Lenovo ThinkPad Thunderbolt 3

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Summary

About the Dock

Product Description

Overview of the ThinkPad Thunderbolt 3 Dock's function and capabilities as a portable expansion module.

Dock Controls, Connectors, and Indicators

Locates and identifies all controls, connectors, and indicators on the dock, detailing their functions and types.

Statement on USB Transfer Rate

Details the factors affecting actual USB transfer rates and lists data rates for USB devices.

Main Features

Lists the key features of the dock, including supported USB devices, monitors, OS, and network capabilities.

Maximum Resolutions

Provides recommended maximum resolutions for connecting one, two, or three external monitors to the dock.

Setting up the Dock

Installing the Device Driver

Instructions for installing the dock device driver on Windows operating systems, including downloading from the Lenovo website.

Connecting the Dock to Your Computer

Step-by-step guide on physically connecting the dock to a computer, including power and Thunderbolt 3 connections.

Uninstalling the Device Driver

Procedure for removing the dock device driver from Windows operating systems via Control Panel.

Using the Dock

Using the Headset and Microphone Combo Connector

Explains how to manually enable the headset and microphone combo connector on the dock via Windows audio settings.

Using the Ethernet Connector

Details how to connect to a network via the Ethernet port and explains the status indicators for the connection.

Using the Video Output Connectors

Details how to connect external monitors via DP, HDMI, Thunderbolt, and VGA, covering modes, rotation, and resolution.

Troubleshooting

General Troubleshooting

Provides common troubleshooting tips for general dock functionality issues, power, connectivity, and device recognition.

Video Output Troubleshooting

Addresses issues related to blank external monitor displays, video playback, flickering images, and playback interruptions.

Audio Troubleshooting

Explains how to resolve audio issues, including enabling built-in computer audio connectors when the dock is connected.

Accessibility Information

Accessible Documentation Formats

Details Lenovo's provision of electronic documentation in accessible formats like tagged PDFs and HTML for visually impaired users.

Summary

About the Dock

Product Description

Overview of the ThinkPad Thunderbolt 3 Dock's function and capabilities as a portable expansion module.

Dock Controls, Connectors, and Indicators

Locates and identifies all controls, connectors, and indicators on the dock, detailing their functions and types.

Statement on USB Transfer Rate

Details the factors affecting actual USB transfer rates and lists data rates for USB devices.

Main Features

Lists the key features of the dock, including supported USB devices, monitors, OS, and network capabilities.

Maximum Resolutions

Provides recommended maximum resolutions for connecting one, two, or three external monitors to the dock.

Setting up the Dock

Installing the Device Driver

Instructions for installing the dock device driver on Windows operating systems, including downloading from the Lenovo website.

Connecting the Dock to Your Computer

Step-by-step guide on physically connecting the dock to a computer, including power and Thunderbolt 3 connections.

Uninstalling the Device Driver

Procedure for removing the dock device driver from Windows operating systems via Control Panel.

Using the Dock

Using the Headset and Microphone Combo Connector

Explains how to manually enable the headset and microphone combo connector on the dock via Windows audio settings.

Using the Ethernet Connector

Details how to connect to a network via the Ethernet port and explains the status indicators for the connection.

Using the Video Output Connectors

Details how to connect external monitors via DP, HDMI, Thunderbolt, and VGA, covering modes, rotation, and resolution.

Troubleshooting

General Troubleshooting

Provides common troubleshooting tips for general dock functionality issues, power, connectivity, and device recognition.

Video Output Troubleshooting

Addresses issues related to blank external monitor displays, video playback, flickering images, and playback interruptions.

Audio Troubleshooting

Explains how to resolve audio issues, including enabling built-in computer audio connectors when the dock is connected.

Accessibility Information

Accessible Documentation Formats

Details Lenovo's provision of electronic documentation in accessible formats like tagged PDFs and HTML for visually impaired users.

The ThinkPad Thunderbolt 3 Dock is a portable expansion module designed to enhance the connectivity of your computer. It allows for easy connection to an Ethernet network and a variety of peripheral devices, such as headsets, microphones, monitors, and Universal Serial Bus (USB) devices. This dock simplifies your workspace setup by enabling you to connect multiple devices to the dock itself, rather than directly to your computer. Once configured, these devices are ready for use each time you connect your computer to the dock. Additionally, the dock can provide power to your computer when connected.

Key components of the dock include a power button with an indicator, a security-lock slot, multiple USB 3.0 connectors (including an Always On USB 3.0 connector), Thunderbolt 3 connectors, a headset and microphone combo connector, an Ethernet connector, a VGA connector, DisplayPort (DP) connectors, and an HDMI connector. An LED indicator in the ThinkPad logo illuminates when the dock is connected to power.

Function Description

The primary function of the ThinkPad Thunderbolt 3 Dock is to expand your computer's connectivity. It acts as a central hub for various peripherals, streamlining your connection process.

Power Button with Indicator: This button serves a dual purpose. When the dock is disconnected from the computer, pressing it turns the dock off. When connected to the computer, it mirrors the functions of your computer's power button, allowing you to turn on, turn off, sleep, hibernate, or wake up the computer. The indicator light provides visual feedback on the dock's status: amber indicates the dock is on and ready to connect or the computer is in hibernation/off, while white signifies the dock is on and the computer is on or in sleep mode.
Security-Lock Slot: This feature allows you to physically secure the dock to a desk or other fixture using a security cable lock, protecting it from theft.
USB 3.0 Connectors: These connectors facilitate the connection of USB 3.0 compatible devices, such as USB storage devices or printers.
Thunderbolt 3 Connectors: These versatile connectors support Thunderbolt 3 or USB-C compatible devices, including external monitors or storage devices. They can also be used to connect DP, HDMI, or VGA monitors with a suitable convert cable.
Headset and Microphone Combo Connector: This 3.5-mm, 4-pole plug connector is designed for headphones or headsets, providing audio input and output capabilities.
Always On USB 3.0 Connector: This specific USB 3.0 port is capable of charging mobile digital devices and smartphones, even when the dock is disconnected from the computer, providing up to 2.4 A during the charging process.
Ethernet Connector: This connector allows you to connect the dock to a standard 10 Mbps, 100 Mbps, or 1000 Mbps Ethernet LAN, providing network connectivity.
Video Output Connectors (VGA, DisplayPort, HDMI, Thunderbolt 3): These connectors enable you to connect various external monitors to the dock. The dock supports different video output modes, including Extend mode, Mirror mode, and Single-display mode, allowing for flexible display configurations.

Usage Features

The ThinkPad Thunderbolt 3 Dock offers several features to enhance your computing experience:

Simplified Connectivity: By connecting all your peripherals to the dock, you can quickly connect and disconnect your computer from your entire workstation with a single Thunderbolt 3 cable. This is particularly useful for users who frequently move their laptops.
Multi-Monitor Support: The dock supports connecting up to three external monitors simultaneously, allowing for an expanded visual workspace. When three external monitors are connected, the computer's built-in display is disabled. The dock supports various resolutions and refresh rates depending on the number and type of monitors connected.
Display Modes:
- Extend Mode: This mode splits your display across two monitors, with your computer monitor acting as the primary display and the external monitor as the secondary. This is ideal for multitasking, such as reading emails on one screen and working on attachments on another, or expanding spreadsheets.
- Mirror Mode: In this mode, the dock clones your computer screen to the external monitor, automatically adjusting settings like screen resolution, color quality, and refresh rate for optimal display.
- Single-Display Mode: This mode allows you to display your desktop on only one screen, either your computer's display or an external monitor, while the other remains off.
Display Rotation: You can rotate the external monitor display to your preferred orientation (Landscape, Portrait, Landscape (flipped), Portrait (flipped)) through the display settings.
Resolution Adjustment: The resolution of the external monitor can be easily adjusted through the display settings to suit your preferences.
Network Function Support: On some Lenovo computers, the Ethernet connection supports advanced network functions such as Preboot Execution Environment (PXE), Media Access Control (MAC) address Pass Through, and Wake on LAN. These features enhance manageability and productivity by allowing remote operations and updates.
Device Charging: The Always On USB 3.0 connector provides convenient charging for mobile devices, even when the dock is not connected to a computer, provided it is connected to a power supply.

Maintenance Features

Maintaining the ThinkPad Thunderbolt 3 Dock primarily involves ensuring proper driver installation and connection integrity.

Device Driver Management: The dock requires a device driver to function correctly on Windows operating systems. For some Lenovo computers, this driver is preinstalled. Otherwise, it can be downloaded from the Lenovo website. The user guide provides clear instructions for installing and uninstalling the device driver. Regular updates of the driver are recommended to ensure optimal performance and compatibility.
Troubleshooting Guide: The manual includes a comprehensive troubleshooting section to address common issues. This covers problems related to the dock not working, wireless keyboard/mouse interruptions, slow charging, inability to charge devices, computer not waking up, and blank external monitor displays.
Connection Verification: For most issues, the troubleshooting guide emphasizes checking all physical connections, including the power adapter, Thunderbolt 3 cable, and video cables, to ensure they are correctly and securely attached.
BIOS Configuration: For advanced network functions like PXE, MAC address Pass Through, and Wake on LAN, the manual guides users on how to enable these features through the computer's BIOS settings.
Audio Device Configuration: If the headset and microphone combo connector is not working automatically, the manual provides steps to manually enable and configure the USB audio line-out and line-in devices through Windows sound settings.
Accessibility Information: The documentation itself is provided in accessible formats (tagged PDF, HTML) to ensure visually impaired users can read it using screen readers, with alternative text for images.

Lenovo ThinkPad Thunderbolt 3 Specifications

General

Microphone in	No
Headphone outputs	-
USB connector type	USB Type-A
PS/2 ports quantity	2
USB 2.0 ports quantity	0
Connectivity technology	Wired
Combo headphone/mic port	Yes
Thunderbolt 3 ports quantity	1
USB 3.2 Gen 2 (3.1 Gen 2) Type-A ports quantity	5
Ethernet LAN data rates	10, 100, 1000 Mbit/s
Certification	COC, CU EAC, cULus, FCC, ICES, KCC, NOM, RCM, SABS LoA, Serbia Kvalitet, SII, TUV Mark, VCCI, CE, CB, BSMI
Compatibility	ThinkPad
Product color	Black
Brand compatibility	Lenovo
Cable lock slot type	Kensington
Maximum digital resolution	3840 x 2160 pixels
Number of displays supported	4
Cables included	AC, Thunderbolt
Package depth	195 mm
Package width	270 mm
Package height	85 mm
Package weight	2232 g
Quantity per pack	1 pc(s)
Operating temperature (T-T)	-5 - 35 °C
Operating relative humidity (H-H)	5 - 95 %
Windows operating systems supported	Windows 10
Sustainability certificates	RoHS
Power supply	230 W
Power source type	DC
Power supply type	External