Parallel Communication Interface

Kunal D. Deshmukh
Roll no.210123002
Outline
• Introduction.
• Types Of Interface.
• Difference Between Serial & Parallel
Transmission.
• Characteristics of Parallel Interfaces.
• History of Parallel Ports.
• How is Data transmission carried out?
• Types of Parallel ports.
• Some other examples of Parallel
Interfaces.
• References.
Introduction
• Communication is a process or act in which we can send or receive
data.
• A Communication Protocol is a system of rules that allows two or more
entities of a communications system to transmit information.
Types of Interface
• Parallel communication is a method of conveying multiple binary bits
simultaneously using multiple conductors.
• Serial Communication is a method of conveying single bits at a time.
Difference Between Serial & Parallel
Transmission:
Sr.No. Serial Transmission Parallel Transmission
1 In this type, a single communication link is used to transfer In this type, multiple parallels links used to transmit the
data from one end to another data.
2 In serial transmission, data(bit) flows in bi-direction. In Parallel Transmission, data flows in multiple lines.
3 Serial Transmission is cost-efficient. Parallel Transmission is not cost-efficient.
4 In serial transmission, one bit transferred at one clock In Parallel Transmission, eight bits transferred at one clock
pulse. pulse.
Serial Transmission is slow in comparison of Parallel Parallel Transmission is fast in comparison of Serial
5 Transmission. Transmission.
6 Generally, Serial Transmission is used for long-distance. Generally, Parallel Transmission is used for short distance.
The circuit used in Parallel Transmission is relatively
7 The circuit used in Serial Transmission is simple. complex.
8. Serial Transmission is full duplex as sender can send as well Parallel Transmission is half-duplex since the data can be
as receive the data either sent or receive

9 Converters are required in a serial transmission to convert No converters are required in Parallel Transmission
the data between internal and parallel form
10 Serial transmission is reliable and straightforward. Parallel transmission is unreliable and complicated.
Characteristics of Parallel Communication
• High speed data transfer.
• Limited cable length.
• Easy Installation.
History of Parallel Ports
• “Centronics model 101” printer was released in 1970 by Centronics.
This printer used the dot matrix printing principle.
• This printers used 36-pin micro ribbon connectors, the interface only
require 21 pins and rest were grounded or not connected. This
connector was then popularly known as “Centronics connector”.
• This Centronics port was having capability of transferring data as high
as 75000 characters per second.
• The printer side of the interface quickly became a standard in industry ,
but manufacturers used various connectors on the system side, so a
variety of cables were required.
• IBM released the IBM Personal Computer in 1981 in which they have
standardized the parallel cable with a DB25F connector on PC side & 36-
pin Centronics connector printer side.
• Introduction to new technologies like scanner & multifunction printers
demanded much more performance. Two more standards have become
popular for those purposes i.e., Enhanced Parallel Port (EPP) & Extended
Capability Port (ECP).
• In 1994, the IEEE 1284 standard was released.
It included the two specifications for parallel port
devices, EPP and ECP.
How is Data Transmission carried out?
• LPT ports transmit multiple data bits simultaneously, typically 8 bits at a time (a byte), on
separate data lines.
• This port has 8 data lines (pin 2-9).
• Alongside data lines, LPT ports have additional control lines for managing the communication
flow. These include,
1) Busy: Indicates if the printer is busy and cannot receive data.
2) Paper End: Signals the computer if the printer is out of paper.
3) Select: Used to select a specific device on the parallel port, if multiple are connected.
4) Acknowledge: Used for handshaking, indicating successful data reception by the device.
5) Strobe: Used by computer to tell the printer that data has been transmitted and is ready for
printing.
6) Select In: Allows printer to be brought on or off-line by the computer.
7) Auto feed: It automates the paper movement and continuous printing.
8) Initialize: Computer initializes the printer.
9) Error: Printer indicates an unspecified operational error.
• Typical Communication Steps:
1.Data preparation: The computer prepares the data to be sent, usually a page of text or
an image for printing.
2.Busy check: The computer checks the busy line to ensure the printer is ready to
receive data.
3.Data transmission: The computer transmits the data byte by byte, sending each bit
simultaneously on its respective data line.
4.Handshaking: The computer sends a control signal, often on the Strobe line, and
waits for an acknowledgment signal from the printer on the Ack line, confirming
successful data reception.
5.Error handling: If the printer encounters an error, it signals the computer through
control lines like Paper Out or Error.
6.Repeat: Steps 2-5 are repeated until all data is sent.
Types of LTP ports
• There are typically 3 types of LTP ports SPP, EPP & ECP. All three types visually look the same and
uses same D25 Female connectors.
• These ports differs by compatible devices & BIOS settings for functionality offering varying
speeds & features.

1. Standard Parallel Port (SPP):

Introduced in the 1980s, it's the most basic mode, offering data transfer speeds around 40-60
kbps.
It transmits data byte-by-byte, using all 8 data lines simultaneously.
Simple design, but slow by modern standards.
2. Enhanced Parallel Port (EPP):
Emerged in the late 1990s, significantly improving speeds to 1.25 MB/s.
Utilizes a bi-directional data flow with handshaking protocols for error checking and reliable
data transmission.
Requires compatible devices and BIOS settings for functionality.
3. Extended Capability Port (ECP):
• Released alongside EPP, offering even faster data transfer rates up to 2.5
MB/s.
• Like EPP in features and functionality but utilizes DMA (Direct
Memory Access) for faster data transfer by bypassing the CPU.
• Requires both compatible devices and ECP-enabled BIOS support.
Some Examples of Parallel Interfaces

• SCSI (Small Computer System Interface): This interface is used for

connecting high-performance storage devices such as hard drives and
CD-ROM drives. SCSI is a more complex interface than Centronics, and
it can support higher data transfer rates. SCSI is still used in some
applications, but it is being replaced by USB and other serial interfaces.

• PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect): This is a high-speed bus

that is used to connect internal components of a computer. PCI is a
point-to-point bus, which means that each device on the bus has its
own connection to the bus controller. PCI is being replaced by PCIe
(Peripheral Component Interconnect Express), which is a serial
interface that can provide much higher data transfer rates.
• AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port): This is a high-speed bus that is used to
connect graphics cards to motherboards. AGP is a point-to-point bus, and it
can provide higher data transfer rates than PCI. However, AGP is no longer
supported by modern motherboards and graphics cards.
References

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parallel_port
2. https://www.firewall.cx/networking/network-cabling/network-paral
lel-cable.html
3. https://computer.howstuffworks.com/parallel-port2.htm
4. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parallel_communication
Any Questions
Thank You