Formatter-control system The formatter performs the following functions: ● Controlling sleep mode ● Receiving and processing print data from the various product interfaces ● Monitoring control panel functions and relaying product status information (through the control panel and the network or bi-directional interface) ● Developing and coordinating data placement and timing with the DC controller PCA ● Storing font information ● Communicating with the host computer through the network or the bidirectional interface The formatter receives a print job from the network or bidirectional interface and separates it into image information and instructions that control the printing process.
The DC controller PCA synchronizes the image formation system with the paper input and output systems, and then signals the formatter to send the print image data. Formatter hardware The formatter system includes the following components. Table 1-2 Formatter hardware components Component Function Microprocessor Stores fonts and microprocessor control programs. RAM Stores printing and font information and temporarily stores print-image data before it sent to the print engine. RAM data is lost when the product is turned off. NVRAM Stores configuration information. NVRAM is saved when the product is turned off.
USB Sends and receives data through USB type B interface connector (connected to the host computer). Hard disk drive (HDD) The firmware is contained in the HDD or SSD. A remote firmware upgrade process is used to overwrite and upgrade the firmware on the HDD or SSM. Solid state module (SSM) Real time clock This clock is used for the Wake-up time feature. It includes a battery to supply power when the product is turned off. HP Jetdirect Inside (JDI) JDI is an Ethernet interface that is part of the formatter. ENWW Formatter-control system 5