1. An ATA compatible data transfer system comprising: a host controller that interfaces with a system processor having system memory, the host controller configured to receive a Programmable I/O (PIO) type command from the system processor to effect data transfer between a peripheral device and the system memory through a host controller and an ATA controller, wherein the host controller accesses data to/from the host memory directly, and wherein the host controller and the ATA controller complete data transfer between the peripheral device and the system memory by executing the PIO type command without requiring interrupt servicing by the system processor.