Universal Printer Interface Unit™ (UPIU)
Easily replace obsolete legacy military printers
The IXI Technology Printer Interface Unit™ (PIU) allows any commercial off-the-shelf printer to be used in place of a militarized PT-540 (or compatible) printer. The PIU connects directly to the existing power and NTDS interface cables of the PT-540 and emulates its interface protocol, providing transparent operation with the host computer. An external printer connects to the PIU via a USB or Ethernet port to provide the hard copy.
Ready for rugged shipboard environment
The PIU has passed U.S. Navy environmental qualification tests including shock, vibration, temperature, humidity, EMI, airborne noise, altitude, and drip. The PIU has been selected to replace the PT-540 Printer in the Aegis Operational Readiness Test System (ORTS). In this application the PIU connects to the ORTS UYK-44 computer over the built-in MIL-STD-1397C NTDS parallel interface.
Easy to connect
The PIU’s input power and data connectors are plug-compatible with the PT-540, allowing existing cables to be connected. Power to the COTS printer is provided using an included cable that transitions from the PIU’s circular mil connector to a commercial IEC connector, eliminating the need to run any new cabling at the installation site. Conventional USB-A and Ethernet RJ-45 receptacles and mating plugs are housed in watertight shells providing environmental and mechanical integrity. No special tools are needed for installation.
Configurable
The PIU is shipped from the factory ready to connect without any configuration required. In normal use, the PIU operates without a display or keyboard but they may be connected to the USB port if needed for configuration or maintenance. Virtually any COTS printer can be used with the PIU. The printer can be connected directly to the PIU on either the USB or Ethernet ports or it can be located on a network with appropriate configuration.
Self-test and maintenance
The PIU has Self-Test and Form Feed buttons on the front panel. Self-Test sends a one page test pattern to the printer. Form Feed ejects a blank page. The Ready indicator is green when the PIU is ready for normal operation. If any problem occurs, the Ready indicator flashes red in a repeating pattern that corresponds to the specific error or printer status such as Paper Out, Toner Out, Door Open, etc. The PIU is fan-less and requires no periodic maintenance
Printer Interface Unit General Specifications
MIL-STD-1397C Parallel Type B
Software selectable for Type A/B/C/H
NTDS Receptacles (compatible with):
Output: MS3124E22-55S
Input: MS3124E22-55SY
Standard 15-pin VGA
USB 2.0 series A receptacle in
MIL-DTL-38999 series III shell
One 10/100/1000BASE-T Copper
RJ-45 in MIL-DTL-38999 Series III shell
115 VAC, 60 Hz, Single Phase, 4.8 A
1.1 A (PIU) + 3.7 A (printer dependent)
Connector: MS3472L12-3P
115 VAC, 60 Hz, Single Phase,
Connector: MS3452L14S-7P
10.0” W x 12.0” D x 4.02” H (PIU only)
16.84”W x 15.56” D x 15.8” H (PIU + mounting brackets and printer base)
9.25 lbs. (PIU only)
29.75 lbs. (PIU + mounting brackets and printer base)
Printer Interface Unit Environmental Specifications
MIL-STD-810G
Method 501.5 & 502.5 Procedure II
Operating: 0 to +50 C
Method 501.5 & 502.5 Procedure I
Non-operating: -25 to +65 C
MIL-S-901D, Grade B, Class I, Type A, Lightweight
MIL-STD-167-1A Type I
4-25 Hz
MIL-STD-810G, Method 507.5 Procedure I (Tailored)
95% (non-condensing), 25 to 40 C
MIL-STD-461F
CE101, CE102, RE101, RE102
MIL-STD-810G Method 506.5 Procedure III, 15°
MIL-STD-1474D, Requirement 5
MIL-STD-810G, Method 500.5 Procedure I, 15000 ft.
MIL-STD-1399 Section 300B, Type I Single Phase Power, Paragraphs 5.2.4, 5.3.1, 5.3.2
Model Numbers
| Printer Interface Unit | PIU-00001-01 |
| Printer Interface Unit | PIU-00001-02 |
| Assembly (includes PIU/Mounting Brackets/Printer Base) |
