Wired connectivity is converging onto two requirements: USB4 and Thunderbolt 4. Both of those are set to debut by the top of the yr in Intel’s upcoming Tiger Lake platform, and to set the scene Intel is updating us on the scope of its Thunderbolt Four efforts.
Thunderbolt Four goes to be a superset of TB3 and USB4, which means that any Thunderbolt 4 Type-C host will be capable of settle for TB4, TB3, USB4, and USB 3/2/1 connections. Thunderbolt Four will supply speeds as much as 40 Gb/s, and there are a variety of necessities for Thunderbolt Four hosts and gadgets with a view to be licensed.
These necessities embrace:
- Video, help 2x 4K or 1x 8K (No element at what refresh/bit-rate/chroma)
- Data, PCIe at 32 Gbps (storage as much as Three GB/s)
- Support for TB4 docks with 4 TB4 ports (one upstream, Three downstream)
- PC Charging on at the least one port (for laptops as much as 100 W)
- Wake from sleep by peripherals linked to a TB4 dock
- Requires Direct Memory Access safety (extra on this later)
The first gadgets to return to market with TB4 help shall be Intel’s Tiger Lake platform, to be used in laptops, which could have TB4 baked proper into the silicon. TB4 shall be one of many base necessities for Intel’s Project Athena certification program, and Intel is about to launch a brand new TB4 2m cable for many use instances. Intel can also be engaged on optical 5-50 meter cables, which can even now help the TB4 multi-port accent structure, enabled by 4-port TB4 hubs.
There shall be two host controllers, often known as Maple Ridge JHL8540 and JHL8340, to be used as host controllers in desktops, workstations, and laptops. We are advised the package deal measurement and energy necessities are primarily in-line with earlier Titan Ridge TB3 controllers. The gadget controller, to be used in docks, displays, storage gadgets and such, is the Goshen Ridge JHL8440. All three of those controllers shall be out there by the top of the yr.
Thunderbolt Four has no prices related to utilizing it, the branding, or the emblem, nevertheless there’s a branding/brand license. Intel has opened up the TB4 customary, however because it stands is the one firm that has publically introduced its intention to make host and gadget controllers. The cables shall be branded with the Thunderbolt Logo and a quantity 4, nevertheless ports on programs will solely have the Thunderbolt Logo, making TB3 and TB4 use indistinguishable (we disagree with Intel that customers don’t test what their system makes use of so utilizing the identical brand makes no distinction to those customers – we expect the identical argument can be utilized with a view to showcase the emblem on gadgets with the quantity 4).
Here’s a principal slide showcasing the distinction between all of the totally different requirements. Ultimately TB4 is backwards appropriate with TB3 and USB4/3/2/1 requirements.
One of the important thing focal factors in our briefings with Intel is that Thunderbolt Four could have an extra requirement this time spherical – Direct Memory Access safety to forestall bodily assaults. In our briefing (and proven on the slide under), Intel initially acknowledged that this requires Intel VT-d expertise, which raised questions on Thunderbolt Four being restricted to Intel solely programs.
The spokesperson later clarified that with a view to acquire certification, DMA safety is required, and Intel is utilizing VT-d to do it. Intel refused to touch upon how different distributors would possibly implement DMA safety, stating that it will be as much as them. While extra safety protections are all the time a very good factor, they ideally must be primarily based round open vettable requirements, one thing which could restrict Thunderbolt for an additional technology as an Intel-only expertise (whereas USB is way extra ubiquitous).
We’ve reached out to AMD late within the day, and so they’ll be supplying a remark quickly. I’ll replace this submit after I get…
