While all USB ports provide some amount of power for attached devices, the available power may not be enough for certain high-current devices such as USB hubs or external hard drives. High-current devices usually come with their own power adapter, making them self-powered, in contrast to a bus-powered device that draws all of its power from the host computer's USB interface. Bus-powered devices can cause issues if they need more power than is available from the host machine.

Many of our devices that include power adapters, especially USB hubs, will function in either self-powered or bus-powered mode. However, even though the device may function, each additional device attached to the host computer reduces the total available bus power. If the power runs out, any USB device attached to the computer may suddenly disconnect. If this were to happen to a USB storage device, such an event could result in permanent data loss.

If a device comes with a power adapter, we recommend that the adapter stay connected at all times, otherwise the device may not function as designed.

Self-powered USB device - A device that takes all of its power from an external power supply

Bus-powered USB device - A device that takes all of its power from the host computer's USB interface.

The TBT4-USB3C hub can provide up to 60W of power to charge the host PC, provided that the PC supports being charged via Thunderbolt or USB-C.

Please note - not all Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4, or USB-C systems can be charged via their Thunderbolt or USB-C ports.  Please consult your PC’s manual or technical specifications in order to determine if your PC supports charging via Thunderbolt or USB-C. 

You can then connect many different types of Thunderbolt and USB-C devices to the three ‘downstream’ Thunderbolt/USB-C ports on the back of the hub.  The type of functionality provided by the three ports on the back of the hub is ultimately determined by the capabilities of the host computer.

To put that another way, if the host computer has Thunderbolt 4 technology built-in, then all three ports on the back of the hub will function as Thunderbolt 4 ports.  

If the host PC has USB-C technology built-in, then all three ports on the back of the hub will function as USB-C ports.

If the host PC has Thunderbolt 3 technology built-in, then all three ports on the back of the hub will function as Thunderbolt 3 ports ***

*** Please note, the specifications of a Thunderbolt 3 host system can have an impact on the level of functionality of the hubs’s downstream ports ***

When a Thunderbolt 3 host system that has:

A. An Intel Titan Ridge Thunderbolt host controller

B. A DCH variant of the Thunderbolt host controller driver higher than version 1.41.613.1 installed

C. An internal Thunderbolt NVM firmware version of 41 or higher

Is connected to the hub, then all of the downstream ports will function as Thunderbolt 3 ports.

When a Thunderbolt 3 host system that has:

A. An Intel Alpine Ridge Thunderbolt host controller

B. A DCH variant of the Thunderbolt host controller driver installed

Is connected to the hub, then one downstream port will function as a Thunderbolt 3 port, and the other remaining ports will function as a USB Type-C port. 

External displays that have a native USB-C video input can be used in conjunction with the Plugable TBT4-HUB3C hub.  

However, in our experience helping others we have found that some portable USB-C displays may not work as expected when an external USB-C power source is connected to the display.

If your portable USB-C display has an external USB-C power source, please disconnect the external power source from the display when using the display in conjunction with the hub.  

The hub can provide up to 15W of power to the portable USB-C display, which will take the place of the external power source. 

An example of such a display would be the ViewSonic VG1655 display → https://www.viewsonic.com/us/vg1655.html   

A video that demonstrates the capabilities of this display is here → https://youtu.be/ferq4xz_A3M 

When the hub is connected to a power outlet using the included power adapter, you will see a small solid white power indicator light on the front of the hub, towards the right-hand side.  The white light indicates that the hub is powered on. 

When the hub is connected to a PC, the indicator light on the front of the hub will change from a white color to a green color. The green light indicates that the hub is connected to the PC. 

Each of the three ports on the back of the hub have the ability to provide up to 15W of power to connected devices, and this is typically used to power an external device (such as a Thunderbolt or USB-C storage drive). 

However, this power can also be used to charge devices that have an internal battery, for example a mobile phone or a tablet.

An additional useful component of this feature is that the charging capability can be used even when the hub is not connected to your PC.  

To put that another way, when your PC is not connected to the hub, the hub can be used as a charging station for up to three different devices. 

Speaking in general, there are no driver installations necessary in order to use the hub in macOS or Windows.

If the PC you are connecting the hub to is running Windows and has Thunderbolt 4 or Thunderbolt 3 technology built-in, when you first connect the hub you may be prompted to ‘Approve’ or ‘Authenticate’ the device via the Intel Thunderbolt software that should already be installed on your Windows PC.  

We have a video that demonstrates how to ‘Approve’ the device using the two different types of the Intel software (known as either the ‘Intel Thunderbolt Software’ or the ‘Intel Thunderbolt Control Center’) here → https://youtu.be/aRN2aEzmsyo 

Depending on how your Windows PC is configured, the Approval process may happen automatically and as a result you may not be prompted to Approve the hub.  

** Note - we have had reports that the hub needed to be manually Approved when used with some Windows Thunderbolt 3 systems before USB devices connected to the hub would function properly.  If USB devices are not working properly via the hub, please check the Approval status and manually Approve if necessary **

If the PC you are connecting the hub to is running macOS and has Thunderbolt 3 or USB4 technology built-in, the approval process will happen automatically. 

If the PC you are connecting the hub to has USB-C technology built-in, the hub does not need to be approved (device Approval is not part of the USB-C standard). 

Included in the box with the hub is one Plugable USB-C to HDMI video adapter.  You can connect this adapter to the hub in order to attach one HDMI display (up to 3840x2160 resolution at a 60Hz refresh rate) to the hub using a HDMI to HDMI video cable (a cable with a HDMI connector on both ends, not included).  

Please note that the amount of displays that can be connected to the hub is ultimately determined by the capabilities of the host PC. 

A PC that has Thunderbolt 4 technology will be capable of driving two displays via the hub.  This is because the Thunderbolt 4 specification requires a single Thunderbolt 4 port to be capable of driving two displays. 

A PC that has Thunderbolt 3 technology will be capable of driving one or two displays via the hub.  This is because manufacturers have a choice when designing a Thunderbolt 3 system in regard to how many displays can be driven via a single Thunderbolt 3 port.  Some Thunderbolt 3 PCs can support two displays, while other Thunderbolt 3 PCs can support only one display. 

A PC that has USB-C technology will be capable of driving only one display via the hub. 

Please note that not all USB-C systems are capable of providing video output over USB-C. Please consult your PC’s manual or technical specifications in order to determine if your USB-C PC is capable of providing video output. 

It is possible to connect many different types of Thunderbolt and USB-C devices to the three ports on the back of the hub. 

Devices that are Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3 or USB-C can connect directly to the hub using Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3, and USB-C cables, respectively.  Examples of some of these various types of devices are:

Storage drives

Thunderbolt 3 storage drives

USB-C storage drives 

USB-C video adapters

USBC-HDMI

USBC-TDP 

USBC-DVI

USBC-VGA

USB 3.0 Type-C hubs

USBC-HUB7BC

Devices that are USB 3.0/3.1/3.2 Type-A can connect to the hub by using a USB Type-A to USB Type-C adapter, such as the Plugable USBC-AF3 → https://plugable.com/products/usbc-af3 

Via a USBC-AF3 adapter, virtually any type of USB 3.0/3.1/3.2 Type-A device can be connected to the hub. Examples of some of these various types of devices are:

DisplayLink USB docking stations

UD-3900Z

UD-6950Z

The TBT4-HUB3C requires that the included power adapter be connected to the hub in order for the hub to function properly.  The hub will not work if the included power adapter is not connected.  

The hub cannot be ‘bus powered’ from the host system’s Thunderbolt 4 port. 

I have connected the Plugable TBT4-HUB3C to my Windows PC with Thunderbolt 3.  Video output via the included USB-C to HDMI adapter is working, however USB devices connected to the hub are not. Why is this?

Please note that the TBT4-HUB3C is officially supported in conjunction with Windows PCs that have Thunderbolt 4 technology built-in.  

While the hub can work with some Thunderbolt 3 Windows PCs, the level of functionality of the hub when used with a Thunderbolt 3 Windows PC cannot be guaranteed. 

That said, we have had reports that the hub needed to be manually Approved when used with some Windows Thunderbolt 3 systems before USB devices connected to the hub would function properly.  

If USB devices are not working properly via the hub, please check the Approval status and manually Approve if necessary.  

We have a video that demonstrates how to ‘Approve’ the device using the two different types of the Intel software (known as either the ‘Intel Thunderbolt Software’ or the ‘Intel Thunderbolt Control Center’) here → https://youtu.be/aRN2aEzmsyo 

Below is a list of power adapter models used by Plugable docking stations. We offer refurbished replacement power adapters on eBay as they are available for purchase, however, we may not have replacement power adapters available for all of our docking stations.

If the power adapter for your docking station or region is not listed, out of stock on eBay or if you have any other questions regarding replacement power adapters for our docks please contact us at support@plugable.com and we will be happy to assist further.

We offer a 30-day return period for our replacement power adapters listed on eBay.

Unfortunately Plugable products do not support the Apple SuperDrive.

The Apple SuperDrive has stringent power requirements that can only be met by directly connecting the SuperDrive to your host laptop. As a result at this time Apple recommends only using their USB-C adapter cables. You can find more information on that here → How to connect the Apple USB SuperDrive

If you have purchased a Plugable product to use with your Apple SuperDrive, and would like some additional assistance please do not hesitate to reach out. You can do so by emailing support@plugable.com, or going to Plugable.com/Support.

For products which have multiple USB-C ports, normally only one port is capable of connecting the product to a computer. USB-C ports capable of connecting the product to a computer are sometimes called “Host” or “Upstream” ports. 

On Plugable products with multiple USB-C ports, the dedicated port for connecting to the computer will be marked with a small laptop icon or the words “To host”.

A product may not be able to function if it is connected to a computer through a different USB-C port. These ports are also known as “Hub" or “Downstream” ports. 

It's not uncommon for users to notice a certain level of heat generation from electronics and by extension, Plugable products during operation. In this knowledge base article, we'll explore the reasons behind this heat generation and why it is considered a normal experience within reasonable limits.

Electronics, by their nature, generate heat during operation. This is primarily a result of the electrical current flowing through various components, such as integrated circuits, transistors, and other electronic elements. As Plugable products are designed to efficiently process and transfer data (among other functionality), some level of heat generation is inherent.

Factors Influencing Heat Generation:

1. Power Consumption: The power consumption of a device directly influences the amount of heat it generates. Higher power usage, especially during data transfer or charging processes, can lead to increased heat.
2. Enclosure Design: The design of the product's enclosure and its ability to dissipate heat play a crucial role. Adequate ventilation and heat sinks are often incorporated to manage and disperse generated heat effectively. This is evident in our TBT3-UDZ and TBT4-UDZ designs. The metal case in these docks are designed to function as a heatsink with thermal pads placed throughout the enclosure. This allows heat dissipation from inside to the outside, but will also make it feel as if the device is “too hot”. 
3. Ambient Temperature: The external environment may also play a role. Higher ambient temperatures can contribute to increased perceived heat from the product. This means that summer temperatures may increase the heat generation of not just Plugable products, but many other electronic devices.

Normal Heat Levels: While it is normal for electronic devices to generate heat, Plugable products are engineered to operate within safe temperature ranges. We conduct rigorous testing to ensure that the heat generated during normal operation falls within industry-standard safety parameters. While not all products are or need to be UL certified, we try to go by UL guidelines for thermal readings. The UL threshold is 77C/170.6F, and we aim for around 71C/160F.

Tips for Users:

1. Ventilation: Ensure that Plugable products have sufficient ventilation around them. Avoid placing them in enclosed spaces where heat dissipation may be impeded.
2. Usage Patterns: Intensive tasks such as high-speed data transfer or charging multiple devices simultaneously may result in increased heat generation. This is generally normal but may be more noticeable in such scenarios.
3. Accessories: A number of our devices will allow for the connection of USB accessories and as such, these will require power. If too many “power-hungry” devices are connected, this will cause the device to run much hotter than expected. Be sure to keep in mind the power limits of your dock/device.

In conclusion, experiencing heat from Plugable products is a normal aspect of their operation. Users can rest assured that we prioritize the safety and efficiency of our devices. By understanding the factors influencing heat generation and following simple usage guidelines, users can make the most of their Plugable products while ensuring a reliable and efficient user experience.

 A common question we receive is whether it is okay to use a dock or hub that provides different wattage compared to the power adapter included with the laptop, especially if the dock or hub provides less power than the OEM charger. Short answer: for most use cases, it’s fine! And when using standards-compliant docks, hubs, and chargers like those from Plugable, it’s always safe.

When considering whether a dock or hub has enough power to charge a host, it is helpful to understand how little power is consumed most of the time you’re using your system.

Some details why 60W charging is more than sufficient for typical workloads:

All laptops will come with a power supply directly from the manufacturer. This power supply usually supports the maximum charging rate that the host can support (45W, 60W, 100W, 140W, etc.). However, modern systems are designed to be power efficient while managing their power consumption dynamically, typically using just a fraction of their maximum power draw under typical workloads. Additionally, to preserve battery longevity, most devices will reduce charging rate even when a higher wattage charger is connected. Note that Gaming or Workstation laptops, typically including 180W+ power adapters, may have special power requirements.

Even during high-power tasks such as video editing, hosts may only pull greater than 60W for brief periods of time. In these instances, you may notice the battery charges slower, or in some cases even slowly discharges. This is not indicative of a faulty power supply or a problem, just a difference in power consumption vs power delivery.

In some cases, for laptops that can charge at higher than 60W over USB-C, it can take longer for the 60W charger to fully charge a host from 0-100% than a 100W charger for example. However, this is usually only relevant for the first 50 or so percent, as the host limits the charging rate exponentially as the battery gets closer to being fully charged. In the 80-100% range, laptops are typically charging at less than 15W. This means that in a configuration where you are connected to the power adapter for long periods of time, like an entire work day, the 60W charger will be functionally identical to a higher wattage power adapter.

Windows laptops – particularly those from Dell, HP, or Lenovo –  may send pop-ups in the OS or messages on boot warning you about a lower charging rate. The messages could be similar to the following:

• “You have plugged in a lower wattage power adapter, USB-C charging device, or power pass-through device. Your system will continue to work, but may not perform at its peak.”
• “Weak charging state, please check power charger.”
• “The AC power adapter wattage and type cannot be determined. The battery may not charge. The system will adjust the performance to match the power available.”
• “The connected AC adapter has a lower wattage than the recommended model – Please connect the AC adapter which was shipped with the system for best system performance”
• “For full performance, connect a higher power adapter”

Despite these warnings, most business and consumer laptops will indeed continue to charge with a lower wattage charger connected, and the messages can often be disabled in your laptop’s BIOS settings.

All this to say that in most use cases, the differences between 60W and higher wattage chargers are minimal, and 60W charging is likely enough to charge most laptops!
 

Plugable SKUs that feature 60W charging: TBT4-HUB3C, USB4-HUB3A, TBT3-UDC1, UD-3900PDZ, UD-6950PDZ, UD-MSTH2, UD-MSTHDC, USBC-PS-60W

Overview

With the release of Apple’s M3 CPU chips and the Sonoma 14.6 update your base MacBook Air and MacBook Pro systems with M3 chips can now host two external displays natively in clamshell mode. This guide will walk you through the process of setting up and using two external displays with the lid closed on your MacBook Air or MacBook Pro equipped with an Apple M3 chip.

Requirements

Before getting started, ensure you have the following:

• MacBook Air or MacBook Pro with an Apple M3 chip.
• macOS Sonoma 14.3 or later for an M3 MacBook Air or macOS Sonoma 14.6 or later for an M3 MacBook Pro.
• Two external displays with compatible video inputs (e.g., HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C).
  • A dock or graphics adapter can be used as well.
• External keyboard and mouse (wired or wireless).
• Power adapter or power source for your MacBook
  • A docking station that provides adequate charge can be used in place of the native power adapter, be sure to check the wattage your dock provides.

Steps to Set Up Dual External Displays with the Lid Closed

1. Set Up Your External Keyboard and Mouse

• If you’re using a wired keyboard and mouse, connect them directly to your MacBook or Plugable dock.
• For wireless peripherals, ensure they are paired with your MacBook and functioning properly.
• An AC adapter/power cable of some kind will also need to be connected for clamshell mode to function properly. This adapter can be one from a docking station or the included Apple adapter.

2. Connect Your Displays

• Connect the first external display to your MacBook using the appropriate cable (e.g., HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C)
• Close your laptop’s lid.
• Connect the second external display using a similar method.
• Ensure both displays are powered on and set to the correct input source.

3. Configure Display Settings

• Open System Settings on your MacBook.
• Go to Displays.
• You should see both external displays listed. Arrange them according to your preference by dragging the display icons.
• Adjust the resolution, refresh rate, and other settings as needed.

4. Enable "Clamshell Mode" (Lid Closed Mode)

• With your external displays connected and set up, close the lid of your MacBook.
• Your MacBook will automatically switch to "Clamshell Mode," where the internal display turns off, and the external displays become your primary screens.
• Ensure your MacBook is connected to a power source to prevent it from entering sleep mode.

5. Check the Display Arrangement

• With the lid closed, check that the external displays are functioning as expected.
• If necessary, re-open the Displays settings to adjust the arrangement, resolution, or other preferences.

Troubleshooting Tips

• No Display on External Monitors: If the external displays are not showing anything, open the lid of your MacBook and check the connections.
• MacBook Sleeps When Lid Is Closed: Make sure your MacBook is connected to a power adapter. Clamshell Mode requires the MacBook to be plugged into an external power source.
• Performance Issues: If you experience lag or performance drops, try lowering the resolution or refresh rate of the external displays.

Thunderbolt Dock Users

With these steps, one can use Plugable Thunderbolt docks to enjoy a dual-display setup without the need for additional software installation. The dock leverages the native capabilities of the MacBook Air M3 and MacBook Pro M3, providing a straightforward and efficient solution for expanding your workspace with additional USB ports, audio, and ethernet (as well as the dual displays).

Additional Resources

If you should need any assistance with your setup, please feel free to reach out to our support team at support@plugable.com.