The main types of screen extension technology.
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Currently on the market to achieve full-featured Type-C interface to expand multiple screen technology mainly includes the following programs and related to promote the enterprise:
First, DisplayLink technology-based multi-screen expansion
Technical principle: DisplayLink through the compression of video signals to achieve multi-screen expansion, relying on software drivers and special chips, can support multi-display output on a single USB-C interface, strong compatibility.
Application Scenario: Applicable to devices with non-native multi-screen support (e.g., some MacBooks), supporting extended or mirrored mode.
Promoting companies:
Belkin: launched USB-C docking station supporting three 4K displays with DisplayLink technology, compatible with Mac, Windows and Chromebook59.
Hagibis: Launched DisplayLink chip multi-screen docking station, supporting 8K resolution, solving Apple computer multi-screen heterodyne display limitation13.
Second, DisplayPort Multi-Stream Transmission (MST) and Daisy Chain Technology
Technical principle: through DisplayPort 1.2 and above version of the MST function to daisy chain multiple displays, the main display needs to support MST output.
Application Scenario: Suitable for devices that natively support DisplayPort, such as high-end graphics cards or USB-C interfaces that support DP Alt mode.
Promoting companies:
Dell: Provides MST-enabled monitors to guide users in daisy-chaining multiple screens to optimize office and creative scenarios7.
Lenovo (Lenovo): some high-end notebooks and docking stations support DP Alt mode, combining Thunderbolt to realize multi-screen output16.
Third, Thunderbolt technology
Technical principle: Thunderbolt 3/4 interface integration of PCIe, DisplayPort and USB protocols, support for high-bandwidth transmission, can drive multiple 4K or a single 8K display.
Application Scenario: High-performance demand scenarios (e.g., video editing, gaming), support for expansion mode.
Promoting enterprises:
Intel: Leading Thunderbolt standard, cooperating with Apple, Lenovo, etc. to promote.
Apple (Apple): MacBook Pro and other equipment through Thunderbolt 4 support for multi-screen expansion 716.
Fourth, hardware-level multi-way switching chip program
Technical principle: through the SWITCH chip and PD protocol controller to manage multiple Type-C interface power and signal switching, to achieve dual device input and multi-screen output.
Application scenarios: mobile display or driver board design, support dynamic power management and signal priority switching.
Promoting companies:
Silicon Valley Digital Modeling (Analogix): provides protocol chips such as ANX7327 for Type-C to DP signal processing11.
Chinese patented technology: such as dual Type-C interface monitor driver board program, supporting dynamic selection of power supply devices and expanding the USB Hub function 311.
V. KVM switch and docking station integration program
Technical principle: through the USB-C KVM switch to realize multiple computers to share multiple monitors, support high refresh rate and multi-device switching.
Application Scenario: Multi-host office environment or gaming scenario.
Promote enterprise:
Slenky: Launched dual-screen KVM switch iDock B30, which supports three computers to switch dual 4K monitors and integrated 65W PD charging17.
Sixth, wireless and AI-driven future trends
Technology direction:
Wireless multi-screen: IDC predicts that the future USB-C interface will be wireless, combined with Wi-Fi 6E or UWB technology to achieve cable-free expansion10.
AI-optimized display: for example, Lenovo introduced a built-in NPU display that automatically adjusts display parameters through AI and supports cross-device collaboration