Apple recently released their new Thunderbolt cable to use with Thunderbolt-capable devices, which retails for $50. This price point may seem steep for just a cable, but the team over at iFixit decided to take the Thunderbolt cable apart to uncover what justifies the high cost.
Inside the Thunderbolt Cable
Upon disassembling the Thunderbolt cable, iFixit discovered that it indeed features active chips inside, which would explain the high price tag. Here is what iFixit found inside the Thunderbolt cable:
We found two Gennum GN2033 chips in the connector, one on each side. They were flanked by other, much smaller chips that surely added to the cable’s cost: two chips labeled S6A 1JG on one side, and chips labeled 1102F SS8370 and 131 3S on the other. Of course, there were tons of little resistors (providing impedance as needed) all around the larger chips.
The presence of these active chips is significant because they play a crucial role in the cable’s functionality. Unlike passive cables, which merely transmit signals, active cables like the Thunderbolt cable contain electronic components that help manage and amplify the signal. This ensures that data can be transferred at high speeds over longer distances without degradation.
Why Active Chips Matter
Active chips are essential for maintaining the high performance that Thunderbolt technology promises. Thunderbolt cables are designed to support data transfer speeds of up to 40 Gbps, which is significantly faster than USB 3.0 and even USB 3.1. This makes them ideal for tasks that require rapid data transfer, such as video editing, large file transfers, and connecting high-resolution displays.
The Gennum GN2033 chips found in the Thunderbolt cable are specifically designed to handle these high-speed data transfers. They help to reduce signal loss and ensure that the data integrity is maintained from one end of the cable to the other. This is particularly important for professional applications where data accuracy and speed are critical.
Additionally, the smaller chips labeled S6A 1JG, 1102F SS8370, and 131 3S also contribute to the cable’s overall performance. These chips likely handle various other functions such as power management, signal conditioning, and error correction. The combination of these components ensures that the Thunderbolt cable can deliver the performance that users expect from a premium product.
Another factor contributing to the high cost of the Thunderbolt cable is the quality of materials used. Apple is known for using high-quality materials in their products, and the Thunderbolt cable is no exception. The cable is designed to be durable and reliable, which is important for professional users who rely on their equipment for their livelihood.
Moreover, the Thunderbolt cable is backward compatible with older Thunderbolt devices, which means that users can continue to use their existing equipment without needing to upgrade everything at once. This backward compatibility is another reason why the Thunderbolt cable is a valuable investment for users who need high-speed data transfer capabilities.
In conclusion, while the $50 price tag for Apple’s Thunderbolt cable may seem high at first glance, the presence of active chips and high-quality materials justifies the cost. The cable’s ability to support high-speed data transfers, maintain signal integrity, and provide backward compatibility makes it a valuable tool for professional users. For more detailed information, you can visit iFixit’s website.
You can find out more details over at iFixit.
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