Category:ATA

IDE

The name IDE is often used interchangeably with ATA, but "IDE" actually refers to only the electrical specifications of the signals on the 40 / 80 pin disk cable. ATA is the proper name for the entire specification.

SATA and PATA

Recently a new standard for ATA data transmission has emerged. It was named SATA (see the article below), and the previous well-known forms of ATA were retroactively renamed PATA, "to reduce confusion" -- while certainly causing it.

Detection, Initialization, and Details

See the ATA PIO Mode article for lots more general information on accessing generic ATA devices, and basic device detection and initialization information -- initialization always happens in PIO mode.