Zebra Technologies Z6Mplus manual Parallel Data Port, Parallel Cabling Requirements

Data Connections

Parallel Data Port

Parallel Data Port

The 8-bit parallel data interface supports IEEE 1284 bidirectional parallel communications in nibble mode. The parallel interface provides a means of communication that is typically faster than the previously mentioned 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.

Parallel Cabling Requirements

An IEEE-1284 compatible 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 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 18 shows the pin configuration and function of a standard computer-to-printer parallel cable.

Table 18 • Parallel Cable Pin Configuration

36-Pin Connectors	Description
1	nStrobe/HostClk
2 to 9	Data Bits 1 to 8
10	nACK/PtrClk
11	Busy/PtrBusy
12	PError/ACKDataReq
13	Select/Xflag
14	nAutoFd/HostBusy
15	Not used
16 and 17	Ground
18	+5V @ 750 mA
	The maximum current draw may be limited by option configuration.
19 to 30	Ground
31	nInit
32	nFault/NDataAvail
33 and 34	Not used
35	+5V through a 1.8KΩ Resistor
36	NSelectin/1284 active

13163L Rev. 3 5/20/2004 Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 107