Parallel Cables

Parallel cables are cable assemblies that transmit data through a parallel port interface, simultaneously sending multiple data bits for efficient device-to-device communication. Fitted with DB25 (25-pin D-Sub) or Centronics C36 connectors, they remain the standard connection for legacy printers, scanners, laboratory instruments, and industrial peripherals.

Despite the prevalence of newer interfaces, parallel cables continue to serve a vital role across specialist and legacy environments. RS Australia stocks a wide range of parallel cables including DB25 to Centronics, DB25 to DB25, and IEEE 1284-compliant configurations across varying lengths to suit legacy printing, data transfer, and industrial connectivity requirements.

Key Uses of Parallel Cables

Parallel cables continue to play an important role wherever legacy peripherals and specialist equipment remain in active use. Key uses include:

• Connecting Legacy Peripherals: Use the DB25 or Centronics parallel port interface to link PCs to older printers, scanners, and industrial devices reliably.
• Supporting Industrial and CNC Equipment: Keep CNC machines and industrial controllers connected to host PCs via a stable, established DB25 parallel interface.
• Transferring Multiple Data Bits Simultaneously: Parallel data transmission delivers faster throughput than serial connections, making it well-suited to high-speed legacy transfer tasks.
• Accommodating Different Connection Configurations: Choose from male-to-male and male-to-female formats to suit a variety of device ports and installation setups.
• Meeting a Range of Installation Distances: Select from cable lengths of 1m to 10m to match different workspace layouts and equipment positions.
• Connecting Lab and Test Instruments: GPIB/IEEE 488 parallel cables link oscilloscopes, multimeters, and signal analysers to control systems for automated test workflows.
• Meeting Compliance Requirements: PVC-jacketed construction with CE, RoHS, and REACH compliant options suits regulated working environments.
• Supporting Multiple Connector Standards: Compatible with DB25, Centronics C36, and GPIB connectors to suit a broad range of legacy and specialist devices.

Our Range of Parallel Cables

RS Australia offers parallel cables in a range of configurations to suit different devices, installation environments, and technical requirements.

Printer Parallel Cables (DB25 to Centronics C36)

The most widely used parallel cable configuration, printer parallel cables feature a DB25 (D-Sub 25-pin) connector on the PC side and a Centronics C36 connector on the printer side, providing a reliable connection for legacy parallel printers.

Available in lengths of 1m, 2m, 3m, 5m, and 10m, these cables suit a variety of desktop and office installations.

Grey PVC sheathing delivers flexibility and durability, with options carrying UL, CE, RoHS, and REACH compliance available to meet regulatory and environmental requirements.

GPIB / IEEE 488 Parallel Cables

GPIB parallel cables, conforming to the IEEE 488 standard, are designed for connecting laboratory instruments, test and measurement devices, and scientific equipment to host computers or controllers.

Featuring male and female GPIB connectors, these cables allow multiple instruments to be daisy-chained on a single bus for streamlined data acquisition and automated control.

Available in lengths of 1m, 2m, and 4m, they are compatible with instruments from Keysight Technologies and Keithley, among other leading laboratory equipment manufacturers.

How to Choose the Right Parallel Cable

Selecting the right parallel cable requires matching several technical and physical factors to your specific devices and installation requirements. The following considerations will help guide your choice.

• Current Capacity: Check that conductors are equal in length and gauge to ensure even current distribution and consistent signal performance across the cable.
• Port Compatibility: Identify the ports available on your devices before purchasing. Match a DB25 cable to parallel port connections, or use a parallel port to USB converter or USB to parallel port adaptor for USB-only devices.
• Connector Type: Match the connector to your peripheral. For instance, use a DB25 cable for the 25-pin parallel port on standard PCs, Centronics C36 for printers, and GPIB/IEEE 488 for laboratory and test instruments.
• Cable Length: Choose 1m to 3m for standard desktop setups and up to 10m for longer installation runs where greater reach is needed.
• Gender Configuration: Select male-to-male for standard printer connections, or choose male-to-female cables to extend an existing parallel cable run.
• Compliance: Look for CE, RoHS, REACH, UL, and IEEE 488 approval markings where regulatory compliance is a requirement for your working environment.
• Jacket Material: Choose PVC-jacketed cables for most applications, as the material delivers a reliable balance of flexibility and long-term durability.
• Application Type: Distinguish between standard printer and scanner cables and GPIB/IEEE 488 cables for laboratory and test equipment, as each requires different connector types and specifications.

Common Industry Applications of Parallel Cables

Parallel cables remain in active use across a broad range of industries and environments in Australia. Alongside other types of computer cables and connectors, they continue to serve a vital role wherever legacy systems, specialist instrumentation, and established workflows depend on the parallel port interface.

• Legacy Office Printing: Parallel port printers remain in use across corporate and government environments where established print infrastructure has not yet been upgraded to newer connection standards.
• Industrial Automation and CNC: DB25 parallel cables connect CNC machines and industrial controllers to host computers, providing reliable data transfer for machine control across manufacturing and production facilities.
• Educational Institutions: Schools and universities with legacy computer lab setups continue to use parallel cable assemblies to connect printers, scanners, and older peripherals to host systems.
• Test and Measurement Laboratories: GPIB/IEEE 488 parallel cables connect oscilloscopes, multimeters, and signal analysers to control systems, enabling instrument data acquisition and automated testing workflows.
• Scientific Research: Parallel port interfaces support data acquisition from specialist scientific instruments in laboratory and research environments where established equipment remains in service.
• SMEs and Manufacturing: Small and medium-sized enterprises in production and manufacturing sectors continue to rely on parallel cable connections for legacy production equipment due to their reliable high-speed data transfer attributes.
• Document Scanning: Older flatbed scanners requiring a parallel port connection remain in service across offices and document archiving facilities throughout Australia.

Buy Parallel Cables from RS Australia

RS Australia is a trusted supplier and distributor of cables and wires, stocking a wide selection of parallel cables for legacy and specialist connectivity requirements. Products are sourced from reputable brands, including Keysight Technologies, L-Com, 3M, and RS PRO, ensuring reliable quality across every order.

For broader connectivity requirements, complementary options like USB cables and serial connectors are also available to meet all legacy and modern interface needs.

Explore the full range on the RS Australia online store and get delivery direct to your door. With our flexible and swift delivery options, we make sourcing the right computer cables for any project straightforward and efficient.

For more details on delivery times and fees, please visit the delivery information page.