The next iteration of Thunderbolt, based on USB4 Version 2.0 is coming. Intel has not yet released all mandatory specifications, but does mention, for example, that USB4 Version 2.0 and DisplayPort 2.1 must be supported.
Thunderbolt will deliver 80 gigabits per second (Gbps) of bi-directional bandwidth and enable up to 120 Gbps for the best display experience, providing up to three times the capability of today’s technologies to meet the growing needs of content creators and gamers, all while maintaining compatibility with previous versions of Thunderbolt and USB.
This prototype demonstration marks a major milestone in the journey to delivering next-generation Thunderbolt to the industry. The bandwidth needs of content creators and gamers are increasing significantly for high-resolution displays, low latency visuals, and the backup or transfer of huge video and data files. Next-generation Thunderbolt will deliver up to three times the capability of Thunderbolt™ 4 and make creating and gaming more efficient and immersive. In addition to supporting the latest version of USB4, the next generation of Thunderbolt will include improvements across a variety of areas including:
- Two times the total bandwidth of Thunderbolt 4 to 80 Gbps, while providing up to three times the bandwidth to 120 Gbps for video-intensive usages.
- Support for the newly released DisplayPort 2.1 for the best display experience.
- Two times the PCI Express data throughput for faster storage and external graphics.
- Works with existing passive cables up to 1m via a new signaling technology.
- Compatible with previous versions of Thunderbolt, USB and DisplayPort.
- Supported by Intel’s enabling and certification programs.
In addition, for monitors with extremely high resolutions and refresh rates, the standard can be used in an asymmetric mode, with a downstream of 120Gbit/s and an upstream of 40Gbit/s bidirectional instead of 80Gbit/s. In addition, the four PCIe lanes have been upgraded from PCIe 3.0 to PCIe 4.0, while maintaining compatibility with existing passive Thunderbolt cables up to 1 meter in length.
