SATO M10e Service Manual PN: 9001113A Page 3-1
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INTERFACE SPECIFICATIONS
This section presents the interface specifications for the M10e printer. These specifications
include detailed information on how to properly interface the printer with the host system.
INTERFACE TYPES
To provide flexibility in communicating with a variety of host computer systems, all printers use a
Plug-In Interface Module. The IEEE1284 Interface module is shipped with the printer unless
another interface type is specified at the time of the order. The other interfaces available are a
high speed (to 57.6K bps) serial interface, an Ethernet interface or an optional Universal Serial
Bus (USB) interface.
The Parallel interface will probably be the most useful in communicating with IBM PCs and
compatibles. The RS232C Serial interface allows connectivity to a number of other hosts. The
USB interface allows the printer to be connected to a computer that supports peripherals
attached to a USB bus. Up to 127 peripherals can be connected to a single USB port. The
optional interfaces available are a high speed (to 57.6K bps) serial interface, an Ethernet
interface or a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface.
THE RECEIVE BUFFER
The printer may be configured to receive a data stream from a single or multiple print jobs. The
single job print buffer is generally used by software programs that wish to maintain control of the
job print queue so that it can move a high priority job in front of ones of lesser importance. The
multiple job buffer, on the other hand prints all jobs in the order they are received by the printer,
and the order of printing cannot be changed.
S
INGLE JOB BUFFER
The printer receives and prints one job at a time. Each job must not exceed 2.95 MB.
M
ULTIPLE JOB BUFFER
The printer is able to continuously receive print jobs while compiling and printing other jobs at the
same time. It acts much like a “print buffer” to maximize the performance of the host and the
printer. When using the RS232C Serial interface, the multiple job buffer uses either the Ready/
Busy with DTR (pin 20) or X-On/X-Off flow control protocols. See these sections for more details.
WARNING: NEVER CONNECT OR DISCONNECT INTERFACE CABLES
(OR USE A SWITCH BOX) WITH POWER APPLIED TO EITHER THE
HOST OR THE PRINTER. THIS MAY CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE
INTERFACE CIRCUITRY IN THE PRINTER/HOST AND IS NOT COVERED
BY WARRANTY.