What Does Parallel Interface Mean?
A parallel interface refers to a multiline channel, with each line capable of transmitting several bits of data simultaneously. Before USB ports became common, most personal computers (PCs) had at least one parallel interface for connecting a printer using a parallel port. In contrast, a “serial interface” uses a serial port, a single line capable of only transmitting one bit of data at a time; a computer mouse connection is a good example.
Techopedia Explains Parallel Interface
The first parallel interface was the Centronics parallel interface developed and used in the Centronics 101 model printer in 1970. This became the standard; but a variety of cables were required. Dataproducts and other manufacturers created up to 50-pin connectors. By 1981 IBM introduced their personal computers with printer connections using a cable with a DB25F 25-pin connector on the PC end and a 36-pin Centronics connector on the printer end. In 1987 IBM introduced a bidirectional parallel interface; and by 1992 Hewlett-Packard introduced their version, called “Bitronics,” with its LaserJet 4. These were both superseded by the IEEE 1284 parallel interface standard in 1994.
