Programming instructions

Intermec Fingerprint 6.13 – Programmer's Guide

6. FILE SYSTEM, cont'd.

1. Printer's Memory,

cont'd.

Continued!

The Read-Only Memory in your printer consists of up to four parts:

• Two EPROM packages containing the Fingerprint firmware,

which controls how the printer works. These EPROM:s are

common for all Fingerprint 6.xx-compatible printers.

• Two Configuration EPROM's, which may contain fonts, images,

and certain programs and files, such as e.g. Shell. Custom-made

versions can be ordered, containing e.g. application programs,

additional fonts and bar codes.

• Optionally, two ROM expansion EPROM's can be fitted in some

models. They may contain the same type of files as the configuration

EPROM's, object files (e.g. two-dimensional bar codes), and/or

an optional Scalable Fonts Kit.

• If the printer is fitted with a memory card adapter, a non DOS-

formatted, preprogrammed memory card can be inserted to

supplement the ROM memory.

There is no way you can affect the content of the Read-Only

Memory (rom:), other than changing the EPROM packages, or

optionally fitting another memory card. However, programs in

"rom:" can be copied to "ram:", where modifications can be

performed. The EPROM's require no current to retain their content.

RAM Memory ("ram:")

The Random Access Memory in your printer has two main parts:

• The storage memory, where you store the programs and other

files that you create or download. Part of the storage memory is

a “no-save area”, the content of which is erased at power-up.

• The working memory, which contains the program you currently

are using. Part of the working memory must also be set aside for

various types of buffers:

– Image buffer: Used to level out differences of speed between the process-

ing of the print image and the actual printing. Its size is decided by the setup.

– Receive/Transmit buffers: Each serial communication channel must have

one buffer of each kind. The size of each buffer is decided separately by the

setup.

– Communication buffers: In a program, you may set up one communication

buffer for each communication channel. This makes it possible to receive

data simultaneously from several sources to be fetched at the appropriate

moment during the execution of the program.

There is no fixed division between the working memory and the

storage memory, i.e. the more data in the storage memory, the less

working memory is left.

The RAM packages are battery backed-up in order to retain their

content when the power to the printer is off.