Baby AT is a term used to describe a smaller version of the AT motherboard. It is spelled using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as ˈbeɪbi ˌeɪti. The first syllable "bay" is pronounced with a long "a" sound and the second syllable "bi" is pronounced as "bee". The last syllable "ti" is pronounced as "tee". This spelling helps to accurately convey the pronunciation and ensure clarity and consistency when communicating about computer hardware.
Baby AT is a type of motherboard form factor commonly utilized in personal computer systems. It is a slightly smaller version of the AT (Advanced Technology) form factor, hence the name "Baby AT." The Baby AT form factor was introduced by IBM in 1985 as a replacement for the earlier XT form factor.
The Baby AT motherboard measures approximately 8.5 inches wide and 13 inches long, making it smaller and more compact than the larger AT motherboards. It features a single edge connector, which is used to connect the motherboard to the computer's power supply. This simplified the installation process, as it eliminated the need for multiple power connectors.
In addition, the Baby AT form factor typically supports an Intel 286 or Intel 386 central processing unit (CPU), allowing for greater performance and multitasking capabilities. It also provides expansion slots for components such as random access memory (RAM), graphics cards, and input/output (I/O) devices.
While the Baby AT form factor was widely adopted initially, it gradually fell out of favor in the 1990s with the introduction of smaller and more standardized form factors such as ATX (Advanced Technology Extended). However, it remains an important milestone in the evolution of personal computer systems and contributed to the development of subsequent form factors.
The term "Baby AT" originates from the AT form factor, which stands for "Advanced Technology". AT was a widespread form factor for computer motherboards during the 1980s and early 1990s. The name "Baby AT" was coined to refer to a smaller version of the AT form factor, introduced by IBM in 1985. Baby AT motherboards were physically smaller than the original AT boards and allowed for better space utilization in smaller computer cases. The "Baby" designation was used to signify its smaller size compared to the standard AT form factor.