System Requirements for Serial, Parallel, and Wireless Support

This section summarizes the requirements for serial and parallel ports in PC 97 system designs.

1. Connection for external serial devices

Recommended: USB or PC Card. This capability can also be provided as a 16550A serial port or equivalent I/O capabilities provided in the system. If a legacy serial port is implemented in a PC 97 system, it must meet the requirements defined in this chapter. If two legacy serial ports are implemented, additional requirements are defined.

2. Connection for external parallel devices

Recommended: USB, IEEE 1394, or PC Card. This can also be provided as a parallel port with Extended Capability Port (ECP) mode capabilities. If a legacy port is implemented in a PC 97 system, it must meet the requirements defined in this chapter.

3. Wireless capabilities in PC system

Wireless capabilities can be provided as built-in capabilities in the system or by using PC Card, IEEE 1394, or USB. If wireless capabilities are included in the system, PC 97 requirements must be met as defined in this chapter.