IEEE 1284

Institute of Electrical and Electronics

Engineers 1284-1994
Introduction
 IEEE 1284 is a standard that defines bi-
directional parallel communications between
a host and a peripheral.
 It connecting a computer to device over a

parallel(8 bits at a time) physical and

electronic interface.
 Peripheral- printer, scanner, cameras, and

hard disk.
IEEE 1284 36 pin Centronics IEEE 1284 36 pin female on
printer cable connection a circuitboard

IEEE 1284 compliant printer

cable
History
 1970 s– Centronics developed the printer parallel port

 1991- Lexmark,IBM, Texas instrument, and other met

to discuss a standard that would offer more speed and
bi-directional communication device

 1992 – A non-standard versions of interface was

developed

 1994- IEEE 1284 specification was released s the

Standard Signaling Method for a Bidirectional Parallel
Peripheral Interface for Personal Computers.
Changes of Standard
IEEE 1284-1994: Standard Signaling Method for Bi-
directional Parallel Peripheral Interface for PC

IEEE 1284.1-1997: Transport Independent Printer

IEEE 1284.2 : Standard for testing purpose(not

been approved)

IEEE 1284.3-2000 : Interface and Protocol

Extensions to IEEE 1284- Compliant
Peripherals and Host Adapters

IEEE 1284.4-2000: Data Delivery and logical

channels for IEEE 1284 interface
Specification
 IEEE 1284 specifies two electrical interfaces:
-Level I interface, which functions at a lower
speed and provides only reverse-mode
capabilities
-Level II interface, which functions at a higher
speed and provides bidirectional
communication
Specification
 IEEE 1284 can operate in 5 modes
Mode Description

Compatibility •It is a forward channel mode

•A mode that moves data from the computer to
peripheral.
•Uni-directional implementation with only a few
differences from the original Centronics design
•Almost exclusively used for printers
Nibble Mode •It is a reverse channel mode
•A mode that moves data from the peripheral to
computer.
•Moves data 4 bits at a time to the PC.
•Combine with compatibility mode to create a
Specification

Mode Description

Byte Mode •It is another type of reverse channel.

•This mode improves on nibble mode by
enabling data to move to the PC one full byte at
a time; by using 8 data lines rather than 2
cycles of nibble mode
EPP Mode •Known as enhanced parallel port mode.
•Works in both forward and reverse direction,
moving full bytes each way.
•Advantage over all mode by its speed.
•It can read or write one byte in a single ISA
(Industry Standard Architecture) bus cycle.
•EPP mode also allowed to switch the direction
 Specification
Mode Description
ECP •Known as extended capabilities port
•This mode adds another layer of sophistication
or complex to parallel data transfer.
•ECP moves full bytes on both forward and
reverse channels.
•Like EPP, each byte is move in ISA clock cycle
•ECP ports have data buffering, DMA supports,
and data compression for more efficient data
transfer.
•ECP include all the other modes within it
Specification
 The computer must determine what the
capabilities of the attached peripheral are and
which mode to utilize.
 Negotiation is a sequence of events on the

parallel port interface that determines which

IEEE 1284 modes the device can handle.
Physical Specification
 The IEEE 1284 listed 3 cable connector and
their pin outs.
 In IEEE 1284 daisy chain specification, up to 8

devices can be connect to a single parallel

port.

Cable Connector Description

IEEE 1284-A D-sub 25-pin
IEEE 1284-B Traditional Centronics connector
IEEE 1284-C Smaller, new connector similar with
Centronic connector
 IEEE1248-A
IEEE
IEEE 1248-C
1248-B
Performance
 Most recent computers that include a parallel port
can operate the port in ECP or EPP mode, or both
simultaneously.
 IEEE-1284 requires that bi-directional device

communication is always initiated in Nibble Mode.

 If the host receives no reply in this mode, it will

assume that the device is a legacy printer, and enter

Compatibility Mode.
 The best mode that is supported on both sides of

the connection is negotiated between the host and

client devices by exchanging standardized Nibble
Mode messages.