FireWire 400 is the original implementation of the IEEE 1394 interface standard, also known as i.Link (Sony's branding) or simply FireWire. Developed in the 1990s, it represented a significant advancement in peripheral connectivity technology for its time.
Technical Specifications
FireWire 400 refers to any FireWire port that conforms to either the IEEE 1394-1994 or IEEE 1394a-2000 standards. The "400" in its name denotes its maximum data transfer rate of 400 Mbps (megabits per second), which was impressive when it debuted.
This interface comes in two common connector variants:
- 6-pin connector - The standard connection that provides both data transfer and power (up to 45 watts) to connected devices
- 4-pin connector - A smaller variant commonly found on consumer electronics like camcorders that only handles data transfer without power delivery
Applications and Uses
During its heyday, FireWire 400 was widely used for:
- Digital video cameras and camcorders
- External hard drives and storage devices
- Audio interfaces and professional audio equipment
- Early iPod models
- Digital musical instruments
Advantages Over Contemporary USB 1.1
When it was introduced, FireWire 400 offered several advantages over the then-common USB 1.1:
- Significantly faster transfer speeds (400 Mbps vs. 12 Mbps)
- Peer-to-peer communication without requiring a computer
- Higher power delivery capabilities
- Daisy-chaining of up to 63 devices
- Isochronous data transfer, ideal for time-sensitive applications like video
Legacy and Successor
FireWire 400 was eventually superseded by FireWire 800 (IEEE 1394b), which doubled the transfer rate to 800 Mbps and introduced a different 9-pin connector. As USB technology advanced with USB 2.0 and later versions, FireWire's prevalence in consumer devices gradually declined. However, it maintained a presence in professional audio/video equipment for years due to its reliable, consistent performance.
Today, FireWire has largely been replaced by newer technologies like USB 3.0, Thunderbolt, and USB-C. However, legacy FireWire 400 devices can still be connected to modern computers through adapters and specialized PCIe cards.