8-Bit IDE/ATA Interface

This circuit provides an 8-bit interface to IDE/ATA devices. This circuit will only allow half of an IDE hard drive to be utilized, unless the device supports the 8-bit mode. CF requires that 8-bit mode be supported. therefore CF cards used on this interface will utilize the full capabiliities of the card.

This circuit would be utilized by first writing the desired IDE port number to port 2, and then reading/writing the selected port from port 3.

See the Port Extender schematic to see how Port2, Port3, Inp, and Out are derived

When using this interface for CF cards I recommend you replace the LS components with HC components. Decoupling capacitors may also be needed.

Click here to see the software for driving this interface.