What Is This Tool?
This tool allows users to convert data transfer speeds from FireWire (IEEE-1394), a high-speed serial bus standard, to IDE (UDMA mode 3), a legacy Parallel ATA transfer mode. It helps compare performance metrics between modern and older hardware transfer technologies.
How to Use This Tool?
-
Enter the value you want to convert in FireWire (IEEE-1394) units.
-
Select the source unit as FireWire (IEEE-1394).
-
Select the target unit as IDE (UDMA mode 3).
-
Click the convert button to see the equivalent data transfer rate.
-
Use the results to analyze or compare data transfer speeds.
Key Features
-
Supports conversion between FireWire (IEEE-1394) and IDE (UDMA mode 3) data transfer units.
-
Easy to use for hardware compatibility and performance comparisons.
-
Browser-based and requires no installation.
-
Provides clear definitions and context for both units.
-
Includes practical conversion examples.
Examples
-
1 FireWire (IEEE-1394) transfer rate equals 1 IDE (UDMA mode 3) transfer rate.
-
5 FireWire (IEEE-1394) units correspond to 5 IDE (UDMA mode 3) units.
Common Use Cases
-
Comparing data transfer speeds between modern FireWire devices and legacy IDE drives.
-
Analyzing throughput for hardware repair and system troubleshooting.
-
Refurbishing older computer systems with legacy storage interfaces.
-
Benchmarking performance across different interface technologies.
-
Facilitating compatibility checks in IT diagnostics.
Tips & Best Practices
-
Always consider that the conversion reflects theoretical maximum speeds, not actual throughput.
-
Use this tool for comparative analysis rather than exact real-world performance.
-
Check device documentation for specifics on supported transfer modes.
-
Combine this conversion with practical testing to validate compatibility.
-
Understand that IDE (UDMA mode 3) is a legacy interface and may limit modern transfer rates.
Limitations
-
The conversion assumes nominal equivalence but does not include protocol overhead or hardware differences.
-
Actual data throughput can vary significantly between FireWire and IDE (UDMA mode 3) devices.
-
This tool reflects theoretical maximums rather than real-world speed.
-
IDE (UDMA mode 3) is legacy technology; practical modern usage is limited.
-
Conversion does not account for environmental or implementation factors.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What does FireWire (IEEE-1394) refer to?
-
FireWire (IEEE-1394) is a standardized serial bus designed for fast data transfer between devices, commonly used in video capture, external drives, and audio interfaces.
-
What is IDE (UDMA mode 3)?
-
IDE (UDMA mode 3) is a legacy Parallel ATA transfer mode with a theoretical max transfer rate of about 44.4 MB/s, used to set drive throughput and timing on older systems.
-
Why convert between FireWire and IDE (UDMA mode 3)?
-
Converting between these units helps compare speeds of modern serial bus interfaces with older parallel ATA modes for benchmarking, system troubleshooting, or hardware refurbishment.
Key Terminology
-
FireWire (IEEE-1394)
-
An IEEE-standardized serial interface supporting high-speed, low-latency data transfers, often used in audio/video equipment and external drives.
-
IDE (UDMA mode 3)
-
A legacy Ultra DMA transfer mode for Parallel ATA devices with a theoretical max transfer rate of roughly 44.4 MB/s, commonly found in older PCs.
-
Data transfer rate
-
The speed at which data is moved from one device or interface to another, usually measured in megabits or megabytes per second.