Refers to an interface type used for data storage devices.

The SATA interconnect is a serial implementation of the parallel Ultra ATA interface used to connect storage devices such as hard drives & optical drives to a PC's motherboard (host system).

The SATA technology starts at a data transfer rate of 150MB/sec, with plans already in place to take it up to 600MB/sec.

Some of the advantages of SATA over Ultra ATA:

Cables are easier to work with.
CRC error checking on all data (and control information).
Hot-swap capability.
Less crosstalk due to cable design.