Formatter System

The formatter is responsible for the following:

•Receiving and processing ASCII data from printer interfaces.

•Monitoring front panel input and relaying printer status information (through the front panel and bi-directional I/O).

•Developing/coordinating data placement and timing with the print engine.

•Storing font information.

•Communicating with the host computer.

The Formatter PCA can be divided into three functional areas:

•I/O Control

•Memory/Memory Management

•Data Processing

Formatter Feature

LaserJet 4

LaserJet 4+

LaserJet 5

Processor

20 MHz 80960KA

25 MHz 80960KB

33 MHz 80960JF

REt

Yes

Yes

Yes

MEt

No

Yes

Yes

Economode

No

Yes

Yes

Configurable I/O Buffer Size

No

Yes

Yes

Personality Resource

No

Yes

Yes

Saving

 

 

 

PowerSave Mode

No

Yes

Yes

Font Cartridge Slot

Yes

Yes

No

MIO Interface Level

5.0

5.1

6.0

Serial Ports

RS-232/422

RS-232

RS-232 & SIR

Parallel Port

Bitronics

IEEE-1284 Bitronics

IEEE-1284 Bitronics

Maximum RAM (PCL/PS)

34/22 MB

66/50 MB

66/52 MB

SIMM Support

RAM/ROM

RAM/ROM

RAM/ROM/Flash

PCL Level

5

5E

6

On-Board Fonts

35 Intellifont/10 TT

35 Intellifont/10 TT

45 TT & Dark Courier

 

Line Printer

Line Printer

Line Printer

Default Symbol Set

Roman-8

Roman-8

PC-8

Paper Size Support

Letter/Legal/A4/Exec

Letter/Legal/A4/Exec

Letter/Legal/A4/Exec/A5

MP (Tray 1) Modes

First, Manual, Cassette

First, Manual, Cassette

First, Cassette

Grayscale Hardware Assist

No

No

Yes

ROPS 3 Hardware Assist

No

No

Yes

Intuitive Control Panel

No

No

Yes

 

 

 

 

I/O Control

The formatter I/O control is responsible for maintaining communications with the host system(s). The printer has three interfaces; serial, parallel (bitronic), and Modular I/O (MIO). The formatter maintains connections with hosts connected to these I/O’s including accepting data handshaking, and returning status.

5-12 Functional Overview