It enables SATA drives to be attached externally.
SATA is the next-generation drive interface, as a successor toParallel ATA(PATA).
eSATA was standardized in 2004, using the same pins and the same protocol as the internal SATA.
Due to this, eSATA drives offer the same high-speed data transfer rates as internal SATA drives.
eSATA Vs. SATA
Compared with SATA interface, eSATA has some changes in hardware specifications.
It offers a slightly different, more rugged connector.
Metal shrapnel is installed at the connection of data line interface to ensure the firmness of physical connection.
eSATA can achieve SATA-like transfer speeds such as SATA 1.5Gb/s or SATA 3Gb/s.
The eSATA 3Gb/s speed is also backward compatible with 1.5Gb/s.
Now the eSATA 3.0 has the transfer rate which can achieve to 6Gbps.
USB and FireWire dont really make the most of the potential transmission capability.
This translation will undoubtedly greatly affect the performance of the drive.
eSATA Is Not Popular Why?
Apparently, eSATA flash drives exist, but no-one seems to use them much.
Some possible reasons will be listed below.
Not all computers are equipped with an eSATA port.
Unlike Firewire and USB, the eSATA interface does not provide power to connected devices.
It is said that the theoretical maximum data transfer rate of USB 3.0 introduced in 2010 is 5 Gbps.
So, in short, USB 3.0 is fast enough.
- eSATA cables are more vulnerable than USB cables.
USB cables are extremely durable whereas a small kink in eSATA will cause huge bit error issues.
It is a product that is not suitable for the mass market.
