Hi Luiz,

> I'm interested in additional features of using a bi-directional PC
> Parallel Port instead of a old uni-directional Centronics port.
> I've heared about *Bi-tronics*, *IEEE 1284*, *ECP compliant* but I don't
> have none information around these *standards*.
>
> The needed information is, at least, the pin funtions, I/O address with
> bit assignments and Centronics cable wiring.
>
> I think this information can be usefull to other PICs guys.

There are 3 main types of parallel + standards and the IEEE 1284 doc is 65
pages long (I got a partial copy from the local HP printer Dealer)
and is like real involved.  All the control pins have different and
multiple functions in the varous compatibility modes that just IEEE 1284
(the EPP standard) supports.  The IBM PS/2 printer port had a simply
bidirectional data port but there are now two other complex standards
as well.  Data books from the periferal IC vendors might have details.
Some of the new standards support DMA and/or Buffers.

Generation

1.  IBM PC Parallel

2.  PS/2 Bidirectional

3.  IEEE 1284  = EPP
3.  ECP compliant
3.  One other exotic one>

3.  Bi-tronics, may be different or one of the above 3 exotic ones.

The gen 3 standards are fast and bidirectional.

Cheers
--
Kalle Pihlajasaari     kalle@data.co.za
Interface Products     Box 15775, Doornfontein, 2028, South Africa
+27 (11) 402-7750      Fax: +27 (11) 402-7751