SATA (interface): types and speed

Probably, each of us in the choice of a computer component encountered obscure names that could affect the compatibility of devices. So, not having understood with the necessary sockets, the user received a system failure or other similar problems.

Usually, the need to learn interfaces is not confronted by those who bought a finished PC. This is necessary for those who independently collect the system, from the motherboard to the thermal paste, or who have problems with one of the devices and need a replacement.

What is it?

The SATA interface is an interface with a serial circuit that allows you to exchange information with drives. The motherboard has a SATA connector, and the same connector is included in the kit.

Start

This type of connectors appeared thanks to the previous one, with a similar ATA name. It had a parallel circuit, but it was noticeably obsolete, especially by 2017. In general, its replacement began to be planned in 2000. Then the company Intel gathered around itself experts who have entered into a special group of developers. So this included now well-known partners Seagate, Dell, Quantum, Maxtor, etc.

A couple of years later, the SATA hard drive interface became a reality for device manufacturers. In 2002, the first motherboards with this connector came on the market. It began to be used as a data transmitter through network devices. The following year it was introduced into modern variations of the motherboard.

New

I must say that the novelty is compatible at the software level with all hardware devices and is a high-speed data transmitter. If the PATA has 40 contacts, then there are only seven for the SATA. The cable occupies a small area, so the air resistance is significantly reduced, and therefore the system components do not overheat. Much easier now with wires inside the system.

The cable is also made better, so you can not be afraid for its condition after multiple connections. The power cable is also redesigned. By the way, it supplies three voltages at once on several lines: +12, +5 and +3.3 V. Considering the fact that modern devices have switched to the work of the +3.3 V line, therefore, a passive adapter is often used, which is often Meets in the complete set with a motherboard: IDE on SATA. There are accessories that, in addition to supplying SATA, can also acquire a Molex format.

It's interesting that the SATA interface introduced a new connection technology that PATA used earlier. Now rarely two devices are placed on one loop. Each device got its own wire, so they now work independently, independently of each other. So you got rid of a lot of problems related to simultaneous work, installation of the system, unreplicated plumes, etc.

Diversity

As mentioned earlier, the interface has received two types: one 7-pin, the second 15-pin. The first option is used to connect the data bus, the second option is specifically designed for power. The standard allows users to change the configuration, so maybe a 15-pin change to a Molex type that has 4 contacts. But you should understand that if you run both types of power connectors, the device will fail and you will have to purchase a new one.

The interface of SATA drives works on two channels of information transfer: from device to controller and back. We endowed the standard with technologies of different types. For example, there is an LVDS function that is responsible for signal transmission.

This type of connectors do not end there. There is also a 13-pin version, which can often be found on servers, gadgets and other thin devices. This connector is combined and consists of 7- and 6-pin. There is an adapter for this case.

Mini version

Before we learn the types of SATA interfaces, it's worth mentioning about another connector that appeared in revision 2.6. The slimline version was developed for small-sized devices. These are optical drives in laptops. Regarding its older version, both connectors are incompatible, since there is a difference in the width of the power connector, and the pitch of the contacts is reduced. In addition, this connector works only on one line of voltage +5 V. But in general for each such connector there are inexpensive adapters.

The first type

The interfaces of SATA disks are presented in a wide variety. Over the past 15 years, they have been improved, improved, modified and reworked. As a result, the first revision came out at a speed of up to 1.5 Gbit / s. The standard was introduced in 2003. It was designed to work at a frequency of 1.5 Hz, which provided a throughput of 150 MB / s. Considering that these were the first attempts to develop an interface, this result was almost identical to the performance of Ultra ATA. Despite the same numbers, still the main advantage of the novelty was the serial bus instead of parallel.

One might assume that this technology is still inferior in speed, but all the shortcomings were compensated for by working at high frequencies. This option was available due to the fact that the synchronization of channels ceased to be necessary, and the noise immunity of the cord increased.

The second type

The second audit was made known the next year. Its speed has increased noticeably, like the frequency. Now the specification worked at 3 GHz, with a throughput of 3 Gb / s. Among the new products also noted the appearance of the company's controller chipset nForce 4. It so happened that at once no one noticed that both revisions had ceased to be compatible. Although theoretically this was implied, if we take into account the speed matching. But in fact it turned out that some devices and controllers required a manual mode of operation, all parameters needed to be independently adjusted.

The third type

This audit became known only after 5 years, in 2008. The speed of the SATA interface was already 6 Gb / s. The developers have tried to keep the synchronization not only of cables and connectors, but also the exchange of protocols.

Novelty later received two more versions. So there were types 3.1 and 3.2. The first option got mSATA, the so-called option for mobile devices. Also became known technology, in which the optical drive in standby mode stopped consuming energy. Improved the work of SSD-drives, which led to their popularity. Also, Revision 3.1 got a host-identification of the capabilities of the device and a low power consumption.

Revision 3.2 received another name for Express. A bit of design has changed, in which the port looks like two assembled connectors in length. Thus, it became possible to use two types of drives with SATA and SATA Express. The speed increased to 8 Gb / s, if you connect only through one port, if you use two at once - then 16 Gb / s. Among other things, the novel interface to this revision is the new μSSD interface.

Variety

In addition to the basic types, the interface (HDD) SATA has got modifications. So in 2004 became known eSATA, which allowed to connect external devices, while it was possible to use the "hot replacement".

This standard has a number of features. For example, the connectors are not as fragile as the original type. They are created specifically for multiple connections. They are not compatible with SATA, and also received shielding of the connector.

To use this type, it is necessary to acquire two wires, among which there is a data bus and a power cable. It was also decided to extend the wire to 2 meters, so that the losses do not become greater, the signal levels change.

Reduced

In 2009, there was another SATA-interface, but with reduced parameters. Mini-SATA is considered a form factor of solid-state drives. Usually such devices have small dimensions of 61x30x3 mm. Such hard disks are placed in netbooks and other devices that accept reduced copies of SSD disks. The jack for them is called mSATA and copies the PCI Express Mini Card. Between themselves, both types are electrically compatible, but need switching.

Deficiency

Also known to the world is eSATAp, which was developed from eSATA. Its main task was to combine the interface with the familiar USB2.0. Its advantage was considered the transfer of information through the channels +5 and +12 V. There was also a similar option for laptops.

Perspective

Despite the fact that the SATA interface still functions actively in different devices, it is developed and developed, many analogues appear on the market, which in the future can become a substitute for this standard. SAS, for example, is somewhat faster, more reliable, although more expensive. Compatible with SATA, but consumes more power.

Thunderbolt also showed a positive side. Designed for connecting peripherals to a PC. Appeared for the first time in 2010. Intel has developed this type to replace all popular interfaces. The transmission speed reaches 10 Gbit / s, the length is up to 3 meters, supports many useful protocols, as well as the possibility of "hot-plugging".