System Configuration

• Hardware: Apple MacBook Pro 11,1 (Mid 2013)
• OS: Debian Testing / Kali GNU/Linux Rolling 2025.4
• Kernel: 6.17.8-2-liquorix-amd64
• Device: CalDigit Thunderbolt Station 2 (New device + new Thunderbolt cable)
• Target: Connect USB devices (SanDisk) through Thunderbolt hub

Initial Problem Description

The CalDigit Thunderbolt Station 2 was experiencing connection issues:

• Device would connect and disconnect repeatedly
• Error: thunderbolt 0000:07:00.0: device link creation from 0000:06:00.0 failed
• Error: 0:2: failed to reach state TB_PORT_UP. Ignoring port...
• USB devices connected to the CalDigit would not be recognized properly

Root Cause Analysis

The issues were caused by multiple factors:

1. Power Management Conflicts: MacBook Pro 11,1 with Liquorix kernel had aggressive power management interfering with Thunderbolt
2. PCI Bus Assignment Issues: Insufficient bus numbers allocated for hotplug devices
3. Thunderbolt Security: Device authorization problems
4. PCIe ASPM: Advanced State Power Management causing communication failures

Complete Solution

Step 1: Kernel Parameter Modification

Edit GRUB configuration to add specific kernel parameters:

sudo joe /etc/default/grub

Modify the GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX_DEFAULT line to include:

GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX_DEFAULT="quiet pcie_aspm=off pci=realloc,assign-busses pcie_port_pm=off thunderbolt.start_icm=1"

Parameter Explanation:

• pcie_aspm=off: Disables PCIe Advanced State Power Management
• pci=realloc,assign-busses: Forces PCI bus reallocation and assignment
• pcie_port_pm=off: Disables PCIe port power management
• thunderbolt.start_icm=1: Forces Intel Connection Manager startup

Apply changes:

sudo update-grub
sudo reboot

Step 2: Post-Boot Verification

After reboot, verify the CalDigit is detected:

# Check Thunderbolt devices
sudo dmesg | grep -i thunderbolt | head -10

# Should show:
# thunderbolt 0-3: CalDigit, Inc. Thunderbolt Station 2
# No more "device link creation failed" errors

# Verify device listing
ls -la /sys/bus/thunderbolt/devices/

Step 3: Device Authorization with Bolt

Install and configure bolt for Thunderbolt device management:

# Install bolt (if not already installed)
sudo apt update && sudo apt install bolt

# Check device status
sudo boltctl list

# The CalDigit should show as "authorized"

Step 4: Verify USB Functionality

Connect USB devices to the CalDigit and verify recognition:

# Check USB device tree
lsusb -t

# Check connected storage devices
lsblk

# Verify USB devices by-id
ls -la /dev/disk/by-id/ | grep usb

Expected Results

After applying the solution:

1. Thunderbolt Detection: CalDigit appears as thunderbolt 0-3: CalDigit, Inc. Thunderbolt Station 2
2. Authorization Status: Device shows as authorized in bolt
3. USB Devices: Connected USB devices appear normally in lsusb and lsblk
4. No Error Messages: No more «device link creation failed» or port timeout errors

Troubleshooting Commands

Diagnostic Commands

# View Thunderbolt module parameters
cat /sys/module/thunderbolt/parameters/*

# Check PCI tree for Thunderbolt devices
sudo lspci -tv | grep -A 5 -B 5 Thunderbolt

# Monitor real-time device connections
sudo dmesg -w

# Check device authorization status
cat /sys/bus/thunderbolt/devices/0-3/authorized

# View detailed PCI bridge information
sudo lspci -vvv -s 06:00.0

Reset Commands (if needed)

# Reload Thunderbolt module
sudo modprobe -r thunderbolt
sudo modprobe thunderbolt start_icm=true

# Force PCI rescan
echo 1 | sudo tee /sys/bus/pci/rescan

# Manual device authorization (if bolt fails)
echo 1 | sudo tee /sys/bus/thunderbolt/devices/0-3/authorized

Hardware-Specific Notes

MacBook Pro 11,1 Considerations

• This model uses Intel DSL5520 Thunderbolt 2 Controller (Falcon Ridge 4C 2013)
• Requires specific power management settings due to aggressive power saving in the chipset
• BIOS/EFI settings may need Thunderbolt security set to «No Security» or «User Authorization»

Kernel Compatibility

• Liquorix kernel: More aggressive optimizations can interfere with Thunderbolt
• Standard Debian kernel: Generally more compatible with Apple hardware
• The solution works with Liquorix but may require additional parameters

CalDigit Thunderbolt Station 2 Specifics

• Supports Thunderbolt 2 (20 Gbps)
• Provides 3x USB 3.0 ports, Ethernet, audio, and additional Thunderbolt passthrough
• Requires external power adapter for full functionality
• Some USB devices may require specific ports for optimal performance

Alternative Solutions (if main solution fails)

Option 1: Switch to Standard Kernel

# Install standard Debian kernel
sudo apt install linux-image-amd64
# Select standard kernel at next boot

Option 2: Additional GRUB Parameters

If the main solution partially works but has issues, try adding:

pci=hpbussize=32 acpi=force intel_iommu=off

Option 3: Firmware Updates

# Check for firmware updates
sudo fwupdmgr get-devices
sudo fwupdmgr refresh
sudo fwupdmgr get-updates

Final Notes

• The solution addresses the core compatibility issues between MacBook Pro 11,1, Liquorix kernel, and CalDigit Thunderbolt Station 2
• All kernel parameters are essential for proper operation
• USB devices connected to the CalDigit should work normally after applying the solution
• The fix is persistent across reboots once GRUB is updated
• Monitor dmesg logs if any issues arise with new USB devices

Success Indicators

CalDigit Detection: Device appears in bolt list as authorized
No Error Messages: Clean dmesg output for Thunderbolt events
USB Functionality: Connected devices appear in lsusb and lsblk
Stable Operation: No disconnect/reconnect cycles
Storage Access: USB storage devices mount and operate normally

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Hardware: MacBook Pro 11,1 (Mid 2013)
Software: Kali Linux Rolling 2025.4 + Liquorix kernel 6.17.8
Device: CalDigit Thunderbolt Station 2 + Various USB devices