Patin-Couffin is a software 'engine', implemented as a device driver for Microsoft Windows (using the filename pcouffin.sys), written by French company VSO Software. It provides a low-level access layer for CD/DVD devices. It is an alternative to Adaptec?s ASPI and Elaborate Bytes's ElbyCDIO.

Purpose

ASPI is an interface specification written by Adaptec that provides an application programming interface for standardized communication on a computer bus between a SCSI host adapter and peripherals, whether SCSI or ATAPI. The ASPI layer can also mediate other functions such as burning or ripping of compact discs.

Patin-Couffin may be used in lieu of the ASPI layer for many reasons. First, ASPI must be licensed for use in software not written by a hardware vendor^[1] (for example, AnyDVD). Also, ASPI is not Plug and Play compatible, and cannot support USB and Firewire hard drives. Further, ASPI does not allow software to obtain exclusive access to a drive, which is necessary for reliable read/write operations.^[2]

See also

• ASPI
• SCSI Pass Through Direct

References

1. ↑ adaptec.com: Contact for ASPI Vendor Licensing, retrieved 27 July 2007
2. ↑ freecodecs.com: Patin-Couffin Access Layer 36, retrieved 27 Jul 2006

External links

• Patin-Couffin Access Layer
• Feurio-FAQ Definition: ASPI

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