Parallel Data Communications
The following table illustrates the pin connections on the bi-directional parallel
connector at the rear of the printer.
Parallel Interface
The 8-bit parallel data interface supports IEEE 1284 bi-directional parallel
communications in “nibble mode.” The parallel interface provides a means of
communication that is typically faster than the previously mentioned 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.
Parallel Cabling Requirements
An IEEE-1284 compatible bi-directional 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.
Zebra Z4M Printer User’s Guide 89
Pin No. Description
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 and 17
Ground
18
+5V@1A
19-30
Ground
31
ninit
32
nFault/nDataAvail
33 and 34
Not Used
35
+5V through a 3.3 KW Resistor
36
nSelectin/1284 active
