Connecting to the Printer

A printer can be connected to allow the HSM to print PIN mailers or generate and print components of manually-distributed keys. A parallel or serial printer can be used.

The printer port is used to drive a standard parallel printer (not a “Win-printer” type) implementing compatibility, nibble and byte mode data transfer. The interface is a 25-way ‘D’ type female connector (printer port) on the rear panel of the HSM. There are no configuration parameters, but the HSM is set for parallel printing using the Configure Printer (CP) console command.

The auxiliary interface is used to drive a serial printer. The interface is a 25 way ‘D’ type plug (serial port) on the rear panel of the HSM. The auxiliary port has the same settable configuration parameters as the Console port and is set using the console commands Configure Auxiliary (CA) or Configure Printer (CP).

Auxiliary Port Interface Signals

Pin

Signal

Details

1

Protect Ground

Connected to the HSM chassis

2

TX Data

To HSM

3

RX Data

From HSM

4

RTS (Request To Send)

To HSM (must be asserted)

5

CTS (Clear To Send)

From HSM (always asserted)

6

DSR (Data Set Ready)

From HSM (always asserted)

7

Signal Ground

 

8

DCD (Data Carrier Detect)

From HSM (always asserted)

15

TX Clock (DCE Source)

16 x Baud, from HSM

17

RX Clock (DCE Source)

16 x Baud, from HSM

20

DTR (Data Terminal Ready)

To HSM (ignored)

Serial Printer Specification

 

Character

:

ASCII

Interface

:

RS-232-C (DCE) serial data (not parallel)

Baud

:

300 to 38,400 bps (default 300 bps)

Stop bits

:

1

Data bits

:

7 or 8 (default 7)

Parity

:

Odd, even or none (default odd)

Flow control

:

XON, XOFF

 

It is recommended that printers are located in a secure access-controlled area.