1284compliant

1284compliant refers to hardware or software that conforms to the IEEE 1284 family of standards for parallel peripheral interfaces. In practice, a 1284compliant device can connect to and exchange data with other IEEE 1284 devices over a parallel port using defined signaling, timing, and handshaking rules. The standard originally targeted printer interfaces but covers a range of peripheral devices that use a parallel data path.

The IEEE 1284 family defines several operating modes, including compatibility mode for legacy Centronics‑style signaling, nibble mode, and byte mode, with higher-speed transfers supported by the Extended Capabilities Port (ECP) and Enhanced Parallel Port (EPP). A 1284compliant device typically negotiates with a host to select an appropriate mode before data transfer, and it must meet electrical and timing requirements such as voltage levels, bus timing, and handshake signaling. The standard also specifies connector and pinout characteristics for interoperability.

History and usage: IEEE 1284 was developed to standardize parallel interfaces on personal computers. It achieved broad adoption in printers and peripheral devices in the 1990s and remains relevant in some embedded or industrial systems, even as USB and network printing became predominant.

Compliance and testing: Compliance claims are supported by conformance tests defined by the standard and by vendor documentation. Real-world interoperability depends on the specific mode support and on the host controller’s capability.

See also: IEEE 1284, parallel port, ECP, EPP.