HP 1200 Service Manual - Page 57

Formatter system The formatter is responsible for the following: ! controlling the optional copier/scanner ! formatting and controlling copies ! receiving and processing print data from the printer interface ! monitoring the control panel and relaying printer status information ! developing and coordinating data placement and timing with the print engine ! communicating with the host computer through the bidirectional interface The formatter receives print data from the bidirectional Extended Capabilities Port (ECP) mode interface or Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface and converts it into a dot image. The ECU synchronizes the image formation system with the paper-feed system and signals the formatter to send the print image data. The formatter sends the print image data (dots) in the form of a video signal, and the printing process begins. Central processing unit The formatter incorporates an embedded Coldfire V3 microprocessor operating at 90 MHz. RAM ! One bank of Non-Volatile RAM (NVRAM) stores parameters. ! Dynamic random access memory (DRAM) provides temporary storage of copy, scan, and print data. Parallel interface or Universal Serial Bus interface The formatter receives incoming data through its bidirectional ECP or USB interface. This interface provides high-speed, two-way communication between the printer and the host, allowing you to change printer settings and monitor printer status from the host computer. EN Formatter system 55