78 Functional information Q1860-90918
Formatter system
The formatter PCA is responsible for the following actions:
controlling the PowerSave mode
receiving and processing print data from the various printer interfaces
monitoring control panel input and relaying printer status information (through the control
panel and the bidirectional I/O)
developing and coordinating data placement and timing with the print engine
storing font information
communicating with the host computer through the Jetdirect EIO or bidirectional parallel
interface
The formatter PCA receives a print job from the bidirectional interface and separates it into
image information and instructions that control the printing process. The dc controller board
synchronizes the image-formation system with the paper feed and delivery systems, and then
signals the formatter to send the print-image data.
The formatter PCA also provides the electrical interface and mounting locations for two EIO
cards and additional memory DIMMs.
PowerSave
This feature (accessed from the configuration menu) conserves power by shutting down the
fuser and exhaust fans after the printer has been idle for an adjustable period of time. The printer
retains all printer settings, downloaded fonts, and macros while it is in the PowerSave mode. The
default setting is
POWERSAVE ON, with a 30-minute idle time.
The printer exits the PowerSave mode and enters the warm-up cycle when any of the following
occurs:
a print job, valid data, or a PML or PJL command is received at the parallel port or an EIO
card
a control panel key is pressed
the top cover is opened and then closed
a tray is opened and then closed
the engine-test button is pressed
Note Printer error messages override the PowerSave message. The printer will enter the PowerSave
mode at the appropriate time, but the error message will continue to appear.
Resolution Enhancement technology
The formatter PCA contains circuitry for Resolution Enhancement technology (REt), which
modifies the standard video dot data on its way to the dc controller board to produce “smoothed”
black-to-white boundaries. REt can be set through the control panel, or from some software
applications. The default setting is medium.
Note REt settings set from software applications or printer drivers override the control panel settings.
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