LTPV SERIES

THERMAL PRINTER MECHANISM

TECHNICAL REFERENCE

U00060114307

Seiko Instruments Inc.

LTPV SERIES TECHNICAL REFERENCE

Document Number U00060114307

First Edition July 2001

Second Edition January 2002
Third Edition October 2002
Fourth Edition December 2003
Fifth Edition May 2005
Sixth Edition November 2005
Seventh Edition June 2006
Eighth Edition April 2007

Copyright © 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007 by Seiko Instruments Inc.
All rights reserved.

Seiko Instruments Inc. (SII) has prepared this manual for use by SII personnel, licensees, and customers.
The information contained herein is the property of SII and shall not be reproduced in whole or in part
without the prior written approval of SII.

SII reserves the right to make changes without notice to the specifications and materials contained herein
and shall not be responsible for any damages (including consequential) caused by reliance on the
materials presented, including but not limited to typographical, arithmetic, or listing errors.

SII is a trademark of Seiko Instruments Inc.

 PREFACE

This reference manual describes the specifications and basic operating procedures for the LTP V Series
Thermal Printer Mechanism (hereinafter referred to as “printer”).

The LTP V (RoHS supporting) series has the following two types of printers.
・LTPV345C-576-E
・LTPV445C-832-E

In this reference manual, the information mentioned as LTP V is common to all models unless otherwise
noted, and if the information is different depending on the model, specific model name is mentioned clearly.

Chapter 1 “Precautions” describes safety, design and operational precautions. Read it thoroughly before
designing so that you are able to use the product properly.

Fully investigate the intellectual property rights of these circuits before using. In particular, SII reserves the
industrial property rights for the Heat Storage Simulation described in Chapter 3. Using it for the other
printer is infringement of the industrial property rights.

iii
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section Page

CHAPTER 1 PRECAUTIONS

1.1 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS............................................................................................. 1-1

1.2 DESIGN AND HANDLING PRECAUTIONS................................................................. 1-2
1.2.1 Design Precautions ......................................................................................... 1-2
1.2.2 Handling Precautions ...................................................................................... 1-5
1.2.3 Precautions on Discarding............................................................................... 1-6

CHAPTER 2 FEATURES

CHAPTER 3 SPECIFICATIONS

3.1 GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS ..................................................................................... 3-1

3.2 HEAT ELEMENT DIMENSIONS .................................................................................. 3-3
3.2.1 LTPV345 Heat Elements ................................................................................. 3-3
3.2.2 LTPV445 Heat Elements ................................................................................. 3-4
3.3 PAPER FEED CHARACTERISTICS............................................................................ 3-5
3.4 STEP MOTOR CHARACTERISTICS........................................................................... 3-6
3.4.1 Motor Drive Circuit........................................................................................... 3-7
3.4.2 Motor Timing.................................................................................................... 3-9
3.4.3 Precautions for Driving the Motor .................................................................... 3-10
3.5 THERMAL HEAD ......................................................................................................... 3-13
3.5.1 Structure of the Thermal Head (LTPV345)...................................................... 3-14
3.5.2 Printed Position of the Data (LTPV345) .......................................................... 3-15
3.5.3 Thermal Head Electrical Characteristics ......................................................... 3-16
3.5.4 Structure of the Thermal Head (LTPV445)...................................................... 3-17
3.5.5 Printed Position of the Data (LTPV445) .......................................................... 3-18
3.5.6 Thermal Head Electrical Characteristics (LTPV445) ...................................... 3-19
3.5.7 Timing Chart .................................................................................................... 3-20
3.5.8 Head Resistance ............................................................................................. 3-20
3.5.9 Head Voltage ................................................................................................... 3-21
3.5.10 Peak Current ................................................................................................... 3-21
3.6 CONTROLLING THE HEAD ACTIVATION (DST) PULSE WIDTH ............................. 3-22
3.6.1 Calculation of Head Activation Pulse Width .................................................... 3-22
3.6.2 Calculation of Applied Energy.......................................................................... 3-22
3.6.3 Calculation of Head Resistance ...................................................................... 3-23
3.6.4 Calculation of Head Activation Voltage............................................................ 3-23
3.6.5 Head Activation Pulse Term Coefficient.......................................................... 3-24
3.6.6 Heat Storage Coefficient ................................................................................. 3-24
3.6.7 Calculation Sample for the Heat Activation Pulse Width................................. 3-26
3.6.8 Thermistor Resistance .................................................................................... 3-27

iv
Section Page

3.6.9 Detecting Abnormal Temperatures of the Thermal Head ............................... 3-29

3.7 PAPER DETECTOR..................................................................................................... 3-30

3.7.1 General Specifications..................................................................................... 3-30
3.7.2 Sample External Circuit ................................................................................... 3-31

3.8 PLATEN POSITION SENSOR ..................................................................................... 3-32

3.8.1 General Specification ...................................................................................... 3-32
3.8.2 Sample External Circuit .................................................................................. 3-32

CHAPTER 4 CONNECTING EXTERNAL CIRCUITS

4.1 THERMAL HEAD CONTROL TERMINALS ................................................................. 4-1

4.2 MOTOR AND DETECTOR TERMINALS ..................................................................... 4-4
4.3 CAUTION IN CONNECTION........................................................................................ 4-5

CHAPTER 5 DRIVE METHOD

5.1 THERMAL HEAD DRIVE TIMING................................................................................ 5-1

CHAPTER 6 HOUSING DESIGN GUIDE

6.1 SECURING THE PRINTER.......................................................................................... 6-1

6.1.1 Printer Mounting Method ................................................................................. 6-1
6.1.2 Mounting Platen Unit ....................................................................................... 6-2
6.1.3 Precautions for Securing the Printer................................................................ 6-3
6.2 LAYOUT OF PRINTER AND PAPER........................................................................... 6-4
6.3 WHERE TO MOUNT THE PAPER HOLDER .............................................................. 6-5
6.4 SETTING THE PAPER................................................................................................. 6-5
6.5 POSITIONING THE PAPER CUTTER......................................................................... 6-6

CHAPTER 7 APPEARANCE AND DIMENSIONS

CHAPTER 8 LOADING/UNLOADING PAPER AND HEAD CLEANING

8.1 LOADING/UNLOADING PAPER PRECAUTIONS....................................................... 8-1

8.2 HEAD CLEANING PROCEDURE AND PRECAUTIONS............................................. 8-3
8.2.1 PRECAUTIONS............................................................................................... 8-3
8.2.2 PROCEDURE.................................................................................................. 8-3

v
 FIGURES

Figure Page

3-1 Heat Element Dimensions (LTPV345).......................................................................... 3-3

3-2 Print Area (LTPV345) ................................................................................................... 3-3
3-3 Heat Element Dimensions (LTPV445).......................................................................... 3-4
3-4 Print Area (LTPV445) ................................................................................................... 3-4
3-5 Sample Drive Circuit ..................................................................................................... 3-7
3-6 Input Voltage Signals for the Sample Drive Circuit....................................................... 3-8
3-7 Motor Start/Stop Timing................................................................................................ 3-9
3-8 Acceleration pattern with hold step (In case the hold step = 70pps) ............................ 3-11
3-9 Motor Current Control Example.................................................................................... 3-12
3-10 Thermal Head Block Diagram (LTPV345).................................................................... 3-14
3-11 Printed Position of the Data (LTPV345)........................................................................ 3-15
3-12 Thermal Head Block Diagram (LTPV445).................................................................... 3-17
3-13 Printed Position of the Data (LTPV445) ....................................................................... 3-18
3-14 Timing Chart ................................................................................................................. 3-20
3-15 Thermistor Resistance vs. Temperature ...................................................................... 3-27
3-16 Sample External Circuit of the Paper Detector............................................................. 3-31
3-17 Sample External Circuit of the Platen Position Sensor................................................. 3-32

4-1 Thermal Head Control Terminals ................................................................................. 4-1

4-2 Motor and Detector Terminals ...................................................................................... 4-4

5-1 Example of Motor Drive Timing Chart .......................................................................... 5-2

6-1 How to Secure the Platen Unit...................................................................................... 6-2

6-2 Paper Path.................................................................................................................... 6-4
6-3 Paper Cutter Mounting Position.................................................................................... 6-6
6-4 The Blade of the Paper Cutter...................................................................................... 6-6

7-1 Appearance and Dimensions (LTPV345 with Platen Unit) ........................................... 7-2
7-2 Appearance and Dimensions (LTPV345) ..................................................................... 7-3
7-3 LTPV345 Platen Unit Appearance and Dimensions..................................................... 7-4
7-4 LTPV345 Mounting Example........................................................................................ 7-5
7-5 Appearance and Dimensions (LTPV445 with Platen Unit) ........................................... 7-6
7-6 Appearance and Dimensions (LTPV445) ..................................................................... 7-7
7-7 LTPV445 Platen Unit Appearance and Dimensions..................................................... 7-8
7-8 LTPV445 Mounting Example........................................................................................ 7-9

8-1 Loading Paper (1) ......................................................................................................... 8-1

8-2 Loading Paper (2) ......................................................................................................... 8-2
8-3 Head Cleaning Procedure ............................................................................................ 8-3

vi
 TABLES

Table Page

3-1 General Specifications.................................................................................................. 3-1

3-2 Sample Motor Drive Frequency.................................................................................... 3-5
3-3 General Specifications of the Motor ............................................................................. 3-6
3-4 Excitation Sequence ..................................................................................................... 3-8
3-5 Acceleration Steps........................................................................................................ 3-11
3-6 Motor Supplied Current Value ...................................................................................... 3-12
3-7 Blocks and Activated Heat Elements (LTPV345) ......................................................... 3-15
3-8 Thermal Head Electrical Characteristics (LTPV345).................................................... 3-16
3-9 Blocks and Activated Heat Elements (LTPV445) ......................................................... 3-18
3-10 Thermal Head Electrical Characteristics (LTPV445).................................................... 3-19
3-11 Head Resistance Ranks ............................................................................................... 3-20
3-12 Head Voltage ................................................................................................................ 3-21
3-13 Activation Pulse Width.................................................................................................. 3-26
3-14 Temperature and Thermistor Resistance..................................................................... 3-28
3-15 Absolute Maximum Ratings of Detectors ..................................................................... 3-30
3-16 Detectors Input/Output Conditions ............................................................................... 3-31

4-1 Recommended Connectors.......................................................................................... 4-1

4-2 Thermal Head Control Terminal Assignments (LTPV345) ........................................... 4-2
4-3 Thermal Head Control Terminal Assignments (LTPV445) ........................................... 4-3
4-4 Motor and Detector Terminals Assignments ................................................................ 4-4

vii
viii
 CHAPTER 1

PRECAUTIONS

Read through this manual to design and operate the printer properly.
Pay special attention to the precautions noted in each section.

1.1 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Follow these precautions when designing a product using the printer, and include any necessary
precautions and warning labels to ensure the safe operation of your product by users.

z Preventing the thermal head from overheating

When electricity is continuously supplied to the thermal head heat element by a CPU or other
malfunction, the thermal head may overheat, causing smoke and fire.
Follow the method described in Section 3.6.9 to monitor the temperature of the thermal head
to prevent overheating.
Turn the printer off immediately if any abnormal conditions occur.

z Preventing the user from touching the thermal head and motor
Warn the user not to touch the thermal head, its periphery or motor as they are hot during and
immediately after printing. Failure to follow this instruction may lead to personal injury
including burns.
Also, allow cooling by designing clearance between the head, motor and the outer case.

z Preventing the user from touching the sharp edges of the printer
Design the product so that when handled the user can not touch the edge of the printer and/or
the cut surface of the metal parts used in it, because the edge of the printer and the cut
surfaces of the metal parts are sharp. Or, include any necessary precautions regarding this
matter.

1-1
1.2 DESIGN AND HANDLING PRECAUTIONS

To maintain the initial level of performance of the printer and to prevent future problems from occurring,
observe the following precautions.

1.2.1 Design Precautions

Precautions for printer control circuit design

z If too much energy is applied to the thermal head, it may overheat and become damaged.
Always use the printer with the specified amount of energy.

z Use C-MOS IC chips (74HC240 or equivalent) for interfacing the CLK, LATCH, DAT and DST
signals of the thermal head.

z When turning the power on or off, always DISABLE (put in “Low” state) the DST terminals.

z To prevent the thermal head from being damaged by static electricity:

• Fix the printer to the Frame Ground (FG) with the FG connector as shown in Figure 7-1
and 7-5.
• Connect the GND terminal (SG) to FG through a 1 MΩ resistor.

z Keep the Vp power off when not printing to prevent the thermal head from becoming
electrically corroded. In addition, design the printer so that the signal GND of the thermal head
and the frame GND of the printer mechanism become the same electric potential.

z Wire resistance should be 50 mΩ or less (however, the lower the resistance, the better)
between the power supply and the Vp, the GND terminals, and the thermal head control
terminals. Place a sufficient distance away from signal lines to reduce electrical interference.

z The surge voltage between Vp and GND should not exceed 10 V.

z As a noise countermeasure, connect the capacitor noted below near the thermal head control
connector.

Vp ↔ GND: approx. 10μF/15 V (aluminum electrolytic)

Vdd ↔ GND: approx. 1μF/15 V (aluminum electrolytic)

z Always monitor the output from the platen position sensor and paper detector. Incorrect
activation of the thermal head may damage the thermal head and the platen, and/or reduce
their longevity.

z The head activation time period may become longer according to the printing condition. If so,
hold the phase of the motor and keep the pause time of the head activation for 0.1 msec or
more. A continuous printing without a pause time may damage the thermal head.

1-2
Precautions for handling printer

z When turning the power on or off, perform the Vp and Vdd in the order of 1) and 2) as follows:

At power ON: 1) Vdd (5 V) → 2) Vp (4.2 to 8.5 V)

At power OFF: 1) Vp (4.2 to 8.5 V) → 2) Vdd (5 V)

z Do not apply stress to the thermal head control terminals. Doing so may deteriorate the
printing quality.
Allow for movement of the FFC (Flexible Flat Cable) when designing the outer case because
the FFC will shift 1 to 2 mm from the thermal head moving.

z When the platen unit is closed, the drive gear of the platen may come in contact with the
reduction gear, making it impossible to close the platen unit. In such a case, open the platen
unit and close it again.

z When closing the platen unit, push down it securely.

When releasing the platen, push down the lever securely up to stop position.

z Push down the center of the outer case cover or the arm to close the platen unit securely.

z The platen unit is a replaceable mechanism. When handling the platen unit, pay special
attention to it. If there are any cracks or dust on the platen roller or plate drive gear, improper
printing will occur.
Furthermore, plastic parts are easily deformed when stress is applied to them. Care should be
taken when assembling parts.

z The lever of the platen is made of plastic and is easily deformed when stress is applied to it.
Therefore, care should be taken when assembling parts and opening/closing the platen using
the lever.
Also, when mounting a long lever on the platen, test it to see if it is sufficiently strong.

z When the platen unit is closed, do not pull out paper.

z If stress is applied to the platen frame during printing, improper printing will occur.

z Since the printer mechanism does not have a paper guiding function, be sure to provide paper
guides on the outer case in order to prevent the paper from getting skewed.

z Design the printer so that the paper feed load is 0.49 N (50fg) or less. Failure to do so may
affect printing.

z For the position in which the platen should be fixed and how it should be mounted, follow the
instructions shown in Figure 7-3 and Figure 7-7.

z For the center of rotation of the cover of the platen unit that is mounted, follow the instructions
shown Figure 7-1 and Figure 7-5.

1-3
Precautions regarding printing and paper feed

z Noise may occur or the paper feed force may be reduced by fluctuations in the motor drive
frequency. Sufficient prior confirmation should be made.

z Design the outer case so that it prevents the paper fed out from getting caught in the platen.

z When data is input and printing is started, suspension of printing or paper feed may cause
abnormal paper feed for several dot lines after printing starts, particularly when printing bit
images.

z Do not open the platen unit during printing. Doing so may damage the printer mechanism.

z Backfeed (reverse motor rotation) only up to a maximum of 5 cm.

However, backfeed cannot be performed beyond the unlevel part of the diecut label.
Avoid backfeeding in highly humid environment. Doing so may cause paper jam.

z backward feed may cause paper skew and jams depending on paper roll layout and designing
of paper holder. Be sure to confirm performance with your product before using the backward
feed.
Avoid backward feeding in highly humid environment. Doing so may cause paper jam.

z To prevent deterioration in print quality due to backlash of the paper feed system, the motor
should be driven 32 steps in the normal direction, during initialization and a time after
setting/releasing the platen unit.

z If printing at a high print ratio for longer length, non-printing area may be colored. Verify the
performance with your actual device.

1-4
1.2.2 Handling Precautions

To maintain the initial level of performance of the printer and to prevent future problems from occurring,
observe the following precautions.
Also, include any necessary precautions to ensure the safe operation of your product by users.

z To protect the heat elements, ICs, etc. from static electricity, discharge all static electricity
before handling the printer.
Pay special attention to the thermal head control terminals and paper detector when handling.
Warn the user not to touch the thermal head and paper detector.

z Do not apply stress to the thermal head control terminals: Doing so may cause printing failure.

z Design the outer case so that metal parts are not placed in the vicinity of the paper detector.
Failure to do so may cause a short circuit of the detector.

z Using anything other than the specified paper may cause the following:
• Poor printing quality
• Abrasion of the thermal head
• The thermal surface of the paper and the thermal head may stick together
• Excessive noise
• Fading print
• Corroded thermal head

z Do not print without paper as this may damage the platen and thermal head.

z Do not hit or scratch the surface of the thermal head with sharp or hard objects as it may
damage the heat element.

z When the printer is not in use, place the thermal head in the up position.
The head down (platen closed state) and head up (platen open state) positions can be set with
the head up/down lever.
If the thermal head remains in contact with the platen, the platen may became deformed.

z Never connect or disconnect cables with the power on. Always power off the printer first.

z When printing a black or checkered pattern at a high print rate in a low temperature or high
humidity environment, the vapor from the paper during printing may cause condensation to
form on the printer or may soil the paper.
If water condenses on the printer, keep the thermal head away from water drops as it may
corrode the thermal head, and turn printer power off until it dries.

z Prevent contact with water and do not operate with wet hands as it may damage the printer or
cause a short circuit or fire.

z Never use the printer in a dusty place, as it may damage the thermal head and paper feeder.

z Do not use the printer in corrosive gas and siloxane atmosphere as it may cause contact failure.

1-5
1.2.3 Precautions on Discarding

When discarding used printers, discard them according to the disposal regulations and rules of each
respective district.

1-6
 CHAPTER 2

FEATURES

The LTPV345, LTPV445 Line Thermal Printer Mechanism is a compact, high-speed thermal line dot
printing mechanism. It can be used with a measuring instrument and analyzer, a POS, or a data terminal
device. Since the printer can be battery driven, it can easily be mounted onto a portable device such as a
hand-held terminal.

The LTPV345, LTPV445 has the following features:

z Battery drive
Due to the wide operating voltage range of 4.2V to 8.5V, four to six Ni-Cd batteries; or four to six
Ni-MH batteries; or two Lithium-ion batteries can be used.
1
z Compact and light weight
The mechanism is compact and light: 93 mm in width, 34.5 mm in depth, 39.5 mm in height,
and approx. 95 g in weight. (LTPV345)
125 mm in width, 34.5 mm in depth, 39.5 mm in height, and approx. 115g in weight (LTPV445).

z Improved operability
The platen roller can be released easily by lever operation allowing easy paper installation and
head cleaning.

z High resolution printing

A high-density print head of 8 dots/mm produces clear and precise printing.

z Longevity
The mechanism is maintenance-free with a long life of 50 km print length and/or 100 million
pulses.
2
z High speed printing
A maximum print speed of 360 dot lines per second (45 mm per second) at 5 V, 680 dot lines
per second (85 mm per second) at 7.2 V or more are attainable.

z Low current consumption

The printer can be driven on low discharge current lithium-ion batteries due to low current
consumption. Continuous printing can be also performed.

2-1
 z Low noise
Thermal line dot printing is used to guarantee low-noise printing.

z Realizing easy design of outer case

The printer mechanism is designed to fit easily into the outer case, allowing for
reduced number of outer case parts.

1
The external dimensions exclude those of the lever and platen frame. 95 g in mass
includes all parts.
2
Print speed differs depending on working and environmental conditions.

2-2
 CHAPTER 3

SPECIFICATIONS

3.1 GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS

Table 3-1 General Specifications

(1/2)
Specification
Item
LTPV345 LTPV445
Print method Thermal dot line printing
Dots per line 576 dots 832 dots
Printable dots per line 576 dots 832 dots
Common activatable dots per line 192 dots 192 dots
Resolution 8 dots/mm
1
Maximum printing speed 361 dot line/s (45 mm/s) (in drive voltage 5V)
1
680 dot line/s (85 mm/s) (in drive voltage 7.2V)
1
680 dot line/s (85 mm/s) (in drive voltage 8.5V)
Print width 72 mm 104 mm
Paper width 80 mm 112 mm
Paper feed pitch 0.0625 mm
Head temperature detection Thermistor
Lever position detection Mechanical switch
Out-of-paper detection Photo interrupter
Operating voltage range
Vp line 4.2 to 8.5V
Vdd line 5 V ±10%
Current Drive voltage 5V Drive voltage 7.2V
2 2
consumption for Average: 1.88 A Average: 2.71 A
2 2
driving the head Max.: 1.96 A Max. : 2.82 A
(Vp)
Drive voltage 8.5V
2
Average: 3.20 A
2
Max.: 3.33 A
Motor drive (Vp) 0.50 A/phase max.
Head logic (Vdd) 0.036 A max. 0.052 A max.
3
Operating temperature range 0 to 50°C
(no condensation)
Storage temperature range -20 to 60°C
(no condensation)
4
Longevity (at 25°C and rated energy) 100 million pulses or more
Activation pulse resistance 50km or more (excluding damage via foreign
Abrasion resistance substances)

3-1
 Table 3-1 General Specifications (Continued)
(2/2)
Specification
Item
LTPV345 LTPV445
Paper feed force 0.49 N or more (50gf or more)
Paper hold force 0.78 N or more (80gf or more)
Dimensions (excluding the lever projections) W93 × D34.5 × H39.5 W125 × D34.5 × H39.5
(Width × depth × height)
Mass Approx. 95g Approx. 115g
Specified thermal paper TF50KS-E2D Normal paper Nippon Paper Industries
TL69KS-HG76 Label Nippon Paper Industries
TC98KS-T1 Thick paper Nippon Paper Industries
1
Maximum printing speed is attained with the following conditions:
z When the driving voltage is 5V and the number of simultaneously activated dots is 64 dots or less
z When the driving voltage is 7.2 V and the number of simultaneously activated dots is 64 dots or less
z When the driving voltage is 8.5 V and the number of simultaneously activated dots is 64 dots or less
2
When the number of simultaneously activated dots is specified as 64
3
Outside this range, prining may blot or be light.
4
The average resistance change rate of the head: ±15% or less

3-2
3.2 HEAT ELEMENT DIMENSIONS

3.2.1 LTPV345 Heat Elements

The LTPV345 printer contains a thermal head with 576 heat elements (dot-size).

576 dots (72mm)

0.125 mm

Figure 3-1 Heat Element Dimensions (LTPV345)

+0
80 -1 mm (PAPER WIDTH)

4 mm 4 mm
72 mm (PRINTING WIDTH)

0.0625 mm
(PAPER
FEED
PITCH)

Figure 3-2 Print Area (LTPV345)

3-3
3.2.2 LTPV445 Heat Elements

The LTPV445 contains a thermal head with 832 heat elements (dot-size).

832 dots (104mm)

0.125 mm

Figure 3-3 Heat Element Dimensions (LTPV445)

0
112 -1 mm (PAPER WIDTH)

4 mm 104 mm (PRINTING WIDTH) 4 mm

0.0625 mm
(PAPER FEED
PITCH)

Figure 3-4 Print Area (LTPV445)

3-4
3.3 PAPER FEED CHARACTERISTICS

z The bipolar chopper driving method should be used for driving.

z Any type of design for the drive circuit other than the example described in Section 3.4.1 may
affect the standard function of the printer.

z Paper is fed in the forward direction when the motor shaft is rotating in the anticlockwise direction
(CCW) as viewed from the motor gear side.

z The motor is driven by a 2-2 phase excitation method and feeds paper by 0.0625mm (equivalent
to a single dot pitch) every one step of the motor drive signal.

z To prevent deterioration in print quality due to backlash of the paper feed system, the motor
should be driven 32 steps in the normal direction, during initialization and a time after
setting/releasing the platen unit.

z During paper feed, run the motor acceleration control, at a frequency below the one shown in
Table 3-2. Do likewise during paper backfeed.

z Up to 5 cm of paper backfeed is guaranteed. Do not backfeed more than 5 cm in length because

it may cause paper skew. Also, do not backfeed beyond the unlevel part of the diecut label.

z During printing, the motor drive frequency should be adjusted so the head activation pulse width
does not exceed the motor step time. (For details, see Chapter 5.)

z If the motor is driven at 350 pps or lower continuously, noise may occur.

z During paper feeding, the motor should be driven lower than the value obtained by equation (1).
(Maximum: 1360 (PPS)

Equation (1):
290 × Vp − 728 (PPS)
Vp: Motor drive voltage (V)

Table 3-2 Sample Motor Drive Frequency

Operating Voltage Drive Frequency

(During paper feed)
4.2 V 490 pps
5V 722 pps
6V 1012 pps
7.2 V 1360 pps
8.5 V 1360 pps

3-5
3.4 STEP MOTOR CHARACTERISTICS

Table 3-3 General Specifications of the Motor

Item Specification
Type PM
Drive method Bipolar
Excitation 2-2 phase
Winding resistance per phase 5 Ω/phase ± 10%
Rated voltage Vp: 4.2 – 8.5 V
Current Approx. 500mA/phase, 300mA/phase

3-6
3.4.1 Motor Drive Circuit

(1) Sample Drive Circuit

Sample drive circuits for the motor is shown in Figure 3-5.

Vp
8 NC
1 10 NC
10µF
25V 9
5
LB1930M 7
0.51Ω
3 2 NC 1%
1/2W
6
4

74HC04 Vcc
74HC00

2.7kΩ
10kΩ
2
1

3900pF 3
1000pF 1
PH1 µPC393 A
2
PH2 B
3
PH3 A
PH4 4
B
Vcc

10kΩ
5
7

3900pF 6
2.7kΩ
µPC393
1000pF

3 6
0.51Ω
1%
4 1/2W
9
Vp LB1930M
74HC00
74HC04 7
1
Vcc 2
10µF NC
25V 8
5 NC
820Ω
16kΩ 10
µPC1093T NC
1%
2 1
A K
REF
3 470pF
1.8kΩ 1.1kΩ
1% 1%
D
CR1 G 2SK1826
S

D
CR2 2SK1826
G
S

Figure 3-5 Sample Drive Circuit

3-7
(2) Excitation Sequence

As shown in Table 3-4, the printer feeds paper in the normal direction when the motor is excited in
the order of step 1, step 2, step 3, step 4, step 1, step 2, . . . On the other hand, to rotate the motor
in the reverse direction, drive the motor in the reverse order of: step 4, step 3, step 2, step 1, step
4, step 3, . . . .

Table 3-4 Excitation Sequence

Signal Name Sequence

Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4
A Low High High Low
B High High Low Low
A High Low Low High
B Low Low High High

H
A
L
H
B
L
H
A
L
H
B
L

1 DOT LINE

Figure 3-6 Input Voltage Signals for the Sample Drive Circuit

3-8
3.4.2 Motor Timing

When designing the control circuit and/or software for starting and stopping the motor, refer to the timing
chart in Figure 3-7 below. Also take note of the following precautions:

Precautions for Designing the Motor Control Circuit and Software

(1) Stop step

z To stop the motor, excite for a single step period with a phase that is the same as the final one in
the printing step.

(2) Pause state

z In the pause state, do not excite the step motor to prevent the motor from overheating. Even when
the step motor is not excited, it maintains a holding force to prevent paper from sliding.

(3) Start step

z To restart the motor from the stop step, shift the motor into the printing sequence.

z To restart the motor from the pause (no excitation) state, shift the motor into the printing sequence
after outputting a single step of a phase that is the same as that of the stop step.

1 DOT LINE

H
PH1
L

H
PH2
L
H
PH3
L

H
PH4
L

PRINTING STEP STOP PAUSE START PRINTING STEP

STEP STATE STEP

Figure 3-7 Motor Start/Stop Timing

3-9
3.4.3 Precautions for Driving the Motor

Acceleration Control

When driving the motor, acceleration control is needed to start paper feeding.
Accelerate the motor sequentially until the motor is driven at a motor driving speed according to the
acceleration steps in Table 3-5.

The method for accelerating the motor is as follows:

1. Output start step.

2. Output first step for the first acceleration step time.
3. Output second step for the second acceleration step time.
4. After that, output nth step for the nth step acceleration time.
5. After outputting the time, the motor is driven at a constant speed.

The printer can print during acceleration.

• In case the print ratio is high and the number of divisions is increased.
• In case the communication speed is slow and there is not enough time to input printing data.
During printing, If slowing down is necessary due to the reasons above, follow the procedures below.

1. When the hold step becomes 70pps or lower:

(“Hold step” is defined as the condition that the motor is waiting till it meets the print condition)
After the motor meets the print condition, start acceleration from the beginning of the acceleration
step of all the dot lines that follow.

2. When the hold step becomes 71 to 228pps:

State the hold step as 70pps (14.28ms), start acceleration from the beginning of the acceleration step
of all the dot lines that follow.

3. When hold step becomes 229pps or over:

Start acceleration from the largest acceleration step of all the dot lines that follows, which does not
exceed the frequency of the hold step. See the Table 3-5 Acceleration Steps.

ex) When the hold step is 380pps (between step 3 and 4);
start acceleration from the next dot line which is 352pps (step 3).

Caution: Speed area 71 to 227pps could cause the motor rotation instability.

3-10
 Table 3-5 Acceleration Steps

Number Speed Step Time Number Speed Step Time

of Steps PPS µSEC of Steps PPS µSEC
Start −−−− 24 970 1031
1 228 4385 25 990 1010
2 296 3378 26 1010 990
3 352 2841 27 1029 972
4 402 2488 28 1048 954
5 446 2242 29 1067 937
6 487 2053 30 1085 922
7 525 1905 31 1103 907
8 561 1783 32 1121 892
9 594 1684 33 1138 879
10 626 1597 34 1156 865
11 656 1524 35 1173 853
12 685 1460 36 1189 841
13 713 1403 37 1206 829
14 740 1351 38 1222 818
15 766 1305 39 1238 808
16 791 1264 40 1254 797
17 816 1225 41 1270 787
18 839 1192 42 1285 778
19 862 1160 43 1300 769
20 885 1130 44 1316 760
21 907 1103 45 1331 751
22 928 1078 46 1345 743
23 949 1054 47 1360 735
speed

Constant
speed area

Slow down

Unusable speed area

228pps

70pps
Hold step 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
time
Figure 3-8 Acceleration pattern with hold step
(In case the hold step = 70pps)

3-11
Motor Current Control

To drive the motor effectively, it is necessary to control the current supplied to the motor.

Change the value of the current supplied to the motor, by switching between the CR1 and CR2 in the
Figure 3-5 Sample Drive Circuit in accordance with the current value shown in Table 3-6.

Table 3-6 Motor Supplied Current Value

CR1 CR2 Current value

HIGH LOW 500 mA
LOW HIGH 300 mA

Activate 500 mA in each motor during printing. After activating until T1 (time), switch the current value to
300 mA. If the period of the motor step is shorter than T1, it is not necessary to switch to the 300 mA.

T1 = 1000 (µs) (When using the TF50KS-E2D)

T1 = 2000 (µs) (When using the TL69KS-HG76 and TC98KS-T1)

Active 500 mA at start step.

Figure 3-9 shows the example of the motor current control.

500mA 300mA

CR1 T1 T1 T1 T1 T1

CR2

PH1

PH2

PH3

PH4

Start 1st step 2nd step 3rd step 4th step

(4.39ms) (4.39ms) (3.38ms) (2.84ms) (2.49ms)

Figure 3-9 Motor Current Control Example

3-12
3.5 THERMAL HEAD

The thermal head of the printer consists of heat elements, and head drivers to drive and control the heat
elements.
Serial printing data input from the DAT terminal is transferred to the shift register synchronously with the
CLK signal, then stored in the latch register with the timing of the LATCH signal.
*
Inputting the head activation signal ( DST 1 to 9 (13) ) activates heat elements in accordance with the
printing data stored in the latch register. * DST9 is for the LTPV345 and DST13 is for the LTPV445.

The LTP V series printer can be printed by dividing the printing data into the block for every 64 dots. (Max.
192 dots.)
The divided printing is effective for a high print ratio printing because it can cut down the peak current with
the reduction of the average printing speed.

Figure 3-10 shows the LTPV345 thermal head block diagram.

Table 3-7 shows the relationship between DST signals and heat elements.

3-13
3.5.1 Structure of the Thermal Head (LTPV345)

Block9
ﾌ ﾞ ﾛｯ ｸ 9 Block8
ﾌ ﾞ ﾛ ｯｸ 8 Block2
ﾌﾞﾛｯｸ 2
Block1
ﾌ ﾞ ﾛｯ ｸ 1

D OT 12 9
D OT 12 8
D OT 576

D OT 513
D OT 512

D OT 449
D OT 448

D OT 65
D OT 64

D OT 1
Vp

Heat Element
発熱体

出 力Driver
Output ﾄﾞﾗｲﾊﾞ

Latchﾗｯﾁﾚｼﾞｽﾀ
Register

ｼﾌﾄﾚｼﾞｽﾀ
Shift Register

DAT

CLK

LATCH

DST9

DST8

DST2

DST1

TH
ｻｰﾐｽﾀ
Thermistor
Vdd

GND

Figure 3-10 Thermal Head Block Diagram (LTPV345)

3-14
 Table 3-7 Blocks and Activated Heat Elements (LTPV345)

Block Number Heat Element Number Dots/DST

DST1 1 - 64 64
DST2 65 - 128 64
DST3 129 - 192 64
DST4 193 - 256 64
DST5 257 - 320 64
DST6 321 - 384 64
DST7 385 - 448 64
DST8 449 - 512 64
DST9 513 - 576 64

3.5.2 Printed Position of the Data (LTPV345)

Data dots from 1 to 576 which are transferred through DAT IN terminals are printed as shown in Figure
3-11.

PAPER FEED DIRECTION

PAPER

PRINT SURFACE

DATA IN
DATA PRINT SEQUENCE

1 2 3 4 5 6 ............................. 574 575 576

LTPV345 PRINTER MECHANISM

DATA INPUT SEQUENCE 1 2 3 4 5 6 . . . . . . 574 575 576

Figure 3-11 Printed Position of the Data (LTPV345)

3-15
3.5.3 Thermal Head Electrical Characteristics (LTPV345)

Table 3-8 Thermal Head Electrical Characteristics (LTPV345)

Ta=25±10°C
Rated values
Item Symbol Conditions Unit
MIN TYP MAX

Head resistance RH 163 170 177 Ω

Head drive voltage Vp 4.2 7.2 8.5 V
Max. simultaneously
Head drive current Ip 4.5 8.1 10.0 A
activated dot 192
Logic block voltage Vdd 4.5 5.0 5.5 V
Logic block current Idd fCLK=6MHz,fDI=1/2fCLK - - 36 mA
"High" VIH CLK,DAT,LATCH,DST 0.8×Vdd - Vdd V
Input voltage
"Low " VIL CLK,DAT,LATCH,DST 0 - 0.2× V
Vdd
"High" IIH DAT VIH=5V - - 0.5 µA
DAT input voltage
"Low " IIL DAT VIL=0V - - -0.5 µA
"High" IIH DST - - 100 µA
DST input current
(HIGH-ACTIVE) "Low " IIL DST - - -0.5 µA

"High" IIH CLK - - 4.5 µA

CLK input current
"Low " IIL CLK - - -4.5 µA
"High" IIH LAT - - 4.5 µA
LATCH input current
"Low " IIL LAT - - -4.5 µA
CLK frequency f CLK - - 6 MHz

CLK pulse width t1 tw CLK See the Timing Chart 56 - - ns

DAT setup time t2 tsetup DI See the Timing Chart 30 - - ns

DAT hold time t3 thold DI See the Timing Chart 10 - - ns

LATCH pulse width t4 tw LAT See the Timing Chart 50 - - ns

LATCH setup time t5 tsetup LAT See the Timing Chart 100 - - ns

LATCH hold time t6 thold LAT See the Timing Chart 50 - - ns

DST setup time t7 tsetup DST See the Timing Chart 100 - - ns

Output delay time tdo See the Timing Chart - - 6 µs

3-16
3.5.4 Structure of the Thermal Head (LTPV445)

Figure 3-12 shows the LTPV445 thermal head block diagram.

Table 3-9 shows the relationship between DST signals and heat elements

Block13
????? 13 Block12
????? 12 Block2
????? 2
Block1
????? 1

DOT 832

DOT 769
DOT 768

DOT 705
DOT 704

DOT 129
DOT 128

DOT 65
DOT 64

DOT 1
Vp

Heat Element
? ? ?

? ? Driver
Output ??????

Latch????????
Register

Shift ????????
Register

DAT

CLK

LATCH

DST1
3
DST1
2

DST2

DST1

TH
?????
Thermistor
Vdd

GND

Figure 3-12 Thermal Head Block Diagram (LTPV445)

3-17
 Table 3-9 Blocks and Activated Heat Elements (LTPV445)

Block Number Heat Element Number Dots/DST

DST1 1 to 64 64
DST2 65 to 128 64
DST3 129 to 192 64
DST4 193 to 256 64
DST5 257 to 320 64
DST6 321 to 384 64
DST7 385 to 448 64
DST8 449 to 512 64
DST9 513 to 576 64
DST10 577 to 640 64
DST11 641 to 704 64
DST12 705 to 768 64
DST13 769 to 832 64

3.5.5 Printed Position of the Data (LTPV445)

Data dots from 1 to 832 which are transferred through DAT IN terminals are printed as shown in Figure
3-13.

PAPER FEED DIRECTION

PAPER

PRINT SURFACE

DATA IN
DATA PRINT SEQUENCE

1 2 3 4 5 6 ........................ 830 831 832

LTPV445 PRINTER MECHANISM

DATA INPUT SEQUENCE 1 2 3 4 5 6 .................... 830 831 832

Figure 3-13 Printed Position of the Data (LTPV445)

3-18
3.5.6 Thermal Head Electrical Characteristics (LTPV445)

Table 3-10 Thermal Head Electrical Characteristics (LTPV445)

Ta=25±10°C
Rated values
Item Symbol Conditions Unit
MIN TYP MAX

Head resistance RH 163 170 177 Ω

Head drive voltage Vp 4.2 7.2 8.5 V
Max. simultaneously
Head drive current Ip 4.5 8.1 10.0 A
activated dot 192
Logic block voltage Vdd 4.5 5.0 5.5 V
Logic block current Idd fCLK=6MHz,fDI=1/2fclk - - 52 mA
"High" VIH CLK,DAT,LATCH,DST 0.8×Vdd - Vdd V
Input voltage
"Low " VIL CLK,DAT,LATCH,DST 0 - 0.2× V
Vdd
"High" IIH DAT VIH=5V - - 0.5 µA
DAT input voltage
"Low " IIL DAT VIL=0V - - -0.5 µA
"High" IIH DST - - 100 µA
DST input current
(HIGH-ACTIVE) "Low " IIL DST - - -0.5 µA

"High" IIH CLK - - 6.5 µA

CLK input current
"Low " IIL CLK - - -6.5 µA
"High" IIH LAT - - 6.5 µA
LATCH input current
"Low " IIL LAT - - -6.5 µA
CLK frequency f CLK - - 6 MHz

CLK pulse width t1 tw CLK See the Timing Chart 56 - - ns

DAT setup time t2 tsetup DI See the Timing Chart 30 - - ns

DAT hold time t3 thold DI See the Timing Chart 10 - - ns

LATCH pulse width t4 tw LAT See the Timing Chart 50 - - ns

LATCH setup time t5 tsetupLAT See the Timing Chart 100 - - ns

LATCH hold time t6 thold LAT See the Timing Chart 50 - - ns

DST setup time t7 tsetup DST See the Timing Chart 100 - - ns

Output delay time tdo See the Timing Chart - - 6 µs

3-19
3.5.7 Timing Chart

Figure 3-14 Timing Chart

3.5.8 Head Resistance

The head resistance of the printer as follows.

Table 3-11 Head Resistance Ranks

Head Resistance
170 Ω ± 4 %

3-20
3.5.9 Head Voltage

The printer has a built-in head driver IC. Table 3-12 shows the head voltage.

Table 3-12 Head Voltage

Item Voltage Range

Head drive voltage Vp 4.2 to 8.5 V
Head logic voltage Vdd 4.5 to 5.5 V

3.5.10 Peak Current

Since the peak current (maximum current) may reach the values calculated using equation (1) when the
thermal head is driven, make sure that the allowable current for the cable material and the voltage drop on
the cables are well within the specified range.

Equation (1):
N × Vp
Ip= 
RH

Ip: Peak current (A)

N: Number of dots that are driven simultaneously
Vp: Head drive voltage (V)
RH: Head resistance (Ω)

3-21
3.6 CONTROLLING THE HEAD ACTIVATION (DST) PULSE WIDTH

3.6.1 Calculation of Head Activation Pulse Width

Head activation pulse width is calculated using the following equation (2).
To execute high quality printing, the value calculated using the following equation (2) must be adjusted
according to the environment the printer is used in. Calculate each value according to the steps in
Sections 3.6.2 to 3.6.5 and control the head so that the pulse width, with the t value obtained by
substituting each value into the equation (2), is applied.
Printing using too high of a voltage or too long of a pulse width may shorten the longevity of the thermal
head.

Equation (2):
R
t=E×( 2
)× C × D
V

t: Head pulse width (ms)

E: Standard applied energy (mj) See Section 3.6.2.
R: Head resistance (Ω) See Section 3.6.3.
V: Applied voltage (V) See Section 3.6.4.
C: Head pulse term coefficient See Section 3.6.5.
D: Heat storage coefficient See Section 3.6.6.

3.6.2 Calculation of Applied Energy

Applied energy should be in accordance with the temperature of the thermal head and the environment the
printer is used in.
The thermal head has a built-in thermistor. Measure the temperature using thermistor resistance. The
applied energy also differs according to the thermal paper used.
The applied energy is calculated by substituting a temperature coefficient and thermal paper coefficient
into the equation (3).

Equation (3):

E = (E0 − TC × (TX − 25)) × P

E: Printing energy (mj)
E0: Standard printing energy 0.199 (mj)
1
TX: Detected temperature using the thermistor (°C)
P: Thermal paper coefficient
TF50KS-E2D 59 µm paper Nippon Paper Industries 1.0
TL69KS-HG76 Label paper Nippon Paper Industries 1.55
TC98KS-T1 125 µm paper Nippon Paper Industries 1.35
TC: Temperature coefficient
TF50KS-E2D 0.002189
TL69KS-HG76 0.001791
TL98KS-T1 0.002985
1 For the thermistor resistance value at TX (°C), see Section 3.6.8.

3-22
3.6.3 Calculation of Head Resistance

A drop in voltage occurs depending on the wiring resistance. Calculate the head resistance using
equation (4).

Equation (4):
( RH + Ri + (RC + rC ) × N )
2

R= 
RH

RH: Head average resistance

RH=170 (Ω)
Ri: Dot wiring resistance in the thermal head
Ri=10 (Ω)
RC: Common terminal wiring resistance in the thermal head:
Rc=0.18 (Ω)
1
rC: Wiring resistance between VP and GND (Ω)
N: Number of dots that are driven simultaneously
1
It indicates the series resistance in the wire and relay switching circuits between the FFC terminals and power supply.

3.6.4 Calculation of Head Activation Voltage

Calculate the applied voltage using equation (5) to adjust the activation pulse width due to voltage change
applied to the head.

Equation (5):

V = 1.14 × Vp − 1.21

Vp: Head activation voltage (V)

3-23
3.6.5 Head Activation Pulse Term Coefficient

Make adjustments using the head activation pulse term coefficient (equal motor drive frequency) so that
the printing density is unchanging even if the printing speed changes.

Equation (6):

C = 1 − 3550/(5000 + W)
W = 1 step (1/2 dot line) activation cycle (µs)

3.6.6 Heat Storage Coefficient

In high-speed printing, a difference in temperature arises between the rise in temperature of the thermal
head due to head activation and the temperature detected by the thermistor. Therefore, the activation
pulse must be corrected by simulating a rise in the temperature of the thermal head.
No correction is needed when the print ratio is low. When correction is not needed, set “1” as the heat
storage coefficient.

The heat storage coefficient is calculated as follows:

1) Prepare the heat storage counters to simulate heat storage.

(a) Heat storage due to head activation

The heat storage counter counts up in each print period as follows.
64 × N
T’ = T +
B
T: Heat storage counter value
N: Number of the activated dots
B: Number of entire dots for each physical block

(b) Radiation
The heat storage counter value is multiplied by the radiation coefficient in each 1 msec.

T’ = T × K

K: Radiation coefficient 0.995

3-24
2) Calculate the heat storage coefficient with the following equation (7).

Equation (7) –1
LTPV345

T
D=1−
43410

Equation (7) –2
LTPV445

T
D=1−
34728

3-25
3.6.7 Calculation Sample for the Head Activation Pulse Width
Table 3-13 lists the calculation sample of the head activation pulse width that was calculated using
equation (2) and the values obtained using equation (3) to (7).
Table 3-13 Activation Pulse Width

Thermistor Motor Drive Frequency (PPS)

Temperature
°C 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000 1100 1200 1300 1360
0 2.758 2.455 2.252
10 2.52 2.243 2.058
20 2.282 2.031 1.864 Do not use this area because paper
30 2.044 1.819 1.669 feed errors may occur because of the
4.2 40 1.806 1.607 1.475 motor torque.
50 1.568 1.396 1.281
60 1.33 1.184 1.086
70 1.092 0.972 0.892
80 0.854 0.76 0.698
0 1.751 1.559 1.43 1.338 1.269 1.216
10 1.6 1.424 1.307 1.223 1.16 1.111
20 1.449 1.29 1.183 1.107 1.05 1.006
30 1.298 1.155 1.06 0.992 0.941 0.901
5 40 1.147 1.021 0.937 0.876 0.831 0.796
50 0.996 0.886 0.813 0.761 0.722 0.691
60 0.845 0.752 0.69 0.646 0.612 0.587
70 0.694 0.617 0.566 0.53 0.503 0.482
80 0.543 0.483 0.443 0.415 0.393 0.377
0 1.114 0.991 0.91 0.851 0.807 0.773 0.746 0.724 0.705
10 1.018 0.906 0.831 0.778 0.738 0.707 0.682 0.661 0.644
20 0.922 0.82 0.753 0.704 0.668 0.640 0.617 0.599 0.584
30 0.826 0.735 0.674 0.631 0.598 0.573 0.553 0.536 0.523
6 40 0.73 0.649 0.596 0.557 0.529 0.506 0.489 0.474 0.462
50 0.633 0.564 0.517 0.484 0.459 0.440 0.424 0.412 0.401
60 0.537 0.478 0.439 0.411 0.389 0.373 0.36 0.349 0.34
70 0.441 0.393 0.36 0.337 0.32 0.306 0.296 0.287 0.279
80 0.345 0.307 0.282 0.264 0.25 0.240 0.231 0.224 0.218
0 0.721 0.642 0.589 0.551 0.523 0.501 0.483 0.468 0.456 0.446 0.438 0.43 0.426
10 0.659 0.586 0.538 0.503 0.478 0.457 0.441 0.428 0.417 0.408 0.4 0.393 0.389
20 0.597 0.531 0.487 0.456 0.432 0.414 0.4 0.388 0.378 0.369 0.362 0.356 0.352
30 0.534 0.476 0.436 0.408 0.387 0.371 0.358 0.347 0.338 0.331 0.324 0.319 0.316
7.2 40 0.472 0.42 0.386 0.361 0.342 0.328 0.316 0.307 0.299 0.292 0.287 0.282 0.279
50 0.41 0.365 0.335 0.313 0.297 0.285 0.275 0.266 0.26 0.254 0.249 0.245 0.242
60 0.348 0.31 0.284 0.266 0.252 0.241 0.233 0.226 0.22 0.215 0.211 0.207 0.205
70 0.286 0.254 0.233 0.218 0.207 0.198 0.191 0.186 0.181 0.177 0.173 0.17 0.169
80 0.223 0.199 0.182 0.171 0.162 0.155 0.15 0.145 0.141 0.138 0.136 0.133 0.132
0 0.491 0.437 0.401 0.375 0.356 0.341 0.329 0.319 0.311 0.304 0.298 0.293 0.29
10 0.449 0.399 0.366 0.343 0.325 0.311 0.301 0.292 0.284 0.278 0.272 0.268 0.265
20 0.406 0.362 0.332 0.31 0.294 0.282 0.272 0.264 0.257 0.251 0.247 0.242 0.24
30 0.364 0.324 0.297 0.278 0.264 0.253 0.244 0.236 0.23 0.225 0.221 0.217 0.215
8.5 40 0.322 0.286 0.263 0.246 0.233 0.223 0.215 0.209 0.204 0.199 0.195 0.192 0.19
50 0.279 0.248 0.228 0.213 0.202 0.194 0.187 0.181 0.177 0.173 0.169 0.167 0.165
60 0.237 0.211 0.193 0.181 0.172 0.164 0.159 0.154 0.15 0.147 0.144 0.141 0.14
70 0.194 0.173 0.159 0.149 0.141 0.135 0.13 0.126 0.123 0.12 0.118 0.116 0.115
80 0.152 0.135 0.124 0.116 0.11 0.106 0.102 0.099 0.096 0.094 0.092 0.091 0.09
Note) The above table shows values for recommended TF50KS-E2D, Rc+rc=0.18(Ω), and N=64.

3-26
3.6.8 Thermistor Resistance

The resistance of the thermistor at the operating temperature TX (°C) is determined using the following
equation (8).

Equation (8):
1 1
RX = R25 × EXP B×  − 
273 + TX 298

RX: Resistance at operating temperature Tx (°C)

R25: 30kΩ ± 5% (25°C)
B: 3950 k ± 3%
TX: Operating temperature (°C)
EXP (A): The Ath power of natural logarithm e (2.71828)

[Rating]

Operating temperature range: −40°C to + 125°C

100
RESISTANCE (kΩ)

10

1
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
TEMPERATURE (°C)

Figure 3-15 Thermistor Resistance vs. Temperature

3-27
Table 3-14 Temperature and Thermistor Resistance

Temperature Thermistor
(°C) Resistance (kΩ)
0 100.99
5 77.85
10 60.57
15 47.53
20 37.61
25 30.00
30 24.11
35 19.51
40 15.89
45 13.03
50 10.75
55 8.92
60 7.45
65 6.25
70 5.27
75 4.47
80 3.80
85 3.25
90 2.79
95 2.41
100 2.09

3-28
3.6.9 Detecting Abnormal Temperatures of the Thermal Head

To protect the thermal head and to ensure personal safety, abnormal thermal head temperatures must be
detected by both hardware and software as follows:

z Detecting abnormal temperatures by software

Design software that will deactivate the heat elements if the thermal head thermistor (TH) detects
a temperature 80°C or higher (thermistor resistance RTH ≤ 3.80 kΩ), and reactivate the heat
elements when a temperature of 60°C or lower (RTH ≥ 7.45 kΩ) is detected. If the thermal head
continues to be activated at a temperature higher than 80°C, the longevity of the thermal head
may be shortened significantly.

z Detecting abnormal temperatures by hardware

If the control unit (CPU) malfunctions, the software for detecting abnormal temperatures may not
function properly, resulting in overheating of the thermal head. Overheating of the thermal head
may cause damage to the thermal head and, lead to injury.
Always use hardware in conjunction with software for detecting abnormal temperature to ensure
safety. (If the control unit malfunctions, it may be impossible to prevent damage to the thermal
head even if detection of abnormal temperature is detected by hardware.)

Using a window comparator circuit or similar detector, design hardware that detects the following
abnormal conditions:

(a) Overheating of the thermal head (approx. 100°C or higher (RTH ≤ 2.09 kΩ)).

(b) Faulty thermistor connection (the thermistor may be open or shortcircuited).

If (a) and (b) are detected, immediately deactivate the heat elements. Reactivate the heat
elements after the temperature of the thermal head has returned to normal.

3-29
3.7 PAPER DETECTOR

The printer has a built-in paper detector (reflection type photo interruptor) to detect if paper is present or
not.

An external circuit should be designed so that it detects output from the paper detector and does not
activate the thermal head and motor when there is no paper. Not doing so may cause damage to the
thermal head or platen roller, or significantly shorten the life of the head.

3.7.1 General Specifications

Table 3-15 Absolute Maximum Ratings of Detectors

(at 25°C)
Item Symbol Rating
LED (input) Forward current IF 50 mA
Reverse voltage VR 5V
Allowable current P 70 mW
Phototransistor Collector-to-emitter VCEO 20 V
(output) voltage
Emitter-to-collector VECO 5V
voltage
Collector current IC 20 mA
Collector loss PC 70 mW
Operating temperature Topr -20°C to + 80°C
Storage temperature Tstg -30°C to + 100°C

3-30
 Table 3-16 Detectors Input/Output Conditions

Item Symbol Conditions Min. Standard Max.

LED Forward voltage VF IF=10mA 1.0V 1.2V 1.6V
(input) Reverse current IR VR=5V − − 10µA
Photo-transisto
r Dark current I CEO If=0mA, VCE=10V − − 200nA
(output)
Transfer Photo electric IC IF=10mA, VCE=5V 150µA − 600µA
characteristics current
Leak current ILEAK IF=10mA, VCE=5V − − 1µA
Collector VCE(sat) IF=10mA, IC=50µA − − 0.5V
saturation
voltage
Response time tr IC=1mA, VCC=5V − 5µs −
(at rise)
Response time tf RL=100Ω − 5µs −
(at fall)

3.7.2 Sample External Circuit

LTP V Series

Vdd (5V) Vdd (5V)

47kΩ 220Ω

Photo interruptor

74HC04
PS

CPU Port VPS

470pF
GND
GND

* The PS signal is high when there is no paper.

Figure 3-16 Sample External Circuit of the Paper Detector

3-31
3.8 PLATEN POSITION SENSOR

The printer has a platen position sensor to detect whether or not the platen is opened.
The platen position sensor is a switch type sensor shown in Figure 3-17. The platen position sensor
switch is in close state when the platen is closed and is in open state open when the platen is open.

Design the control circuit so that the thermal head is not activated when the platen is open by detecting
output of the platen position sensor, or when there is no paper by detecting output of the paper detector.

3.8.1 General Specification

Maximum rating: DC7V, 1 mA

Connection resistance: 70 mΩ or less

3.8.2 Sample External Circuit

Vdd (5V)

LTP V Series
R=10kΩ

HS
CPU Port
C=0.1µF
GND
Switch

GND
* When the platen block is open

Figure 3-17 Sample External Circuit of the Platen Position Sensor

• Note that there is a time lag between operation of the platen position sensor and
completion of pressurization to thermal head.
• To prevent a malfunction due to chattering of the switch, be sure to use the capacitor
shown in Figure 3-17.

3-32
 CHAPTER 4

CONNECTING EXTERNAL CIRCUITS

The printer has a FFC (Flexible Flat Cable) type connector and normal type connector (model
No.51021-0900) made by MOLEX to connect to the external circuits.

Use the recommended connectors listed in Table 4-1 to connect the printer firmly to the external circuits.

Table 4-1 Recommended Connectors

No. External Circuit Number of Recommended Connectors

Functions
1 Thermal head control
2 Motor control
Paper detector
Platen position detection
Pins (in the external circuit side)
30 MOLEX
52103-3019 (horizontal type)
52207-3085 (horizontal type)
52610-3071 (vertical type)
Will be mounted on surface.
9 MOLEX
53047-0910 (vertical type)
53048-0910 (horizontal type)
51047-0900 (transmission type)
Through-hole type

53398-0971 (vertical type)

53261-0971 (horizontal type)
Will be mounted on surface.

4.1 THERMAL HEAD CONTROL TERMINALS

Figure 4-1 shows the terminals configuration of the FFC thermal head control terminals.

The LTPV345 and the LTPV445 are the same shape. Each terminal of the LTPV345, LTPV445 is as
follows.

3030
端子 11

Figure 4-1 Thermal Head Control Terminals

4-1
 Table 4-2 Thermal Head Control Terminal Assignments (LTPV345)

Terminal Signal Input/ Function

Number Name Output
1 Vp Input Thermal head drive voltage
2 Vp Input Thermal head drive voltage
3 Vp Input Thermal head drive voltage
4 GND  GND
5 GND  GND
6 GND  GND
7 Vdd Input Logic power supply (5V)
8 DAT Input Print data input (serial input)
9 CLK Input Synchronous signal for print data
10 LATCH Input Latch of print data (storage)
11 N.C.  NO CONTACT
12 N.C.  NO CONTACT
13 N.C.  NO CONTACT
14 N.C.  NO CONTACT
15 DST9 Input Thermal head print activation instruction signal
16 DST8 Input Thermal head print activation instruction signal
17 DST7 Input Thermal head print activation instruction signal
18 DST6 Input Thermal head print activation instruction signal
19 DST5 Input Thermal head print activation instruction signal
20 DST4 Input Thermal head print activation instruction signal
21 DST3 Input Thermal head print activation instruction signal
22 DST2 Input Thermal head print activation instruction signal
23 DST1 Input Thermal head print activation instruction signal
24 TH  Thermistor
25 GND  GND
26 GND  GND
27 GND  GND
28 Vp Input Thermal head drive voltage
29 Vp Input Thermal head drive voltage
30 Vp Input Thermal head drive voltage

4-2
 Table 4-3 Thermal Head Control Terminal Assignments (LTPV445)

Terminal Signal Input/ Function

Number Name Output
1 Vp Input Thermal head drive voltage
2 Vp Input Thermal head drive voltage
3 Vp Input Thermal head drive voltage
4 GND  GND
5 GND  GND
6 GND  GND
7 Vdd Input Logic power supply (5V)
8 DAT Input Print data input (serial input)
9 CLK Input Synchronous signal for print data
10 LATCH Input Latch of print data (storage)
11 DST13 Input Thermal head print activation instruction signal
12 DST12 Input Thermal head print activation instruction signal
13 DST11 Input Thermal head print activation instruction signal
14 DST10 Input Thermal head print activation instruction signal
15 DST9 Input Thermal head print activation instruction signal
16 DST8 Input Thermal head print activation instruction signal
17 DST7 Input Thermal head print activation instruction signal
18 DST6 Input Thermal head print activation instruction signal
19 DST5 Input Thermal head print activation instruction signal
20 DST4 Input Thermal head print activation instruction signal
21 DST3 Input Thermal head print activation instruction signal
22 DST2 Input Thermal head print activation instruction signal
23 DST1 Input Thermal head print activation instruction signal
24 TH  Thermistor
25 GND  GND
26 GND  GND
27 GND  GND
28 Vp Input Thermal head drive voltage
29 Vp Input Thermal head drive voltage
30 Vp Input Thermal head drive voltage

4-3
4.2 MOTOR AND DETECTOR TERMINALS

Figure 4-2 shows the terminals of the motor control, paper detector and platen position sensor.

The LTPV345, LTPV445 has the same terminal assignments.

9 1

Figure 4-2 Motor and Detector Terminals

Table 4-4 Motor and Detector Terminals Assignments

Terminal
Signal Name Function
Number
1 A Motor drive signal
2 B Motor drive signal
3 A Motor drive signal
4 B Motor drive signal
5 LED anode
VPS
(Power supply side of the paper detector)
6 PS Photo-transistor
(Collector output of a photo-transistor)
7 GND GND
8 GND Platen position sensor (GND)
9 HS Platen position sensor output

4-4
4.3 CAUTION IN CONNECTION

Pay attention to the following during installation of the printer.

• Always remove or install the thermal head controls vertically while holding the reinforcement
portion of the FFC.
• Do not bend the FFC. If the FFC must be bent unavoidably, try to do so without removing the
reinforcement sheet from the reinforcement portion of the FFC.
• Always remove or install the motor and sensor connector vertically while holding the connector
housing.
• Do not pull the FFC downward from the printer.
• Do not apply stress to the FFC during printing. Doing so may cause printing failure.

If the connectors are not connected properly, it may damage the printer, cables or connectors, or may
cause contact failure.

4-5
4-6
 CHAPTER 5

DRIVE METHOD

5.1 THERMAL HEAD DRIVE TIMING

Drive the motor and the thermal head at the same time for printing.
Since the printer employs a half-dot pitch thermal head, the same printing needs to be repeated by 2 steps
for printing 1-dot line.
Figure 5-1 is a timing chart for driving using five divisions. Figure 5-1 is an example of acceleration
control of the motor, data transfer to the head and five divisions of the head.

Output DST1 to DST9(13)* at the same time when not using five divisions driving.

A: Pause state
Transfer the data which are printed in the first dot line to the SHIFT REGISTER of the thermal head.

B: Start step output

Output the same phase to the motor as that having been output just before the motor stopped. The
step time is the first acceleration step term.

C: First step
(1) Output a LATCH signal and store the one dot line data transferred in step A in the LATCH
REGISTER. And then, start activating the thermal head by DST1 to DST9(13)* signals.
(2) Transfer the next print data to the thermal head.
(3) After the time of the first step of the motor is completed, go forward the motor for one step.
(4) Transfer the same print data to the head.
(5) After the time of the second step of the motor is completed, go forward the motor for one step.

D: Second step
(1) Output a LATCH signal and store the one dot line data transferred in step C in the LATCH
REGISTER. And then, start activating the thermal head by DST1 to DST9(13)* signals.
(2) Transfer the next print data to the thermal head.
(3) After the time of the first step of the motor is completed, go forward the motor for one step.
(4) Transfer the same print data to the head.
(5) After the time of the second step of the motor is completed, go forward the motor for one step.

Repeat the steps in the same way. Transfer the data which will be printed in the next step to the thermal
head while starting the activation of the thermal head.
The data transfer time and head activation time may be longer than the motor step time according to the
type of the thermal paper, printing data and operational environment.
In this case, hold the motor step until completion of printing.
Keep 0.1 msec or more for the pause time after head activation.
The print data in the First step can be transferred while outputting the Start step (B). However, in Figure
5-1, the print data is transferred before outputting the Start step.

5-1
 START
PAUSE First dot line First dot line Second dot line Second
First step Second step First step dot line
Second step

* DST10 to 13: Only LTPV445

Figure 5-1 Example of Motor Drive Timing Chart

5-2
 CHAPTER 6

HOUSING DESIGN GUIDE

6.1 SECURING THE PRINTER

The main body of the printer and platen must be secured to the outer case separately with screws.
Always use the positioning pins in Figures 7-2, 7-3, 7-6, and 7-7 for securing the printer and platen to
secure accuracy.

6.1.1 Printer Mounting Method

Secure the printer in the 2 locations and with two screws.

See "CHAPTER 7 APPEARANCE AND DIMENSIONS" for locations and dimensions.

Recommended Screws

The recommended mounting screws are as follows:

Screw: M2.5 cross-recessed pan head machine screw

6-1
6.1.2 Mounting Platen Unit

Secure the platen unit in the two locations shown below (a, b, c) with M2.6 screws. Holes A and B are used
for positioning the printer’s main body.
See "CHAPTER 7 APPEARANCE AND DIMENSIONS" for locations and dimensions.

Platen unit

Screw (2 pieces)

3 screws

Figure 6-1 How to Secure the Platen Unit

Recommended Screws

The recommended mounting screws are as follows:

Screw: M2.6 tapping screw (B tight)

The nominal size of the screw should be the wall thickness of the outer case plus 3 mm. To secure the
platen unit to the wall of a thickness of 2 mm, screws of the nominal size of 5 mm should be used.

6-2
6.1.3 Precautions for Securing the Printer

Pay attention to the following when designing the case and securing the printer. Failure to follow these
instructions may cause deterioration of print quality, paper skew, paper jam, noise or damage.

z Prevent excessive force or torsion when securing the printer.

z Remove the platen unit before securing the printer.

z The bracket for the platen unit is made of plastic. Secure it with an appropriate torque.

z Design the case so that the thermal head control terminals can move 1 to 2 mm to compensate for
the head moving.

z If the FFC for the thermal head control touches the bottom of the outer case, the FFC will
disconnect and/or short-circuit. Leave a space of approx. 0.3 mm between the bottom of the outer
case where the FFC passes through and the bottom of the printer mechanism.

z Secure the platen unit to the printer correctly as shown in Figure 7-4. The platen unit should not
be used in any other way than as described in Figure 7-8.

z The main body of the printer and the platen unit for shipping are inspected and packed for
shipping simultaneously. Therefore, do not change the combination of the main body of the
printer and platen unit when installing them to the outer case.

z The outer case that the platen unit is to be mounted on, should be durable. It should be designed
so that the platen will not tilt to either side when being set.

z The outer case that the platen unit is to be mounted on, should be design as a low loaded
construction.
If the weight load of the outer case or the frictional load for opening and closing is large, reduce the
load by mounting the spring on the outer case.

z Design the outer case so that when setting the platen, the center, right and left part of the platen
unit can be pushed with even force.

6-3
6.2 LAYOUT OF PRINTER AND PAPER

z The printer can be laid out as shown in Figure 6-2 according to the loading direction of the paper.

z Design the paper outlet with an angle of 30 to 90°.

z Design the paper inlet with an angle of 15° to 35°.

Ejection Angle Paper

Optional paper
detector

Paper detector

Paper insertion
angle
Thermal
(1) The distance from the paper detector to the heat element paper surface
A=12.8 mm ±1 mm
(2) The distance from the optional paper detector to the heat General Tolerance: ±0.5
element B=13.8 mm ±1 mm ±5 °
(3) The distance from the heat element to the upper surface of
the mechanism C=7 mm (when ejection angle is 0°) Unit: mm

Figure 6-2 Paper Path

In the LTPV345 and LTPV445, it is also possible to perform sensing from the back of the paper using
optional paper detector.
For details of optional paper detector, contact our sales person.

6-4
6.3 WHERE TO MOUNT THE PAPER HOLDER

When determining the layout of the paper holder, note the following:

z Hold the paper so that the paper is straight to the paper inlet without any horizontal shifting, and
the center axis of the paper roll is parallel with the printer.

z Keep the paper feed force to 0.49N (50 gf) or less.

z Mount the platen unit to the paper holder cover.

For the rotation support point, see CHAPTER 7 APPEARANCE AND DIMENSIONS.

6.4 SETTING THE PAPER

Follow these precautions when setting the paper.

z Be sure to use the recommended paper described in this TECHNICAL REFERENCE.

z Place the paper roll into the holder facing the thermal surface outward. Also, do not use paper
with edges that are pasted or have turnups at the start of the roll. If they need to be used
unavoidably, replace with new paper roll as soon as possible before the entire roll is used up.

z Keep the paper feed force to 0.49N (50 gf) or less.

6-5
6.5 POSITIONING THE PAPER CUTTER

Design the position of the paper cutter so that the paper cutter is within the recommended range as shown
below.
If the distance between the edge of the paper cutter and position reference hole A of the printer is less than
3.6 mm, the paper cutter may interfere with the platen unit when it is opened or closed.
If the distance between them is more than 4.3 mm, the paper is not pressed against the cutter edge and it
is difficult to cut.

Paper cutter
Recommended range of the edge 4.3
position of the paper cutter
3.6

Figure 6-3 Paper Cutter Mounting Position

z Use a cutter with a sharp edge so that paper can be cut easily without excessive force.

Figure 6-5 shows the shape of the blade of the paper cutter that should be used.

The Blade of the Cutter The Blade of the Cutter

Not Good Good

Figure 6-4 The Blade of the Paper Cutter

In the left cutter of Figure 6-4, the cut paper may be caught by the blade of the cutter and rolled inside.
Therefore, use a cutter with the shape of a blade that will not catch the cut paper as in Figure 6-4 to the
right.

6-6
 CHAPTER 7

APPEARANCE AND DIMENSIONS

Figures 7-1 and 7-2 show the appearance and external dimensions of the LTPV345 with the platen unit
and those of the LTPV345.

Figure 7-3 shows the appearance and external dimensions of the LTPV345 platen unit. Figure 7-4 shows
the mounting example of the LTPV345.

Figures 7-5 and 7-6 show the appearance and external dimensions of the LTPV445 with the platen unit
and those of the LTPV445.
Figure 7-7 shows those of the LTPV445 platen unit. Figure 7-8 shows the mounting example of the
LTPV445.

7-1
 General Tolerance: ± 0.5
± 5°
Unit: mm
Figure 7-1 Appearance and Dimensions (LTPV345 with Platen Unit)

7-2
 General Tolerance: ±0.5
± 5°
Unit: mm
Figure 7-2 Appearance and Dimensions (LTPV345)

7-3
 General Tolerance: ±0.5
Unit: mm

Figure 7-3 LTPV345 Platen Unit Appearance and Dimensions

7-4
Mounting section

Printer

Printer

General Tolerance: ±0.5

Unit: mm

Figure 7-4 LTPV345 Mounting Example

7-5
 General Tolerance: ± 0.5
± 5°
Unit: mm
Figure 7-5 Appearance and Dimensions (LTPV445 with Platen Unit)

7-6
 General Tolerance: ±0.5
± 5°
Unit: mm
Figure 7-6 Appearance and Dimensions (LTPV445)

7-7
 General Tolerance: ±0.5
Unit: mm

Figure 7-7 LTPV445 Platen Unit Appearance and Dimensions

7-8
Mounting section

Printer

Printer

General Tolerance: ±0.5

Unit: mm

Figure 7-8 LTPV445 Mounting Example

7-9
7-10
 CHAPTER 8

LOADING/UNLOADING PAPER AND HEAD CLEANING

8.1 LOADING/UNLOADING PAPER PRECAUTIONS

1) Loading paper

z Turn the release lever in the direction of the arrow shown in Figure 8-1.

Arrow

Figure 8-1 Loading Paper (1)

z After confirming that the platen block has separated from the printer mechanism, lift the platen
block up. (Put it in the Open state.)

8-1
 z Insert the paper vertically into the printer. (See Figure 8-2).
Pull the paper through the paper outlet and replace the platen block into the printer mechanism.
Make sure that the platen block locks with a click. (Put it in the Close state.)

z Opening the platen block exposes the reduction gear which can be damaged if touched.
Therefore, take care not to damage the gear when inserting the paper. Moreover, make sure
there is no foreign matter on the gear.

Figure 8-2 Loading Paper (2)

z The paper detector (photo interrutor) may not operate properly if covered with foreign matter.
Therefore, if you find foreign matter on the detector, remove it and clean the detector.

z If the paper skews, feed the paper so that it returns to normal, first, then take it out and set it again.

2) Unloading paper

z Open the platen block and remove the paper.

3) Removing jammed paper

z Open the platen block and remove any jammed paper.

z Do not pull the paper by force.

8-2
8.2 HEAD CLEANING PROCEDURE AND PRECAUTIONS

8.2.1 PRECAUTIONS

1) Do not clean the thermal head immediately after printing because thermal head and its
periphery are hot during and after printing.

2) Do not use sandpaper, cutter knives etc. when cleaning. They will damage the heat elements.

8.2.2 PROCEDURE

1) Turn the release lever in the direction of the arrow shown in Figure 8-1. After confirming that
the platen block has separated from the printer mechanism, lift the platen block up.

2) Clean the heat elements using ethyl alcohol or isopropyl alcohol and a cotton swab.

3) Wait until the alcohol dries and close the platen block.

Figure 8-3 Head Cleaning Procedure

8-3
8-4