SECTION 6.INTERFACE SPECIFICATIONS
INTRODUCTION
The CL Series “e” printers utilize a Plug-In Interface Module for maximum printer
configuration flexibility. This section presents the interface specifications for the CL
Series “e” Series printers. These specifications include detailed information on how to
properly interface your printer with your host system.
The following information is presented in this section:
•Interface Types
•Using the Receive Buffer
•IEEE1284 Parallel Interface
•Universal Serial Bus (USB) Interface
•Local Area Network (LAN) Interface
•RS232C Serial Interface
General Specifications
Electrical Specifications
Pin Assignments
Ready/Busy Flow Control
X-On/X-Off Flow Control
Bi-Directional Communications Protocol

INTERFACE TYPES

The parallel interface for the CL Series “e” printers is a high speed, bi-directional
interface that conforms to the IEEE1284 specification (ECP mode on some
computers). The interface is also compatible with the older Centronics parallel
interface standard. If it does not detect the correct IEEE1284 signals in the interface
connection, it will automatically operate in the standard Centronics mode which is
much slower. To use the IEEE1284 parallel interface to its fullest capability requires
that the host also have an IEEE1284 compatible interface and that the two be
connected with a cable that meets the IEEE1284 specification. If either of these two
are not present, the data rate is severely compromised.
In order to provide flexibility in communicating with a variety of host computer
systems all “e” printers use a Plug-In Interface Module. The IEEE1284 Interface
module is shipped with the printer unless another interface type is specified at the
time of the order. The other interfaces available are a high speed (to 57.6K bps) serial
interface, an Ethernet interface or an optional Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface.
The Parallel interface will probably be the most useful in communicating with IBM
PCs and compatibles. The RS232C Serial interface allows connectivity to a number of
other hosts. The USB interface allows the printer to be connected to a computer that
supports peripherals attached to a USB bus. Up to 127 peripherals can be connected
to a single USB port.
SATO CL Series “e” Printers PN 9001074 Rev. B Page6-1