Maxtor ATA manual Glossary

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Glossary

CAPACITY – The amount of information that can be stored on a disk drive. The data is stored in bytes, and capacity is usually expressed in megabytes.

CDB – Command Descriptor Block. The SCSI structure used to communicate requests from an initiator (system) to a target (drive).

CLEAN ROOM – An environmentally controlled dust-free assembly or repair facility in which hard disk drives are assembled or can be opened for internal servicing.

CLUSTER – A group of sectors on a disk drive that is addressed as one logical unit by the operating system.

CONTROLLER – Short form of disk controller. The chip or complete circuit that translates computer data and commands into CONTROLLER CARD – An adapter holding the control electronics for one or more hard disks, usually installed in a slot in the computer.

CPU – Acronym for Central Processing Unit. The microprocessor chip that performs the bulk of data processing in a computer.

CRC – Acronym for Cyclic Redundancy Check. An error detection code that is recorded within each sector and is used to see whether parts of a string of data are missing or erroneous.

CYLINDER – On a disk drive that has more than one recording surface and heads that move to various tracks, the group of all tracks located at a given head position. The number of cylinders times the number of heads equals the number of tracks per drive.

D

DATA SEPARATOR – On a disk drive that stores data and timing information in an encoded form, the circuit that extracts the data from the combined data and clock signal.

DEDICATED SERVO – A surface separate from the surface used for data that contains only disk timing and positioning information and contains no data.

DEFECT MANAGEMENT – A method that is implemented to ensure long term data integrity. Defect management eliminates the need for user defect maps. This is accomplished by scanning the disk drives at the factory for defective sectors. Defective sectors are deallocated prior to shipment. In addition, during regular use, the drive continues to scan and compensate for any new defective sectors on the disk.

DISK – In general, any circular-shaped data-storage medium that stores data on the flat surface of the platter. The most common type of disk is the magnetic disk, which stores data as magnetic patterns in a metal or metal-oxide coating. Magnetic disks come in two forms: floppy and hard. Optical recording is a newer disk technology that gives higher capacity storage but at slower access times.

DISK CONTROLLER – A plug-in board, or embedded circuitry on the drive, that passes information to and from the disk. The Maxtor disk drives all have controllers embedded on the drive printed-circuit board.

DISKWARE – The program instructions and data stored on the disk for use by a processor.

DMA – Acronym for direct memory access. A process by which data moves directly between a disk drive (or other device) and system memory without passing through the CPU, thus allowing the system to continue processing other tasks while the new data is being retrieved.

DRIVE – Short form of disk drive.

DRIVE GEOMETRY – The functional dimensions of a drive in terms of the number of heads, cylinders, and sectors per track. See also logical format.

G-2 Maxtor QuickView 400/500GB Serial ATA Hard Disk Drive

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Contents QuickView 400/500GB Serial ATA Product Manual January 13 Part NumberUL/CSA/VDE/TUV /RoHS PatentsPublication Number Part Number Before You Begin Table of Contents Sata BUS Interface and ATA Commands Introduction List of Figures List Of Tables Audience Manual OrganizationTerminology and Conventions ATAReferences General Description Product OverviewKEY Features Regulatory Compliance Standards Product EMI/EMS QualificationsHardware Requirements Installation Space RequirementsUnpacking Instructions 220-Pack Shipping Container Hardware Options Serial ATA Interface Connector Normal operation 3Gbps Limit Data Transfer Rate 1.5GbpsSerial ATA Bus Connector Adapter Board1Device plug connector pin definition ATA Bus Interface Connector J1, Section C MountingOrientation Following points should be noted5Mounting Screw Clearance and Mounting Screw Locations 6QuickView Serial ATA Mounting Dimensions Clearance Ventilation7Lengthwise Airflow Cooling Adapter Board Installation Techniques in Drive ConfigurationFor Systems with AN ATA Adapter Board Operating System LimitationsBig Drive Enabler Software download To use the Maxtor Big Drive EnablerInstallation Drive Configuration Model Number and CapacityPerformance Specifications Physical DimensionsMode Power Mode Definitions EPA Energy Star ComplianceEnvironmental Limits Parameter Operating NON-OPERATINGShock and Vibration PSDReliability Specifications Annualized Return RateStart/Stop Cycles Data ReliabilitySafety Regulatory Compliance Canadian Emissions StatementCommand Interface IntroductionMechanical Interface Electrical InterfaceSupported Commands Command Feature Register Code ValuesRead LOG Extension Identify Drive Command Content Description Capabilities Sata Bus Interface and ATA Commands Minimum PIO transfer cycle time without flow control Minor version number See Address Offset Reserved Area Boot, Incits TR272001 = release interrupt enabled General Purpose Logging feature set supported Content Description Removable Media Status Notification feature set support Security status Sata Bus Interface and ATA Commands Warranty Services Product SupportGlossary Glossary FCI Acronym for flux changes per inch. See also BPI Kilobyte Kb a unit of measure consisting of 1,024 210 bytes Millisecond ms One thousandth of a second .001 sec Glossary Sata Acronym for Serial ATA Glossary Index

ATA specifications

Maxtor ATA drives have played a significant role in the evolution of data storage technology, particularly during the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Known for their reliability and performance, these drives became a popular choice for consumers and businesses alike.

One of the main features of Maxtor ATA (Advanced Technology Attachment) drives is their interface. The ATA standard, which later evolved into the Parallel ATA (PATA) and Serial ATA (SATA) interfaces, allowed for the easy connection of hard drives to computers. This ensured broad compatibility across various systems, making it easier for users to upgrade their storage without facing compatibility issues.

The performance of Maxtor ATA drives was also a notable characteristic. With spinning speeds typically around 5400 RPM and 7200 RPM, these drives provided competitive read and write speeds compared to their contemporaries. The utilization of larger cache memory, often up to 8 MB or more, helped improve data transfer rates, ensuring quick access to files and applications.

Maxtor also deployed various technologies to enhance the reliability and longevity of their drives. One such innovation was the use of Shock Protection technologies, which minimized the risk of data loss due to physical shocks or impacts. This was particularly important for portable storage devices, where movement and jostling are common.

The drives were also designed with data integrity in mind. Maxtor incorporated features like S.M.A.R.T (Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology) to help predict drive failures by monitoring various parameters. This proactive approach greatly assisted users in taking precautions against data loss.

Capacity-wise, Maxtor ATA drives varied significantly over the years, from a few gigabytes in the early 1990s to several terabytes by the time the brand was phased out. This scalability made Maxtor products suitable for both casual users and enterprises needing to store vast amounts of data.

In conclusion, the Maxtor ATA drives represented a significant step forward in storage technology, combining reliability, performance, and innovation. Their legacy continues to influence modern storage solutions, as many of the underlying principles and technologies have persisted into the current era of data storage. Though the brand is no longer in active development, its impact remains a noteworthy chapter in the history of computing.
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