Thunderboltliitäntöjen

Thunderboltliitäntöjen refers to the Thunderbolt interface, a high-speed hardware interface that combines data, audio, video, and power delivery over a single cable. Developed by Intel with collaboration from Apple, Thunderbolt was initially released in 2011. It utilizes the Mini DisplayPort connector for its first few generations, but later versions transitioned to the USB-C connector, sharing the physical form factor with USB but offering significantly higher capabilities.

The primary advantage of Thunderbolt is its versatility and speed. It supports extremely high data transfer rates, initially up to 10 Gbit/s for Thunderbolt 1 and 2, increasing to 20 Gbit/s for Thunderbolt 2 and then a massive 40 Gbit/s for Thunderbolt 3 and 4. This allows for rapid transfer of large files, connection of multiple high-resolution displays, and the use of high-performance external devices like graphics cards and storage arrays.

Thunderbolt also offers DisplayPort support, enabling the connection of monitors directly without separate video cables. Furthermore, it incorporates power delivery capabilities, allowing devices to be charged through the same cable used for data and video. This simplifies cable management and reduces the need for multiple chargers and cables.

The evolution to USB-C for Thunderbolt 3 and 4 has made it more widely adopted, as USB-C is becoming a universal standard for many devices. While Thunderbolt ports are backward compatible with USB devices, not all USB-C ports support Thunderbolt functionality. Identifying a Thunderbolt port often involves a lightning bolt symbol next to the connector.