FUJITSU DL3750+/3850+ User Manual

Page 212

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User's Manual

D-10

INTERFACE INFORMATION

Serial Protocols

A protocol is a set of instructions that control the way data is transmitted

between devices such as a computer and printer. The protocol ensures that

the computer does not send information to the printer faster than the informa-

tion can be processed. By telling the computer when the printer can receive

data, the protocol prevents the printer’s buffer from overflowing.

This printer offers a choice of four different protocols for connection to a

variety of computers: XON/XOFF, DTR, and RC. If you computer docu-

mentation does not recommend a particular protocol, try DTR. The following

table describes the three protocols.

Protocol

Description

XON/XOFF

When the printer is ready to receive data, it sends the

(DC1/DC3)

XON (DC1) code (hex 11). When fewer than 255 bytes of

space remain in the buffer (or when the printer is taken

offline), the printer sends the XOFF (DC3) code (hex 13).

(When the input buffer is configured for 256 bytes, the

buffer limit is reduced from 255 bytes to 63 bytes.) The

computer must stop transmitting data within 255 (63)

characters of receiving the XOFF code, or information may

be lost. If paper runs out, the printer sends an NAK code

(hex 15).

DTR

DTR is a hardware protocol; that is, the DTR signal on

interface cable pin 20 is used to control the flow of data

rather than transmission of a character code. When the

printer is ready to receive data, pin 20 is high. When fewer

than 255 (63) bytes of space remain in the buffer (or when

the printer is taken offline), pin 20 is low. The computer

must stop transmitting data within 255 (63) characters of

DTR being low, or information may be lost.

RC

The RC protocol is the same as the DTR protocol, except

that the Reverse Channel signal (pin 11) is used instead of

the Data Terminal Ready signal (pin 20).

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