Automatic line feed

A function that moves the cursor or print head to the next line when a carriage return (CR) character is sensed in the text

Baud rate

Transfer rate in bits/s

Buffer capacity

Size of temporary storage in kilobytes

Carriage return

Carriage return refers to a command used to start a new line. However, it can be programmed to carry out a different function.

Code page

A page of codes specific to the language used

CTS (Clear To Send)

Signal sent by a printer indicating that it is ready to receive data

Cut mode

Type of paper cut

Data bits

Number of bits used to represent a character (7 or 8)

Dip switch

A toggle switch that enables the configuration of circuit boards

DSR (Data Set Ready)

Signal sent by a printer indicating that it is ready to receive instructions or data

DTR (Data Terminal Ready)

A signal that an SRM sends to a printer to indicate its presence

Electronic device

A device that operates on principles governing the behaviour of electronics, e.g., a printer

ESC/POS (Escape/Point of sale)

Communication protocol developed by Epson and used between a cash register and a printer

Firmware

A resident program that controls electronic hardware

Handshaking

Manages data transmission (RTS/CTS and DTR/DSR)

Hardware

A collection of physical devices

IEEE 1284

A parallel communication protocol standard that applies to the following five modes:

• Standard Parallel Port (SPP);
• Nibble Mode;
• Byte Mode;
• Enhanced Parallel Port (EPP);
• Extended Capability Port (ECP).

Interface

Means of connection between software and hardware

Paper-low detect

Indicates that paper is running low

Parallele

Data transmission method used to send data simultaneously over several channels (wires)

Parity check

A basic form of error detection when transmitting a byte, where an extra parity bit is reserved to calculate the parity result according to the option value (even or odd)

Print density

Controls how dark the printout should be

Resident character

Character sets stored on the device; also referred to as an internal character

RS-232

A standard defining the type of cable used as communication bus. However, note that there are other standards, for example RS-485

RTS (Request To Send)

A signal sent by an SRM to a printer indicating that it is ready to send data

Serial

Data transmission method used to send data one bit after the other

Software

A collection of computer programs and related data that provide instructions for computer hardware

SPP (Standard Parallel Port)

Common mode of parallel communication protocol

Thermal receipt

An image burned into thermal paper