3
Technology and components
This chapter details the technology and components available in the system.
Topics:
•
Power adapter
•
Kaby Lake — 7th Generation Intel Core processors
•
Kaby Lake Refresh — 8th Generation Intel Core processors
•
DDR4
•
HDMI 1.4- HDMI 2.0
•
USB features
•
USB Type-C
Power adapter
This laptop is shipped with 7.4mm barrel plug on power adapter.
WARNING: When you disconnect the power adapter cable from the laptop, grasp the connector, not the cable itself, and then pull firmly but gently to avoid damaging the cable.
WARNING: The power adapter works with electrical outlets worldwide. However, power connectors and power strips vary among countries. Using an incompatible cable or improperly connecting the cable to the power strip or electrical outlet may cause fire or equipment damage.
Kaby Lake — 7th Generation Intel Core processors
The 7th Gen Intel Core processor (Kaby Lake) family is the successor of 6th generation processors (Sky Lake). It's main features include:
• Intel 14nm Manufacturing Process Technology
• Intel Turbo Boost Technology
• Intel Hyper Threading Technology
• Intel Built-in Visuals
– Intel HD graphics - exceptional videos, editing smallest details in the videos
– Intel Quick Sync Video - excellent video conferencing capability, quick video editing and authoring
– Intel Clear Video HD - visual quality and color fidelity enhancements for HD playback and immersing web browsing
• Integrated memory controller
• Intel Smart Cache
• Optional Intel vPro technology (on i5/i7) with Active Management Technology 11.6
• Intel Rapid Storage Technology
Technology and components 57
Kaby lake Specifications
Table 2. Kaby lake specifications
Processor number Clock
Speed
Cache
2.4 GHz 3 MB Intel Core i3-7100U (3M
Cache, up to 2.4 GHz),
Dual Core
Intel Core i5-7200U (3M
Cache, up to 3.1 GHz),
Dual Core
Intel Core i5-7300U (3M
Cache, up to 3.5
GHz),vPro, Dual Core
Intel Core i7-7600U (4M
Cache, up to 3.9 GHz), vPro, Dual Core
2.5 GHz
2.6 GHz
2.8 GHz
3 MB
3 MB
4 MB
Intel Core i5-7300HQ (6M
Cache, up to 3.5GHz),
Quad Core, 35W CTDP
2.5 GHz 6 MB
Intel Core i5-7440HQ (6M
Cache, up to 3.8GHz),
Quad Core, 35W CTDP
2.8 GHz 6 MB
Intel Core i7-7820HQ (8M
Cache up to 3.9GHz),
Quad Core, 35W CTDP
2.9 GHz 8 MB
No. of cores/No. of threads
Power
2/4 15 W
2/4
2/4
2/4
4/4
4/4
4/8
15 W
15 W
15 W
35 W
35 W
35 W
Memory type
DDR4-2133
DDR4-2133
DDR4-2133
DDR4-2133
DDR4-2133;
DDR4-2400
DDR4-2133;
DDR4-2400
DDR4-2133;
DDR4-2400
Graphics
Intel HD graphics
620
Intel HD graphics
620
Intel HD graphics
620
Intel HD graphics
620
Intel HD Graphics
630
Intel HD Graphics
630
Intel HD Graphics
630
Kaby Lake Refresh — 8th Generation Intel Core processors
The 8th Gen Intel Core processor (Kaby Lake Refresh) family is the successor of 7th generation processors. Its main features include:
• Intel 14nm+ Manufacturing Process Technology
• Intel Turbo Boost Technology
• Intel Hyper Threading Technology
• Intel Built-in Visuals
– Intel HD graphics - exceptional videos, editing smallest details in the videos
– Intel Quick Sync Video - excellent video conferencing capability, quick video editing and authoring
– Intel Clear Video HD - visual quality and color fidelity enhancements for HD playback and immersing web browsing
• Integrated memory controller
• Intel Smart Cache
• Optional Intel vPro technology (on i5/i7) with Active Management Technology 11.6
• Intel Rapid Storage Technology
58 Technology and components
Kaby Lake Refresh Specifications
Table 3. Kaby Lake Refresh specifications
Processor number
Intel Core i7-8650U
Clock
Speed
Cache
4.2 GHz 8 MB
No. of cores/No. of threads
Power
4/8 15 W
Memory type Graphics
Intel Core i7-8550U
Intel Core i5-8350U
Intel Core i5-8250U
4.0 GHz 8 MB
3.6 GHz 6 MB
3.4 GHz 6 MB
4/8
4/8
4/8
15 W
15 W
15 W
DDR4-2400 or
LPDDR3-2133
DDR4-2400 or
LPDDR3-2133
DDR4-2400 or
LPDDR3-2133
DDR4-2400 or
LPDDR3-2133
Intel UHD graphics
620
Intel UHD graphics
620
Intel UHD graphics
620
Intel UHD graphics
620
DDR4
DDR4 (double data rate fourth generation) memory is a higher-speed successor to the DDR2 and DDR3 technologies and allows up to 512
GB in capacity, compared to the DDR3's maximum of 128 GB per DIMM. DDR4 synchronous dynamic random-access memory is keyed differently from both SDRAM and DDR to prevent the user from installing the wrong type of memory into the system.
DDR4 needs 20 percent less or just 1.2 volts, compared to DDR3 which requires 1.5 volts of electrical power to operate. DDR4 also supports a new, deep power-down mode that allows the host device to go into standby without needing to refresh its memory. Deep power-down mode is expected to reduce standby power consumption by 40 to 50 percent.
DDR4 Details
There are subtle differences between DDR3 and DDR4 memory modules, as listed below.
Key notch difference
The key notch on a DDR4 module is in a different location from the key notch on a DDR3 module. Both notches are on the insertion edge but the notch location on the DDR4 is slightly different, to prevent the module from being installed into an incompatible board or platform.
Figure 1. Notch difference
Increased thickness
DDR4 modules are slightly thicker than DDR3, to accommodate more signal layers.
Technology and components 59
Figure 2. Thickness difference
Curved edge
DDR4 modules feature a curved edge to help with insertion and alleviate stress on the PCB during memory installation.
Figure 3. Curved edge
Memory Errors
Memory errors on the system display the new ON-FLASH-FLASH or ON-FLASH-ON failure code. If all memory fails, the LCD does not turn on. Troubleshoot for possible memory failure by trying known good memory modules in the memory connectors on the bottom of the system or under the keyboard, as in some portable systems.
HDMI 1.4- HDMI 2.0
This topic explains the HDMI 1.4/2.0 and its features along with the advantages.
HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is an industry-supported, uncompressed, all-digital audio/video interface. HDMI provides an interface between any compatible digital audio/video source, such as a DVD player, or A/V receiver and a compatible digital audio and/or video monitor, such as a digital TV (DTV). The intended applications for HDMI TVs, and DVD players. The primary advantage is cable reduction and content protection provisions. HDMI supports standard, enhanced, or high-definition video, plus multichannel digital audio on a single cable.
NOTE: The HDMI 1.4 will provide 5.1 channel audio support.
HDMI 1.4- HDMI 2.0 Features
• HDMI Ethernet Channel - Adds high-speed networking to an HDMI link, allowing users to take full advantage of their IP-enabled devices without a separate Ethernet cable
• Audio Return Channel - Allows an HDMI-connected TV with a built-in tuner to send audio data "upstream" to a surround audio system, eliminating the need for a separate audio cable
• 3D - Defines input/output protocols for major 3D video formats, paving the way for true 3D gaming and 3D home theater applications
• Content Type - Real-time signaling of content types between display and source devices, enabling a TV to optimize picture settings based on content type
• Additional Color Spaces - Adds support for additional color models used in digital photography and computer graphics
60 Technology and components
• 4K Support - Enables video resolutions far beyond 1080p, supporting next-generation displays that will rival the Digital Cinema systems used in many commercial movie theaters
• HDMI Micro Connector - A new, smaller connector for phones and other portable devices, supporting video resolutions up to 1080p
• Automotive Connection System - New cables and connectors for automotive video systems, designed to meet the unique demands of the motoring environment while delivering true HD quality
Advantages of HDMI
• Quality HDMI transfers uncompressed digital audio and video for the highest, crispest image quality.
• Low -cost HDMI provides the quality and functionality of a digital interface while also supporting uncompressed video formats in a simple, cost-effective manner
• Audio HDMI supports multiple audio formats from standard stereo to multichannel surround sound
• HDMI combines video and multichannel audio into a single cable, eliminating the cost, complexity, and confusion of multiple cables currently used in A/V systems
• HDMI supports communication between the video source (such as a DVD player) and the DTV, enabling new functionality
USB features
Universal Serial Bus, or USB, was introduced in 1996. It dramatically simplified the connection between host computers and peripheral devices like mice, keyboards, external drivers, and printers.
Let's take a quick look on the USB evolution referencing to the table below.
Table 4. USB evolution
Type
USB 3.0/USB 3.1 Gen
1Port
USB 2.0
Data Transfer Rate
5 Gbps
480 Mbps
Category
Super Speed
High Speed
Introduction Year
2010
2000
USB 3.0/USB 3.1 Gen 1 (SuperSpeed USB)
For years, the USB 2.0 has been firmly entrenched as the de facto interface standard in the PC world with about 6 billion devices sold, and yet the need for more speed grows by ever faster computing hardware and ever greater bandwidth demands. The USB 3.0/USB 3.1 Gen 1 finally has the answer to the consumers' demands with a theoretically 10 times faster than its predecessor. In a nutshell, USB 3.1 Gen 1 features are as follows:
• Higher transfer rates (up to 5 Gbps)
• Increased maximum bus power and increased device current draw to better accommodate power-hungry devices
• New power management features
• Full-duplex data transfers and support for new transfer types
• Backward USB 2.0 compatibility
• New connectors and cable
The topics below cover some of the most commonly asked questions regarding USB 3.0/USB 3.1 Gen 1.
Technology and components 61
Speed
Currently, there are 3 speed modes defined by the latest USB 3.0/USB 3.1 Gen 1 specification. They are Super-Speed, Hi-Speed and Full-
Speed. The new SuperSpeed mode has a transfer rate of 4.8Gbps. While the specification retains Hi-Speed, and Full-Speed USB mode, commonly known as USB 2.0 and 1.1 respectively, the slower modes still operate at 480Mbps and 12Mbps respectively and are kept to maintain backward compatibility.
USB 3.0/USB 3.1 Gen 1 achieves the much higher performance by the technical changes below:
• An additional physical bus that is added in parallel with the existing USB 2.0 bus (refer to the picture below).
• USB 2.0 previously had four wires (power, ground, and a pair for differential data); USB 3.0/USB 3.1 Gen 1 adds four more for two pairs of differential signals (receive and transmit) for a combined total of eight connections in the connectors and cabling.
• USB 3.0/USB 3.1 Gen 1 utilizes the bidirectional data interface, rather than USB 2.0's half-duplex arrangement. This gives a 10-fold increase in theoretical bandwidth.
With today's ever increasing demands placed on data transfers with high-definition video content, terabyte storage devices, high megapixel count digital cameras etc., USB 2.0 may not be fast enough. Furthermore, no USB 2.0 connection could ever come close to the 480Mbps theoretical maximum throughput, making data transfer at around 320Mbps (40MB/s) — the actual real-world maximum. Similarly, USB
3.0/USB 3.1 Gen 1 connections will never achieve 4.8Gbps. We will likely see a real-world maximum rate of 400MB/s with overheads. At this speed, USB 3.0/USB 3.1 Gen 1 is a 10x improvement over USB 2.0.
Applications
USB 3.0/USB 3.1 Gen 1 opens up the laneways and provides more headroom for devices to deliver a better overall experience. Where USB video was barely tolerable previously (both from a maximum resolution, latency, and video compression perspective), it's easy to imagine that with 5-10 times the bandwidth available, USB video solutions should work that much better. Single-link DVI requires almost 2Gbps throughput. Where 480Mbps was limiting, 5Gbps is more than promising. With its promised 4.8Gbps speed, the standard will find its way into some products that previously weren't USB territory, like external RAID storage systems.
Listed below are some of the available SuperSpeed USB 3.0/USB 3.1 Gen 1 products:
• External Desktop USB 3.0/USB 3.1 Gen 1 Hard Drives
• Portable USB 3.0/USB 3.1 Gen 1 Hard Drives
• USB 3.0/USB 3.1 Gen 1 Drive Docks & Adapters
• USB 3.0/USB 3.1 Gen 1 Flash Drives & Readers
• USB 3.0/USB 3.1 Gen 1 Solid-state Drives
62 Technology and components
• USB 3.0/USB 3.1 Gen 1 RAIDs
• Optical Media Drives
• Multimedia Devices
• Networking
• USB 3.0/USB 3.1 Gen 1 Adapter Cards & Hubs
Compatibility
The good news is that USB 3.0/USB 3.1 Gen 1 has been carefully planned from the start to peacefully co-exist with USB 2.0. First of all, while USB 3.0/USB 3.1 Gen 1 specifies new physical connections and thus new cables to take advantage of the higher speed capability of the new protocol, the connector itself remains the same rectangular shape with the four USB 2.0 contacts in the exact same location as before. Five new connections to carry receive and transmitted data independently are present on USB 3.0/USB 3.1 Gen 1 cables and only come into contact when connected to a proper SuperSpeed USB connection.
Windows 8/10 will be bringing native support for USB 3.1 Gen 1 controllers. This is in contrast to previous versions of Windows, which continue to require separate drivers for USB 3.0/USB 3.1 Gen 1 controllers.
Microsoft announced that Windows 7 would have USB 3.1 Gen 1 support, perhaps not on its immediate release, but in a subsequent Service
Pack or update. It is not out of the question to think that following a successful release of USB 3.0/USB 3.1 Gen 1 support in Windows 7,
SuperSpeed support would trickle down to Vista. Microsoft has confirmed this by stating that most of their partners share the opinion that
Vista should also support USB 3.0/USB 3.1 Gen 1.
Advantages of Displayport over USB Type-C
• Full DisplayPort audio/video (A/V) performance (up to 4K at 60Hz)
• SuperSpeed USB (USB 3.1) data
• Reversible plug orientation and cable direction
• Backwards compatibility to VGA, DVI with adaptors
• Supports HDMI 2.0a and is backwards compatible with previous versions
USB Type-C
USB Type-C is a new, tiny physical connector. The connector itself can support various exciting new USB standard like USB 3.1 and USB power delivery (USB PD).
Alternate Mode
USB Type-C is a new connector standard that's very small. It's about a third the size of an old USB Type-A plug. This is a single connector standard that every device should be able to use. USB Type-C ports can support a variety of different protocols using “alternate modes,” which allows you to have adapters that can output HDMI, VGA, DisplayPort, or other types of connections from that single USB port
USB Power Delivery
The USB PD specification is also closely intertwined with USB Type-C. Currently, smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices often use a USB connection to charge. A USB 2.0 connection provides up to 2.5 watts of power — that'll charge your phone, but that's about it. A laptop might require up to 60 watts, for example. The USB Power Delivery specification ups this power delivery to 100 watts. It's bidirectional, so a device can either send or receive power. And this power can be transferred at the same time the device is transmitting data across the connection.
This could spell the end of all those proprietary laptop charging cables, with everything charging via a standard USB connection. You could charge your laptop from one of those portable battery packs you charge your smartphones and other portable devices from today. You
Technology and components 63
could plug your laptop into an external display connected to a power cable, and that external display would charge your laptop as you used it as an external display — all via the one little USB Type-C connection. To use this, the device and the cable have to support USB Power
Delivery. Just having a USB Type-C connection doesn't necessarily mean they do.
USB Type-C and USB 3.1
USB 3.1 is a new USB standard. USB 3's theoretical bandwidth is 5 Gbps, while USB 3.1 Gen2 is10Gbps . That's double the bandwidth, as fast as a first-generation Thunderbolt connector. USB Type-C isn't the same thing as USB 3.1. USB Type-C is just a connector shape, and the underlying technology could just be USB 2 or USB 3.0. In fact, Nokia's N1 Android tablet uses a USB Type-C connector, but underneath it's all USB 2.0 — not even USB 3.0. However, these technologies are closely related.
64 Technology and components
