Source : Free On-Line Dictionary of Computing

Advanced Technology Attachment Interface with Extensions
     
         (ATA-2, Enhanced Integrated Drive
        Electronics, EIDE) A proposed (May 1996 or earlier?)
        {standard} from {X3T10} (document 948D rev 3) which extends
        the {Advanced Technology Attachment} interface while
        maintaining compatibility with current {IBM PC} {BIOS}
        designs.
     
        ATA-2 provides for faster data rates, 32-bit transactions and
        (in some drives) {DMA}.  Optional support for power saving
        modes and removable devices is also in the standard.
     
        ATA-2 was developed by {Western Digital} as "Enhanced
        Integrated Drive Electronics" (EIDE) around 1994.
        {Marketroids} call it "Fast ATA" or "Fast ATA-2".
     
        ATA-2 was followed by {ATA-3} and {ATA-4} ("Ultra DMA").
     
        (2000-10-07)