UNIVERSAL CONTROLLER INTERFACE FOR BARCODE PRINTERS

摘要

A universal controller interface for use in a number of different barcode printers (10) is disposed between the printer's microprocessor (14) and a number of the printer's input and output devices including the printhead. The controller (12) includes a microprocessor interface (34) that allows the controller (12) to be used with various types of printer microprocessors. The controller (12) also includes a printhead control circuit (48) that allows the controller to be used with various types of printheads such as an intelligent thermal printhead (20) or a non-intelligent thermal printhead (20). The controller (12) also includes a programmable serial intput/output port (44) and a programmable baud rate generator (58) so as to further increase its flexibility and use with various types of barcode printer intput and output devices. A memory protection circuit (36) of the controller (12) allows various portions of the printer's random access memory (16) to be protected if desired.