Maxtor ATA manual FCI Acronym for flux changes per inch. See also BPI

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Glossary

E

ECC – Acronym for error correction code. The recording of extra verifying information encoded along with the disk data. The controller uses the extra information to check for data errors, and corrects the errors when possible.

EMBEDDED SERVO – A timing or location signal placed on the disk’s surface on the tracks that also store data. These signals allow the actuator to fine-tune the position of the read/write heads.

ENCODING – The protocol by which particular data patterns are changed prior to being written on the disk surface as a pattern of On and Off or 1 and 0 signals.

EXTERNAL DRIVE – A drive mounted in an enclosure separate from the PC or computer system enclosure, with its own power supply and fan, and connected to the system by a cable.

F

FAT – Acronym for file allocation table. A data table stored on the outer edge of a disk that tells the operating system which sectors are allocated to each file and in what order.

FCI – Acronym for flux changes per inch. See also BPI.

FILE SERVER – A computer that provides network stations with controlled access to shareable resources. The network operating system is loaded on the file server, and most shareable devices (disk subsystems, printers) are attached to it. The file server controls system security and monitors station-to-station communications. A dedicated file server can be used only as a file server while it is on the network. A non dedicated file server can be used simultaneously as a file server and a workstation.

FLUX DENSITY – The number of magnetic field patterns that can be stored in a given length of disk surface. The number is usually stated as flux changes per inch (FCI), with typical values in the thousands.

FLYING HEIGHT – The distance between the read/write head and the disk surface caused by a cushion of air that keeps the head from contacting the media. Smaller flying heights permit more dense storage of data, but require more precise mechanical designs.

FORMAT – To write onto the disk surface a magnetic track pattern that specifies the locations of the tracks and sectors. This information must exist on a disk before it can store any user data. Formatting erases any previously stored data.

FORMATTED CAPACITY – The amount of room left to store data on the disk after the required space has been used to write sector headers, boundary definitions, and timing information generated by a format operation. All Maxtor drive capacities are expressed in formatted capacity.

FORM FACTOR – The physical outer dimensions of a device as defined by industry standard. For example, most Maxtor disk drives use a 3 1/2-inch form factor.

G

GIGABYTE (GB) – One billion bytes (one thousand megabytes).

GUIDE RAILS – Plastic strips attached to the sides of a disk drive mounted in an IBM AT and compatible computers so that the drive easily slides into place.

H

HALF HEIGHT – Term used to describe a drive that occupies half the vertical space of the original full size 5 1/4-inch drive. 1.625 inches high.

HARD DISK – A type of storage medium

Maxtor QuickView 400/500GB Serial ATA Hard Disk Drive

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Contents January 13 Part Number QuickView 400/500GB Serial ATA Product ManualPatents UL/CSA/VDE/TUV /RoHSPublication Number Part Number Before You Begin Table of Contents Sata BUS Interface and ATA Commands Introduction List of Figures List Of Tables Manual Organization AudienceATA Terminology and ConventionsReferences Product Overview General DescriptionKEY Features Product EMI/EMS Qualifications Regulatory Compliance StandardsHardware Requirements Space Requirements InstallationUnpacking Instructions 220-Pack Shipping Container Normal operation 3Gbps Limit Data Transfer Rate 1.5Gbps Hardware Options Serial ATA Interface ConnectorAdapter Board Serial ATA Bus Connector1Device plug connector pin definition Mounting ATA Bus Interface Connector J1, Section COrientation Following points should be noted5Mounting Screw Clearance and Mounting Screw Locations 6QuickView Serial ATA Mounting Dimensions Ventilation Clearance7Lengthwise Airflow Cooling Techniques in Drive Configuration Adapter Board InstallationFor Systems with AN ATA Adapter Board Operating System LimitationsTo use the Maxtor Big Drive Enabler Big Drive Enabler Software downloadInstallation Model Number and Capacity Drive ConfigurationPhysical Dimensions Performance SpecificationsMode EPA Energy Star Compliance Power Mode DefinitionsParameter Operating NON-OPERATING Environmental LimitsPSD Shock and VibrationAnnualized Return Rate Reliability SpecificationsStart/Stop Cycles Data ReliabilityCanadian Emissions Statement Safety Regulatory ComplianceIntroduction Command InterfaceMechanical Interface Electrical InterfaceCommand Feature Register Code Values Supported CommandsRead 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 Product Support Warranty ServicesGlossary 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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