SATA breakout cable. While commonly referred to as a 4-way SATA splitter, it is more specifically a data transfer cable used in server and storage systems.
Here are the key details about this type of cable:
Function: This cable connects a single Mini SAS port on a controller card or backplane to up to four individual SATA hard drives or SSDs.
Connectors:
One end has a 36-pin Mini SAS (SFF-8087) male connector.
The other end splits into four standard 7-pin SATA data connectors (female receptacles).
Purpose: It is essential for builders of servers and Network Attached Storage (NAS) systems who need to connect multiple SATA drives efficiently using a single host port.
Note: This cable handles data connections only. The connected drives would still require separate power connections,