1.1About the Serial ATA interface

The Serial ATA interface provides several advantages over the traditional (parallel) ATA interface. The primary advantages include:

•Easy installation and configuration with true plug-and-play connectivity. It is not necessary to set any jump- ers or other configuration options.

•Thinner and more flexible cabling for improved enclosure airflow and ease of installation.

•Scalability to higher performance levels.

In addition, Serial ATA makes the transition from parallel ATA easy by providing legacy software support. Serial ATA was designed to allow you to install a Serial ATA host adapter and Serial ATA disc drive in your current system and expect all of your existing applications to work as normal.

The Serial ATA interface connects each disc drive in a point-to-point configuration with the Serial ATA host adapter. There is no master/slave relationship with Serial ATA devices like there is with parallel ATA. 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. This essentially means both drives behave as if they are Device 0 (master) devices.

Note. The host adapter may, optionally, emulate a master/slave environment to host software where two devices on separate Serial ATA ports are represented to host software as a Device 0 (master) and Device 1 (slave) accessed at the same set of host bus addresses. A host adapter that emulates a master/slave environment manages two sets of shadow registers. This is not a typical Serial ATA environment.

The Serial ATA host adapter and drive share the function of emulating parallel ATA device behavior to provide backward compatibility with existing host systems and software. The Command and Control Block registers, PIO and DMA data transfers, resets, and interrupts are all emulated.

The Serial ATA host adapter contains a set of registers that shadow the contents of the traditional device regis- ters, referred to as the Shadow Register Block. All Serial ATA devices behave like Device 0 devices. For addi- tional information about how Serial ATA emulates parallel ATA, refer to the “Serial ATA International Organization: Serial ATA Revision 2.6”. The specification can be downloaded from www.sata-io.org.

2

Barracuda LP Series SATA Product Manual, Rev. A

Page 7 Page 9
Page 8
Image 8
Seagate ST32000542AS, ST31000520AS, ST31500541AS manual About the Serial ATA interface
Page 7 Page 9

ST32000542AS, ST31000520AS, ST31500541AS specifications

Seagate has long been a prominent player in the hard disk drive (HDD) market, and their SATA drives have earned a reputation for reliability and performance. Among their notable models are the ST31500541AS, ST31000520AS, and ST32000542AS, each offering unique features and technologies that cater to various storage needs.

The ST31500541AS is a 1.5TB SATA drive known for its robust data handling capabilities. Operating at 7200 RPM, it offers a data transfer rate of up to 6Gb/s, making it suitable for demanding applications that require quick access to large files. This model features Seagate’s perpendicular recording technology, which increases storage density and efficiency. With an average seek time of 8.5 ms, users can expect swift performance for both read and write operations. Its 32MB cache also aids in enhancing data transfer rates and minimizing lag during data retrieval.

Next is the ST31000520AS, a 1TB drive that combines performance with energy efficiency. Also spinning at 7200 RPM, this model exploits Seagate's Advanced Power Management technology, which helps reduce power consumption and extend drive longevity. The ST31000520AS is particularly appealing for users looking to balance performance with energy costs. It features similar specifications to the ST31500541AS, including a 6Gb/s interface and a 32MB cache, ensuring that users can manage large workloads effectively.

Lastly, the ST32000542AS offers a compelling 2TB storage solution. This model caters to users with extensive storage needs, whether it be for multimedia content, backup solutions, or database management. Like its predecessors, it runs at 7200 RPM and benefits from Seagate's innovative technologies, including error correction and data recovery enhancements. With increased storage capacity and performance, this model is particularly suited for both personal and professional setups where data loss is not an option.

In summary, the Seagate ST31500541AS, ST31000520AS, and ST32000542AS exemplify the company's commitment to delivering high-performance hard drive solutions. With their emphasis on speed, energy efficiency, and advanced technologies such as perpendicular recording and power management, each model stands out in its capacity range, making them valuable assets for users seeking dependable storage options. Whether you're a gamer, a creative professional, or need a reliable backup solution, these drives are engineered to meet diverse computing needs with ease.
Top Page Image Contents