Firmware and flashing instructions for the (now) affordable TB16 to fix some major issues. We are using three of those between home and work because
- low price — got all of them used under 50eur/piece
- Up-to-date performance—Thunderbolt 3 has the same interface and speeds as TB4, where TB4 adds mainly some security features/restrictions, whatever you want to call it.
- When fixed, works with MacBooks and all types of Windows/Linux PCs
- One of the few Docks that can deliver more than 100W on the cable
makes it an unbeatable bargain.
I've spent some time tweaking and fixing most issues with the Dock, especially finding different ways to flash the firmware with non-Windows and non-Dell hardware.
The Power button works only on Dell PCs, though. Is there a script somewhere that would also make it work on others?
Note
This procedure may also work for the peers Dell WD15, Dell TB15 (retired), and Dell TB18DC, as they share most of the components. In any case, I'm not responsible for any damages that were caused by following these instructions.
The following table contains a list of known and working firmware versions. (Files are in the bins subfolder)
| System | probable function | newest/available version | file | fixes? | alt flashing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Synaptics MST-1 VMM3320 | DP + VGA stream processing | 03.12.002 | mst_03.12.002.cab | Glitches on screens, compatibility for MacBooks | Linux |
| Synaptics MST-2 VMM3330 | mini-DP + HDMI stream processing | 03.12.002 | mst_03.12.002.cab | " " | Linux |
| Thunderbolt TB16 Cable | Intel DSL6540 'Alpine Ridge' TB bridge | 16.00 | Cable_16_00.bin | Fixes MacBook charging problem (to confirm) | Linux |
| " | " | 26.06 | Cable_26_06.bin | Unofficial update borrowed from WD151, fixes "DROM data CRC32 mismatch" error and random display malfunction + Thunderbolt security update | Linux |
| Thunderbolt TB16 Dock | Intel DSL6540 'Alpine Ridge' TB bridge and USB3.1 (back) | 16.00 | Dock_BME_16_00.bin | Unknown benefits | Linux |
| " | " | 27.00 | Dock_BME_27_00.bin | Thunderbolt security update | Linux |
| ASM USB controller | ASM 1042A USB 3.0 host controller | 131025_10.11_A9 | DELL_131025_10_11_A9.bin | Fixes Realtek audio noise | Windows/Linux |
| " | " | 140124_10.10_04_2 aka 131025_10.11_AB aka 131025_10.11_171 | 140124_10_10_4_2.BIN | Unofficial update, fixes S3 wakeup hang for RTL Ethernet controller. NOTE: This update does not work with Macs where this problem does also not arise | Windows/Linux |
| TI 1.2.11 Port Controller 1 | Texas Instruments TB-chip firmware Cable | 01.02.11 | N/A | Updated through BIOS2 | none yet |
| TI 1.2.32 Port Controller 2 | Texas Instruments TB-chip firmware Dock | 01.02.32 | N/A | Updated through BIOS2 | none yet |
| Dock EC | Embedded controller for basic function, e.g. led, fan | 01.00.00.10 | N/A | Updated through BIOS2 | none yet |
| Cable PD | Power Delivery controller | 00.03.12 | N/A | Updated through BIOS2 | none yet |
I will try to find alternative flashing methods for all systems to replace the original Dell tool, which is limited and buggy. Also, while the original tool works ONLY with Dell PCs, these instructions should work on all Thunderbolt-equipped systems.
While there is a mst.exe for manual flashing, that too is unreliable and buggy. For starters, it only sometimes reports the installed firmware version correctly.
Note
The official update tool tends to report versions such as 00.00.fd. These are error codes reported from the mst.exe and do not show if you perform a manual version check.
For a few years, it has been possible to flash the chips on Linux. You will need a recent fwupd package, e.g., >v0.8' shipped in Ubuntu 23.10 or newer. If you don't use Linux, you can use a live USB using an official Ubuntu that ships with fwupd` preinstalled.
Unlike what is suggested online, you MUST have a monitor connected to perform this update on Linux. This means that for MST-1, you'll need a DP or VGA connection; for MST-2, you will need a mini-DP or an HDMI screen.
To check if both MSTs are running, type the following as root or with sudo
$ fwupdmgr get-devices
You will see them as Dell TB16/TB18/WD15 Dock or similar.
Note
If you don't see both MST devices, check cables and power or perform NVM updates first (see below).
To install, type the following as root or with sudo
$ fwupdmgr install <cab-file>
Warning
This install may fail at the prompt but continue flashing and succeed in the background. Thus, keep the power to the dock for a minute or two after the command ends.
The flashers attach() and reload() method calls are done after writing, but they're timeout-based and thus often don't work correctly. You might need to power-cycle the dock to reload new firmware after writing, but wait, as the process is not terminated right after fwupd exits. If you want more info about the attach() mechanism, check the fwupdmgr docs.
The requirements for the two following, the Cable and Dock/BME's NonVolatile Memory, are identical: Linux and a recent fwupd package.
To update Thunderbolt Cable or Dock NVM, type as root/sudo
$ fwupdtool install-blob <bin-file>
It will prompt you to select the correct device to flash. Select the device name containing the word Cable with Cable_xxx.bin and vice versa.
I kept the latest and the previous versions in this repository for a straightforward reason: legacy devices. The main difference between v16.xx NVMs and the v2x.xx NVMs is that the latter doesn't allow communication without a security authorization mechanism. This means legacy devices (first-gen TB3 and Thunderbolt 1 - 2 adapters) can no longer communicate with updated controllers. With the v16.xx NVM, selecting a security mode in the BIOS was still possible, optionally disabling Thunderbolt security. In short, unless you want to connect to some legacy Thunderbolt device up and/or downstream, use the latest v2x.xx firmware. It is less buggy and has a better user experience (see table above).
While searching for better bins, I stumbled upon some hidden images in one of the flashing tools that should not include the TB3 security code. This means that if you successfully flash the dock, you can communicate downstream with legacy devices that don't have such a function. A TB3 to TB2 adapter is one such device. Apple MACs have special firmware to make those work; PCs need a special NVM. Unfortunately, you can not flash these firmware files with a TB security-enabled device. If you do, the flashing starts but returns an error after a minute. Please report back if you manage to flash the firmware.
| System | version | file | fixes? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thunderbolt TB16 Cable | 16.00_nosec | Cable_16_00_nosec.bin | Disables upstream security (Laptop) and allows the use of legacy TB3 controllers |
| Thunderbolt TB16 Dock | 16.00_nosec | Dock_BME_16_00_nosec.bin | Disables downstream security, allows the use of legacy devices such as TB3 to TB1/2 adapters |
While a C #—coded Linux tool exists, I prefer the official ASM flasher. The Thunderbolt controller extends the PCIe bus where the controller is connected and allows us to use the standard PCIe flashing tool. Use the exe found in tools/ASMedia_win of this repos on Windows or a Windows-to-go disk made, e.g., with Rufus, and execute it with the binary file copied into its folder.
If you use the cmd prompt and enter the directory, you can check the installed version with /version or force overwrite using the /f flag.
> asm.exe /version
The tool will not flash if the bin is older or equal to the installed one and exits (unless run with /f).
If there is more than one bin file in the directory, it will take the first one using ASCII order, e.g., numbers before letters.
Note
The Dell firmware updater checks only the last digits of the firmware version and may thus think the firmware is older. However, asm.exe is invoked and does not update.
If you prefer to use the official Flash tool, you can find a copy in the official folder. However, it works only on Dell laptops. If your device doesn't have the controller, EC, and PD updates listed above, you may need to flash with version 1.00 and then 1.02 first. These install a Bios-based update file that executes an update at Bios start. It is thus likely not possible to update them without a Dell system.
Furthermore, Dell messed up the firmware packaging for the 1.05. The Dock companions of that generation, the WD15, and TB18, got a new Cable.bin and were released the same day. You can use the WD15s flasher to update the Cable.bin.
This HDMI 1.4a standard port supports up to 4K (3840x2160) resolution at 24/30Hz. I tested QHD (2560x1440@60Hz). If MST and Cable NVM are not current, it may show black, not always wake up, or not work at all. According to Dell, it does not support HDCP, while kernel output says HDCP version: HDCP1.4. To be checked
Standard traditional VGA, up to Wide-Full-HD 1920 x 1200 @ 60. Works, tested Full-HD 1920 x 1080 @ 60Hz
These ports are v1.2 compliant and typically support Full-HD 3840 x 2160 @ 60Hz and Daisy Chaining. Mini-DP or DP may casually stop working without the latest Cable NVM. Again, Dell says it does not support HDCP, while kernel output says HDCP version: HDCP1.4. To be checked
Generic RTL8153 Gigabit Ethernet controller. No surprises. However, it may have issues waking up from deep sleep (suspension) if the ASMedia USB controller firmware is not up-to-date. The problem can also be solved by detaching and re-registering the controller on the PCI bus via script (you can find an example in tools/scripts.
"Slow"-speed port generally intended for input devices such as mouse, keyboard, trackpad, Smart-card readers, etc. No issues
SuperSpeed USB is ideal for, e.g., the monitors USB-HUBs or USB-NAS. No problems
Limited (intended, reduced lanes by upstream) Thunderbolt is available for, e.g., Daisy-chain DP via tunneling onto Multiple USB-C monitors or USB 3.1 Superspeed devices. You can create an IP over the Thunderbolt tunnel and thus have multiple Gbit speed transfers over the virtual ethernet adapters, which is ideal for some compute-backend connections. In particular configurations, monitors may reach 5120 x 2880 @ 60 Hz for a single display. DP functionality not tested.
According to the manual, the Dock does not accept 130W power supplies. However, viable power options are 130W, 180W, or 240W. The power supply limits the energy that can be supplied to the laptop. Unless you have a specific Dell Model, you should not need the 240W power supply, as the 100W limit can only be waived by Dell proprietary protocols. Power limits are 40-60W with a 130W PSU, 60-90W with a 180W PSU, and up to 130W with a 240W PSU. The Dock identifies the connected power supply through a one-wire protocol.
It works well but may be too sensitive to RF interference, such as mobile phones (missing shielding). On MACs, you need to edit the advanced MIDI/Audio device config to add the second (either front or back) stream to the outputs in the quick bar at the top right. Look for a quick guide online, as it seems to be a common problem.
Dell Proprietary connection to USB Type 3 port on PC. The light does not go on with MacBooks, but it works and charges. Some users say the TB16 will only deliver up to 60W (20V @3A) for non-Dell systems. Unfortunately, this seems true and applies to new Dell systems, too. The Dock negotiates over USB-PD the quantity it can deliver to the desktop, and when attached, it only reports a programmable power supply (PPS) of 3A max current and 5 to 19.5V (the Dock's power supply voltage).
(These examples use Linux package lmsensors and command sensors)
Adapter: ISA adapter
in0: 19.50 V (min = +5.00 V, max = +19.50 V)
curr1: 3.00 A (max = +3.00 A)
Dell likely uses proprietary information in the extended information PDO of USB-PD to identify its systems and deliver more than 3A. Even if I attach a new Dell system, it won't report more than 3A max. By the way, 3A is the maximum limit USB-C can deliver with default specifications. For more current, you need electronics and wiring that support it. It makes sense that Dell limits it to 3A.
If I connect an Apple adapter, I get the following output.
Adapter: ISA adapter
in0: 20.00 V (min = +5.00 V, max = +20.00 V)
curr1: 3.00 A (max = +4.70 A)
However, in my case, where the laptop doesn't require more than 3A, 60W is and should also be enough for most standard Laptops/Ultrabooks (Non-gaming, etc.). I also tested it with my wife's MacBook Pro 16" with an M2 Max top-notch CPU, and she uses it regularly with no issues. The Calble PD firmware is likely responsible for this negotiation mechanism -- assuming that PD stands for power delivery, as in USB-PD. I will investigate!
The front jack is helpful for wired earplugs and a quick Video Call. Linux works without a problem. Since Ubuntu LTS 24.04, it also detects if a jack is not plugged in and removes it from the output list.
This valid quick-access front port has always-on power. It is ideal for charging phones or plugging hungrier devices. It also works at full power without a laptop being connected, so you can draw 7.5W with or without registering to the hub. I also use it to charge random stuff around the house, which doesn't even use the USB data lines.
As above, but without always-on power and a typical max of 4.5W, the device must register first to pull the power.
Works with Dell, the same as the power button. No luck otherwise.
The device has three video sources: MST-1, MST-2, and the TB3 port on the back. Each can deliver 3840x2160(4k) @ 60Hz without any particular configuration. While chip-wise, 3x4k @ 60Hz is possible, upstream bandwidth limits cap such a configuration to 1x @ 60Hz + 2x @ 30Hz (to be verified). It needs to be clarified how using the TB3 port for video affects the MST performance. The possible graphics mode table lists only a single-screen configuration for USB-C, nothing for the Thunderbolt mode. (I will test as soon as I have a USB-C/TB3 monitor)
The two MST devices serve two ports each: DP and VGA for MST-1 and mini-DP and HDMI for MST-2. If both ports are in use, the above limits either halve in frequency, e.g., 3840x2160@30Hz, or reduce the resolution to 2560x1440@60Hz. VGA may be limited to 2048x1280. However, due to bandwidth and software/graphics card limits, at most, three monitors may be in operation simultaneously. Unique modes are possible with proprietary Dell hardware.
A laptop + dock can support up to 4 screens (panels) if your graphics adapter supports it. On i915 compatible systems, you can check how many displays your card supports with
grep "CRTC" /sys/kernel/debug/dri/<PCI-address>/i915_display_info
Where <PCI-address> is the address shown using lspci, escaped, e.g., 0000\:00\:02.0. Other graphic adapters should have similar ways to test this.
Footnotes
-
Since the summer of 2016, Dell has shipped WD15 and TB16 docks with universal cables, supporting USB3 and Thunderbolt 3 (recognizable by the bolt and DP logo on the type C connector). It makes thus sense that they ship TB Cable firmware with the WD15. ↩
-
These are updated early on and should already be done (Dell Tool v1.00.00 - v1.00.02) ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4