104 Theory of operation EN
Formatter system
The formatter is responsible for the following:
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Controlling the PowerSave mode
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Receiving and processing print data from the various printer I/Os
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Monitoring control panel inputs and relaying printer status information (through the control panel
and the bidirectional I/O)
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Developing and coordinating data placement and timing with the print engine
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Storing font information
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Communicating with the host computer through the bidirectional interface
The formatter receives a print job from the bidirectional interface and separates it into image
information and instructions that control the printing process. The engine controller board
synchronizes the image formation system with the paper input and output systems, and then signals
the formatter to send the print image data.
The formatter also provides the electrical interface and mounting locations for two EIO cards,
additional memory DIMMs, the hard-disk accessory, and the optional HP Fast Infrared Receiver.
PowerSave
This feature in the configuration menu conserves power after the printer has been idle for an
adjustable period of time. When the printer is in PowerSave mode, the control panel backlight is
turned off, but the printer retains all printer settings, downloaded fonts, and macros. The default
setting is
POWERSAVE=ON
, with a 30-minute idle time. PowerSave can also be turned
OFF
from the
resets menu on the control panel.
The printer exits PowerSave mode and enters the warm-up cycle when any of the following occurs:
!
A print job, valid data, or a PML or PJL command is received at the parallel port, serial port, FIR
port, or EIO card.
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A control panel key is pressed.
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The top cover is opened.
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A paper tray is opened.
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The engine test button is pressed.
Note Printer error messages override the PowerSave message. The printer will enter PowerSave mode at
the appropriate time, but the error message will continue to appear.
Resolution Enhancement technology
The formatter contains circuitry for Resolution Enhancement technology (REt), which modifies the
standard video dot data on its way to the engine controller board to produce “smoothed” line edges.
The REt can be turned on or off from the control panel or from some software applications. The
default setting is medium.
Note The REt settings sent from software applications or printer drivers override the control panel settings.
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