Parallel Data Communications

Table 12 illustrates the pin connections on the Bi-directional Parallel connector at the rear of the printer.

Parallel Interface

The 8-Bit Parallel Data Interface supports IEEE 1284 bi-directional parallel communications in “nibble mode”. The parallel interface provides a means of communication which is typically faster than the previously mentioned serial interface methods. In this method, the bits of data which make up a character are sent all at one time over several wires in the cable, one bit per wire.

Parallel Cabling Requirements

An IEEE 1284 compatable bi-directional 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 which 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.

PIN NO.

PARALLEL CONNECTOR PINOUT

1

nStrobe/Host Clk

2 - 9

Data Bits 1-8

10

nAck/PtrClk

11

Busy/Per Busy

12

PError/Ack Data Req.

13

Select/Xflag

14

nAuto Fd/Host Busy

15

Not Used

16-17

Ground

18

+5V @ 1A

19 - 30

Ground

31

nInit

32

nFault/nData Avail.

33-34

Not Used

35

+5V thru 3.3KW Resistor

36

nSelectIn/1284 active

Table 12. Rear Panel Parallel Data Connector Pinout

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Z Series™ User’s Guide