12th Generation Intel® Core™ Processors

Datasheet, Volume 1 of 2

ID 655258
Date 06/15/2023
Document Table of Contents

USB™ 4 Router

USB4 is a Standard architecture (formerly known as CIO), but with the addition of USB3 (10G) tunneling, and rounded frequencies. USB4 adds a new USB4 PD entry mode, but fully documents mode entry, and negotiation elements of Thunderbolt™ 3.

USB4 architecture (formerly known as Thunderbolt 3 protocol) is a transformational high-speed, dual protocol I/O, and it provides flexibility and simplicity by encapsulating both data (PCIe* & USB3) and video

(DisplayPort*) on a single cable connection that can daisy-chain up to six devices. USB4/Thunderbolt controllers act as a point of entry or a point of exit in the USB4 domain. The USB4 domain is built as a daisy chain of USB4/Thunderbolt enabled products for the encapsulated protocols - PCIe, USB3 and DisplayPort. These protocols are encapsulated into the USB4 fabric and can be tunneled across the domain.

USB4 controllers can be implemented in various systems such as PCs, laptops and tablets, or devices such as storage, docks, displays, home entertainment, cameras, computer peripherals, high end video editing systems, and any other PCIe based device that can be used to extend system capabilities outside of the system's box.

The integrated connection maximum data rate is 20.625 Gbps per lane but supports also 20.0 Gbps, 10.3125 Gbps, and 10.0 Gbps and is compatible with older Thunderbolt™ device speeds.