Guide To Centronics Connectors

For the most part, Centronics connectors are considered to be the standard parallel connector for printers and computers (although they tend to work with more than just printers). While there are a few variants of these types of connectors, like Centronics 50 and Micro Centronics 36, they’re generally recognizable and you’ll often find that there are quite a few different options available to suit your needs.

Not sure if these are the right kind of connector for you? Don’t worry, we’re here to give you a helping hand in figuring it out.

What Exactly Are Centronics Connectors?

Often blue in color (but not always), these connectors have a plastic bar in the center that holds the contact pins in place and are best known for being used in a variety of parallel connections. They’re named after the team who created it, the Centronics Corporation, although the company was bought out in the 1980s.

Today, many different manufacturers produce Centronics connectors of all kinds, which certainly helps to make it easier for individuals to purchase the ones that best suit their needs.

As mentioned, a little earlier, these connectors come in a few different forms. Some of the most common ones you’ll come across include:

Centronics 36 – These have two rows of pins with 18 contacts, held together by bail locks. These are typically used for parallel applications, like printers.

Centronics 50 – Similar to the connector above, these have two rows of 25 pins and are typically used for scanners and older SCSI-1 devices.

Micro Centronics 36 – Arranged in two rows of 18 pins, this connecter is similar to the usual 36 one in almost every way, except for the fact that they’re usually a lot smaller, and are typically used in similar parallel applications, too.

Fortunately, if you’re not sure which one will be best for your situation, a little look online might be all that you need.

Types Of Centronics Connectors

Centronics connectors are basically of two types: male and female connectors. Male connectors contain side latches with them that snap into the tabs present at the other side of female connectors. However, female connectors also come up with slots to connect with the male connectors. The Centronics connectors mostly come with a 36-pin loop to connect with the computer. To send control signals and read the status information, these connectors tend to use 8 parallel data lines.

Standards Of the Connectors

The Centronics connectors when invented earlier, were used to transmit data in one direction only. They are just used to transfer the data from a device to a printer.  However, with the development of new slots and peripherals, the IEE approved the further standards of communication for Centronics Connectors. For now, IEEE 1284 has specified five basic modes of operation that are as follows:

• Nibble
• Bite
• Enhanced Parallel Port (EPP)
• Enhanced Capability Port (ECP)
• Compatibility

Compatibility mode though the unidirectional mode is used for old laser printers. However, it can be used for bi-directional purposes after combination with the nibble mode. ECP is however used to transfer data bi-directionally. The connector gets attached with scanners and faxes. EPP, however, is used to transfer the data between computers and other peripherals.

Specifications Of the Connectors

Before selecting any Centronics connector for yourself, don’t forget to consider some most important specifications that are as follows:

• Gender of the connectors
• The number of contacts they possess
• The contact resistance of the connectors
• Insulation resistance
• Plating
• Housing and mounting

How Do You Find the Right Connectors?

For the most part, the best thing you can do when trying to find the right type of connector for your needs is to consider the application. If you’re certain that you require a Centronics one, make sure that you know which kind of Centronics connector to get. Factors like size, price, male, or female are all important to take into consideration.

You’ll find a wide range of Centronics connectors and other electrical components over at tme.com – and you’re likely to find something that’ll be suitable for your project at this online store.