TYAN S5353, Manual

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Mode
Set the mode for serial port B.
Options:
Normal
/ IrDA / ASK-IR
Parallel Port
This defines how the parallel port is detected and configured.
Options: Disabled /
Enabled
Mode
This field allows the user to select the parallel port mode. The default value is
Standard that automatically selects the correct mode to use. The other modes are
explained as follows:
SPP works with all parallel port devices. However, it is the slowest transfer mode
and should only be used when faster transfer modes cannot be used.
There are two faster bidirectional modes available - the ECP (Extended Capabilities
Port) and EPP (Enhanced Parallel Port) modes.
ECP uses the DMA protocol to achieve data transfer rates of up to 2.5 Mb/s and
provides symmetric bidirectional communication. On the other hand, EPP uses
existing parallel port signals to provide asymmetric bidirectional communication.
Generally, because of its FIFOs and the DMA channel it uses, ECP is good for
large data transfers (useful for scanners and printers). On the other hand, EPP is
better with links that switch directions frequently (like parallel port drives).
There are two versions of the EPP transfer protocol - EPP1.7 and EPP1.9.
Generally, EPP1.9 is the preferred setting because it supports the newer EPP1.9
devices and most EPP1.7 devices and offers advantages like support for longer
cables. However, because certain EPP1.7 devices cannot work properly with an
EPP1.9 port, this BIOS feature was implemented to allow you to set the EPP mode
to EPP1.7 when such an issue occurs.
Therefore, it is recommended that you set this BIOS feature to EPP1.9. But if you
have trouble connecting to your parallel port device, switch to EPP1.7.
However, the manufacturer of your parallel port peripheral may have designated a
preferred parallel port mode for the device in question. In that case, it's best to
follow their recommendation.
For those who don't know what mode to select but at least know that their parallel
port device supports bidirectional transfers, the BIOS offers the ECP+EPP mode. If
you select this mode, then the parallel port device will be able to use either one of
those modes. However, this should be considered as a last resort as you may be
needlessly tying up an IRQ if your device does not use ECP at all. Or the BIOS may
not select the best parallel port mode for the device. If possible, set the parallel port
to the transfer mode that best suits your parallel port device.
However, the manufacturer of your parallel port peripheral may have designated a
preferred parallel port mode for the device in question. In that case, it's best to
follow their recommendation.
Options:
SPP
/ EPP / ECP
Base I/O Address:
Set the base I/O address for parallel port.
Options:
378 /
278 / 3BC / Disabled