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Adding a Parallel Port to a Computer

ProblemOlder ADI eval boards & software require a parallel port, yet

most new PCs don’t come with a parallel portSoftware requires parallel port to be at a legacy address:

0x378, 0x278, and 0x3BCAs far as we know, USB to Parallel port adapters do not work.

We’ve heard from many customers who have tried and were unsuccessful.

SolutionFind a computer with a parallel portAdd a parallel port to your computerRe-write the evaluation software source code

Source code is usually available upon request, however ADI cannot provide help or support for this.

Adding a Parallel Port to ComputerDesktop

PCI or PCIE card (not researched here)Plugs into PC’s motherboardShould easily be configured to work as legacy parallel port

LaptopLaptop docking station (also not researched here)

Not all Laptops can use a docking station Usually specific to the laptop brand and/or model More expensive than add-on cardProvides additional connectors, not just parallel portGood for fixed workstationAlso should easily be configured to work as legacy parallel port

Add-on card (researched here)Not all cards can be configured to work as a legacy parallel portHighly portable

Laptop Add-on CardsAdd-on Cards are either PC Card (aka PCMCIA) or

ExpressCard.Slots on the laptop may look the same, however PC Cards will

not fit into ExpressCard slots and vice versa. If looking at ExpressCards, make sure it communicates to the

motherboard via PCIE instead of USB 2.0. Remember, USB communication does not work.

Laptop Add-on CardsPC Cards tested by ADI:

Startech CB1PECPSyba SD-PCB-1PQuatech SPP-100

Only working solution was Quatech because it can remap to a legacy parallel port address.

Quatech also makes an ExpressCard option, the SPPXP-100Both Quatech cards support 32-bit and 64-bit Windows XP,

Vista, and 7.

SPP-100 PC Card costs about $100 (Google Shopping)

SPPXP-100 ExpressCard costs about $115 (Google Shopping)

Before Buying a Card…Check if PC resources are already taken.

Open Device ManagerIn the View menu select “Show Hidden Devices”Go back into the View menu and select “Resources by Type”Expand the category “Input/output (IO)”Do any of the ranges include 00000278 and 00000378? If both are

taken, getting a parallel port card will not work.

Installing Quatech Card While computer is on, insert the card into the card slot (slot is plug-n-

play) When the Found New hardware Wizard pops up, select “Install from a

list or specific location”

Installing Quatech CardLet the Wizard search for drivers on the CD or point it to

drivers downloaded from http://www.quatech.com/Click finish when complete

Changing Port Address of Quatech SPP-100 Open Device Manager, expand “Ports (COM & LPT)” and double

click on “Quatech SPP-100 PCMCIA Parallel Port”.

Changing Port Address of Quatech SPP-100 Go to Resources tab and un-check Use Automatic Settings. Change the configuration to one with an I/O Range that starts with

0378 or 0278, has an IRQ interrupt, and does not conflict with existing hardware.

To uninstall parallel port cardFollow instructions at

http://www.quatech.com/support/rs232serialpci_faq.php#8