Printronix P9000 Series, User'S Reference Manual

Page: 174 / 334

Interfaces 7-4
maximum data line length (cable length) from the controller (host computer) to the printer is
40 feet.
Centronics Interface Signals
Table 7-3 lists the Centronics interface connector pin assignments. Centronics interface sigĆ
nals between the computer and the printer are defined following the table.
Table 7-3. Centronics Interface Connector Pin Assignments
INPUT SIGNALS OUTPUT SIGNALS
SIGNAL PIN SIGNAL PIN
Data Line 1
Data Line 2
Data Line 3
Data Line 4
Data Line 5
Data Line 6
Data Line 7
Data Line 8
Data Strobe
Return
Return
Return
Return
Return
Return
Return
Return
Return
ACKNLG
SLCT
Busy
Chassis
Spare
Return
Return
PE
Ground
2
20
3
21
4
22
5
23
6
24
7
25
8
26
9
27
1
19
10
28
32, 13
12
11
29
17
30,31,
34,35,
36
Paper Instruction
Return
15
14
PE - A high true level from the printer to indicate the printer is in a fault condition.
SLCT - A high true level from the printer to indicate the printer is ready for data transfer and
the ON LINE switch has been activated.
Busy - A high true level from the printer to indicate the printer cannot receive data.
ACKNLG - A low true pulse from the printer indicating the character or function code has
been received and the printer is ready for the next data transfer.
Data Strobe - A low true, 100 ns minimum pulse from the host to clock data into the printer.
Data Lines - Eight standard or inverted levels from the host that define the data, which may
consist of a character or function code. Sensing Data Line 8 is controlled by printer configuraĆ
tion.
Paper Instruction (PI) - Optional VFU control signal from the host with the same timing and
polarity as the data lines. PI line sensing is controlled by printer configuration.
NOTE: The PI Line must be disabled (configuration option selected from the front
panel) if the host does not drive or control the PI Line. If the line is not controlled by the
host and sensing is enabled, rapid paper slewing will occur.