ATA and SATA compliant controller

A method of operating an ATA (Advanced Technology Attachment) controller, the method comprising:

• storing identification data in a port map register of the ATA controller, indicating at least one ATA or SATA (Serial ATA) compliant storage device connected to a parallel port or a serial port, respectively;
• reading out the stored identification data;
• switching to the port connected to the storage device indicated by the read out identification data;
• and
• performing data transfer to and/or from the storage device indicated by the read out identification data.

An ATA (Advanced Technology Attachment) controller comprising:

• at least one parallel port for connecting to at least one parallel port device;
• at least one serial port for connecting to at least one serial port device;
• and
• a port switch unit for switching to at least one of said parallel and serial ports to enable data transfer to and/or from a device connected to said port.

A method of operating an ATA (Advanced Technology Attachment) controller, the method comprising:

• storing identification data in a port map register of the ATA controller, indicating at least one parallel or serial port device connected to a parallel port or a serial port, respectively;
• reading out the stored identification data;
• switching to the port connected to the device indicated by the read out identification data;
• and
• performing data transfer to and/or from the device indicated by the read out identification data.