UDMA

The Ultra DMA (Ultra Direct Memory Access, UDMA) modes are the fastest methods used to transfer data through the ATA hard disk interface, usually between a computer and an ATA device.

UDMA succeeded Single/Multiword DMA as the interface of choice between ATA devices and the computer.

There are eight different UDMA modes, ranging from 0 to 6 for ATA (0 to 7 for CompactFlash), each with its own timing.

Modes faster than UDMA mode 2 require an 80-conductor cable to reduce data settling times, lower impedance and reduce crosstalk.

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80-conductor cable used for modes faster than UDMA 2 on the left compared to a 40-conductor cable