FireWire Cables, Firewire Devices, Firewire Hubs
FireWire PinOut Information
IEEE 1394 | |||
![]() ![]() 6 pin FireWire | |||
PIN# | SIGNAL | PIN# | SIGNAL |
1 | POWER | 4 | TPB+ |
2 | GND | 5 | TPA- |
3 | TPB- | 6 | TPA+ |
![]() ![]() | |||
PIN# | SIGNAL | PIN# | SIGNAL |
1 | TPB- | 3 | TPA- |
2 | TPB+ | 4 | TPA+ |
FireWire Information
About
1394 Cables
All camcorders use a 4-pin connector for their 1394
interface. Nearly all computers use a 6-pin connector for their 1394 interface. So, you need a 6-pin
to 4-pin configuration to connect a computer to a camcorder. If you want
to transfer video between two camcorders then you need a 4-pin to 4-pin
configuration. Firewire drives usually use the 6-Pin Configuration.
Standard Length
Cables
For replacements, spares or if you have already have a 1394
interface on your computer, but not a cable. Available in both 4-pin to
6-pin and 4-pin to 4-pin configurations.
Extended Length
Cables
Struggling to arrange your camera, deck and computer just
where you want them? You can now get extended length 15.00 feet 1394 FireWire cables direct
from PCCables.com. Compliant with IEEE 1394 specifications and Built in a ISO-9002 Factory, this cable
gives you DV quality with a lot more reach. Available in all Configurations: 4-pin to
6-pin, 4-pin to 4-pin, 6-pin to 6-pin configuration.
Camera-to-Camera
Transfers
Camera to camera transfers require a 4-pin to 4-pin
cable. Available in all lengths.
About Pin Configurations
Nearly all camcorders use 4-pin IEEE 1394 connectors. PCI interface cards can use either 6-pin or 4-pin connectors. PCMCIA cards for laptops often require custom cables.
PCCables guarantees functionality of our firewire cards with all 1394 Firewire Devices and 1394 FireWire cards.
PC Cables and Parts.
Click here to Purchase FireWire Cables and Cards.IEEE-1394 Reference Guide
General Background
IEEE-1394 (also known as 1394-1995 or Firewire) refers to a standard set by the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers. IEEE has long been responsible for setting many standards over the years, including 1394. This standard defines a serial bus similar to USB but with much higher-speed capabilities. The current supported speeds are from 100 to 400Mbs (while USB tops out at 12Mbs), and future improvements are expected to allow up to 1Gbs performance, all over twisted pair wire. Major developers in this area (such as Intel and Adaptec) expect 1394 to grow extensively in 1999.
What are its intended applications?
Available peripherals for 1394 are limited at this point in time. Its major applications include high-end digital cameras and other video devices, but drives, printers, monitors, and just about any other device is capable of being developed for 1394. Most manufacturer's are currently favoring USB for most devices because of its adequate speed and lower cost. However, the possibilties for 1394 are virtually endless, and it will no doubt be a key player in the multimedia revolution.
Cabling and topology of 1394
IEEE-1394 is usuable in both tree (similar to star) and daisy-chain topologies, or a combination of the two. In any case, cable length is limited to about 15 feet between devices. Provisions allow for up to 1023 buses and up to 63 nodes per bus, which translates into a very large number of devices! Two types of connectors are being utilized with 1394: a six-pin type which has two twisted pairs carrying data and one pair for power, and a much smaller four-pin type which does away with the power pair. AMP and Molex currently have patent rights to the four-pin type, which tends to make it more expensive and difficult to obtain.