Computer Hardware Terms, Glossary and Dictionary

ATAPI: AT attachment Packet Interface

AT attachment or AT attachment Packet Interface (ATAPI), also known as Advanced Technology Attachment (ATA), is a standard interface for connecting storage devices such as hard disks and CD-ROM drives inside personal computers. Many terms and synonyms for ATA exist, including abbreviations such as IDE, ATAPI, and UDMA. ATA standards only allow cable lengths up to 18 inches (up to 450 mm) although cables up to 36 inches (900 mm) can be readily purchased, so the technology normally appears as an internal computer storage interface. It provides the most common and the least expensive interface for this application.

Related Terms

ATAPI: AT attachment Packet Interface