IEEE 1284 - IEEE 1284 Connectors and Cables

IEEE 1284 Connectors and Cables

An IEEE-compliant cable must meet several standards of wiring and quality. Three types of connectors are defined:

• Type A: DB-25 25 pin, for the host connection.
• Type B: Centronics (officially called "Micro Ribbon") 36 pin, for the printer or device connection.
• Type C: Mini-Centronics (MDR36) 36 pin, a smaller alternative for the device connection that has not proven popular.

There are two kinds of IEEE 1284 cables:

• IEEE 1284-I: uses IEEE 1284-A and IEEE 1284-B connectors.
• IEEE 1284-II: uses IEEE 1284-C connectors.

In IEEE 1284 Daisy Chain Specification, up to 8 devices can be connected to a single parallel port.

All modes use TTL voltage logic levels, which limits the possible cable length to a few meters unless expensive special cables are used.

For detailed specifications, including pinouts, refer to the links below.