Citizen Systems iDP3240 user manual Overview, Parallel Interface Communication Modes

13.APPENDIX 2. BIDIRECTIONAL PARALLEL INTERFACE

13.1Overview

The interface of the printer is a Level-1 compatible device according to IEEE-P1284. It supports the communication modes described in 13.1.1 below.

13.1.1 Parallel Interface Communication Modes

The parallel interface of the printer provides three communication modes as outlined below. When the printer is turned on or reset, it defaults to Compatibility mode.

•Compatibility Mode

Data is transmitted from the host to the printer in units of one byte. Usually, this mode is used for data transmission. You may switch to the other modes from Compatibility mode.

•Nibble Mode

Data is transmitted from the printer to the host in units of four bits. The data transmission from the printer uses a status signal line. To send one byte of data in this mode, two sets of four-bit data are sent consecutively.

•Byte Mode

Data is transmitted from the printer to the host in units of one byte. Data transmission from the printer uses an 8-bit data signal line. For Byte mode, the host must be capable of toggling the signal direction over the 8-bit data signal line. Communication from the host to the printer is called Forward mode, while communication from the printer to the host is called Reverse mode.

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