IFSP explained

IFSP (German: Interface sternförmig parallel, Russian: Интерфейс радиальный параллельный (ИРПР)), or radial parallel interface, was a parallel interface similar to the Centronics connector (IEEE 1284) but incompatible, as it had different signal polarities and handshake protocol. It was used in printers and computers manufactured in Comecon.

All printer input signal lines were pulled up to +5V by a 220 Ohm resistor, and pulled down to ground by a 330 Ohm resistor. This allowed usage of longer cables compared to Centronics, but overloaded most usual Centronics adapters.

Some devices allowed switching between IFSP and Centronics modes, i.e. Robotron 6319—6329 were manufactured with interchangeable interface modules, allowing usage of IFSP, IFSS and Centronics.

Signal description

Centronics—IFSP connection
Centronics signalIFSP signalIFSP signal description
StrobeSCTransmitter control
Data 0D0Data signal
Data 1D1—"—
Data 2D2—"—
Data 3D3—"—
Data 4D4—"—
Data 5D5—"—
Data 6D6—"—
Data 7D7—"—
ACK
BusyACReceiver control
PEA4Paper End
SelA0Receiver ready
Autofeed XT
ErrorA2Error
Init
SLCT INS0Transmitter ready
GNDZGround

See also