However, a parallel interface is more complex, requiring more sophisticated software and overhead to time data bursts over several wires. Thus, a parallel interface does not necessarily provide faster data transfer. Another advantage in using a serial bus is space. A serial cable is smaller and easier to manipulate. The 1394 cable and connectors A cable cross section is pictured to the right.
All wires are copper.
Note that, though power is carried by the cable, it is not always enough to power a device. For example, a relatively power hungry device like a hard drive may not be able to pull enough power from the equipment it's connected to. A case in point is the Evergreen HotDrive, which can draw enough power from a PC to operate, but requires an external power source when connected to a laptop. Two connector types are available for the 1394 bus. The more common kind utilizes all six wires in the cable.