Over the past two weeks we have been very busy but have tried to move along with our project.  We have decided to use the open-core MAC file instead of purchasing a chip.  We are also exploring different possibilities for PHY chips.  The SATA protocol information was gathered also during this time.  We have each finished our part for the paper and it will be fully assembled in the next few days.  We are hoping to accomplish this while also getting the proper programs installed on the computer so we can open and begin to work on the code.