Advanced Host Controller Interface (AHCI) Operation

The PCH SATA controller provides hardware support for Advanced Host Controller Interface (AHCI), a standardized programming interface for SATA host controllers developed through a joint industry effort. Platforms supporting AHCI may take advantage of performance features such as port independent DMA Engines—each device is treated as a master—and hardware-assisted native command queuing.

AHCI defines transactions between the SATA controller and software and enables advanced performance and usability with SATA. Platforms supporting AHCI may take advantage of performance features such as no master/slave designation for SATA devices—each device is treated as a master—and hardware assisted native command queuing. AHCI also provides usability enhancements such as hot-plug and advanced power management. AHCI requires appropriate software support (such as, an AHCI driver) and for some features, hardware support in the SATA device or additional platform hardware. Visit the Intel web site for current information on the AHCI specification.

The PCH SATA controller supports all of the mandatory features of the Serial ATA Advanced Host Controller Interface Specification, Revision 1.3.1 and many optional features, such as hardware assisted native command queuing, aggressive power management, LED indicator support, and hot-plug through the use of interlock switch support (additional platform hardware and software may be required depending upon the implementation).