SATO M84PRO service manual Interface Types, Receive Buffer

INTERFACE SPECIFICATIONS 3

This section presents the interface specifications and include detailed information on how to properly interface the printer with the host system.

INTERFACE TYPES

The parallel interface 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 reduced.

In order to provide flexibility in communicating with a variety of host computer systems all 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 is a high speed serial interface, an Ethernet interface, wireless Ethernet, or an optional Universal Serial Bus (USB) Adapter.

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.

WARNING: NEVER CONNECT OR DISCONNECT INTERFACE CABLES (OR USE A SWITCH BOX) WITH POWER APPLIED TO EITHER THE HOST OR THE PRINTER. THIS MAY CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE INTERFACE CIRCUITRY IN THE PRINTER/HOST AND IS NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY.

RECEIVE BUFFER

The printer may be configured to receive a data stream from a singular or multiple print jobs. The single job print buffer is generally used by software programs that wish to maintain control of the job print queue so that it can move a high priority job in front of ones of lesser importance. The multiple job buffer, on the other hand prints all jobs in the order they are received by the printer, and the order of printing cannot be changed.

SINGLE JOB BUFFER

The printer receives and prints one job at a time. Each job must not exceed 2.95 MB.

M84Pro Service Manual PN: 9001113A Page 3-1