StarTech.com Thunderbolt 3 to FireWire Adapter PCIe Expansion Chassis BNDTB1394B3
The StarTech.com BNDTB1394B3 Thunderbolt 3 to FireWire adapter chassis provides a 40 Gbit/s data transfer solution for integrating essential FireWire 400 and 800 peripherals with modern Thunderbolt 3 workstations.
- High-Speed Connectivity: Delivers 40 Gbit/s Thunderbolt 3 bandwidth, ensuring rapid data transfer for demanding FireWire 800 devices and maintaining workflow efficiency.
- Legacy Device Integration: Connects existing FireWire 400 and 800 peripherals, preserving investment in specialized audio/video equipment or industrial control systems.
- PCIe Expansion: Utilizes a PCIe expansion chassis to reliably host a FireWire adapter card, offering robust and stable performance for critical business operations.
- Enhanced Productivity: Includes a DisplayPort output, enabling the connection of an additional monitor to expand workspace and improve multitasking capabilities.
Product Overview
Product Overview
The StarTech.com BNDTB1394B3 is a purpose-built Thunderbolt 3 to FireWire adapter, featuring a PCIe expansion chassis that integrates a FireWire 400 and two FireWire 800 ports with modern Thunderbolt 3 host computers. This robust solution delivers a 40 Gbit/s data transfer rate, ensuring high-performance connectivity for legacy devices.
Engineered for operational continuity, this adapter chassis extends the utility of existing FireWire peripherals, from professional audio/video gear to specialized industrial cameras. It includes a DisplayPort output for expanded workstation capabilities and is housed in durable aluminum and steel for long-term reliability.
- Core Functionality: Enables high-speed connection of up to three FireWire 400/800 devices to a Thunderbolt 3 port, preserving access to critical legacy hardware.
- High-Speed Data Transfer: Achieves 40 Gbit/s data rates via Thunderbolt 3, supporting demanding applications that rely on fast and consistent peripheral communication.
- PCIe Card Integration: Houses a dedicated FireWire PCIe adapter card within a Thunderbolt 3 chassis, providing a stable and reliable interface for specialized equipment.
- Expanded Workstation: Features one DisplayPort output, allowing users to connect an additional monitor and enhance their multitasking efficiency.
- Operational Value: Extends the lifespan of valuable FireWire peripherals, reducing capital expenditure on new equipment and ensuring continuity for specialized workflows.
This Thunderbolt 3 to FireWire adapter chassis is an essential tool for organizations needing to maintain high-performance connectivity with their existing FireWire infrastructure.
Technical Specifications
1Performance & Business Impact
2Connectivity & I/O
3Physical & Environmental
4Lifecycle, Warranty & Compliance
Full Specifications
Network1
Ports & interfaces9
Power6
Performance5
Weight & dimensions4
Packaging content1
Cooling1
Operational conditions1
Packaging data1
Technical details1
Other features1
Downloads1
What This Solves
Integrating Legacy A/V Equipment
Media production studios and post-production houses often have significant investments in FireWire-based professional cameras, audio mixers, and external storage. This adapter allows these high-value assets to connect to modern Thunderbolt 3 workstations.
Video production companies, audio recording studios, broadcast facilities, creative agencies
Connecting Industrial Data Acquisition Systems
Industrial and scientific environments frequently use FireWire cameras or data loggers for high-speed image capture and sensor data collection. The adapter ensures these critical systems remain operational with current computing platforms.
Manufacturing plants, research laboratories, engineering firms, quality control departments
Extending Peripheral Lifespan
Replacing functional, specialized FireWire peripherals can be a significant capital expense for businesses. This solution provides a cost-effective way to extend the operational life of existing equipment.
SMBs with specialized hardware, mid-market companies managing IT budgets, organizations with unique legacy equipment
Key Features
Thunderbolt 3 Host Interface with 40 Gbit/s Data Transfer Rate
Ensures ultra-fast data exchange between modern computers and FireWire peripherals, preventing bottlenecks in data-intensive workflows.
Three FireWire Ports (1x 400, 2x 800)
Provides versatile connectivity for multiple legacy FireWire devices, enabling continued use of essential audio, video, or data acquisition equipment.
Integrated PCIe Expansion Chassis
Offers a stable and dedicated platform for the FireWire adapter card, ensuring reliable performance and broad compatibility with various FireWire standards.
One DisplayPort Output
Allows for the connection of an additional monitor, enhancing workstation productivity and enabling expanded visual workspaces for complex tasks.
Durable Aluminum and Steel Housing
Protects internal components and ensures long-term operational reliability in demanding professional environments, reducing hardware failure risks.
Industry Applications
Media & Entertainment
For connecting professional video cameras, audio interfaces, and specialized storage arrays used in production and post-production studios.
Manufacturing & Industrial
For integrating industrial cameras, data acquisition systems, and control devices that rely on FireWire for high-speed, reliable data transfer.
Education & Research
For university labs and research institutions that utilize FireWire-based scientific instruments or specialized media equipment for data collection and analysis.
Legal & Professional Services
For law firms or forensic analysis teams that need to access data from older FireWire-based storage devices or specialized evidence capture equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of FireWire devices are compatible with this adapter?
This adapter supports both FireWire 400 (IEEE 1394a) and FireWire 800 (IEEE 1394b) devices, including professional audio interfaces, video cameras, external hard drives, and industrial imaging equipment.
Does this adapter require any special drivers or software for operation?
While the Thunderbolt 3 connection is generally plug-and-play, specific drivers for the FireWire PCIe card and your FireWire peripherals may be required, typically provided by the device manufacturers or your operating system.
Can I connect other PCIe cards to the expansion chassis instead of the FireWire card?
This product is specifically bundled with a FireWire adapter card and optimized for that purpose; while it is a PCIe x1 slot, using other cards may require specific drivers and is not the intended primary use case for this pre-configured solution.
What are the power requirements for this Thunderbolt 3 to FireWire adapter?
The adapter includes an AC adapter and requires 100-240 V AC input, providing 12 V output at 5.417 A, with a typical power consumption of 65 W to power both the chassis and connected FireWire devices.
Warranty & Returns
Manufacturer Warranty
2 Years
Warranty is provided directly by the manufacturer and covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use.
Return Policy
Returns subject to manufacturer approval
Hardware returns are governed by the manufacturer's return policy. Some products are non-returnable or subject to restocking fees. Defective items are handled under the manufacturer warranty. Contact Zent Networks before initiating any return.