PATA was the original hard drive interface for desktop computers in 1986, later replaced by SATA in 2002. eSATA, faster than SATA II, allows external connections. eSATA connectors are distinct from USB and FireWire, hot-pluggable, and designed for over 5000 insertions and removals. The eSATA logo is reserved for products meeting SATA-IO guidelines.
PATA, (Parallel Advanced Technology Attachment) was the original interface for connecting hard drives to desktop computers, which came about in 1986. SATA (Serial ATA) was launched in 2002 and provided faster speeds and SATA II provided even faster speeds elevated. eSATA (Extended Serial ATA), which is faster than SATA II, allows drives to be connected externally, whereas with earlier technologies only internal connections were possible. With the ability to connect external drives has arisen the problem of choosing the appropriate eSATA connector and while other external hard drives may connect via USB 2.0 or FireWire 400 or 800, the eSATA connector is distinct from these, as well as the internal connector. The eSATA connectors are also hot-pluggable, which means that the running cable can be plugged in and unplugged while the computer is running without requiring a shutdown for safety.
External hard drives can be made with one or more ports, so a single hard drive may be able to connect to a computer with both USB 2.0 and an eSATA connector. For an external hard drive to be connected to a computer, the hard drive and the computer must each have an eSATA connector, and the user must have a suitable eSATA cable, which can be up to 6.56 m (2 ft) long. eSATA standards for connectors, cables and signals were released in 2004.
eSATA connectors are designed to prevent the replacement of unshielded internal cables with external cables. Also, to limit the risk of electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage, the plug is inserted deeper into the connector before it is in place than before: 6.6 inches (26 mm) instead of 5 inches (20 mm). The eSATA connector has metal contact points and retention springs built into the top and bottom of the display and is designed for over 5000 insertions and removals. The eSATA logo is reserved for eSATA connectors and other products that meet the SATA specification guidelines and are members of Serial ATA International Organization® (SATA-IO). Any eSATA product, including an eSATA connector, designed before the standard should be avoided, according to SATA-IO.
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