PATA supports how many devices per cable?

PATA supports how many devices per cable?

• A. One
• B. Two
• C. Four
• D. Eight

Answer: (B)

PATA, or Parallel ATA, is an interface standard used for connecting storage devices like hard drives and optical drives to a computer's motherboard. One of the defining features of PATA is its cable configuration, which allows for the connection of two devices per cable. This is achieved through a system where one device operates as the master and the other as the slave on the same cable. In practice, when you connect a PATA cable, it has a specific configuration that includes three connectors: one for the motherboard and two for devices. The configuration allows two devices to share the same bandwidth on a single cable and communicate with the host system through the same controller. This dual-device support is a key characteristic of the PATA standard, distinguishing it from other interfaces like SATA, which supports one device per cable and enables faster data transfer rates.

PATA, or Parallel ATA, is an interface standard used for connecting storage devices like hard drives and optical drives to a computer's motherboard. One of the defining features of PATA is its cable configuration, which allows for the connection of two devices per cable. This is achieved through a system where one device operates as the master and the other as the slave on the same cable.

In practice, when you connect a PATA cable, it has a specific configuration that includes three connectors: one for the motherboard and two for devices. The configuration allows two devices to share the same bandwidth on a single cable and communicate with the host system through the same controller.

This dual-device support is a key characteristic of the PATA standard, distinguishing it from other interfaces like SATA, which supports one device per cable and enables faster data transfer rates.