Preface
For the Thunderbolt interface, the high transmission rate brings rich expandability support, which can realize fast charging, data transmission and video expansion through a Thunderbolt interface, and realize multiple functions through the USB-C interface, which not only reduces the cost of consumer learning Xi, but also makes the device thinner and smaller.
In addition to targeted converters, the docking stations have rich interfaces and support a variety of peripheral connections, truly giving full play to the potential of Thunderbolt interfaces. The following brings a summary of the dismantling of these four products, and let's take a look at the internal design and materials.
Apple
Apple Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 converter
Through the dismantling of the charging head network, it was found that the Apple Thunderbolt 2 interface converter has built-in copper foil and thermal pads to help dissipate heat, and the copper foil can also help shield and resist interference to ensure stable operation for a long time. The buck-boost scheme used for the converter is from MPS, and the interface controller is from TI Texas Instruments. In addition, it is also equipped with input under-voltage protection, using Panasonic polymer tantalum capacitors for filtering, and the workmanship of the material is still the same apple, which is quite solid and reliable.
However, this product has been launched for a while, and it was originally designed to connect to Thunderbolt 2 devices, and it only transmits Thunderbolt signals, and does not support DP video signal output. Nowadays, when the Type-C port is very popular, such a product can be used as a bridge between the new computer and the old equipment, and can fully revitalize the Thunderbolt 2 interface equipment, so as not to be eliminated due to the upgrade of the computer interface to Thunderbolt 3.
Related Reading:
1. Disassembly report: Apple Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 converter
LG
LG UltraFine 27 5K Monitor Motherboard
LG UltraFine 5K monitor is a monitor with a built-in Thunderbolt 3 interface, with high resolution and P3 color gamut, which is equivalent to the display content of 4 2K monitors, thus giving it strong competitiveness and becoming the main display for many content workers.
The display uses Intel JHL6540 for video signal output, Realtek RTD2799 for screen driver, and Resis FL1100 for PCIe to USB3.0 conversion, and two hub chips for corresponding interface expansion. The internal audio output is decoded and amplified by Realtek ALC4020 and Nef's NTP7515.
In terms of chip power supply, LG uses MPS and Richtek's step-down converters extensively in the display to power different chips on the motherboard. The electrolytic capacitor uses the Korean Sanying brand, and the design is mature. The 5K resolution and USB-C fast charging support make it an ideal partner for laptops.
Related Reading:
1. Teardown report: LG UltraFine 27 5K monitor driver board
SEAGATE
Seagate 5A2C 7-port multi-function hard drive docking station
The Seagate 5A2C 7-Port HDD Docking Station features customizable RGB lighting effects for a cool gaming style. The product supports a variety of peripherals, one line to solve all peripheral needs, equipped with 5A2C seven USB interfaces are very fast, to meet the multi-task at the same time, saving time. In addition, the innovative built-in 4TB ultra-large capacity HDD, and users can also add SSDs according to their own needs. In terms of performance, it is a combination of large capacity and high transmission speed, which is very convenient to use and easily solves various problems in daily office or entertainment.
Through the dismantling of the charging head network, it was found that the product uses Intel JHL7440 Thunderbolt controller, Texas Instruments PCM2912A audio decoder, Weifeng VL822 hub chip, Realtek RTL8153 network controller, Xiangshuo ASM235CM bridge chip, Maxim MAX97220A headphone amplifier and other well-known manufacturers of chips to complete the functions of the docking station, and the overall materials are solid.
In terms of design, the bottom of the fuselage and the inner middle layer are made of metal to absorb heat, the front and rear ends and the bottom are also designed with heat dissipation windows, built-in small fans for heat dissipation, and each interface has an overcurrent protection IC to prevent damaged devices from affecting the normal operation of the docking station. In addition, the back of the PCB board corresponding to the key chips are made of vias, to ensure that the equipment works for a long time, the interface receptacle is pasted with conductive cloth, and is provided by Foxconn and Luxshare Precision and other large manufacturers.
Related Reading:
1. Disassembly report: Seagate 5A2C seven-port multi-function hard disk docking station
UGREEN
Greenlink Thunderbolt 3 multi-function docking station
The Greenlink Thunderbolt 3 multi-function docking station is a comprehensive product, so it is designed with an aluminum alloy shell, which can not only improve the protection strength and appearance, but also help dissipate heat. The bottom shell is also equipped with heat dissipation holes in all directions to avoid local heat accumulation.
The docking station supports fast charging, data transmission and video expansion, and has also passed the official certification of Intel, which can be said to guarantee the compatibility of Thunderbolt™ devices, and it will be more stable for daily use. The product has comprehensive features and strong overall performance, which is enough to meet the work needs of many video makers.
Through dismantling, the charging head network learned that the product is based on Intel JHL7440 Thunderbolt chip, and is composed of Weifeng Electronics' USB hub chip and related peripherals. Among them JHL7440 Thunderbolt chip is assembled with small plates, and layers of thermal pads, heat sinks, exposed copper and tin on the motherboard, and via hole design, all of which are designed to help this chip dissipate heat, and the heat dissipation measures are very sufficient.
Weifeng Electronics VL822-Q7, VL817-Q7 and Chuangwei GL850G are used for USB interface, corresponding network port and sound card and other peripheral connections. In addition, Realtek ALC4030 and RTL8153B functional chips are also used, the memory is from Puran, Fudan Micro, and Xintianxia, and the step-down power supply solution is from MPS and Jiehuate, all of which are well-known manufacturers with solid and reliable materials.
Related Reading:
1. Dismantling report: Greenlink Thunderbolt 3 multi-function 10 interface docking station
Summary of the charging head network
As the ultimate solution, the Thunderbolt docking station has rich and comprehensive interface support, using a Thunderbolt interface, you can achieve fast charging, high-speed data transmission and video display expansion, greatly simplifying the internal design of the laptop, making the laptop thinner and smaller, so that consumers have a better experience.
Among them, LG Display uses JHL6540 bridge chips inside, Seagate Docking Station and Greenlink Docking Station use JHL7440 bridge chips inside, and the main chip solutions are from Intel, with other chips for expansion. The internal chip has perfect heat dissipation measures to avoid high temperatures for long periods of use, and provide stable and reliable expansion connections.