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A SATA Overview for OEMs
The Serial ATA interface, or SATA, is an interface that connects storage devices and host systems. It was developed as a replacement for PATA and offers many advantages over that previously dominant interface. SATA works with both hard disk drives (HDDs) and solid state drives (SSDs). SATA as been revised multiple times since its inception to keep up with changing technologies, and today, SATA enables applications to take advantage of the speed offered by SSDs, which have become standard in many consumer and industrial devices. For OEMs working with industrial applications, the SATA interface is a reliable standard to use in conjunction with popular SSDs and memory cards. This SATA overview will help you better understand the interface.
SATA vs. PATA
PATA, or Parallel ATA, was the most popular computer bus system from 1986 until 2003, when the first SATA interface was introduced. The SATA system is much faster than PATA, thanks to serial lines that are paired to transmit and receive. Earlier PATA interface commands are supported by SATA to allow for backwards compatibility, which can be helpful to many OEMs.
SATA provides the advantage of hot device swapping, which means that it is possible to replace devices without having to power off the entire system. Keep in mind that the device must also allow hot swapping for this to be effective. SATA cables are thinner and longer than PATA cables, which is another advantage for many users.
SATA Design
SATA connectors feature a total of 22 pins. Seven of those pins are for data, while the remaining 15 pins are for power. There are pads on only one side of the connector, and some of the pads are longer than others, which helps with device start-up during hot swapping.
The smallest version of the SATA interface, called mSATA, has a different design, featuring a total of 52 pins. mSATA is designed for use in devices that don’t have enough physical space for a SATA connector.
Do you have questions about SATA and industrial grade SSDs for your application? Contact Delkin and allow our customer team to provide you with an in-depth SATA overview. We can help guide you to the right solution for your design needs.
