Expanding Beyond the Box

Thunderbolt technology is amazing—the speed (up to 10Gb/s) and versatility (supporting high-resolution displays plus high-performance data devices through a single, compact port) make it clear that this is the next generation I/O technology, available today. But what about connecting existing FireWire and eSATA peripherals as well as high speed memory cards? Sonnet’s Echo ExpressCard/34 Thunderbolt Adapter expands Thunderbolt connectivity to support more than just storage systems and monitors. This Sonnet adapter adds an ExpressCard/34 slot to any computer to which it’s connected, enabling you to use a wide variety of ExpressCard/34 cards to add a range of interfaces and capabilities to your system.

Imagine adding more FireWire® ports or an eSATA interface through a single Thunderbolt adapter! This card adapter allows you to choose your connections and add more to your setup. Because this adapter supports hot-swapping, you can select and change the ExpressCard to use as needed—it supports most Sonnet ExpressCard/34 cards (with a PCI Express interface), such as our FireWire interfaces, CompactFlash and SDXC card readers, and select eSATA controllers. It also will support most specialty bus-interface products like the interface adapter for AJA io Express.

Set up for this Sonnet adapter is simple—just connect it directly to your computer or at the end of a Thunderbolt device chain with a Thunderbolt cable (not included, sold at the Apple Store)—that’s it. There’s no software to install and no power supply to plug in. Plug the ExpressCard/34 card into the Echo ExpressCard/34 Thunderbolt Adapter as you would into a notebook computer's ExpressCard slot, install software for the adapter if necessary, and you are ready to work. Sonnet’s Echo ExpressCard/34 Thunderbolt Adapter gives you the additional connectivity you need, today.

Compatible Products

The following products have been tested and are compatible with Sonnet's Echo ExpressCard/34 Thunderbolt Adapter. Additional products will be added to the list as they add support for Thunderbolt technology.

1. When used with other compatible products on this page.
2. Requires restart.
3. When used with PCIe card compatible with Thunderbolt technology.
4. Tested with Mac OS X 10.6.8 and RME HDSPe ExpressCard.
5. When used with Sonnet FireWire 800 Pro ExpressCard/34.