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More details and limitations of Thunderbolt

In an article at TechRepublic, 10 cool technologies to look for in your next PC, I listed the basics of Thunderbolt. There are more details that you should know about if you are interested in the technology.

First let me admit that researching the Thunderbolt architecture has given me multiple headaches. Thunderbolt is complex. Both PCIe and DisplayPort protocols are multiplexed across one connection. That means that either a Mini DisplayPort or a Thunderbolt device can be connected to a Thunderbolt port.

Very few people understand the achievement of Thunderbolt. Thunderbolt is a remarkable piece of engineering by Intel. Comparing Thunderbolt to USB 3.0, the total raw bandwidth is twice that of USB 3.0 per device in each direction. Thunderbolt's useable bandwidth is 2 1/2 times that of USB 3.0 (PCIe 2.0) and more than three times that of USB 3.0 (PCIe 3.0), also per device in each direction. Now that's impressive.

As with any technology, especially in its first generation, there are limitations:

• DisplayPort v1.2 "doubles the bandwidth of v1.1a" to 21.6 Gb/s. DisplayPort v1.1a and v1.2 includes Mini DisplayPort connectors in the standard. DisplayPort V1.2 is not supported. "High resolution monitors with 4k x 2k resolution need DisplayPort v1.2" and cannot be used at that resolution over Thunderbolt.
• The highest resolution supported by DisplayPort v1.1a is 2560x1600 at 60Hz and 30 bits per pixel (bpp) - PDF page 18 (WQXGA resolution). Please note that the Apple 27-inch Thunderbolt display is 2560x1440 resolution.
• Almost every Web site that discusses Thunderbolt claims that the maximum cable length is 3 meters or 9.8 feet. The DisplayPort data rate of 10.8Gb/s is only guaranteed using standard "DP certified" cables of 2.0 meters or less. This might explain why the only cable available as of October 2011 is 2 meters or 6.56 feet. Some specially designed cables may be capable of supporting the maximum DisplayPort v1.1a 2560 x 1600 resolution over lengths longer than 2 meters.
• A second display cannot be a Mini DisplayPort display attached directly to an Apple Thunderbolt Display. But, according to AnandTech, a Mini DisplayPort monitor can be successfully attached to a Thunderbolt device that is daisy-chained between the Thunderbolt display and the DisplayPort display. A second Thunderbolt display can be directly attached to a Thunderbolt display.
• Thunderbolt Display and Mini DisplayPort Display supported natively but DisplayPort, DVI, HDMI, and VGA displays require an adapter.
• DisplayPort version v1.1a displays must be the last device in the chain. That's because two ports are needed to daisy-chain devices.
• The Mac OS X Lion Migration Assistant does not work with Thunderbolt devices.
• 9TO5Mac has listed a number of limitations when using Windows 7 and Boot Camp.
• The number of Thunderbolt displays that can be connected to a Thunderbolt capable computer varies by Apple model.
• Very few consumer devices exist as of October, 2011. The devices that are available like the Promise Technology Pegasus R4 and R6 four and six bay external RAID arrays utilize much of the extra bandwidth that Thunderbolt provides. Another interesting implementaion is the LaCie Little Big Disk that externally houses two 250GB Intel 510 Series SSDs. The LaCie 240GB Little Big Disk Thunderbolt Series SSD isn't cheap at $899.95. The LaCie 1TB Little Big Disk Thunderbolt Series Hard Drive using traditional hard drives in a RAID 0 configuration is available at the Apple Store for $399. A 2TB version is also available for $499.

Besides the expensive cable, Thunderbolt controllers are required in both the host and peripheral device. While a USB controller costs about $3.00 USD, the Eagle Ridge and Light Ridge controllers are more expensive at at $10 to $15 per chip. The Cactus Ridge controller due in 2012 is supposed to be less expensive. In addition, according to Softpedia, yet another smaller and cheaper chip is planned called "Port Ridge" with limited functionality that could be the breakthrough needed for more Thunderbolt acceptance.

Intel has stated that developers should place equal emphasis on both Thunderbolt and USB, which isn't too surprising since Thunderbolt is Intel's technology. Thunderbolt may go the way of other proprietary interfaces like FireWire but don't underestimate the power of Intel to influence markets when Thunderbolt is integrated into their chipsets. Today Thunderbolt is a Cadillac interconnect with a Cadillac price. If Thunderbolt does make it to Intel chipsets expect those Cadillac prices to fall and the real possibility of wide consumer acceptance.

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