Intel revealed new details about Thunderbolt 4, the next generation of its universal cable connectivity solution, delivering increased minimum performance requirements, expanded capabilities and USB4 specification compliance. For the first time, Thunderbolt 4 will offer docks with up to four Thunderbolt ports and universal cables up to 2 meters in length. Intel’s upcoming mobile PC processors, code-named “Tiger Lake,” will be the first to integrate Thunderbolt 4.
millions of Thunderbolt 3 PCs and accessories already available. Thunderbolt 4 developer kits and
certification testing are now available.
Thunderbolt 4 always delivers 40 Gb/s speeds and data, video and power over a single connection. It is the most comprehensive Thunderbolt specification yet with compliance across the broadest set of industry-standard specifications – including USB4, DisplayPort and PCI Express (PCIe) – and is fully compatible with prior generations of Thunderbolt and USB products. Thunderbolt 4 certification requirements include:
- Double the minimum video and data requirements of Thunderbolt 3.
- Support for docks with up to four Thunderbolt 4 ports.
- PC charging on at least one computer port2.
- Wake your computer from sleep by touching the keyboard or mouse when connected to a Thunderbolt dock.
- Required Intel VT-d based direct memory access (DMA) protection that helps prevent physical
DMA attacks.
Later this year, Intel expects to deliver the new Thunderbolt 4 controller 8000 series, including:
- JHL8540 and JHL8340 host controllers for computer makers
- JHL8440 device controller for accessory makers
The first computers and accessories with Thunderbolt 4 ports are also expected to be available later this year, including laptops based on Intel’s innovation program code-named “Project Athena.”
