AMD launches Thunderbolt alternative Lightningbolt

Following Intel, AMD has also developed an interconnect for various protocols. Not only can a display be controlled via Lightningbolt with a single cable, it also eliminates the need for a power supply.

The obvious reference to Intel’s Thunderbolt is apparent from the name Lightningbolt, which AMD gave to its new connection for laptops. The prototype that was shown in a room and of which no photos were allowed, still works with an external chip, but in the future the technology has to be integrated into laptops. Then only one cable needs to be plugged in to connect the laptop to, for example, a docking station.

A video signal can be sent via the single cable, which may be a home-garden-and-kitchen variant of a mini-displayport cable, while data can be transferred via USB 3.0 at the same time. However, the technique also supports nutrition; a maximum of 2A can be sent over the cable, sufficient to provide energy-efficient laptops. Charging will only take place slowly, depending on the power consumption of the laptop.

Besides a significant reduction in cables, AMD’s Lightningbolt has another advantage: the price. According to AMD, it costs manufacturers less than ten dollars to implement the technology, which would not drive up the price for the end user. AMD expects the first laptops with Lightningbolt technology in the second wave of Trinity laptops, on the market this year.