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CHAPTER 2: Introduction
2. Introduction
The Serial
↔
Parallel Converter IV converts RS-232
serial to Centronics
®
parallel or vice versa—you choose
the direction of conversion with a switch. The Converter
supports both X-ON/X-OFF and DTR/CTS serial
hardware handshaking, and Busy/Acknowledge parallel
handshaking.
Since the Converter is powered by the connected
devices, it needs no external power source.
The Converter is programmed with an 8-position DIP
switch for data rate, word structure, and direction of
conversion. The DIP switch can also activate a self-test
mode, in which the Converter continuously delivers a
repetitive data stream to the output port until the test is
turned off.
Because the Converter is so small and light, it’s easy to
connect it directly to a DB25 serial port or a computer’s
DB25 parallel port. For other connections, all you need
is common, low-cost serial or PC parallel printer cables.