Intel intends to release a new Thunderbolt controller for personal computers with double speed compared to the existing one. In addition, Intel will release a new TB chip in 2013.

The speediest Thunderbolt controller code-named Falcon Ridge will support speeds up to 20Gb/s as well as DisplayPort v1.1a and DisplayPort v1.2 Redriver. The latter technologies will also be supported by the Redwood Ridge controllers due in 2013, reports DigiTimes web-site. Given the fact that now Intel reportedly charges $20 per TB controller, the new ones should be more affordable.

The new - Falcon Ridge - Thunderbolt chip clearly improves speed by implementing PCI Express 3.0 technology outside the PC. From what has been told, it is obvious that it will continue to use copper cables.

What is interesting, is what comes next? Optical cables outside a client-class PC, which will at some point condition optical interconnects within computers? We will live and see!

Intel did not comment on the news-story.

Tags: Intel, Thunderbolt, Falcon Ridge