Probably, each of us when choosing a computer component came across strange names that could affect the compatibility of devices. So, not understanding the necessary connectors, the user received a system crash or other similar problems.
Usually, those who bought a ready-made PC are not faced with the need to study interfaces. This is necessary for those who independently assemble the system, from the motherboard to thermal paste, or who have problems with one of the devices and need replacement.
What is it?
The SATA interface is a serial interface that allows the exchange of information with drives. There is a SATA connector on the motherboard, and the same connector is included.
Start
This type of connector appeared thanks to the previous one, with a similar name ATA. It had a parallel circuit, but it was noticeably outdated, especially by 2017. In general, his replacement began to be planned in 2000. Then Intel gathered around itself specialists who were included in a special group of developers. So here included the now famous partners Seagate, Dell, Quantum, Maxtor and others.
After a couple of years, the SATA hard drive interface became real for device manufacturers. In 2002, the first motherboards with this connector entered the market. It began to be used as a data transmitter through network devices. The very next year it was introduced into modern variations of the motherboard.
New
I must say that the new product is compatible at the software level with all hardware devices and is a high-speed data transmitter. If PATA has 40 contacts, then there are only 7 for SATA. The cable occupies a small area, so the air resistance is significantly reduced, and therefore the components of the system do not overheat. It is much easier now with wires inside the system.
The cable was also made better, so that you could not be afraid for its condition after repeated connection. Redesigned power cable. By the way, it delivers three voltages at once on several lines: +12, +5 and +3.3 V. Given that modern devices are more likely to switch to the operation of the +3.3 V line, they often use a passive adapter, which often found in conjunction with the motherboard: IDE on SATA. There are accessories that, in addition to SATA power, can also acquire the Molex format.
Interestingly, the SATA interface also introduced a new connection technology that PATA had previously used. Now rarely two devices are placed on the same cable. Each device received its own wire, so they now work independently, independently of each other. So we got rid of many problems associated with simultaneous operation, installation of the system, untranslated loops, etc.
Diversity
As mentioned earlier, the interface received two types: one 7-pin, the second 15-pin. The first option is used to connect the data bus, the second option is designed specifically for power. The standard allows users to change the configuration, so it is possible to change the 15-pin to the Molex type, which has 4 contacts. But it is worthwhile to understand that if both types of power connectors are launched, the device will fail and you will have to purchase a new one.
The interface of SATA drives works through two channels of information transfer: from the device to the controller and vice versa. They endowed the standard with technologies of various types. For example, there is an LVDS function that is responsible for signal transmission.
The types of connectors do not end there. There is also a 13-pin option, which can often be found on servers, gadgets and other thin devices. This connector is combined and consists of a 7- and 6-pin. There is an adapter for this case.
Mini version
Before we learn the types of SATA interfaces, it is worth mentioning another connector that appeared in revision 2.6. The slimline version was developed for small devices. This refers to optical drives in laptops. Relative to their older version, both connectors are incompatible, because there is a difference in the width of the power connector, as well as reduced contact pitch. In addition, such a connector works only on one voltage line +5 V. But in general, for each such connector there are inexpensive adapters.
First type
SATA drive interfaces are presented in a wide variety. Over the course of 15 years, they have been improved, improved, refined and remade. As a result, the first revision came out at a speed of up to 1.5 Gbit / s. The standard was introduced in 2003. It was designed to operate at a frequency of 1.5 Hz, which provided a bandwidth of 150 MB / s. Given that these were the first attempts to develop an interface, a similar result was almost identical to Ultra ATA. Despite the same numbers, the main advantage of the new product was the serial bus instead of the parallel one.
It could be assumed that such a technology is still inferior in speed, but all the disadvantages were compensated by working at high frequencies. This option was available due to the fact that channel synchronization was no longer necessary, and the noise immunity of the cord increased.
Second type
The second revision became known the next year. Its speed has increased markedly, as has the frequency. Now the specification worked at 3 GHz, while the throughput was 3 Gb / s. Among the new products, the appearance of a proprietary controller of the nForce 4 chipset was also noted. It so happened that no one noticed right away that both revisions were no longer compatible. Although theoretically this was implied, if we take into account the coordination of speeds. But in reality it turned out that some devices and controllers required manual operation, all parameters had to be independently adjusted.
Third type
This revision became known only after 5 years, in 2008. The SATA interface speed was already 6 Gb / s. The developers tried to keep synchronization of not only cables and connectors, but also protocol exchange.
The novelty later received two more versions. So there were types 3.1 and 3.2. The first option got mSATA, the so-called option for mobile devices. The technology also became known in which the optical drive stopped consuming energy in standby mode. The performance of SSDs has improved, which has led to their popularity. Also, revision 3.1 acquired a host-identification of the device’s capabilities and low power consumption.
Revision 3.2 received another name Express. The design has changed a bit, in which the port looks like two assembled connectors in length. Thus, it became possible to use two types of drives with SATA and SATA Express. The speed increased to 8 Gbit / s, if you connect only through one port, if you use two at once, then 16 Gbit / s. Among other things, of the new products this revision includes the new µSSD interface.
Variety
In addition to the main types, the interface (HDD) SATA got modifications. So in 2004, eSATA became known, which made it possible to connect external devices, while it was possible to use “hot swap”.
This standard has a number of features. For example, the connectors are not as fragile as the original type. They are created specifically for multiple connections. They are not compatible with SATA, and also received connector shielding.
To use this type, you need to get two wires, among which there is a data bus and a power cable. It was also decided to extend the wire to 2 meters, so that there were no more losses, the signal levels were changed.
Reduced
In 2009, another SATA interface appeared, but with reduced parameters. Mini-SATA is considered a form factor for solid state drives. Typically, such devices have a small size of 61x30x3 mm. Such hard drives are placed in netbooks and other devices that accept small copies of SSDs. The slot itself is called mSATA and copies the PCI Express Mini Card. Between each other, both types are electrically compatible, but need to be switched.
Imperfection
Also known to the world of eSATAp, which was developed from eSATA. Its main task was to combine the interface with the familiar USB2.0. Its advantage was the transfer of information on channels +5 and +12 V. There was also a similar option for laptops.
Perspective
Despite the fact that the SATA interface still functions actively in various devices, it is being developed and developed, many analogs appear on the market, which in the future may become a substitute for this standard. SAS, for example, is somewhat faster, more reliable, although more expensive. Compatible with SATA, but consumes more power.
Thunderbolt also showed a positive side. Designed to connect peripheral devices to a PC. Appeared for the first time in 2010. Intel has developed this type to replace all popular interfaces. The transmission speed reaches 10 Gbit / s, length up to 3 meters, supports many useful protocols, as well as the ability to "hot plug".