Curious question: PC Card SATA controller: where does the power come from?

[jhsachs]

I've come into possession of a PCMCIA SATA controller. It has two SATA data connectors. No power connectors.

I doubt that it's particularly valuable or useful, but old stuff and odd stuff intrigues me, so I wonder: how does this work? I've never heard of a SATA device that doesn't require a power source, or of a laptop computer that provides one. So, if I plug a disk into this gadget, what am I supposed to do to make it go 'round?

 

[Solandri]

You sure it's a SATA controller, not an eSATA controller? Electrically they are interchangeable, but eSATA is designed for external use. As it's an external data cable, it typically plugs into an external enclosure. The enclosure provides power via an AC adapter or (rarely) USB.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serial_ATA#eSATA

 

[jhsachs]

eSATA would make a lot more sense, but the signage on the card says SATA, not eSATA. Also the connectors are SATA connectors (with the L-shaped slot).