Intel Culls High-TDP "Cactus Ridge" Thunderbolt Controller

Intel has reportedly discontinued one of its "Cactus Ridge" family of Thunderbolt controllers, the L3510H. This controller has relatively high TDP of 3.4W, and a low-power part in the same family, the L3510L, already exists. The L3510L has a slightly lower TDP, at 2.8W. The difference may not seem much, but could impact notebook battery life. The L3510 "Cactus Ridge" family consists of 4-channel Thunderbolt controllers, with smaller package-size (12 x 12 mm) compared to the 82523EF "Light Ridge" controller family, with its larger (15 x 15 mm) package sizes. The final samples of "Cactus Ridge" chips will reach customers only by mid-April.