In IDF Fall we revealed that in the next year, Intel plans to release a second generation of controllers Thunderbolt, Cactus Ridge. Associates learned about how they would differ from existing controllers Light Ridge and Eagle Ridge.
First , the chip controllers Cactus Ridge has size reduced from 15 x 15 mm to 12 x 12 mm. The current controller Eagle Ridge exists in a compact form factor, 8 x 9 mm. Intel will also reduce power consumption, and in quiescent Intel hopes to bring it down to zero watts. Production of Controller Cactus Ridge will begin in the first quarter next year.
Already this year, Intel will start producing the controller Port Ridge, which at modest size 5 x 6 mm will differ little in cost and limited functionality. The capacity will be equivalent to two lines of PCI Express 2.0, and the possibility of serial communication devices will be forgotten.
Since the optical channel will not be duplicated in these copper cables for power transmission, so a cord connected devices will be forced to use an external power source. Standard copper cables as Thunderbolt are able to feed the device up to 10 watts.