What Is This Tool?
This converter enables transforming data transfer measurements from FireWire (IEEE-1394), a high-speed serial bus interface, into IDE (PIO mode 0), a legacy CPU-driven data transfer mode for storage devices. It aids in comparing speeds between modern and older data transfer technologies.
How to Use This Tool?
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Enter the data transfer value in FireWire (IEEE-1394) units
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Select the source unit as FireWire (IEEE-1394)
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Choose IDE (PIO mode 0) as the target unit
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View the converted data transfer value instantly
Key Features
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Converts data transfer units from FireWire (IEEE-1394) to IDE (PIO mode 0)
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Supports comparisons between high-speed serial interfaces and legacy ATA transfer modes
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Browser-based and simple to use with instant conversion results
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Includes relevant use cases for video editing, storage, diagnostics, and legacy systems
Examples
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2 FireWire (IEEE-1394) equals 30.303 IDE (PIO mode 0)
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0.5 FireWire (IEEE-1394) equals 7.5758 IDE (PIO mode 0)
Common Use Cases
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Comparing or adapting data transfer speeds between modern FireWire devices and legacy IDE hardware
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Supporting video capture and editing workflows involving FireWire interfaces
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Performing diagnostics and data recovery on vintage systems using IDE (PIO mode 0)
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Bridging between new hardware and older embedded or low-cost systems without DMA support
Tips & Best Practices
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Use this converter to estimate theoretical data transfer equivalences, not exact real-world speeds
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Consider hardware compatibility and age when interpreting conversion results
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Leverage knowledge of both interfaces for troubleshooting or system integration tasks
Limitations
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Conversion shows theoretical maximum throughput, excluding protocol overhead and sustained rates
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IDE (PIO mode 0) is much slower due to CPU-driven transfers and limited throughput
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Device-specific performance and compatibility can impact actual transfer speeds despite conversion
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is FireWire (IEEE-1394)?
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FireWire (IEEE-1394) is an IEEE-standardized serial bus interface designed for high-speed data transfer with support for both time-sensitive and asynchronous streams, commonly used for digital video and fast external device connections.
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What does IDE (PIO mode 0) mean?
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IDE (PIO mode 0) is an ATA/IDE mode where data transfers are CPU-driven with low maximum throughput, mainly used for legacy drives and systems without DMA support.
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Why convert from FireWire to IDE (PIO mode 0)?
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Conversion helps compare or adapt data transfer speeds between modern high-speed interfaces and older CPU-driven modes, useful in compatibility testing, diagnostics, or working with vintage hardware.
Key Terminology
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FireWire (IEEE-1394)
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An IEEE-standardized high-speed serial bus interface for devices, providing isochronous and asynchronous data streams and commonly used for video and audio applications.
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IDE (PIO mode 0)
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An ATA/IDE Programmed Input/Output mode involving CPU-driven data transfers with slow throughput, used for compatibility with older drives and systems.
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Isochronous data streams
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Time-sensitive data transfers that occur at regular intervals, key for real-time audio or video transmission.