C-1
Appendix C
Host Computer Interface
This appendix explains the signals used in the printer’s
parallel, USB, and serial (option) interfaces. It also lists pin
assignments, signal functions, timings, connector
specifications, and voltage levels.
This appendix explains the following topics:
•Parallel Interface
•USB Interface
•Serial Interface (option)
The printer features fast data transmission with the parallel
interface. The parallel interface mode can be activated from
the operator panel. See
Changing Parallel Interface Modes on
Use a parallel printer cable that complies with the IEEE1284
standard.
Auto
(default)
The printer automatically changes its communication mode
to the one the host computer is currently using.
Normal
The printer uses the standard communication method
prescribed for Centronics interfaces.
High-speed
This mode enables faster data transmission between the
printer and the host computer. (Select this mode if printing
problems occur when the printer is connected to a
workstation.)
Nibble (high)
High speed data communication is used in compliance with
the IEEE1284 standard. Ordinarily, you should leave this
setting unchanged.
The pins of the parallel interface connector carry the signals
listed in the following table
Parallel Connector Pin
Assignment
. Asterisks in the table indicate signals that are
active low. The table also indicates whether each signal is
incoming or outgoing with respect to the printer.
Parallel Connector Pin Assignment
[ ]: Signal names in the Auto mode and Nibble (high) mode
(IEEE1284). In the Auto mode and Nibble (high) mode,
these signals are bi-directional.
Detailed descriptions of the signals follow.
Parallel Interface
Parallel Interface Communication Modes
NOTE
Interface Signals
Pin
In/out
Description
1
In
Strobe* [nStrobe]
2
In/Out
Data 0 [Data 1]
3
In/Out
Data 1 [Data 2]
4
In/Out
Data 2 [Data 3]
5
In/Out
Data 3 [Data 4]
6
In/Out
Data 4 [Data 5]
7
In/Out
Data 5 [Data 6]
8
In/Out
Data 6 [Data 7]
9
In/Out
Data 7 [Data 8]
10
Out
Acknowledge* [nAck]
11
Out
Busy [Busy]
12
Out
Paper Empty [PError], returns paper
empty status if FRPO O2=2
13
Out
Online (Select) [nSelect], returns off-
line status if FRPO O2=2
14
In
Auto-feed [nAutoFd]
15
-
Not connected
16
-
0 V DC
17
-
Chassis GND
18
-
+5 V DC
19
-
Ground
20
-
Ground
21
-
Ground
22
-
Ground
23
-
Ground
24
-
Ground
25
-
Ground
26
-
Ground
27
-
Ground
28
-
Ground
29
-
Ground
30
-
Ground
31
In
Ignored [nInit]
32
Out
Error*, returns error status if FRPO
O2=2 [nFault]
33
-
Not connected
34
-
Not connected
35
Out
Power Ready
36
In
Ignored [nSelectIn]
