Constellation ES.2 Serial ATA Product Manual, Rev. D 23
4.2 Configuring the drive
Each drive on the Serial ATA interface connects point-to-point with the Serial ATA host adapter. There is no
master/slave relationship because each drive is considered a master in a point-to-point relationship. If two
drives are attached on one Serial ATA host adapter, the host operating system views the two devices as if they
were both “masters” on two separate ports. Both drives behave as if they are Device 0 (master) devices.
4.3 Serial ATA cables and connectors
The Serial ATA interface cable consists of four conductors in two differential pairs, plus three ground connec-
tions. The cable size may be 30 to 26 AWG with a maximum length of one meter (39.37 in). See Table 5 for
connector pin definitions. Either end of the SATA signal cable can be attached to the drive or host.
For direct backplane connection, the drive connectors are inserted directly into the host receptacle. The drive
and the host receptacle incorporate features that enable the direct connection to be hot pluggable and blind
mateable.
For installations which require cables, you can connect the drive as illustrated in Figure 4.
Figure 4. Attaching SATA cabling
Each cable is keyed to ensure correct orientation. Constellation ES.2 Serial ATA drives support latching SATA
connectors.
4.4 Drive mounting
You can mount the drive in any orientation using four screws in the side-mounting holes or four screws in the bottom-
mounting holes. See Figure 5 for drive mounting dimensions. Follow these important mounting precautions when
mounting the drive:
• Allow a minimum clearance of 0.030 in (0.76mm) around the entire perimeter of the drive for cooling.
• Use only 6-32 UNC mounting screws.
• The screws should be inserted no more than 0.150 in (3.81mm) into the bottom or side mounting holes.
• Do not overtighten the mounting screws (maximum torque: 6 in-lb).
• Do not cover breather hole on top cover.
Breather Hole
Do Not
Cover
•Breather hole location - top cover
Power cable
Signal cable
Signal connector
Power connector