At the beginning of 2011, the company Apple updated the flagship Macbookov, class Pro. The improved version received new Intel Core processors, built on the more modern Sandy Bridge architecture, which significantly extended battery life thanks to the built-in graphics processor. To work with more graphically demanding applications, the more expensive models use an even more powerful additional AMD Radeon HD graphics card. But the biggest change compared to older devices is Thunderbolt technology.
What is Thunderbolt?
It is a high-speed interface for connecting various peripheral devices to a computer. It was developed by Intel under the code name "Light peak". It was brought to the market by the company Apple as part of the update MacBooku Pro, in February 2011. It uses the same konewhich as Mini DisplayPort in older devices released by the Cupertino company.
What does Thunderbolt enable?
It combines high-speed data and high-definition image transmission one at a time cables, resulting in simpler construction and flexibility. With a speed of up to 10Gbps, it can transfer an HD movie in less than half a minute. Thanks to the use of broadband audio and video processing accelerates response and accurate synchronization for real-time processing. It also simplifies the archiving, backup and editing of HD multimedia.
On what principle does it work?
Transmission through this technology combines two communication protocols. The first is PCI Express for data transfer, and the second is DisplayPort, which allows you to transfer images with a resolution greater than 1080p and 8-channel audio. Part of the entire technology is a chip that allows you to switch between the mentioned two methods, which ensures transmission via a simple cable.
Has SuperSpeed USB 3.0 Beat Thunderbolt?
The following table shows that USB 3.0 cannot yet compete with Thunderbolt.
| SuperSpeed USB 3.0 | Thunderbolt | |
| Speed | 4.8 Gbps | 10 Gbps |
| Voltage for devices | 4.5 watts | 10 watts |
| The price of a two-meter cable | € 3,5 | € 40 |
| Size konektora | 11.5mm X 4.5mm | 8.3mm X 5.4mm |
| Time needed to download 25GB | 60-75 seconds | 30 seconds |
What computers and devices currently have Thunderbolt technology?
In addition to the latest products from the company Apple, own Thunderbolt technology and a laptop from Sony. Specifically, these are the models:
Supported devices:
- Apple Thunderbolt Display
- Lacie Little Big Disk
- Aja Io XT
- Blackmagic UltraStudio 3D
- Blackmagic Intensity
- Sonnet Echo Express PCIe 2.0 Expansion Chassis
- Magma ExpressBox 3T
- SANLink PROMISES
- PROMISES Pegasus R4/R6
What will the future bring?
The above-mentioned innovation was originally conceived on the principle of optical technology based on transmission via flexible optical cables. However, in order to reduce costs, Intel decided to use copper cables for data transmission, capable of supplying higher voltages for connected devices. In the future, however, this problem should be solved and Thunderbolt will be based purely on optical technology, which will allow it to transfer up to 100Gbit/s.
Summary
With its arrival, the described high-speed connection practically facilitated our daily use of products from Applu. This is mainly a new monitor Apple Thunderbolt Display, which after connecting a single cable to MacBooku, basically turns it into an iMac. However, the few peripherals supporting the Thunderbolt port, due to the high price of domains, are mainly for professionals, for whom it is worth paying extra for speed. Well, I assume that with the spread of this technology among other computer manufacturers and especially with a much larger number of compatible connectable devices, the price will stabilize at a reasonable level in a few years. As it spreads among ordinary users and the team, it becomes a part of our daily life.
Image source: Figure 1, Figure 2
With a purely optical connection, the transmission speeds will be higher, but I assume that the cable will also have a metallic part for powering the peripherals, because with optics there is no danger of power supply, because optics are normally used precisely because it is a problem-free separation of 2 devices when transmitting a signal, for example when audio machines where unwanted hum is created by the connection, the optics will solve this "grounding" problem
Maiob, according to what I read, at the beginning of the deployment of optical Thunderbolt, it will not be possible to power peripheral devices via an optical cable, but later it should also be possible :-)
For sound, it is usually better to have a power supply from one source, because if you connect an additional audio device to another socket, there is a greater risk of hum.
Marek - yes, that's clear, but if it doesn't work, the optics solve the hum problem (just like the isolating transformer), the point is that if the power supply is to be solved with one cable, I assume that the TB cable will also have a metallic part that will carry the power supply
I'm in high school, but I almost cried when I saw "model" written.
Can't you really read the article again?
It seems to me that Word so it fixed it automatically :-D
Voltage cannot be in Watts. He is in Volty. Consumption is in Watts
You're right, thanks for the warning... I meant it as the power that the devices are able to supply :-)