Port protocol capabilities.

[Kupuna]

I have to start with a statement from the support desk of my graphic tablet maker:

"mini PC doesn't support USB 3.1 Gen1 DP1.2 protocol"

Here are the specs on my NUC

MODEL is NUC8i7HVB

VERSION J68196-602

Stock Number J71485-603 (Formerly Hades Canyon)

Serial: BTHN0180084H

Needs Radeon Driver 20.2.2 for Radeon RX Vega m GH graphics

I believe they are wrong. Am I correct?

I have two lightning ports and two mini DisplayPorts. I think those ports have the required protocols.  I need to get power, audio, and video through a cable from the NUC to the video tablet.  The vendor (Huion) sells what they say is a proprietary USB C to USB C cable, but since I am not sure if my NUC has the protocols, I am hesitating. Could you please assist on this issue?  Also, could I use other vendors' cables?  I object to proprietary add on products.

[Alberto_R_Intel]

Kupuna, Thank you for posting in the Intel® Communities Support.

In order for us to answer your questions in the most accurate way, first, we just wanted to confirm a few details about your system:

What is the model of the video tablet?

Is this a new Intel® NUC?

Were you able to successfully do this procedure before with this specific Intel® NUC?

Which Windows* version are you using?

Are you planning to use this configuration at home or in the work environment?

Any questions, please let me know.

Regards,

Albert R.

Intel Customer Support Technician

[n_scott_pearson]

First of all, as is shown in this snippet from the NUC's block diagram (page 15 of TPS),

there are DisplayPort channels available in both of the Thunderbolt ports (don't say 'lightning'; that is not technically correct).

Secondly, forget the load of baloney that this vendor is giving you. You do not need any kind of proprietary cable. You can use any standard USB-C-to-DisplayPort adapter or cable to expose these DisplayPort channels. Here are some examples: 

• Cable (US$15): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075V27G2R
• Adapter (US$12): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0836FFKGD

You can also find USB-C-to-HDMI adapters and cables that will work with HDMI-only devices. Here are some examples:

• Cable (US$13): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077PHJLHG
• Adapter (US$12): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JW7GT7H

Note: These links are just examples; I am not endorsing these particular products! I do recommend that you look for cables/adapters that indicate that they support 4K@60Hz for DisplayPort 1.2 (some that say DisplayPort 1.4 will not work at 60Hz with DisplayPort 1.2). Even if you do not want 4K support initially, you might as well future-proof yourself in the bargain.

Hope this answers it for you,

...S

[Kupuna]

Scott, thank you for your complete reply.  I am obviously not a cable maven, so can I ask a couple of  added questions?

(1) If I buy a Thunderbolt (got it right) cable I can use the Thunderbolt port on my NUC and cable directly to USB C input on my tablet?

(2) I also have two mini Data Port ports on the NUC.  You recommend an adapter (mini-DP to USB C). Is there an advantage (or necessity) in connecting a mini-DP adapter, to the the Thunderbolt cable and then connecting the Thunderbolt end to the USB C connection on my tablet?

I'm obviously swamped by the cable variations. Is there an issue about "one way" transfer on either of the setups above? I need video audio, power and data flowing between the NUC and the video tablet.

p.s. I'd gladly Kudo you and accept your solution. Because of my lack of familiarity with the Forum, I'm concerned that if I do it now, it might cancel this thread. I will certainly do it ASAP.

Thanks again.

Greg Schultz
Waikoloa, Hawaii

[n_scott_pearson · Accepted solution]

My responses,

1. Yes. A good TBT cable is the best USB-C cable.
2. No. For the Mini-DisplayPort (mDP) ports, to connect a monitor, you either use a mDP-to-DP cable/adapter or a mDP-to-HDMI cable/adapter. You cannot connect these outputs to a USB-C input. They don't provide all you need, regardless; they are just a DP port.
3. For this tablet, it sounds like you need a 'full' USB-C port (i.e. provides both standard USB-C capabilities and DisplayPort Alt Mode capabilities). The mDP ports One of the Thunderbolt ports can be this full USB-C port. As for power, the max from the Thunderbolt port is, I believe, 15W. Hope that's enough.
4. You can issue Kudos to any one at any time without affecting the discussion (it has nothing to do with identifying a post as providing the 'correct' answer). Just click on the raised thumb icon in the Kudos box.

....S