Centronics Parallel Interface Signals - Printronix P5000 Series User Manual

Centronics Parallel Interface Signals

Centronics Parallel Interface Signals
Data Lines 1 through 8. Provides eight standard or inverted levels
from the host that specify character data, plot data, or a control code.
Data Line 8 allows access to the extended ASCII character set. You
may enable or disable this line via the Data Bit 8 parameter on the
Centronics submenu (see page 222).
Data Strobe. Carries a low true, 100 ns minimum pulse from the host
that clocks data into the printer.
Acknowledge. A low true pulse from the printer indicating the
character or function code has been received and the printer is ready
for the next data transfer.
Online. A high true level from the printer to indicate the printer is ready
for data transfer and the ON LINE key on the control panel has been
activated. When the printer is in online mode, it may accept data from
the host.
Paper Empty (PE). A high true level from the printer to indicate the
printer is in a paper empty or paper jam fault.
Busy. A high true level from the printer to indicate the printer cannot
receive data.
Prime. A high true level from the host to indicate the printer should
perform a warm start (printer is reset to the power-up configuration
values).
Paper Instruction (PI). Carries a CVFU signal from the host with the
same timing and polarity as the data line.
Fault. A low true level from the printer indicates a printer fault.
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