Print Data Flow - Epson EPL-N3000 Service Manual

EPSON EPL-N3000/AcuLaser M4000N

2.2 Print Data Flow

The NIC (Network Interface Card) of the printer connected to the network receives the
packet signal in the form of bit stream transmitted from a client or server in the
network. Then the NIC decomposes the received packet signal into the data format in
the layer where the data is to be sent to the Controller. The Controller processes the
data received from the NIC the same way as the data received from the host computer
through the parallel port. (These two types of data are both called "host data".)
The Controller buffers the rasterized bit-image host data or converts the host data in
PDL (Page Description Language) into rasterized bit-image data. Every stroke of
scanning with the laser beam, the Controller transmits one line of rasterized bit-image
data to the MCU of the HVPS/MCU.
The /VDO signal carrying the image data is converted to the LVDS signal at the MCU
of the HVPS/MCU and transmitted to the ROS ASSY as the P.DATA+ and P.DATA-
signals. On the ROS ASSY, the received signal is converted to a very thin laser beam,
which is turned on or off according to the video signal. The laser beam, once reflected
by the surface of the spinning Polygon Mirror, passes through a series of lenses and is
concentrated on the surface of the Drum in the Imaging Cartridge. As a result, an
electrostatic latent image is generated on the surface of the Drum.
Operating Principles
The print data (electrical signal) from the printer controller forms the print image via
the processes as shown in the flowchart below.
Host (Electrical Signal)
Printer Controller (Electrical Signal)
MAIN PWB (Electrical Signal)
ROS ASSY (Laser Beam)
Print Data Flow
Electrostatic Latent Image on Drum
(Invisible Image)
Toner Image on Drum (Visible Image)
Toner Image on Paper
Print Image on Paper
Figure 2-5. Print Data Flow
Revision C
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