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Communication Interfaces 10-6
Parallel Communication Interface
The parallel communication interface uses a 36-pin connector
(shown in the following figure) that transfers both data and control
signals between the printer and the host computer. The parallel
interface connector is located at the rear of the printer and provides
bail latches to secure the interface cable connector. The table on the
following page lists the parallel interface signals, their names, their
pin assignments, and their sources (host or printer). The paragraphs
that follow the table describe these signals.
The parallel interface can only transfer data from the host to the
computer and is limited to a distance of approximately 6 feet (1.8
meters). However, because the parallel interface provides separate
lines for each character bit, it can transfer an entire character in a
single data-transfer operation. Thus, the parallel interface is much
faster than a serial interface and is ideally suited for connecting local
printers in a computer system.