ATAPI

Short for AT Attachment Packet Interface, ATAPI is an extension to ATA that allows support for devices such as CD-ROM drives, Tape drives and other computer peripherals and not just hard disk drives. Before the release of ATA-4 or ATAPI-4, ATAPI was a different standard from ATA.

• See our ATA definition for a full break down of the ATA history.
• Additional information about ATA, ATAPI and other computer interfaces can be found on our Interface Page.