[Coco] IDE interfaces
RETRO Innovations
go4retro at go4retro.com
Tue Mar 15 14:32:28 EDT 2016
I looked at ways to support SATA, and implementing a true SATA
interface is going to drive costs up:
You need a SATA controller
You need a uC the handle the conversion from PATA/IDE commands to SATA
commands
You need a CPLD, ala CocoSDC, to handle the bus interface to the uC
There are a few uCs that have an integrated SATA controller, but the
are not cheap.
In my opinion, the best way to do this is to continue a PATA interface
(Glenside IDE controller), and then use a JM20330 IC to build the
bridge and then stuff a SATA connector on the PCB.
Of course, such bridges are available on eBay for a few bucks, so one
could argue that it would be easier to just leave a spot on the PCB to
put such an adapter and not worry about it.
Either way, I think the best bet is to continue with the initial
design, possibly adding an onboard converter to SATA. (or just use CF,
which is smaller and easier to get and does not require any external
power)
Jim
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