Specifications

SATA-IO Confidential 10
1.1.2.1.3. may
A keyword that indicates flexibility of choice with no implied preference.
1.1.2.1.4. normative
A test or test area which is required to an applicable product type. Unless otherwise stated, all tests, test areas are
required for the applicable product types.
Only normative product types that have passed all the normative tests can be placed on the integrators list.
Informative or obsolete test results shall have no bearing on a products approval status.
1.1.2.1.5. optional
A keyword that describes test requirements that are not required by this document. However, if any optional
compliance point defined by the document is implemented, the feature shall be implemented in the way defined by the
Serial ATA standard.
1.1.2.1.6. obsolete
A test or test area which is no longer valid and shall not become normative in the future and is left in for historical
documentation purposes only
.
1.1.2.1.7. shall
A keyword indicating a mandatory requirement. Designers are required to implement all such mandatory requirements
to ensure interoperability with other Serial ATA standard conformant products.
1.1.2.1.8. should
A keyword indicating flexibility of choice with a strongly preferred alternative. Equivalent to the phrase “it is
recommended”.
1.2. Product Classes
Due to the difference in architecture and design of Serial ATA products, the test requirements will be distinguishable
between the following types of products:
• Device : hard disk drive, half-height ATAPI device, slimline ATAPI device, or eSATA device
• Cable (Standard internal or eSATA)
• Host : HBA, chipset, add-in controller, or eSATA
• Port Multiplier (internal or eSATA)
Each test associated with a specification requirement may have separately defined Expected Behavior for each of the
above product classes. In each case, there may be different methodology for both testing the test requirement and
determining the pass/fail criteria. Each test requirement will include the following: Expected Behavior, Measurement
Requirements, and Pass/Fail Criteria. The general definition of these subjects is below.
1.2.1. Expected Behavior
All of the test requirements have expected behavior as defined in Serial ATA Revision 2.6. All of the expected
behavior for each test requirement directly shall refer to the appropriate Serial ATA specification requirement(s) being
tested.
1.2.2. Measurement Requirements
Each test requirement contains detailed information necessary for developing tests for verification of the referenced
Serial ATA requirement. This information could include types of equipment, testing methodologies, test setup
routines, and other helpful information.
1.2.3. Pass/Fail Criteria
The Pass/Fail criteria defined will be clear and concise, and include specific information necessary to determine
passing or failing of a test. Actual results gathered during testing must be documented in addition to determination of
pass vs. fail for a test.