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: High Speed Serialized AT Attachment” specification. The specification can be downloaded from http://www.serialata.org.

2

Momentus 5400.2 SATA Blade Server Product Manual, Rev. B

Page 7 Page 9
Page 8
Image 8
Seagate ST9120821SB, ST98823SB, ST96812SB, ST94813SB, ST9100824SB manual About the Serial ATA interface
Page 7 Page 9

ST96812SB, ST9100824SB, ST94813SB, ST9120821SB, ST98823SB specifications

The Seagate series of hard drives, including the ST98823SB, ST9120821SB, ST94813SB, ST9100824SB, and ST96812SB, have been pivotal in the evolution of data storage solutions. Each model features specific enhancements that cater to different storage needs, while still reflecting Seagate's commitment to quality and performance.

The ST98823SB is a high-capacity hard drive designed primarily for enterprise use. One of its key features is its 7200 RPM spindle speed, which ensures fast data access and transfer rates. This drive typically supports Ultra ATA/133 interface, which enhances its data transfer capabilities. The robust design and high MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures) rating of the ST98823SB make it a reliable option for critical applications and large data storage.

Moving on to the ST9120821SB, this model emphasizes storage efficiency and reliability. With a capacity of around 120GB, it is ideal for storing operating systems and essential applications. The ST9120821SB also boasts a 7200 RPM speed, ensuring quick load times. This drive often features advanced power management technologies, reducing energy consumption while maintaining high performance, making it suitable for both desktop and server environments.

The ST94813SB is designed with a balance between performance and capacity. It typically offers a 48GB storage solution, catering to users who require speed without needing extensive space. With its SATA interface and a rotational speed of 7200 RPM, this drive supports high-performance applications while ensuring data integrity and reliability.

The ST9100824SB enhances the user experience with its 2.5-inch form factor, making it suitable for laptops and portable devices. With storage capacities around 100GB, this drive is designed to be energy-efficient, reducing the overall power consumption of mobile devices. It also utilizes advanced caching algorithms for improved performance, particularly in read operations.

Lastly, the ST96812SB stands out for its robust architecture, designed to withstand the rigorous demands of industrial applications. With a spin speed of 7200 RPM and a SATA interface, this drive offers a commendable mixture of speed and durability. It is often used in environment-sensitive applications where reliability is crucial.

Together, these Seagate models represent a diverse range of storage solutions, each tailored to meet specific consumer demands while ensuring reliable performance and impressive technology features.
Top Page Image Contents