| IEEE 1284 Bi-Directional
Parallel Communication The
IEEE 1284 standard was introduced in the interest of
ensuring further cross-platform compatibility and increasing
the amount of control that software could have over
a device connected to a parallel port. In the early
1990s a group of printer manufacturers banded together
to create a common standard that would offer the support
required for full control over a device.
As a general I/O port, an IEEE 1284 parallel port sending
information to and from a device is made simple and fast.
In the instance of a parallel printer, graphical data
and even simply large amounts of data can be handled
without concern for lost information or buffer overflow.
The method of communication and the speed inherent to
it support the transfer of more data faster than that
of the older RS232 serial standard.
For external storage devices, printers, scanners, etc.
the speed allowed by the IEEE 1284 standard enables simple
installation, fast data transfer equals fast throughput
and increased efficiency.
Pros
• Fast data
transfer
• Consistent cable configuration
• Wide platform support
Cons
• 10 meter maximum cable length
• Custom cables difficult to make
• Being phased out of many platforms in favor of USB |
Star Printers Equipped
with IEEE 1284 Parallel Communications Ports:
SP2000, SP500, TSP400Z, TSP600, TSP700, TSP800, TUP400 and TUP900
|
