Kontron ePCI-101, User Manual, Page: 39 / 109

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ePCI-101 User’s Guide
Signal Paths:
J6: parallel port interface on header.
Bios Settings:
- Advanced \ On-Board Devices Configuration
- Enable/disable parallel port
- Select operating mode
- Base I/O
- Interrupt
The differences between Standard, EPP, and ECP modes appear in the signal assignation of the pins on the connector.
Note:
To operate in EPP or ECP mode, ensure the peripheral is designed to work in this mode and the BIOS
setup is configured to support it.
Standard Mode
The Standard mode is unidirectional and enables compatibility with the IBM PC standard.
EPP Mode
The Enhanced Parallel Port (EPP) mode consists of a hardware independent method of accessing a
parallel port configured as EPP. It provides support for single I/O cycle as well as the high
performance block I/O transfers. The EPP mode always uses the most optimum method for I/O
transfers. For example, if the hardware supports it, EPP mode will perform 32-bit I/O block
transfers.
EPP mode assumes that the parallel port can be used to connect more than one peripheral device
using multiplexor or daisy chain configurations.
A multiplexor is an external device that permits up to eight parallel port devices to share a single
parallel port.
A daisy chain device has two ports: input and output. The input port is connected either to the host
parallel port or the daisy chain device in front of it. The output is used to connect the next
peripheral device to the daisy chain. The last device, however, can be one without daisy chain
support.
ECP Mode
The Extended Capabilities Port (ECP) mode works like the EPP mode, but it will take precedence over
the EPP mode when addressing multiple logical devices in a single physical product. While the EPP
mode may intermix read and write operations without overhead or protocol handshaking, the ECP
mode negotiates data transfers using a request from the host and an acknowledgment from
peripherals.
Note:
For more information on the ECP protocol, please refer to the Extended Capabilities Port Protocol
and ISA Interface Standard (available from Microsoft Corporation) or contact our Technical
Support Department.