Introduction

The MVP–Series printer interfaces are logically and electronically compatible with the Centronics and Dataproducts interfaces. The Centronics and Dataproducts interfaces allow the parallel transfer of 8 data bits, one byte at a time. The switch from one interface to the other requires a simple change of the printer’s input/output (I/O) cable, terminating resistors, and Configuration Option 66 (see “Switching Interfaces” on page 8–26 ).

Centronics and Dataproducts Interface Characteristics

Centronics and Dataproducts interface circuit characteristics are as follows.

Interface Cable

The cable must not exceed 40 feet and must allow the transmission of signals having standard TTL logic level (0.0V to +0.5V low and +2.4V to +5.25V high). Use shielded cable with the shield grounded to minimize electrical noise.

Logic Levels

0.0V to +0.5V low; +2.4V to +5.25V high.

Receivers

TTL 74LS14 with a 1000–ohm pull–up terminating resistor pack in location 18C (Centronics) or optional 220–ohm and 330–ohm pull–up/pull–down terminating resistor packs in locations 18C and 17C, respectively (Dataproducts).

Drivers

TTL 7407 with a 1000–ohm pull–up terminating resistor pack in location 15C (Centronics or Dataproducts).

Terminating Resistors

The Centronics parallel interface requires that 1000–ohm resistor packs be installed at Parallel Controller PCBA coordinates 15C and 18C see

Figure 8–5. Typical circuits using the resistors are shown in Figure 8–6. The Dataproducts Interface requires the 220–ohm resistor pak at coordinates 18C and a 300–ohm pack at coordinates 17C. A 1000–ohm pack is installed at location 15C. A resistor pack is not required with the Serial Controller PCBA.

Logic Configuration

Standard positive true; Option Code 63 is configurable to negative true logic.

8–2

Interfaces

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Printronix MVP Series user manual Centronics and Dataproducts Interface Characteristics