UD-ULTCDL Port Layout – Click to EnlargeFor those who have been asking for a charging dock with DisplayPort connectivity or additional 4K support, check out our UD-ULTC4K 4K Triple Display Docking Station. For more info.USB 3.1 Type-C is set to revolutionize connectivity. We’ve designed our USB-C Triple Display Docking Station to showcase what this new standard is capable of with flexibility and scalability in mind. More features, less compromise.Utilizing cutting edge USB 3.1 technologies in conjunction with the tried and tested features of our best-selling UD-3900 docking station, the Plugable UD-ULTCDL Triple Display Docking Station provides up to three additional display outputs via a combination of USB-C DisplayPort Alternate Mode (“Alt Mode”) and DisplayLink USB graphics.
The dock provides up to 60W of power via USB-C Power Delivery (“PD”) standard to charge your host computer while adding Gigabit Ethernet, audio input/output, and expanded USB device connectivity with 4 USB 3.0 Type-A ports and a single USB 3.0 USB-C port. All through a single USB-C cable.The UD-ULTCDL (nicknamed our “Ultimate” docking station) is the first device of its kind to combine these three powerful, unique, and complementary technologies to unleash the potential of your computer. Windows and Mac users can.Only macOS High Sierra 10.13.3 and earlier versions are supported (10.11.x – 10.13.3). The upcoming update to macOS 10.13.4 will permanently disable the “2K” HDMI and DVI outputs.Windows drivers can also be installed by Windows Update (with existing Internet connection).
DisplayLink-attached displays do function in macOS, but with reduced performance compared to Windows systems on the 2nd and 3rd attached displays (“2K” HDMI and DVI outputs). Updated USB 3.0/3.1 host controller drivers and graphics drivers suggested for best performance and compatibility.System CompatibilityFully Compatible Systems ( Alt Mode, PD, and DisplayLink)USB-C is a new standard with much versatility. As a result, compatibility information is complex. Some USB-C systems support Alt Mode video output, while others do not. Some can be powered and charged via USB-C PD, while others do not.For a list of known systems see the below compatibility chart:Partially Compatible Systems ( Supporting Alt Mode, PD, or DisplayLink, but not all)Many current USB-C systems which do support Alt Mode video output do not support charging via USB-C. Systems such as this will output video from the dock, but will still need their proprietary OEM chargers.Conversely, while some USB-C phones and tablets may accept charging via PD, most do not support Alt Mode video output. Incompatible Systems.
Plugable's Triple Display Docking Station let's you connect three monitors and all your peripherals (keyboard, mouse, power, etc) - using one USB-C cable! TweakTown reviewed the Plugable USB-C Cube Docking Station A quote from the article: Docks are amazing devices that can transform a PC or Mac into a much more powerful appliance adding USB, DisplayPort, and HDMI to a system that is otherwise constrained.
Not compatible with potential future ARM-based Windows RT/Surface RT systems. No Android phones or tablets currently support Alt Mode video output.
ASMedia USB 3.1 controllers as they do not support Alt Mode video output. Cannot be mixed with non-DisplayLink USB graphics adapters and drivers (e.g. MCT, j5, or SMSC).Legacy System Support (Non USB-C)The UD-ULTCDL relies upon new functionality introduced with USB 3.1 and as such is not recommended with USB 3.0/2.0 legacy systems. If you have a legacy USB-A (3.0) system we would recommend our UD-3900, UD-5900, or UD-6950 instead.If attached to a legacy USB 3.0 system using a USB 3.1 rated Type-C to Type-A adapter cable, the dock will have limited functionality and is why we market this dock as incompatible with legacy systems.
Only the ports controlled by the DisplayLink chip (two video outputs, audio and Ethernet) will be functional; the Alt Mode video output and USB Power Delivery/Charging will not function on legacy systems.Please take caution if purchasing a Type-C to Type-A adapter cable as many cables on the market do not follow proper USB Type-C Power Delivery signalling and could potentially cause damage to your system or dock! Graphics Specifications and Performance Click here to expand section. USB-C Alternate Mode Video CompatibilityThe dock’s main HDMI port utilizes USB-C DisplayPort Alternate Mode which has a direct pipeline to the host graphics processor (GPU), and the connected monitor will perform as if natively attached to the system. Video and photo editing and other resource-intensive tasks are possible assuming that the system’s GPU capabilities are sufficient for the application being used.When attached to a supported system (see compatibility chart), the Alt Mode HDMI port supports display resolutions up to 4K@30Hz (3840×2160@30Hz) as per the HDMI 1.4 specification. Lower resolutions such as 2560×1440 support 60Hz. DisplayLink USB GraphicsThe 2nd and 3rd graphics outputs (“2K” HDMI and DVI) are powered by DisplayLink DL-3900 USB graphics technology which leverages the host GPU & CPU to render the image.
These outputs are recommended for web/productivity software; not recommended for gaming. Driver support for the DisplayLink graphics technology is available for Windows 10, 8.1, and 7, macOS 10.11.x and higher (with some limitations that varies depending on the macOS version). For more information see the Driver Installation section below.The DisplayLink outputs on the dock can each support a single display up to 1920×1080 (1080p60).The HDMI “2K” output supports up to 2560×1440, but only when using a single DisplayLink attached display leaving the DVI output disconnected (the Alt Mode HDMI “4K” is independent and does not affect this). 2560×1440 requires a “High Speed” HDMI cable and 2560×1440 mode will operate at a 50Hz refresh rate; all lower modes support 60Hz refresh rate.
Please note the attached monitor must natively support 2560×1440 via HDMI input (HDMI to DVI conversion will not support this resolution). Please note that most monitors that support 2560×1600 do not support 2560×1440.The DisplayLink hardware is capable of supporting nearly arbitrary resolutions, up to its limit of 2560×1440 (HDMI) / 1920×1200 (DVI). VESA standard and widescreen resolutions are supported by most software, including: 2560×1440 (HDMI Only), 1920×1080, 1600×1200, 1680×1050, 1440×900. 1400×1050, 1280×1024, 1280×768, 1280×720, 1152×864, 1024×768, 800×600, 640×480.
For all supported resolutions (other than 2560×1440 which has a 50Hz refresh rate), the display is refreshed at 60Hz, and the hardware is capable of 16, and 32bpp color depths. Some operating systems require specific depths, like 32bpp for Windows Aero support.DisplayLink-based video outputs do not support HDCP, and will not allow for playback of encrypted Bluray disks or copy-protected content (Blu-Ray, Netflix, Amazon Prime video, etc). Also, the Ethernet connection provided by the DisplayLink chip requires a full-duplex connection. (Most modern Ethernet switches and cables meet these requirements but some switches and cables as well as all Ethernet hubs do not.)The DL-3900 chipset also manages the audio and gigabit Ethernet functions in the dock. USB-C Power Delivery ChargingThe included power supply can charge compatible host systems with up to 60 watts of PD power. Charging speed is host dependent but behaves as if laptop/tablet were connected to it’s stock charger.USB ports on the dock function as a USB hub only; no special charging functionality for charging tablets and smartphone devices.Docking Station Setup Instructions Click here to expand section. Connecting the Dock and Accessories.
Connect the docking station to it’s included power adapter and connect the power adapter to an AC outlet. The blue light on the front of the dock should illuminate.
Connect the included USB-C to USB-C cable to the rear USB-C port labeled “TO HOST”. HDMI TV CompatibilityThe docking station supports HDMI through the 1.4 standard. To use a TV as a monitor via the dock, the TV must support EDID, the extended display identification standard for communicating monitor capabilities to a PC. Many TVs that have a VGA port in addition to an HDMI port assume that computers will use VGA for connectivity rather than HDMI. In these cases, a VGA connection from the PC’s internal video card to the TV might provide the best results. Touchscreen CompatibilityTouchscreens that do not require drivers and use the host’s operating system’s built-in USB Human Interface drivers (HID) to record touch inputs can be made to work with our products, but Plugable does not provide support for doing so due the complexity of multi-monitor touch screen setups. Performance TuningIf you’re experiencing slowness or latency on your display connected to the dock’s “2K” HDMI or DVI ports:.
Make sure your dock is connected to a USB-C 3.1 Gen 1 or better port (if available) on your computer. While rare, some USB-C connections are limited to USB 2.0 bandwidth. When all else fails, reduce your USB-connected monitor’s screen resolution via the Windows display control panel.By reducing the amount of data that needs to be compressed and sent over USB, you’ll increase responsiveness.FAQs. Q: I have never used a laptop or desktop with more than one monitor before. Now that my Windows system has more than one display I am not sure how things are supposed to work or how to change them.
Do you have any videos that can help? A: First check if the docking station is set to be your primary playback device in your sound setting’s control panel/system preferences. If you wish for audio to play through the headphone jack on the dock, select “Plugable Audio” as your preferred playback device in your operating system. If your HDMI monitor has speakers or its own headphone jack, you should see your monitor listed as a selectable playback device in your operating system. Q: What do the blue LED and the green LED on the Plugable UD-ULTCDL indicate? A: No, for a couple of reasons.
USB-C systems only support one “Alternate Mode” output, and for a USB-C port to support this feature it must be physically wired to the graphics processor (GPU) in the host system. The one available Alt Mode connection from a host system is being used by the docking station to provide its HDMI output.
Additionally, the USB-C port on the front of the dock is not wired in such a way to support this functionality. Q: Can I connect a DisplayPort monitor to this dock with an adapter? A: Gaming is possible over the 4K HDMI display output as that is tied directly into the host system’s GPU via USB-C Alternate Mode.Surround gaming is not possible as the “2K” HDMI and DVI display outputs are USB graphics devices – USB graphics devices, like the UD-ULTCDL, are “virtual” devices where much of the heavy lifting is done by the CPU, by hooking into the graphics stack. The DirectX APIs used by games assume direct hardware access (a PCIe graphics card or USB-C Alternate Mode). DisplayLink’s drivers attempt to emulate as much of the functionality as possible, which is why some 3D functionality (like that needed for desktop and apps) works.We don’t recommend running games with USB graphics, because this emulation cannot be perfect. And even without specific compatibility problems, performance will always be a challenge – the extra CPU work required for USB graphics will be a source of reduced frame rates and problems.
Normal desktop and application use are fine because they don’t push the system as hard as 3D games do.Common problems experienced when trying to run a game on a USB graphics adapter include:. Games not launching.
Games crashing. Screen flickering. Screen going black. Q: What do the green and amber LEDs on the Ethernet port on the Plugable UD-ULTCDL indicate? A: The green link LED on the Ethernet port on the Plugable UD-ULTCDL is an indication that the Ethernet cable plugged into the port is live and it stays steady as long as the live cable is plugged in.
The blinking amber activity LED is an indications that data is transferring through the port. Both these LEDs will not light up when:. The drivers for the dock have not installed properly or is corrupted. The Ethernet Cable plugged in is not live or is faulty. The Ethernet cable is connected to a device that requires a half-duplex connection (see next question). The port has failed, please contact us at [email protected] as we’re always happy to help!Troubleshooting. Problem: I have confirmed my host machine is compatible with this docking station but one or more functions of the dock doesn't appear to be working.
Solution: Verify if your system supports PD over USB-C and also identify which port has this functionality if multiple USB-C ports are available. Please note that some systems that charge over USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 may not support charging from universal docks and may only charge from approved chargers and devices from the system manufacturer. Problem: I installed the dock on my laptop and everything works well with the laptop lid open. However, when I close the laptop lid the monitors connected to the dock turn off and the laptop shuts down. How do I fix this?
![Plugable Docking Station Plugable Docking Station](/uploads/1/2/5/4/125429839/546568087.jpg)
![Firmware Firmware](/uploads/1/2/5/4/125429839/400732459.jpg)
Solution: Windows has special power management settings that control what happens when the laptop lid is closed. If this happening, these settings need to be changed. Please right-click on the Start button and select ‘Power Options’ from the menu.From the choices present on the left-hand side of the Power Options window, please click on ‘Choose what closing the lid does’. Important note – if you are running the Creators Update (or newer) to Windows 10, you will have click on the ‘Additional power settings’ option to access this window.Make sure the setting for ‘When I close the lid’ under the ‘Plugged In’ column is set to ‘Do Nothing’. Click the ‘Save Changes’ button and restart the system, making sure that the laptop’s power adapter is also connected, and test the behavior again. Problem: My laptop/tablet won't wake via docking station's attached keyboard or mouse. Is this expected behavior?
Solution: This behavior is system specific. Many newer systems will not wake via an external keyboard or mouse.
(This behavior can be confirmed by connecting a USB keyboard or mouse directly to a USB port on your system rather than the dock. If the system is unable to wake from a direct-attached USB device, it will not wake from a keyboard or mouse connected through the docking station. Problem: When I plug an Ethernet cable into the dock, none of the LEDs light up, and I do not get assigned a valid IP address. What could be causing this?
Solution: Most USB receivers for wireless mice and keyboards operate in the 2.4Ghz band. When connecting the receiver to any USB 3.0 port there is potential for interference that can affect the devices performance.
The most effective method is to add a short USB 2.0 extension cable between the dock and the receiver to mitigate the effect, and many wireless keyboards and mice come with such a cable for this reason.Intel has a technical whitepaper on the behavior for those interested here:and we have written about the behavior in more detail here (please see the RF interference section):. Problem: When I connect the dock to my system, my internal Wi-Fi adapter stops working or suffers from poor performance. Why is this happening? Solution: The utilities provided by Intel, Nvidia and AMD/ATI are designed to only recognize and work with graphics adapters made by their respective manufacturers and they will not recognize USB-attached displays connected to the dock. It is recommended to use the facilities built-in to Windows to manage the displays connected to the dock (‘Display Settings’ on Windows 10 and ‘Screen Resolution’ on Windows 8.1 and 7).
Problem: While I can adjust the brightness of my internal laptop display or directly connected external display using the Windows Display Settings application, this option is grayed out and not available for the displays attached to the dock. Is something wrong? Solution: The DisplayLink GPU does not support color calibration functionality. Most monitors have built-in controls that can be used to adjust the characteristics of the display, though we realize this approach may not be ideal in all cases. For environments that necessitate near-perfect color reproduction and display calibration capabilities via software, a dedicated graphics card is recommended.
Problem: I use an application to change the color of my display to make it easier to see but it doesn’t seem to affect the display I have connected to the dock. Solution: As mentioned above, the DisplayLink driver does not currently support this type of color adjustment so applications like f.lux will not affect displays connected to the dock.
DisplayLink (the maker of the chip in the dock and author of the driver) is working to add this functionality in the future. Please see on the DisplayLink website for more information and the current state of the project. Problem: When I right-click in the Chrome browser, the context menu opens on a different display than the application is on. What causes this? Solution: Some versions of Chrome have had regressions which cause graphical distortion when Chrome windows are in use on USB-attached monitors.Usually this issue is fixed promptly in the next Chrome release, but if it persists the best current workaround is to disable hardware acceleration in the Chrome settings. Solution: Microsoft and DisplayLink (the maker of the chip in our dock and author of the driver) have identified a bug within the Windows 10 Anniversary and Creators Update. With the Anniversary or Creators Update to Windows 10, Microsoft has now integrated support for the DisplayLink technology used in our docking station into Windows itself, and in certain cases applications which make use of OpenGL may not work as expected.For example, the SketchUp application requires the use of graphics adapter that supports a standard known as OpenGL - In some instances, Windows mistakenly directs the tasks intended for the system’s internal graphics adapter (which does support OpenGL) to the DisplayLink-based docking station.
Our docking station is not a traditional graphics adapter in and of itself (it relies on the CPU and internal graphics adapter to work), and this results in the incorrect behavior or error message. DisplayLink speaks to this issue directly here - (under the section ‘OPENGL 1.1 REPORTED INSTEAD OF 4.X’)Pending Microsoft fixing the issue within Windows itself, there are two possible workarounds. The first is to configure Windows to have the ‘Main’ display set to a display directly connected to your internal graphics adapter, whether that is an internal laptop display or another external display connected to one of the systems built-in video outputs (a quick guide to doing so is here - ).If that doesn’t prove a suitable workaround, booting the system without the dock connected, launching SketchUp (or any other OpenGL application), and then connecting the dock may also help. Please note that the HDMI port on this dock is unaffected by this as that output is driven directly from the host computer graphics chipset over USB-C Alternate Mode video. Problem: In macOS the 4K output supports DPI scaling (HiDPI display) - adjusting for larger text or more space but the 2K and DVI outputs don't seem to, can I fix this?