At the time that I write this in late 2000, the T13
Technical Committee is working on he next version of the ATA standard, ATA/ATAPI-6.
It is likely that this standard will be completed in 2001 and published sometime later
that year or early in 2002.
Since this standard is still in development, it is impossible to be sure exactly what
features and changes it will include. One addition to the standard does seem almost
certain: the new Ultra DMA mode 5, which increases transfer throughput to 100 MB/s. Since
this is already the standard on currently-shipping drives, I can't imagine it not making
the next standard! Beyond that, only the T13 folks know, and at this point, perhaps not
even them. 
Aside from Ultra DMA mode 5, some of the rumored possible new features for
the next standard include:
- LBA Address Size Expansion: Hard disk sizes are now approaching the maximum that
can be represented under the traditional 28-bit LBA scheme; this is the 137 GB size barrier. Most people don't know anything
about this "size barrier of the future" now, but I predict that in 2001 or 2002
it's going to be a hot topic of conversation. To get around this limitation, an
addressing mode will probably be included in ATA/ATAPI-6 that expands the address width
from 28 bits to either 48 or 64 (either of which will keep us busy for quite a while...)
- Hard Disk Noise Reduction ("Acoustic Management"):
Some hard disk companies are working on technologies to allow the mechanics of the hard
disk to be modified under software control, letting the user choose between higher
performance or quieter operation. Commands to cover this feature may make the next
standard, as they are mentioned in the current draft.
- Audio and Video Streaming: Some manufacturers have apparently suggested
new commands related to multimedia streaming, but I don't know any more about them than
that right now.
I will update this page as more becomes known about the ATA/ATAPI-6; or at least, as I
come to know more about it.
Next: Summary of IDE/ATA Standards
