SATO M-84PRO manual Section Interface Specifications, Interface Types, Introduction

SECTION 6.

INTERFACE SPECIFICATIONS

INTRODUCTION

The M-84PRO printer utilize a Plug-In Interface Module for maximum printer configuration flexibility. This section presents the interface specifications for the M-84PRO 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

•Bi-Comm Communications Protocol

•Status Response

INTERFACE TYPES

The parallel interface for the M-84PRO printer 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 ìeî 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. The interfaces available are a high speed (to 57.6K bps) serial interface, an Ethernet interface or an optional Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface.

SATO M-84PRO PN 9001105 Rev. A Page 6-1