Quantum Bigfoot 2.1AT User Manual
Quantum Hardware
Overview
Quantum Bigfoot
™
5.25-inch hard disk
drives, designed for value-oriented per-
sonal computer systems, combine very
high capacity with excellent cost-per-
megabyte economics. Offered in format-
ted capacities of 1,286, 2,110, and 2,577
megabytes (MB) of storage, these products
are particularly well-suited to multimedia
systems and applications that require
large storage capacities.
The Quantum Bigfoot drives’ ultra
slim-line design, which measures 8 by
5.75 by 0.75 inches, fits into any avail-
able 5.25-inch bay in most modular PCs
without any customization to system
enclosures. Since Quantum Bigfoot
drives mount exactly like a CD-ROM
unit, installation is actually easier than
a traditional 3.5-inch drive, since no
brackets or mounting rails are required.
These products are engineered specifi-
cally to balance maximum storage capa-
city, consumer multimedia performance
requirements, and attractive cost-per-MB
economics. By applying field-proven
components to the 5.25-inch form factor,
Quantum also provides the highest levels
of quality and reliability.
High-Performance Data Transfers
Quantum Bigfoot drives provide high-
speed data transfers through a well-
designed, Fast ATA-2 interface. The
combination of a 128-kilobyte buffer and
the increased track capacities available
with 5.25-inch disks allow these drives
to meet the performance requirements
of the newest generation of consumer
PC systems. These features also result in
improved sequential performance at the
application level because, for any single
High-Capacity Disk Drives for
Value-Oriented Personal Computers
Key Features
•
High capacity (more than
1,280 MB per disk)
•
5.25-inch, ultra slim-line
(0.75-inch-high) form factor
•
Fast ATA-2 PIO Mode 4 and
Multiword DMA Mode 2
support
•
AutoTransfer technology
•
Multiple AutoRead/Multiple
AutoWrite
•
160-bit Reed Solomon
double-burst ECC on-the-fly
•
Adaptive Segmented Buffer
•
DisCache
®
and WriteCache
®
firmware
•
Advanced Embedded Servo
•
S.M.A.R.T. (Self-Monitoring,
Analysis, and Reporting
Technology) Revision 2
Support
•
AT-Bus Cable Select
•
System-Controlled Power
Modes
•
Defect Free Interface
®
firmware
•
DiskWare
™
downloadable
firmware
•
300,000-hour MTBF
Q UA NTUM BIGFOOT
1.2
AT
/ 2.1
AT
/ 2.5
AT
transaction, there are fewer seeks and
head switches. This speed particularly
enhances multimedia playback and
virtual memory use of the disk drive.
Quantum’s implementation of a Fast
ATA-2 interface supports local-bus AT
Programmed Input/Output (PIO) Mode 4
and Multiword DMA Mode 2 data trans-
fers at speeds of up to 16.6 MB per
second. Enhanced Quantum AutoTransfer
™
technology takes advantage of the intel-
ligent processing features of the drives
and uses a proprietary ASIC design to
speed data transfers by minimizing drive-
to-host overhead delays.
Multiple AutoRead
™
and Multiple
AutoWrite
™
—industry-first solutions for
increasing sequential data transfers—allow
multiple-sector transfers for a given data
request. This combination of firmware
and hardware also enhances AutoTransfer
capabilities.
Reliability and Versatility
Quantum Bigfoot drives meet the highest
standards for data integrity. Automatic,
double-burst, on-the-fly error detection
and correction are implemented using
an advanced custom ASIC and firmware.
These drives also come with an AT-
Bus Cable Select
™
feature that supports
the latest Plug-and-Play ATA specifica-
tions. When combined with host system
support,
*
this simplifies disk drive instal-
lation by automatically configuring the
drive and eliminating the need for
manual jumper settings. This feature is
particularly beneficial for users who are
upgrading their system through the
addition of a second hard disk drive.
*Host system support is defined as Quantum’s Disk Manager
Software (supplied with drive).