27 - Storage Cables - 3.2

Overview of SATA (Serial AT Attachment)

Definition of SATA

  • SATA: Serial AT attachment, an interface used for connecting hard drives inside desktop computers.

Versions of SATA

  • SATA Revision 1.0:

    • Speed: 1.5 Gigabits per second (Gbps).

  • SATA Revision 2.0:

    • Speed: 3 Gigabits per second (Gbps).

  • SATA Revision 3.0:

    • Speed: 6 Gigabits per second (Gbps).

  • SATA Revision 3.2:

    • Speed: 16 Gigabits per second (Gbps).

External SATA (eSATA)

  • eSATA: External version of SATA, functional for connecting external drives.

    • Support: Connects via a cable approximately two meters in length.

Physical Connections on SATA Drives

Power and Data Connectors

  • Power Connector:

    • 15-pin connector, longer in size.

  • Data Connector:

    • 7-pin connector, smaller in size.

Additional Power Connection

  • Support for an older style power connector, known as Molex.

Connection Structure

One-to-One Relationship

  • Direct Connection: Each drive has a direct connection to the motherboard.

  • Power Supply Connection:

    • Each drive's power cable connects to a single power source.

  • Data Cable Connection:

    • Each storage drive connects to the data connector on the motherboard with a distinct cable.

Limitations of SATA

  • No Daisy Chaining:

    • SATA does not support daisy chaining of multiple drives on a single cable.

    • Example: If a motherboard features eight SATA interfaces, it can support eight total drives.

Identifying SATA Connectors

Motherboard Examples

  • Example 1: A motherboard with six connectors that support both SATA 2 and SATA 3 standards.

  • Example 2: Another motherboard configuration that supports four SATA data connections.

Color Coding of Cables

  • Color-coded data cables:

    • Blue, orange, and black cables correspond to the same colors on the SATA drives.

Power Connection Requirement

  • Importance of connecting the SATA power connectors along with data connections for functionality.

Connecting SATA Drives

Connection Process

  • Steps to connect a SATA drive:

    1. Identify the data connection and power connection.

    2. Simply plug in the data cable from the motherboard to the drive.

  • This establishes a connectivity line between the drive and motherboard.

Internal vs External SATA Connections

Similarities and Differences

  • Internal SATA:

    • Typically used with standard SATA connectors inside the computer.

  • External SATA (eSATA):

    • Different style connectors while having the same signal sent across the wire.

Connector Design

  • SATA Connector:

    • Recognizable L-shape.

  • eSATA Connector:

    • Unique design not compatible with SATA connections.

Usage Considerations

  • Easiest way to identify connectors:

    • Look for distinct differences between SATA and eSATA.

  • Attention to connector location:

    • Internal connectors (SATA) vs. external connectors (eSATA).

Conclusion

Recommendations

  • If unattributed connectors are present, check for potential eSATA connections.