IEEE 1284 Connectors

The 1284 standard goes beyond describing new data transfer modes and actually defines the mechanical interface and the electrical properties of a compliant parallel port. Many of the problems associated with parallel port-attached devices arise from the fact that there has been no standard for the electrical interface for the parallel port. The DB25 female connector has become standard for the PC or host connector, but there have been many different implementations of the drivers, resistors, capacitors, etc, for electrical the interface.

The 1284 committee felt that it was paramount to define what these properties should be in order to meet the following objectives:

Ensure electrical and mechanical compatibility among all 1284 compliant devices.
Ensure that 1284 interfaces would operate with existing parallel port peripherals and adapters.
Ensure operation and data integrity at the highest data rates
Extend operation to 10M (30')

To meet these objectives, the standard defines the connectors, electrical interface, and cable requirements.

1284 Connectors

The standard identifies three types of connectors for a 1284 interface.

1284 Type A: 25 pin DB25
1284 Type B: 36 Conductor, .085 centerline Champ connector with bale locks
1284 Type C: 36 conductor, .050 centerline mini connector with clip latches

Figure 1 shows what these connectors look like.

Figure 1 -- 1284 Interface I/O Connectors

The type C connector is the one recommended for new designs. This connector offers a smaller footprint than the previous connectors, has a simple-to-use clip latch for cable retention, and provides for the easiest cable assembly with the optimal electrical properties. In addition, a cable assembly built with this connector provides for two more signals. These signals are Peripheral Logic High and Host Logic High. These signals may be used to determine if the device at the other end of the cable is powered on. This enables some degree of intelligent power management for 1284 interfaces.

Also: