At the Intel Developer Forum (IDF) the Serial ATA International Organization (SATA-IO) will present the new SATA Revision 2.5 specification. This spec includes the 3Gb/s feature, as well as other features like Native Command Queuing (NCQ), Staggered Spin-up, Hot Plug, Port Multiplier and eSATA. It also incorporates resolutions to all errata accumulated to-date.
The SATA Revision 2.5 specification gives developers a single document for the most current information available on the SATA architecture. SATA-IO completed the integrated spec today and ushered it into the final ratification process required by the organization's bylaws. As SATA-IO members have early access to all specifications, it is now available within the members-only area of the SATA-IO Web site at http://sata-io.org/specifications.asp. The specification is expected to be publicly available in November.
"SATA Revision 2.5 consolidates the original spec and six advanced feature specs spanning more than five years of development. This integrated spec now comprises the full SATA feature set and represents a new milestone in the maturity and stability of the technology," said Knut Grimsrud, SATA-IO president and chairman and Intel senior principal engineer. "We are also working to ensure that products based on the SATA specification interoperate flawlessly by continuing efforts to develop the Interoperability Program."
In an effort to accelerate SATA development, SATA-IO will join member companies, Hitachi Global Storage Technologies and Maxtor, to host the fifth SATA Plugfest in Milpitas, Calif. on September 20, 2005. The organization is also finalizing plans for its formalized Interoperability Program, an extension of the current SATA Plugfest model. The upcoming Plugfest will give participants an initial look at the highlights of the future Interoperability Program.
The program is designed for SATA component vendors to show customers third-party validation support for high-quality, interoperable SATA products. Within the program, SATA-IO will identify a full set of interoperability testing criteria and plans to roll out the program in Q2'06.
"Our focus on developing a complete interoperability program will help the industry build quality products based on the rich SATA feature set," said Joni Clark, SATA-IO marketing chairwoman and Seagate's manager of SATA marketing. "SATA-IO is committed to helping developers create interoperable products."
In parallel, SATA-IO also completed the Slimline Connector specification. This spec expands the SATA market by making it the interface of choice for laptop swap bay and associated optical drives. The new connector has been tailored to fit within the existing mechanical dimensions of these swap bays and associated optical peripherals.
Serial ATA 2.5 specification to be unveiled at IDF
Posted on Tuesday, August 23 2005 @ 16:32 CEST by Thomas De Maesschalck