Cable Matters Dual Monitor USB C Dock - Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station (Model 201073-SIL-E) User Manual

1. Introduction

This manual provides instructions for the Cable Matters Dual Monitor USB C Dock, a Thunderbolt 4 compatible docking station. This device expands the connectivity of your laptop, enabling dual 4K HDMI displays, multiple USB ports, Ethernet, and an SD card reader, while also providing up to 80W of power delivery to your host laptop.

2. Package Contents

• Cable Matters Dual Monitor USB C Dock
• Power Adapter (24V/5A)
• 2 x USB-C Gen 2 Full-Featured Cables (1 meter each)
• Optional Stand
• Cable Clips

3. Product Overview

The docking station features a variety of ports for enhanced connectivity. Refer to the diagrams below for port identification.

Image 3.1: Front and Rear Port Layout. The front panel includes a MicroSD card reader, UHS-II SD card reader, audio input/output, USB-C 3.1 Gen 2 port, and USB-A 3.1 Gen 2 port. The rear panel features power input, two HDMI video outputs, two USB-C host connections (DOCK IN and 2ND VIDEO IN), two USB 2.0 ports, two USB 3.0 ports, a Gigabit Ethernet port, and a Dynamic Bandwidth Switch.

Front Panel Ports:

• LED Indicator: Displays power and connection status.
• MicroSD Card Reader: For transferring files from MicroSD cards.
• UHS-II SD Card Reader: For high-speed file transfers from UHS-II SD cards.
• Audio-In (Mic): 3.5mm port for microphone input.
• Audio-Out: 3.5mm port for headphones or external speakers.
• USB-C 3.1 Gen 2: Supports 5V/9V/15V charging and 10Gbps data transfer.
• USB-A 3.1 Gen 2: Supports 10Gbps data transfer rate and 2.1A charging.

Rear Panel Ports:

• Power-In (DC-IN 24V/5A): Connects to the included power adapter.
• 2ND VIDEO IN (USB-C): Connects to the host computer to support the second display.
• DOCK IN (80W PD) (USB-C): Connects to the host computer for primary dock functions, power delivery, and the first display.
• Video 1 (HDMI): Controlled by the DOCK IN port.
• Video 2 (HDMI): Controlled by the 2ND VIDEO IN port.
• USB 2.0 (x2): Data only ports.
• USB 3.0 (x2): Data only ports (up to 1000Mbps).
• Gigabit Ethernet: For wired network connection (up to 1000Mbps).
• Dynamic Bandwidth Switch: Toggles between 4K@30Hz and 4K@60Hz display modes, affecting other port speeds.

4. Setup Instructions

1. Connect Power: Plug the included power adapter into the DC-IN 24V/5A port on the rear of the docking station, then connect it to a power outlet. The LED indicator on the front will illuminate.
2. Connect to Host Computer:
   • Use one of the provided USB-C cables to connect the DOCK IN (80W PD) port on the docking station to a USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 port on your laptop. This connection provides power delivery to your laptop and supports the first display.
   • Use the second provided USB-C cable to connect the 2ND VIDEO IN port on the docking station to another USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 port on your laptop. This connection supports the second display.

   Note: Both USB-C ports on the docking station must be connected to your computer to support two displays and full functionality.

   

   Image 4.1: Dual monitor setup with the docking station connected to a laptop via two USB-C cables.
3. Connect Displays: Connect your HDMI monitors to the Video 1 (HDMI) and Video 2 (HDMI) ports on the rear of the docking station using HDMI cables.
4. Configure Dynamic Bandwidth: Adjust the Dynamic Bandwidth Switch on the rear of the dock according to your display and data transfer needs. See Section 5.1 for details.
5. Connect Peripherals: Plug in your USB devices (keyboard, mouse, external drives) into the available USB-A or USB-C ports. Connect an Ethernet cable for a wired network connection. Insert SD or MicroSD cards as needed.
6. Audio Connections: Connect headphones/speakers to the Audio-Out port or a microphone to the Audio-In port on the front panel.

5. Operating Instructions

5.1 Dynamic Bandwidth Configuration

The docking station features a Dynamic Bandwidth Switch to optimize performance based on your requirements. This switch allows you to prioritize either higher display resolution/refresh rates or faster data transfer speeds for other ports.

Image 5.1: Dynamic Bandwidth Switch settings and their impact on performance.

• 4K@30Hz Mode: When the switch is set to 4K@30Hz, the dock supports dual 4K@30Hz HDMI displays. In this mode, Gigabit Ethernet, USB 3.1 Gen 2, and SD Card Readers operate at full speed.
• 4K@60Hz Mode: When the switch is set to 4K@60Hz, the dock supports dual 4K@60Hz HDMI displays. In this mode, the bandwidth for other ports is reduced. Ethernet speed may be limited to 480Mbps, and USB 3.0/3.1 Gen 2 and SD Card Readers may operate at USB 2.0 speeds (480Mbps).

Select the mode that best suits your current workflow. If you require maximum data transfer speeds for external drives or network, use the 4K@30Hz setting. If high-resolution, smooth video output is paramount, use the 4K@60Hz setting, understanding that other peripheral speeds may be affected.

5.2 Power Delivery and Charging

The DOCK IN USB-C port provides up to 80W of power delivery to charge your connected laptop. Additionally, the front USB-C 3.1 Gen 2 and USB-A 3.1 Gen 2 ports support fast charging for compatible devices.

Image 5.2: Fast charging capabilities for devices like iPhone 8/X and iPad Pro, and data transfer rates for USB 3.1 Gen 2 (10Gbps), USB 3.1 Gen 1 (5Gbps), and USB 2.0 (480Mbps).

• Laptop Charging: Up to 80W via the DOCK IN USB-C port.
• Front USB-C 3.1 Gen 2: 18W charging for compatible smartphones (e.g., iPhone X/8, iPad Pro with Apple Lightning to USB-C cable).
• Front USB-A 3.1 Gen 2: 10W charging.

5.3 Data Transfer

The docking station supports various data transfer speeds depending on the port and the Dynamic Bandwidth Switch setting.

• USB 3.1 Gen 2 Ports (Front USB-C, Front USB-A): Up to 10Gbps.
• USB 3.0 Ports (Rear): Up to 5Gbps (1000Mbps).
• UHS-II SD Card Reader: Up to 312MB/s (SD 4.2 specification).
• Gigabit Ethernet: Up to 1000Mbps.

Image 5.3: UHS-II SD Card Reader specifications, supporting SD, SDHC, SDXC cards with C10 speed class, U3 UHS speed class, and a maximum bus speed of 312MB/s.

5.4 Supported Operating Systems

The docking station is compatible with:

• macOS 10.12 and up (including MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, iMac)
• Windows 7 and up
• Chrome OS
• Linux

Ensure your laptop has two USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 ports that support video output over USB-C for full functionality.

6. Troubleshooting

• No Display Output:
  • Ensure both USB-C cables from the dock are securely connected to your laptop.
  • Verify that the power adapter is connected and the dock's LED is illuminated.
  • Check HDMI cable connections to both the dock and the monitors.
  • Confirm your laptop's display settings are configured to extend or duplicate displays.
  • Try adjusting the Dynamic Bandwidth Switch to the 4K@30Hz setting, then back to 4K@60Hz if desired, to reset display detection.
  • Ensure your laptop's USB-C ports support video output.
• Laptop Not Charging:
  • Ensure the USB-C cable is connected to the DOCK IN (80W PD) port on the docking station and to a compatible USB-C port on your laptop.
  • Verify the power adapter is correctly connected to the dock and a power outlet.
  • Some laptops may require the dock to be powered on before the laptop for consistent charging. Try restarting the dock and then the laptop.
• Slow Network/USB Speeds:
  • Check the position of the Dynamic Bandwidth Switch. If set to 4K@60Hz, Ethernet and USB 3.0/3.1 Gen 2 speeds may be reduced. Switch to 4K@30Hz for full data transfer speeds.
  • Ensure you are using the correct USB ports for your devices (e.g., USB 3.0/3.1 Gen 2 for high-speed devices, not USB 2.0).
• Intermittent Connections:
  • Ensure all cables are securely connected and not loose.
  • Try disconnecting and reconnecting the dock's USB-C cables to the laptop.
  • Update your laptop's display drivers and USB-C/Thunderbolt drivers.
• Dock Overheating:
  • It is normal for the dock to generate some heat during operation, especially when driving multiple displays and charging a laptop.
  • Ensure adequate ventilation around the dock. Avoid placing it in enclosed spaces.

7. Specifications

Image 7.1: Product dimensions (7.9 in. length, 2.8 in. width, 1.0 in. height) and included 1-meter USB-C cables.

8. Maintenance

• Keep the docking station clean by wiping it with a soft, dry cloth.
• Avoid exposing the device to extreme temperatures, humidity, or direct sunlight.
• Do not attempt to disassemble or repair the device yourself. Refer to qualified service personnel.
• Ensure proper ventilation around the dock to prevent overheating.

9. Warranty Information

Warranty information for this product is not available in the provided data. Please refer to the product packaging or the manufacturer's official website for details regarding warranty coverage and terms.

10. Customer Support

Customer support contact details are not available in the provided data. For technical assistance or inquiries, please visit the official Cable Matters website or refer to the contact information provided with your product purchase.