1.1 Features
1.1.3 Interface
(1) Connection to ATA interface
The disk drive has
(2) Data buffer
The disk drive use a 8MB data buffer to transfer data between the host and the disk media.
In combination with the
(3) Read-ahead cache system
After the execution of a disk read command, the disk drive automatically reads the subsequent data block and writes it to the data buffer (read ahead operation). This cache system enables fast data access. The next disk read command would normally cause another disk access. But, if the read ahead data corresponds to the data requested by the next read command, the data in the buffer can be transferred instead.
(4) Master/slave
The disk drive can be connected to ATA interface as daisy chain configuration. Drive 0 is a master device, drive 1 is a slave device.
(5) Error correction and retry by ECC
If a recoverable error occurs, the disk drive itself attempt error recovery. The ECC has improved buffer error correction for correctable data errors.
(6) Self-diagnosis
The disk drive has a diagnostic function to check operation of the controller and disk drive. Executing a diagnostic function of the smart command invokes self- diagnosis.
(7) Write cache
When the disk drive receives a write command, the disk drive posts the command completion at completion of transferring data to the data buffer completion of writing to the disk media. This feature reduces the access time at writing.
