Ata Bus Interface And Ata Commands; Introduction; Mechanical Interface; Signal Cable And Connector - Maxtor FIREBALL3 Manual

ATA BUS INTERFACE AND ATA COMMANDS

This chapter describes the interface between Maxtor Fireball3 hard disk drives and the
ATA bus. The commands that are issued from the host to control the drive are listed,
as well as the electrical and mechanical characteristics of the interface.
5.1

INTRODUCTION

Maxtor Fireball3 hard disk drives use the standard ATA/ATAPI interface. Support
of various options in the standard are explained in the following sections.
5.2

MECHANICAL INTERFACE

5.2.1

Signal Cable and Connector

The Maxtor Fireball3 hard disk drive contains a 40-pin unitized connector for both
signal and power connections as well as configuration jumpers. The dimensions and
specifications of the unitized connector comply with Annex. A in the ATA/ATAPI
standard.
The Maxtor Fireball3 drives require the use of an 80 conductor cable (ATA/
ATAPI-6, Annex. A, Figure A.4 and description) to support the drive's Ultra DMA
capability.
5.3

ELECTRICAL INTERFACE

5.3.1

ATA Bus Interface

5.3.1.1 Electrical Characteristics
Signals on the ATA interface are assigned to connector pins according to Annex. A in
the ATA/ATAPI-6 standard for the 80 conductor cable assembly. The signaling
protocol complies with clause 9 and signal timing complies with clause 10 of the
standard.
The Maxtor Fireball3 hard disk drives support all Ultra DMA Data Transfer modes (0
- 5) defined in the ATA/ATAPI-6 standard. In addition, these drives support Mode
6, and can send and receive data at the full 133MB/s transfer rate.
Hosts may assert the RESET- signal for longer than the minimum. When power is
applied with RESET- asserted, the Maxtor Fireball3 disk media will not begin to spin
up until RESET- is negated. This may reduce maximum current consumption for the
overall system.
Chapter 5
Maxtor Fireball3 5-1