What is Parallel Port? Last Updated : 28 May, 2024 Comments Improve Suggest changes Like Article Like Report A parallel port is a type of interface found on computers for connecting peripheral devices. It is called a parallel port because it sends multiple bits of data simultaneously across multiple wires. In this article, we are going to discuss every point about parallel ports. What is Parallel Ports?Parallel ports transmit data 8 bits (1 byte) at a time, using eight data lines in parallel. Parallel ports are generally used for connecting scanners and printers. It can send several bits at the same time as it uses parallel communication. Its data transfer speed is much higher in comparison with the serial port. It is a 25-pin model. It is also known as Printer Port or Line Printer Port. Primary Terminology Related to Parallel PortsDB-25 Connector: A DB-25 connector is a 25-pin D-subminiature connector used for parallel ports. It is typically located on older PCs and printers.IEEE 1284 Standard: The IEEE 1284 standard defines the bi-directional parallel communications among computers and peripherals. It consists of several modes of operation, ensuring compatibility and improving pace and functionality.ECP (Extended Capabilities Port): It supports DMA (Direct Memory Access) and advanced signaling strategies to improve performance.SPP (Standard Parallel Port): SPP is the authentic mode of the parallel port, supporting unidirectional communication.Handshake Signals: Handshake signals are control signals used within the parallel port communication to coordinate the records transfer between devices. Nibble Mode: Nibble mode is a method of data transfer over parallel ports. It is used primarily for backward compatibility with devices that don't support faster modes.Compatibility Mode: Compatibility mode refers to the simple operation mode of the parallel port, additionally known as SPP. IEEE 1284.3 Daisy Chain: IEEE 1284.3 specifies the daisy-chaining of devices related to a parallel port, permitting multiple peripherals to be related to a single port in a chain-like configuration.DMA (Direct Memory Access): Direct Memory Access uses hardware for accessing the memory, that hardware is called a DMA Controller. It has the work of transferring the data between Input Output devices and main memory with very less interaction with the processor. The direct Memory Access Controller is a control unit, which has the work of transferring data.Key Technical Specifications of Parallel PortsData Width: Parallel ports transmit data in parallel, with every byte (8 bits) of records sent simultaneously over character wires. Transfer Speed: The transfer speed of a parallel port is a function of the length of the connecting cable, cable quality, and the capabilities of the peripherals. Bidirectional Communication: As the name suggests, parallel ports conduct data parallelly, that is, each byte or 8 bits of data get sent across different wires simultaneously. In other words, the data width of a parallel port is normally 8 bits, so the speed of the parallel port will be high compared to the serial port. Connector Type: Parallel ports commonly use either a DB-25 connector (25 pins) or a smaller, more compact Centronics connector. Advantages of Parallel PortsHigh Data Transfer RateSimplicity and Low CostWidespread CompatibilityBi-directional CommunicationVersatilityPower SupplyDaisy-Chaining CapabilitiesImproved Data IntegrityDisadvantages of Parallel PortsCable Length LimitationsLimited Speed and BandwidthComplexity of ConfigurationResource IntensiveLimited Device SupportApplications of Parallel PortsPrinter Connectivity: Historically, parallel ports have been commonly used for connecting printers to computer systems. Even although USB has in large part replaced parallel ports for printer connectivity in current systems.External Storage Devices: Parallel ports were utilized for connecting outside devices including tape drives, ZIP drives, and external tough drives.Data Acquisition and Control: Devices such as facts acquisition cards, sensors, and control structures can interface with computer systems through parallel ports. Comment More infoAdvertise with us Next Article What is Parallel Port? V vishal_black Follow Improve Article Tags : Computer Organization & Architecture Similar Reads Non-linear Components In electrical circuits, Non-linear Components are electronic devices that need an external power source to operate actively. Non-Linear Components are those that are changed with respect to the voltage and current. Elements that do not follow ohm's law are called Non-linear Components. Non-linear Co 11 min read Spring Boot Tutorial Spring Boot is a Java framework that makes it easier to create and run Java applications. It simplifies the configuration and setup process, allowing developers to focus more on writing code for their applications. This Spring Boot Tutorial is a comprehensive guide that covers both basic and advance 10 min read Class Diagram | Unified Modeling Language (UML) A UML class diagram is a visual tool that represents the structure of a system by showing its classes, attributes, methods, and the relationships between them. It helps everyone involved in a project—like developers and designers—understand how the system is organized and how its components interact 12 min read Steady State Response In this article, we are going to discuss the steady-state response. We will see what is steady state response in Time domain analysis. We will then discuss some of the standard test signals used in finding the response of a response. We also discuss the first-order response for different signals. We 9 min read Backpropagation in Neural Network Back Propagation is also known as "Backward Propagation of Errors" is a method used to train neural network . Its goal is to reduce the difference between the model’s predicted output and the actual output by adjusting the weights and biases in the network.It works iteratively to adjust weights and 9 min read Polymorphism in Java Polymorphism in Java is one of the core concepts in object-oriented programming (OOP) that allows objects to behave differently based on their specific class type. The word polymorphism means having many forms, and it comes from the Greek words poly (many) and morph (forms), this means one entity ca 7 min read 3-Phase Inverter An inverter is a fundamental electrical device designed primarily for the conversion of direct current into alternating current . This versatile device , also known as a variable frequency drive , plays a vital role in a wide range of applications , including variable frequency drives and high power 13 min read What is Vacuum Circuit Breaker? A vacuum circuit breaker is a type of breaker that utilizes a vacuum as the medium to extinguish electrical arcs. Within this circuit breaker, there is a vacuum interrupter that houses the stationary and mobile contacts in a permanently sealed enclosure. When the contacts are separated in a high vac 13 min read AVL Tree Data Structure An AVL tree defined as a self-balancing Binary Search Tree (BST) where the difference between heights of left and right subtrees for any node cannot be more than one. The absolute difference between the heights of the left subtree and the right subtree for any node is known as the balance factor of 4 min read CTE in SQL In SQL, a Common Table Expression (CTE) is an essential tool for simplifying complex queries and making them more readable. By defining temporary result sets that can be referenced multiple times, a CTE in SQL allows developers to break down complicated logic into manageable parts. CTEs help with hi 6 min read Like