Definition
The IEEE 1394 Interface, also known as FireWire, is a high-speed, isochronous, real-time, low-cost, hot pluggable, serial data bus that integrates well with most digital video and audio capture/edit devices. Developed by Apple in the 1980s and standardized by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) in 1995, it is used for transferring data among devices such as computers, digital cameras, and other peripheral devices. Although less common these days, the interface remains popular in specialized applications, like audio-visual professionals’ use for video conferencing or digital audio tasks.
Phonetic
The phonetics of the keyword “IEEE 1394 Interface” is:- I : / aɪ /- triple : / ˈtrɪpÉ™l /- E : / i: /- 1: / wÊŒn / – 3: / θri: / – 9: / naɪn / – 4: / fÉ”:r / – Interface: / ˈɪntÉ™rfeɪs / When spelled out completely, it would be said as: ‘aɪ-triple-i: wÊŒn θri: naɪn fÉ”:r ˈɪntÉ™rfeɪs’.
Key Takeaways
Three Main Takeaways about IEEE 1394 Interface
- Speed: IEEE 1394, also known as Firewire, supports fast data transfer rates which can be very crucial for devices such as digital video cameras and other high-speed devices. It’s faster than USB, with speeds up to 400 or 800 Mbps.
- Easy Connection: IEEE 1394 supports plug-and-play and hot swapping, that is, you can connect and disconnect devices without turning off your computer. This provides a lot of flexibility for using peripheral devices.
- Peer-to-peer: Unlike many other interfaces, IEEE 1394 allows for peer-to-peer connections. This means that two devices can communicate with each other without going through a computer which can be quite important in certain applications.
Importance
The IEEE 1394 Interface, also known as FireWire, is a significant technology term because it forms a key method of transferring digital information. Developed by Apple in the late 1980s, this high-speed peripheral interface has been widely used for applications that involve transferring of large amounts of digital data, such as digital video and professional audio systems. Its hot swapping capability, peer-to-peer device connections, and high transfer speeds make it an important solution for digital data transfer. Despite being less popular today due to the emergence of USB technology, the IEEE 1394’s role in digital data transfer history cannot be overlooked.
Explanation
IEEE 1394 interface, also known as FireWire, is a high-speed communication method mainly utilized for transferring data between computers and peripheral devices. The purpose of such an interface is to provide a fast, reliable mode of digital data exchange with minimal data loss. It facilitates peer-to-peer device communication such as digital video camcorders to PCs, or interconnecting several types of audio and video devices to consolidate media. Its fast data transfer rates are especially useful for applications involving multimedia, such as video editing or gaming, where large amounts of data need to be transferred quickly and seamlessly.The use of IEEE 1394 interface extends beyond personal computing. It has been implemented in professional audio systems, industrial systems for machine vision and professional cameras, and in aircraft’s on-board data systems due to its speed, reliability, and ease of use. The advantage of FireWire over other types of interfaces, like USB, is that it directly connects memory of one device with another, reducing the amount of processing work that the computer has to do. Despite having been largely superseded by other technologies like USB in the consumer market, this interface holds its weight in specialized fields where advanced technical capabilities like isochronous data transfer are required.
Examples
1. Digital Video Cameras: One of the most common real world examples of the use of IEEE 1394 interface is in digital video (DV) cameras. Many DV cameras had 1394/FireWire ports for transferring high-quality video to computers or other devices without losing any of the quality that is typically lost with other cables when doing analog-digital conversion. 2. External Hard Drives: Some external hard drives use IEEE 1394 interface for transferring data between the hard drive and a computer. This technology provides a fast and efficient way of transferring data, especially for large files, due to its high data transfer rate.3. Professional Audio Interfaces: Many professional audio devices such as mixers, sound cards, and music production equipment use the IEEE 1394 interface. This allows for high-speed data transfer of high-fidelity, multi-channel audio data.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)
Q: What is IEEE 1394 Interface?A: The IEEE 1394 Interface is a high-speed serial bus standard used for digital data transfer. It is often used for connecting peripheral devices, like digital cameras or hard drives, to a computer.Q: Who developed the IEEE 1394 Interface?A: The IEEE 1394 Interface was developed by Apple Inc. and was initially known as FireWire. Today, it is managed by the 1394 Trade Association.Q: What is the speed of data transfer in an IEEE 1394 Interface?A: The maximum speed of data transfer with IEEE 1394 Interface depends on the version. The original IEEE 1394-1995 standard supports data transfer rates of 100, 200, or 400 Mbps. Later versions like IEEE 1394b can transfer data at up to 800 Mbps.Q: Can the IEEE 1394 Interface be used to connect multiple devices?A: Yes, the IEEE 1394 Interface can be used to connect multiple devices as it supports daisy-chaining of up to 63 devices.Q: Does the use of IEEE 1394 require a computer reboot?A: No, a benefit of the IEEE 1394 interface is that it supports hot swapping, which means that devices can be plugged in or unplugged without requiring a system reboot.Q: What types of devices commonly use the IEEE 1394 Interface?A: Devices such as digital video cameras, digital audio devices, digital VCRs, printers, scanners, and external hard drives commonly use the IEEE 1394 Interface.Q: Is IEEE 1394 Interface compatible with all operating systems?A: Yes, the IEEE 1394 Interface is platform independent and thus is compatible with all major operating systems including Windows, macOS, and Linux.Q: Can I use the IEEE 1394 Interface to charge my devices?A: While IEEE 1394 can provide power to connected devices, the amount it can provide is limited and may not be enough to charge larger devices, like laptops. However, it can typically provide enough power for smaller devices like cameras and external hard drives.
Related Tech Terms
- FireWire
- High-Speed Serial Bus
- Data Transmission
- Plug and Play Connectivity
- Digital Interface
