Tech Stuff - IBM Printer Port
The standard IBM parallel/printer port on a 'common or garden' x86 type PCs. Pretty rare these days (most printers connect using a USB port) so it now probably deserves the accolade - Legacy.
IBM Printer Port Pin-out(DB-25)
The Printer/parallel port uses a standard DB-25 connector. The FEMALE end of this connector (without the bits sticking out) is at the Host/PC. This connector can be, and is, used for all kinds of 'things' so beware and check the pin-out if you are using something exotic.
Apology We incorrectly stated that the host end had the MALE connector - seems we got our MALE and FEMALE mixed up. Put it down to the need for glasses, stupidity or major confusion over the reproductive process as you choose.
View into Male end
| DB25 Pin |
Name |
Function/Notes |
| 1 |
Data Strobe |
Active LOW |
| 2 |
Data Bit 1 |
LSB |
| 3 |
Data Bit 2 |
- |
| 4 |
Data Bit 3 |
- |
| 5 |
Data Bit 4 |
- |
| 6 |
Data Bit 5 |
- |
| 7 |
Data Bit 6 |
- |
| 8 |
Data Bit 7 |
- |
| 9 |
Data Bit 8 |
MSB |
| 10 |
Acknowledge |
Active LOW |
| 11 |
Busy |
Active HIGH |
| 12 |
Paper End |
Active HIGH |
| 13 |
Select |
Active High |
| 14 |
Auto Line Feed |
Active LOW |
| 15 |
Error |
Active LOW |
| 16 |
Initialize
Printer |
Active LOW |
| 17 |
Select Input |
Active LOW |
| 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 |
Return |
Ground |
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