What Is This Tool?
This tool allows you to convert data transfer measurements from FireWire (IEEE-1394), a serial bus standard for fast communication between devices, to IDE (DMA mode 0), a legacy low-speed direct memory access transfer mode used in ATA/IDE drives.
How to Use This Tool?
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Enter the data transfer value in FireWire (IEEE-1394) units
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Select FireWire (IEEE-1394) as the source unit
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Choose IDE (DMA mode 0) as the target unit
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Review the converted value displayed, reflecting the equivalent in IDE (DMA mode 0)
Key Features
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Converts data transfer values from FireWire (IEEE-1394) to IDE (DMA mode 0)
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Provides a straightforward formula and conversion rate
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Supports benchmarking and performance comparison across different hardware interfaces
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Browser-based and easy to use without the need for installation
Examples
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1 FireWire (IEEE-1394) equals approximately 11.9 IDE (DMA mode 0)
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5 FireWire (IEEE-1394) converts to about 59.52 IDE (DMA mode 0)
Common Use Cases
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Comparing data transfer speeds between modern serial bus interfaces and legacy IDE transfer modes
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Benchmarking hardware performance in mixed environments involving both new and old devices
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Supporting computer hardware repair and legacy system maintenance
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Helping developers optimize embedded systems using legacy IDE interfaces
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Assisting audio production and digital video editing professionals in understanding interface capabilities
Tips & Best Practices
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Use the conversion for approximate speed comparisons rather than precise throughput measurement
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Consider differences in protocol overhead and hardware optimizations when interpreting results
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Apply this tool primarily for benchmarking and compatibility checks in mixed-device setups
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Verify device specifications separately to understand actual performance impact
Limitations
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IDE (DMA mode 0) is a low-speed legacy mode and may not represent modern transfer efficiency accurately
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Conversion rates do not account for protocol overhead or hardware-specific factors
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Results should be used as approximate comparisons, not exact performance values
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Real-world data transfer speeds can vary due to multiple influences beyond this conversion
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is FireWire (IEEE-1394)?
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FireWire (IEEE 1394) is a standardized serial bus interface designed for high-speed data transfers, supporting both isochronous and asynchronous streams with minimal host intervention, commonly used for digital video and audio devices.
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What does IDE (DMA mode 0) mean?
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IDE (DMA mode 0) refers to the first and lowest-speed direct memory access mode for ATA/IDE devices, allowing data to move directly into system memory without CPU involvement under the ATA multiword DMA specification.
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Why convert between FireWire and IDE (DMA mode 0)?
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Users convert between these units to compare data transfer speeds of modern interfaces with legacy modes, aiding benchmarking, compatibility checks, and performance tuning in environments with mixed hardware.
Key Terminology
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FireWire (IEEE-1394)
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A high-speed serial bus interface standard for data transfer supporting time-sensitive and asynchronous streams.
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IDE (DMA mode 0)
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The earliest and lowest-speed direct memory access transfer mode for ATA/IDE devices, enabling CPU-independent block data movement.
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DMA (Direct Memory Access)
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A method that allows hardware devices to transfer data directly to and from system memory without continuous CPU involvement.