Intel 40GB/s Thunderbolt 4 Controller 8000 Series and Next Gen Universal Cable Connectivity Solution

Intel Corp. revealed details about Thunderbolt 4, the next gen of its universal cable connectivity solution, delivering increased minimum performance requirements, expanded capabilities and USB4 spec compliance.

For the first time, Thunderbolt 4 will offer docks with up to 4 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. The company also announced the Thunderbolt 4 controller 8000 series, compatible with the hundreds of millions of Thunderbolt 3 PCs and accessories already available. Thunderbolt 4 developer kits and certification testing are now available.

Thunderbolt 4 controller 8000

“Thunderbolt provides consumers with a leading connectivity standard across a range of devices, helping to advance computing experiences and delivering on the promise of USB-C with simplicity, performance and reliability. The arrival of Thunderbolt 4 underscores how Intel is advancing the PC ecosystem toward truly universal connectivity solutions,” said Jason Ziller, GM, client connectivity division.

Why It Matters
Thunderbolt products deliver a set of capabilities for connecting computers to data, video and power with just one USB Type-C port. Connect to Thunderbolt docks, displays, fast storage or any USB accessory for a clutter-free workspace. To ensure a consistent ⁽¹⁾ experience and ease of use across a range of product types and manufacturers, Intel works with its ecosystem of computer, accessory and cable partners to employ mandatory certification for all Thunderbolt products.

“We expect Thunderbolt 4 products to be an inflection point for accessory makers who depend on PCs and Macs to offer an industry-leading set of product capabilities for a consistent user experience. The advancements in Thunderbolt 4 will help Kensington redefine the modern workspace of the future,” said Ben Thacker, VP and GM, Kensington Computer Products Group.

“The new capabilities and minimum requirements of Thunderbolt 4 will provide great experiences and increased productivity that our IT customers and end users require,” said Jerry Paradise, VP, commercial portfolio, PC and smart devices, Lenovo Group Ltd. “Lenovo is excited to work with Intel to expand our support of Thunderbolt with the introduction of Thunderbolt 4 PCs and the expanding portfolio of Thunderbolt accessories.“

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What It Delivers
Thunderbolt 4 builds on the innovation of Thunderbolt 3 for an universal cable connectivity experience. It always delivers 40Gb/s speeds and data, video and power over a single connection. It is the Thunderbolt spec yet with compliance across a broad set of industry-standard specs – including USB 4, DisplayPort and PCIe – and is compatible with prior gens of Thunderbolt and USB products.

Thunderbolt 4 certification requirements include:

Double the minimum video and data requirements of Thunderbolt 3.
Video: Support for two 4K displays or one 8K display.
Data: PCIe at 32Gb/s for storage speeds up to 3,000Mb/s.
Support for docks with up to four Thunderbolt 4 ports.
PC charging on at least one computer port ⁽²⁾.
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. (read Thunderbolt Security Brief)

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When Available
Later this year, the company expects to deliver the 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 this year, including laptops based on firm’s program code-named ‘Project Athena.’

Small print:
Intel technologies may require enabled hardware, software or service activation. Costs and results may vary.

Performance results are based on testing as of dates shown in configuration and may not reflect all publicly available security updates. See configuration disclosure for details. No product or component can be absolutely secure.

Software and workloads used in performance tests may have been optimized for performance only on Intel microprocessors. Performance tests, such as SYSmark and MobileMark, are measured using specific computer systems, components, software, operations and functions. Any change to any of those factors may cause the results to vary. You should consult other information and performance tests to assist you in evaluating your contemplated purchases, including the performance of that product when combined with other products.

Resources:
Video: Thunderbolt 4 Preview – The Truly Universal Cable Connectivity Solution

⁽¹⁾ As compared to other PC I/O connection technologies including eSATA, USB, and IEEE 1394 FireWire. Performance will vary depending on the specific hardware and software used. Must use a Thunderbolt-enabled device.
⁽²⁾ For thin-and-light laptops that require less than 100W to charge.