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COMPACT BIDIRECTIONAL DUAL BUS AUTOSWITCHES
2. Introduction
2.1 Description
The IEEE 1284 standard interface is found on most
printers today. It enables bidirectional communication
between the PC and the printer, allowing the printer to
send information back to the host PC using its built-in
microprocessor.
The Compact Bidirectional Dual Bus Autoswitch
supports full compatibility with IEEE 1284, including
Centronics, nibble, special nibble, byte, Enhanced
Parallel Port (EPP), and Extended Capabilities Port
(ECP). The dual-bus design allows simultaneous access
of both devices to the attached computer. It also
features manual and auto channel-port selection, and
works with DOS, Windows 3.1, Windows 95, Windows 98,
and Windows NT.
The Autoswitch supports IEEE 1284 parallel devices
such as Zip
®
drives, scanners, CD-ROMs, back-up tapes,
digital CCD cameras, external hard drives, and Ethernet
adapters.