Useful Parallel IEEE 1284 Female to USB Standard Type A Male Cables
Parallel IEEE 1284 female to USB type A male cables allow you to connect many types of devices like printers, scanners, tape drives, and hard disks to your computer with one cable solution. These female-to-male connector cables are unbranded and may come in a variety of colors, lengths, and styles. This adapter cable will be compatible with any computer with a USB port that accepts a male plug.
What does parallel mean?Parallel refers to a type of port or interface found on computers and computing systems. The purpose of a parallel interface is to connect other devices to the computing system. The reason why the interface is called parallel is because the port will allow you to simultaneously send set bits of data at one time. The parallel interface is mostly found on printers. Hence, you will often see printers with a parallel female port referred to as "parallel printers." The parallel interface is the connector of the device or printer. Below are some technical specs for a standard parallel port.
- Length: About 2.3cm or .9 of an inch
- External: Yes
- Cable: Usually up to 25 wires, which includes the ground cable
- Pins: About 23 connector pins on the plug which include eight for data, four for output control, five for input control, and eight connector pins for grounding
- Maximum voltage: Five volts of DC power
IEEE 1284 is the standard nomenclature for bi-directional parallel communication for your computer and another device that is connected to your computer. Originally, this term was developed by American printer manufacturer Centronics in the 1970s. In fact, this type of port is sometimes known as the Centronics connector port. This type of connector port allows for bi-directional information to go into and out of a computer or a device. The maximum flow of data through one of these connector ports is typically about four megabytes per second.
What are the IEEE 1284 modes?The IEEE 1284 can operate under five different connector modes. Listed below are the various types of modes and a brief description of each mode when the connector or adapter is active. Note that these modes will all be possible with the Parallel IEEE 1284 female to USB type A male cable.
- Compatibility Mode: This is the standard mode which is also known as the Centronics standard. This mode is used only for printers.
- Nibble Mode: This allows you to transfer data at four bits at a time with the adapter and is used for enhanced printer status.
- Byte Mode: This is known as the bi-directional mode. This allows the device to transmit data through cables that usually accept data coming the other way.
- Enhanced Parallel Port (EPP): This allows devices to transmit large bits of data at one time with the adapter.
- Extended Capability Port (ECP): This allows a devices to transmit data at a faster speed than EPP mode.