This volume (ATA/ATAPI-7 V3) contains the requirements for the implementation of the serial transport for ATA. This volume is written in a way that requires an understanding of the parallel transport defined in Volume 2. The serial transport as described in this volume essentially emulates the parallel transport protocols. While this "parallel emulation" is not the only implementation that is possible or necessary, it provides a basis for the reader to leverage prior understanding of ATA. The reader should be aware, however, that parallel emulation is a conceptual convenience and is not a requirement of this standard.