The parallel port has 8 data wires, and a large series of ground wires and control wires. Most computer manufacturers consider the parallel port computer science history and no longer include a parallel interface.Ī parallel port is a kind of interface found on computers that is used to connect different peripheral hardware to the computer.The parallel port on modern computer systems is an example of a parallel communications connection. Through the evolution of parallel communication, the Universal Serial Bus (USB) and ethernet interfaces were developed, and they have effectively replaced the parallel port. Developers manufactured adapters to run SCSI devices by parallel ports. With the standardization of connection came more printers, zip drives, scanners, external modems, webcams, gamepads and joysticks that made use of parallel interface. The standard is known as 'IEEE 1284' and sets forth the parameters that define bi-directional parallel communication between peripherals and computers. These IEEE standards created a more unified set of connection types. In 1994, this was resolved when the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) released a set of standards to unify the technology within the industry somewhat. Parallel ports were first used in the 1970s for the purpose of connecting computer printers. Although similar, there were differences in the connection types that made development of peripherals difficult because there was no standard for this type of connector. Hewlett Packard followed with another version. IBM released its version of the personal computer, which included a parallel connector that shared many similarities with the Centronics connector. DC-37 connectors, 36-pin and 50-pin micro ribbon connectors and 25-pin card edge connectors were produced during this time to enable use of the parallel interface. Despite the commonality of the interface, manufacturers did not use a universal connector, so a variety of parallel cables were required. Parallel ports often are identified within the computer's system as 'LPT1' and 'LPT2.'Ī parallel port can be used to connect a joystick to a computer.ĭevelopers Robert Howard and Prentice Robinson with Centronics introduced this interface, and it quickly became the industry standard. The port is often referred to as a printer port and sometimes as a Centronics port, from the 1970 Centronics Model 101 printer that included the first parallel interface for printers. A parallel port is characterized by two rows of small holes that accept the rows of small pins on the cord, and there usually is a screw hole on each side of the port so that the cord can be securely fastened to the computer. When a cord is attached to the parallel port, the two devices are connected and are able to communicate.

A parallel port is a kind of interface found on computers that is used to connect different peripheral hardware to the computer.

Serial vs parallel port