Intel ® Launch thunderbolt in 2019 ™ After the 4th generation of chips, thunderbolt will be opened in Q2 of 2020 ™ 4 certification (host)

Thunderbolt ™ 4 architecture

Thunderbolt ™ 4. Follow thunderbolt ™ 3. From the perspective of host, if the product is Intel platform, then thunderbolt ™ IC in thunderbolt ™ Generation 4 has been integrated into SOC (CPU). In the past, independent thunderbolt was added to mainboard ™ IC is very different, but if the product is amd platform, the configuration mode is still the same as thunderbolt in the past ™ 3 the same, also need to add independent thunderbolt ™ IC。

Thunderbolt ™ 3 and thunderbolt ™ 4 Platform Architecture differences

As can be seen from the above comparison table, thunderbolt ™ 4. If the host uses Intel platform, the TBT signal is sent by SOC. In terms of host motherboard architecture, the trace length from CPU to TBT connector should be similar to thunderbolt ™ 3. It is very difficult to limit the length to 2 inches from the perspective of layout, so thunderbolt ™ 4 Intel platform must add a re timer IC between CPU and TBT connector to extend the signal.

Re timer IC has CDR function, so it can make synchronous attenuation compensation when receiving source signal and then send out signal again. Therefore, when layout, TBT trace length can be extended greatly.

Thunderbolt ™ 4 Technology

Thunderbolt in terms of transmission speed ™ 4 although it is architecture based on thunderbolt ™ 3 is 40Gbps speed, but because of thunderbolt ™ 4 is a new generation of technology, so it's in the physical layer with thunderbolt ™ There are still some differences between them, and thunderbolt ™ 4 compatible with USB4 at the same time ™， But USB4 ™ And thunderbolt ™ There are subtle differences. If they are not engaged in relevant industries, they are actually easy to confuse. Therefore, the following table is used to summarize the following in thunderbolt ™ 3, Thunderbolt ™ 4, USB4 ™ The difference of itself.

Thunderbolt ™ 3, Thunderbolt ™ 4, USB4 ™ Differences

Chuanglian thunderbolt ™ 4 Scheme

In June 2020, innovate link precision launched a model supporting thunderbolt ™ 4 USB type C male connector, using Cypress Semiconductor cypress 2704 chip, Chuanglian solution is cl-0220, cl-0221, the connector uses coaxial cable welding transmission, can realize hunderbolt ™ 4. All functions have been tested and verified by system customers, and a large number of products have been delivered.

Creative alliance USB4 scheme

At the same time, innovative link also launched USB type C male connector supporting USB4, which adopts Cypress Semiconductor cypress 2103 chip. The solution of innovative link is cl-0238, which adopts coaxial cable welding transmission, and fully supports USB 4 protocol. This product is in trial production stage, and can cooperate with customers for USB 4 test and certification.

With Intel's full licensing of lightning technology and the launch of USB4 controller, the two will benefit from the integration of the bottom layer of the protocol: USB 4 can double again with the help of lightning 3, with the transmission speed of 40Gbps comparable to lightning 3, and the power supply capacity of 100W; Lightning can speed up its popularity with the help of USB, and the trend of USB 4 becoming the mainstream interface seems unstoppable.

Innovative link Chuanglian precision has been committed to the R & D and production of USB type C connector, closely following the latest industry standard technology, providing customers with the latest product solutions and connector technical support, ensuring a stable supply of goods. If you have any type C connector consulting needs, please send it to sales@innovate -link.com。 Or call 0755 2866 7722 / 2866 7733.

Part of the information in this article comes from the baijiatai laboratory.