摘要 |
Methods and apparatus for improved performance in communications with a SATA target device. Features and aspects hereof provide for continuing DMA transfers from a storage controller (e.g., a SATA host or a SAS/STP initiator) to a SATA target device without regard to receipt of DMA ACTIVATE Frame Information Structures (FIS). Logic to implement these features may be provided by bridge logic within an enhanced SAS expander coupled with an enhanced SAS/STP initiator or may be provided by suitable logic in an enhanced SATA host coupled directly with an enhanced SATA target device. By continuing DMA transfer of data from the initiator/host to the SATA target device without regard to receipt of a DMA ACTIVATE FIS, more of the available bandwidth of the SAS/SATA communication link may be utilized. Other standard features of the SAS/SATA protocols provide for flow control to prevent overrun of the SATA target device's buffers.
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