174Data Ports Parallel Data Port

Parallel Data Port

The parallel data interface supports IEEE 1284 bidirectional parallel communications in nibble mode. The parallel interface provides a means of communication that typically is faster than the serial interface methods. In this method, the bits of data that make up a character are sent all at one time over several wires in the cable, one bit per wire.

When communicating via the parallel port, the values selected on the printer must be the same as those used by the host equipment connected to the printer. Port selection for status information is determined by the channel sending the request. The parallel port can be set for bidirectional or unidirectional communication. The default setting is bidirectional.

Parallel Cabling Requirements

See Connect the Printer to the Computer or Network on page 30 for basic cabling information.

A standard 36-pin parallel connector is available on the back of the printer for connection to the data source. An IEEE-1284 compatible bidirectional parallel data cable is required when this communication method is used. The required cable must have a standard 36-pin parallel connector on one end that is plugged into the mating connector located at the rear of the printer. The other end of the cable connects to the printer connector at the host computer. Port selection for status information is determined each time the printer is turned on.

Parallel Port Interconnections

Table 20 shows the pin configuration and function of a standard computer-to-printer parallel cable.

Table 20 • Parallel Cable Pin Configuration

36-Pin Connectors

Description

 

 

1

nStrobe/HostClk

 

 

2–9

Data Bits 1–8

10nACK/PtrClk

11Busy/PtrBusy

12PError/ACKDataReq

13Select/Xflag

14nAutoFd/HostBusy

15Not used

16, 17

Ground

 

 

18

+5 V at 750 mA

 

The maximum current draw may be limited by option

 

configuration.

 

To enable this capability, a qualified service technician

 

must install a jumper on the printer’s main logic board on

 

JP1, pins 2 and 3.

13383L-004 Rev. A

XiIIIPlus/R110Xi/R170Xi User Guide

9/6/07