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Centronics interface – Printronix MVP Series User Manual

Page 171

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Interfaces

8–3

Centronics Interface

The Centronics (standard) interface transfers parallel data bytes at a rate of

up to 200,000 characters per second. The interface requires an I/O cable

assembly with an Amphenol compatible connector (Printronix P/N

110376–001) as shown in Figure 8–1, connected to the properly terminated

Parallel Controller PCBA at P4. Configuration Option 66 must be set to 66.0

Figure 8–1. Centronics Connector

Figure 8–2 illustrates the Centronics interface timing sequence. Data transfer

is initiated when the host computer places a data byte on the data lines. After

a delay of at least 50 ns, the host computer issues DATA STROBE to latch

the data byte into the receiver latches. DATA STROBE must be at least 100

ns in duration. Normally, the printer responds with a 4

µ

s ACKNOWLEDGE

pulse and BUSY. If Configuration Option 65.1 is selected, BUSY will be

suppressed until the host computer sends a line terminator control code byte

(FF, LF, or EVFU). Table 8–1 describes the Centronics interface signals and

pin assignments and Table 8–2 describes the Dataproducts interface signals

and pin assignments.

Figure 8–2. Centronics Interface Timing Sequence