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3.2.1
Serial ATA Cables and Connectors
The Serial ATA interface cable consists of four conductors in two differential pairs, plus three ground connections. The cable size may be 30 to 26
AWG with a maximum length of one meter (39.37 in). Refer to 
Table 11
for connector pin definitions. Either end of the SATA signal cable can be
attached to the drive or host.
For direct backplane connection, the drive connectors are inserted directly into the host receptacle. The drive and the host receptacle incorporate
features that enable the direct connection to be hot pluggable and blind mateable. For installations which require cables, users can connect the
drive as shown in
 Figure 3
.
Figure 3
Attaching SATA Cabling
Each cable is keyed to ensure correct orientation.
CAUTION
• Keep the drive in the electrostatic discharge (ESD) bag until ready for installation to limit the
drive’s exposure to ESD.
• Before handling the drive, put on a grounded wrist strap, or ground yourself frequently by
touching the metal chassis of a computer that is plugged into a grounded outlet. Wear a
grounded wrist strap throughout the entire installation procedure.
• Handle the drive by its edges or frame 
only
.
• The drive is extremely fragile—handle it with care. Do not press down on the drive top cover.
• Always rest the drive on a padded, antistatic surface until mounting it in the computer.
• Do not touch the connector pins or the printed circuit board.
• Do not remove the factory-installed labels from the drive or cover them with additional 
labels. Removal voids the warranty. Some factory-installed labels contain information
needed to service the drive. Other labels are used to seal out dirt and contamination.
Power cable
Signal cable
Signal connector
Power connector

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Seagate FireCuda Product Manual, Rev. H
22
Configuring and Mounting