What is ATAPI (AT Attachment Packet Interface)? - Definition from Whatis.com

Definition

ATAPI (AT Attachment Packet Interface)

ATAPI (AT Attachment Packet Interface) is an interface between your computer and attached CD-ROM drives and tape backup drives. Most of today's PC computers use the standard Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE) interface to address hard disk drives. ATAPI provides the additional commands needed for controlling a CD-ROM player or tape backup so that your computer can use the IDE interface and controllers to control these relatively newer device types.

ATAPI is part of the Enhanced IDE (EIDE) interface (also known as ATA-2).

This was last updated in August 2000

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