Often abbreviated SATA or S-ATA, an evolution of the Parallel ATA physical storage interface. Serial ATA is a serial link -- a single cable with a minimum of four wires creates a point-to-point connection between devices. Transfer rates for Serial ATA begin at 150MBps. One of the main design advantages of Serial ATA is that the thinner serial cables facilitate more efficient airflow inside a form factor and also allow for smaller chassis designs. In contrast, IDE cables used in parallel ATA systems are bulkier than Serial ATA cables and can only extend to 40cm long, while Serial ATA cables can extend up to one meter.
Serial ATA -- It's Time to Get In Line This October 2002 article from Enterprise Storage Forum takes a comprehensive look at Serial ATA and its comparison to Parallel ATA.
Serial ATA -- The Dawn of a New Era This October 2002 article form Explosive Labs details SATA and provides graphical comparisons to traditional IDE designs.
Serial ATA Working Group Home Page Industry news and events, specs and design guides and information about the members of the working group.
