Machine vision is transforming countless industries by empowering machines to perceive, process, and interpret visual data. As technology speedily advances, exciting and emerging protocols are being developed and adopted from other industries to enhance the efficiency, accuracy, and integration of machine vision systems.

content provided by pleoraSimilarly, machine vision systems are becoming increasingly vital across various sectors, including manufacturing, healthcare, security, and automotive. These systems rely heavily upon complex protocols for data acquisition, processing, and communication. Emerging protocols are addressing the challenges of scalability, real-time processing, and interoperability, rendering machine vision more robust, versatile and trusted.

In this second in a series of nine, we review Thunderbolt, another exciting protocol that provides a high-bandwidth, versatile, and efficient solution for transmitting video, data, and power through a single connection. Its ability to support multiple high-resolution displays, combined with its compatibility with other protocols and devices, makes it a powerful tool for professionals, gamers, and everyday users seeking high-performance connectivity options.

The key features of Thunderbolt are:

  • High Bandwidth: Thunderbolt 1 supports10 Gbps per channel (20 Gbps total, bi-directional) whereas Thunderbolt 2 supports 20 Gbps, combining two 10 Gbps channels into a single 20 Gbps bi-directional channel. Thunderbolt 3 and 4 deliver 40 Gbps.
  • Multi-Protocol Support: Supports multiple protocols including PCI Express (PCIe), DisplayPort, and USB. Allows the transmission of data and video over the same cable simultaneously.
  • Daisy-Chaining: Supports daisy-chaining of up to six devices and enables multiple devices to be connected in series, reducing cable clutter.
  • Video Support: Supports DisplayPort 1.2 and later versions (1.4 for Thunderbolt 3, 2.0 for Thunderbolt 4). Capable of driving multiple high-resolution displays. Thunderbolt 3 and 4 can support up to two 4K displays at 60 Hz or one 5K display at 60 Hz.
  • Power Delivery: Thunderbolt 3 and 4 support USB Power Delivery (USB-PD), allowing for charging of devices (up to 100W).
  • Compatibility: Thunderbolt 3 and 4 use the USB-C connector, providing compatibility with USB-C devices. Backward compatibility with previous Thunderbolt versions (1 and 2) through adapters.

The Thunderbolt video protocol provides a high-bandwidth, versatile, and efficient solution for transmitting video, data, and power through a single connection. Its ability to support multiple high-resolution displays, combined with its compatibility with other protocols and devices, makes it a powerful tool for professionals, gamers, and everyday users seeking high-performance connectivity options.

The applications for Thunderbolt are diverse and include:

  • Professional Workstations: Ideal for creative professionals who require high-resolution multi-monitor setups for video editing, 3D rendering, and graphic design.
  • Gaming: Supports high refresh rates and low latency, providing an enhanced gaming experience on multiple monitors.
  • Docking Solutions: Enables seamless connectivity for laptops to multiple external displays and peripherals through a single Thunderbolt cable.
  • High-Performance Computing: Facilitates the connection of high-performance external GPUs (eGPUs) for enhanced graphics performance on laptops and compact desktops.

Thunderbolt compliance and interoperability are fundamental to the successful adoption and functionality of Thunderbolt technology. Through rigorous certification processes, multi-protocol support, and adherence to standards, Thunderbolt ensures reliable, high-performance connectivity across a wide range of devices and platforms.

Users benefit from seamless integration, versatile connectivity options, and the assurance that certified products meet stringent quality and performance criteria.

Whilst there are challenges such as cost and cable length limitations, the benefits of Thunderbolt are clear: 

High bandwidth versatility through a single connection.