Zebra Technologies 2237A10L010 User Manual

Data Ports
Parallel Data Port

13383L-004 Rev. A

IIIPlus/R110Xi/R170Xi User Guide

9/6/07

The parallel data interface supports IEEE 1284 bidirectional parallel communications in nibble 
mode. The parallel interface provides a means of communication that typically is faster than 
the serial interface methods. In this method, the bits of data that make up a character are sent 
all at one time over several wires in the cable, one bit per wire.

When communicating via the parallel port, the values selected on the printer must be the same 
as those used by the host equipment connected to the printer. Port selection for status 
information is determined by the channel sending the request. The parallel port can be set for 
bidirectional or unidirectional communication. The default setting is bidirectional.

 for basic cabling information.

A standard 36-pin parallel connector is available on the back of the printer for connection to 
the data source. An IEEE-1284 compatible bidirectional parallel data cable is required when 
this communication method is used. The required cable must have a standard 36-pin parallel 
connector on one end that is plugged into the mating connector located at the rear of the 
printer. The other end of the cable connects to the printer connector at the host computer. Port 
selection for status information is determined each time the printer is turned on.

 shows the pin configuration and function of a standard computer-to-printer parallel 

cable.

1

nStrobe/HostClk

2–9

Data Bits 1–8

10

nACK/PtrClk

11

Busy/PtrBusy

12

PError/ACKDataReq

13

Select/Xflag

14

nAutoFd/HostBusy

15

Not used

16, 17

Ground

18

+5 V at 750 mA

The maximum current draw may be limited by option 
configuration.

To enable this capability, a qualified service technician 
must install a jumper on the printer’s main logic board on 
JP1, pins 2 and 3.