Thunderbolt™ is a multi-functional interface protocol which can connect PCs and laptops with displays, video cameras, hard drives and other peripheral devices. It is based on DisplayPort™, PCI Express and USB protocol. Data transfer is serial with multiple bidirectional channels.

Thunderbolt™ can support different protocols at the same time. The transfer channels for image, audio, power and data are brought together in a single interface. The third generation Thunderbolt™ 3 has the USB Type-C™ plug and makes data transfer rates of up to 40 Gbit/s possible.