Parallel cable is often used in electronics to connect printers, scanners, and other devices to a computer. The spelling of parallel is unique because it contains two sets of double letters - "ll" and "rr". In IPA phonetic transcription, parallel is spelled "pærəlɛl". The "a" sounds like the "a" in "cat," the "e" sounds like the "e" in "bed," and the stress is on the second syllable. This distinctive spelling contributes to the word's recognition and use in technical language.
A parallel cable is a type of data transmission cable that is commonly used to connect peripherals, such as printers, scanners, and external hard drives, to a computer. It is called a parallel cable because it carries multiple data signals simultaneously through multiple conductors, which are arranged side by side in the cable.
The main characteristic of a parallel cable is its ability to transmit data in parallel form, where each bit of the data is transmitted simultaneously on a separate conductor. This is in contrast to a serial cable, which transmits the bits of data sequentially, one after the other, on a single conductor. Due to its parallel nature, a parallel cable can transmit data at a faster rate compared to a serial cable.
Parallel cables typically have a 25 or 36-pin connector at each end, known as a Centronics connector. These connectors are gendered, with one end typically being male and the other female, to ensure proper connection to the devices being connected. The cable is typically bi-directional, allowing data to be transmitted from the computer to the peripheral and vice versa.
In recent years, parallel cables have become less common as newer technologies, such as USB and Ethernet, offer faster data transmission speeds and more versatile connectivity options. However, parallel cables are still in use in certain industries and for specific hardware that requires their unique capabilities.
The term "parallel cable" is derived from the combination of two words - "parallel" and "cable".
1. Parallel: The word "parallel" comes from the Latin word "parallelus", which in turn originates from the Greek word "parallēlos", meaning "beside one another". It refers to objects or lines that are always the same distance apart and never meet, remaining equidistant throughout their length. The concept of parallelism was initially used in geometry, describing straight lines that do not intersect.
2. Cable: The word "cable" is derived from the Old Norman French "cable", which has roots in the Latin word "capulum", meaning "halter" or "rope". It refers to a thick, strong, and flexible bundle of intertwined wires or cords used for transmitting data or carrying electrical signals.