-round uncompromising! Thunderbolt4 is released simultaneously with Intel's 11th-generation Core TigerLake at the end of 2020, and the Evo platform certified thin and light notebook products built on the 11th-generation Core TigerLake can enjoy the powerful connectivity of Thunderbolt4! For machine buyers, if they pay attention to the connectivity of thin and light notebooks and require that future-oriented equipment will not be outdated, then it is impossible to mistake to recognize the Evo platform products that support Thunderbolt4!
There is another thing that needs to be mentioned in particular. According to foreign media reports, Intel's competitor AMD will release the Ryzen 6000 series Rembrandt mobile processor in 2022, which will bring support for USB4 until then, which is a long time later than Intel's launch of Thunderbolt4; this further highlights Intel's overall leadership in PC connectivity. The Evo platform certified thin and light notebook is thanks to the super features of Thunderbolt4, which is well deserved to be at the forefront of the times!
Summary and Outlook
Intel continues to develop new technologies and set new industry standards. In addition to improving the performance of processor architecture and core display GPU architecture, it also brings many new technologies to the entire PC platform and participates in the formulation of relevant industry standards to promote the comprehensive development of the industry. The development of Thunderbolt3 and Thunderbolt4 mentioned in this article is the best proof of Intel's continuous progress in PCs. From hardware to software to industrial ecosystem, Intel continues to empower the development of the PC field in all aspects. These many new technologies and innovations have led to an excellent experience of Evo platform products without compromise. While allowing laptops to evolve again, it also reflects Intel's determination to transform into an XPU company.
We also look forward to the continuous development of more new technologies and the implementation of related software and hardware supporting facilities. The Athena plan initiated by Intel will be continuously promoted, bringing more stringent certification standards. The new generation of Evo certification standards in the future will become more comprehensive, and will further develop from appearance, performance, battery life and connectivity! Let laptops evolve again!
