On 13/08/2010 17:34, Ariel Rocholl wrote:
> Hi all,
>
> For a commercial product, which has to provide proprietary 4-signal
> connection between two external devices, I am tempted to use SATA connect=
ors
> and cable. They are cheap, mass produced and thus readily available.
>
> I looked into http://www.sata-io.org/ website and couldn't find any legal
> limitation to use SATA connectors for something not being actually SATA
> technology. Does anyone have a suggestion on where to look at to know
> whether this could raise legal problems?
>
> TIA
Even if legal, it's maybe a poor idea. Use a general purpose connector.
Similar poor ideas would be using a USB or HDMI or DVI connector for=20
other purposes.
Using a VGA connector for something needing 12 to 15 pins is almost=20
acceptable, as long as you can connect Screen or Graphics card without=20
damage (It's a general purpose connector).
Using a PS/2 mini-DIN also is reasonable as these are not just used for=20
keyboards/Mice. But again I'd use the PS/2 allocation for +5V and OV if=20
applicable.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mini-DIN
Comes in 3 pin to 10 pins versions and is very cheap.

If you do use a SATA make sure your signals can't break a MoBo or Drive=20
or vice Versa. To an extent it depends if it's external, internal or=20
user accessible.



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