BIXOLON SMP685 User manual

User’s Manual
SMP685
Thermal Printer Mechanism
Rev. E
http://www.bixolon.com

Rev. E
- 2 -
SMP685
REVISION SHEET
Revisions
Design section
Revision
REV.
Date
WRT
CHK
APL
Page
Description
A 08.10.20 J.K.KIM J.S.LEE J.T.KIM -
B
09.09.28
J.K.KIM
J.S.LEE
J.T.KIM
-
Spec revision
C
12.09.19
J.K.KIM
J.K.KIM
J.G.KIM
Spec revision
D
13.05.15
M.W.LEE
J.S.LEE
J.T.KIM
Spec revision(685CB)
E 20.06.24 M.H.YU J.S.LEE J.S.LEE ALL
Modified Contents &
Spec revision

Rev. E
- 3 -
SMP685
■
Table of Contents
1. Specifications ..............................................................................................................12
2. Exploded View .............................................................................................................14
3. Component Names......................................................................................................15
4. Connector Pin Arrangement.......................................................................................17
4-1 Main FPC Cable (1mm 30Pin)..................................................................................17
5. Thermal Printer Head...................................................................................................18
5-1 Specifications............................................................................................................18
5-2 Head Block Diagram.................................................................................................19
5-3 Printing position of transmitted data..........................................................................20
5-4 Dimension of Thermal Device...................................................................................21
5-4-1 Heat Element Dimensions..................................................................................21
5-4-2 Print Area ...........................................................................................................21
5-5 Electric Characteristics of Thermal Head..................................................................22
5-6 Thermal Head Drive Timing Diagram .......................................................................23
5-7 Maximum Ratings (Printer head ambient temperature: 25℃)...................................24
5-8 Standard Printing Conditions (Printer head ambient temperature: 25℃)..................24
5-9 Peak Current ............................................................................................................25
5-10 Head Pulse Width Control ......................................................................................25
5-10-1 Voltage pulse width ..........................................................................................25
5-10-2 Pulse width calibration for temperature change................................................25
5-10-3 Head operation pulse width (actual measurement)..........................................26
5-10-4 Thermister Specifications.................................................................................26
5-10-5 Detection of abnormal temperature of the thermal head..................................28
5-10-6 Head History Control........................................................................................29
6. Stepping Motor (Paper Feeding).................................................................................30
6-1 Specifications............................................................................................................30
6-2 Example drive circuit.................................................................................................30
6-3 Drive Sequence (Motor runs in a counterclockwise direction)..................................32
6-4 Motor timing diagram................................................................................................33
6-5 Drive frequency acceleration (acceleration control)..................................................33
7. Sensor...........................................................................................................................35
7-1 Paper detection sensor and black mark detection sensor ........................................35
7-1-1 Absolute Maximum Ratings................................................................................35
7-1-2 Electrical Characteristics ....................................................................................35
7-1-3 External circuit for paper detection sensor sampling..........................................36
8. How to handle the Printer Mechanism.......................................................................37
8-1 Installation of the thermal paper................................................................................37
8-2 Removing thermal paper ..........................................................................................37
8-3 Procedure to resolve thermal paper jamming...........................................................37
8-4 Precautions during installation/removal of the thermal paper...................................37

Rev. E
- 4 -
SMP685
8-5 Cleaning thermal head..............................................................................................38
9. Precautions in Designing External Case...................................................................39
10. Frame Ground............................................................................................................39
10-1 How to connect to the frame ground.......................................................................39
11. Precautions when fixing the platen roller block .....................................................40
12. Exterior and Dimension.............................................................................................41

Rev. E
- 5 -
SMP685
■
Precautions
Read this manual carefully and be familiar with the contents when you design printers or
terminals using the printer mechanism (SMP685).
BIXOLON is not responsible for any damage or loss occurring through improper handling
of printer mechanism, or use of the product in a way that is not described in this manual, or
other components of your company configuring the system.
The printer mechanism has been designed and manufactured for the purpose of mounting
on general purpose electronic equipment.
Additional design and performance verification will be required in order to use this product
where high responsibility is required such as danger of bodily injury or life or property loss.
Please contact sales representatives of BIXOLON in this case.
Intellectual property infringement has not been fully investigated for the sample circuits
included in this document. Check the intellectual properties thoroughly on the circuit before
using it.
BIXOLON makes continuous improvements for the purpose of functional and performance
improvement.
The specifications of the product and contents of this manual are subject to change
without prior notice for this reason. Check the latest user’s manual when you purchase the
printer mechanism.

Rev. E
- 6 -
SMP685
※
Safety Precautions
Take precautions with the following items when you design terminals or other products
using the printer mechanism. Include the required precautions in the user’s manual so that
users can use the products such as terminals safely.
a) Precautions to prevent overheating of thermal head
When heating device of the thermal head is activated continuously due to malfunction,
it may cause fire due to overheating of the thermal head. Design the system to prevent
malfunction of the thermal head in case of abnormal conditions.
b) Precautions on temperature increase of the thermal head
The temperature of the thermal head and peripheral devices may increase significantly.
Design the system to prevent burn injuries that could occur when user touches the
thermal head. Attach a warning label so that users can use the device safely. Give
warning to users so that they clean the thermal head only after it has cooled down.
Leave sufficient space between the thermal head and the external case when
designing the external case for faster cooling of the thermal head.
c) Precautions on the increase of motor temperature
The temperature of the stepping motor and peripheral devices may increase significantly
during and right after printing. Design the external case to prevent burn injuries to users
that could be caused when they touch the motor. Attach a warning label so that users
can use the device safely. Leave sufficient space between the motor and external case
when designing the external case for better motor cooling.
d) Precautions for motor drive
User’s hair may get caught between the platen roller and gear if they get too close.
Design the system to prevent printer motor drive when the external case and platen
roller block are open. Design the system to prevent contact between the external case
and the platen roller and gear, and prevent the object jamming.Attach a warning label
so that users can use the device safely.

Rev. E
- 7 -
SMP685
※
Design Precautions
Take precautions on following items when designing products such as terminals using the
printer mechanism.
a) Power on sequence should be as follows.
- Startup:Apply Vdd and then Vp
- Shutdown: Shutdown Vp and then Vdd
b) The surge voltage between Vp and GND should be less than 10V.
c) Connect 0.1 uF capacitor between Vdd and GND near to the connector in order to
prevent noise.
d) The resistance of the wire connected between the power supply device (Vp and GND)
and the printer mechanism (terminal connection) should be as low as possible (less
than 50mΩ). Leave sufficient space between signal lines to prevent interference.
e) Shutdown Vp supply while the printer is not printing to protect the thermal head from
electrolytic corrosion. Design your system to maintain the same potential for the GND
signal of the thermal head and the frame ground of the printer mechanism.
f) Use C-MOS IC for signals like CLK, nLAT, SI, and STB.
g) Never use the STB terminal during power shutdown or when the printer is not printing.
h) Never activate the thermal head if platen roller block is open and there is no paper.
Incorrect activation of thermal head may damage or reduce the lifespan of the thermal
head and the platen roller.
i) The temporary pause time between the activation of the same thermal device should be
at least longer than 0.5 ms. Precautions should be taken when using 1 section printing
or when the thermal head activation time becomes longer. Activation of the thermal
head without pause for a long time may damage the thermal head.
j) Force to feed the paper may be reduced depending on the motor pulse speed. Check
the actual performance while you use the device.
k) Do not move the thermal paper backward. If the thermal paper breaks away from the
thermal head of platen roller, the printer mechanism may not feed the paper or a paper
jam may occur.
l) Continuous printing may cause issues in the printer mechanism due to accumulated heat
in the stepping motor. If there is a need to print continuously for several minutes, stop
the printing the middle and restart the printing when the step motor has cooled down
sufficiently. Check the actual performance while you use the device.

Rev. E
- 8 -
SMP685
m) The door rotation system of the external case that holds the platen block should be
installed while pressing down the center of the platen roller block. If it is installed by
pressing down one side of the platen roller block, it may cause a printing problem or
paper jamming. Check the actual performance while you use the device. Provide
instructions to press down the center of the platen roller block during installation.
n) Provide sufficient space when designing the external case so that user can remove the
lever easily using the fingers.
o) Printing quality cannot be guaranteed if thermal paper that is not recommended is used
and it may reduce the life span of the thermal head.
p) The area of sensing by the paper detection sensor changes depending on the input and
output resistance. Refer to the paper detection sensor sample circuit in 7-1-3. Check
the performance by using the device in actual conditions.
q) Move the paper feed motor forward in 4 ~ 8 steps when you first turn on the power after
product design or reattaching the separated platen roller block. Otherwise the first line
will be overlapped. Check the performance by using the device in actual conditions.

Rev. E
- 9 -
SMP685
※
Precautions in Handling
Incorrect handling may damage or reduce the efficiency of the printer mechanism. Take
precautions with the following.
* If papers that are not recommended are used
- Printing quality drops due to low thermal sensitivity.
- The thermal head may wear out more quickly because the surface of the thermal paper
is coarse.
- The thermal layer of the thermal paper may get stuck to the thermal head causing
printing problems and generating noise.
- The preservation performance is poor and the printing may be discolored.
- Electrolytic corrosion may occur due to low quality paper.
a) If the printer mechanism is left unused for an extended period of time, printing quality
may be degraded due to deformation of the platen roller. In this case, feed the thermal
paper for a while so that the deformation of the platen roller is reduced. Paper feeding
may become difficult if the thermal head is in contact with the roller without thermal
paper because the platen roller and thermal head may get stuck. In this case, separate
the platen roller and install the paper again.
b) Do not separate the platen roller block during printing.
It may damage the printer mechanism.
c) If it is difficult to install the platen roller because the reduction gear is sticking out,
separate the platen roller and install the block again.
d) Never pull out the thermal paper while installing the platen roller block. It may damage
the printer mechanism.
e) Do not apply the platen roller block during printing. It may case defects in printing quality.
f) Wear electrostatic prevention clothes when you handle the printer mechanism to prevent
damage to the thermal head from static electricity by discharging the static charges in
your body by touching metal substances. Pay extra care when handling the thermal
device on the thermal and connection terminals.
g) Do not scratch or scrub the thermal head with sharp of heavy objects. It may damage
the thermal head.
h) High speed printing in low temperature or very humid environment may cause
condensation in the printer mechanism due to water vapor evaporated from the thermal
paper and it may damage the thermal paper. Do not apply power until the moisture is
completely dried.
i) Connect or disconnect the printer mechanism connection terminal (printer connection
terminal) only after turning off the printer mechanism.

Rev. E
- 10 -
SMP685
j) Do not apply force to FPC while connecting and disconnecting the connection terminal
(printer connection terminal). It may damage FPC.
k) Provide a warning to users so that they do not change the thermal paper discharge
angle and do not pull the paper during printing. It may case printing defect or paper
jamming.
l) Provide a warning to users so that they do not touch the thermal head and sensor when
replacing the thermal paper due to damaged thermal paper or printing defects.
m) Do not use paper rolls with glue at the tip or folded ones. If this kind of paper is used,
replace it with new paper before the tip appears.
n) Never unscrew the screws that hold the parts configuring the printer mechanism.
Unscrewing them may degrade the performance of the printer mechanism.
o) The printer mechanism is not waterproof and is susceptible to water damage. Do not let
it get exposed to water and do not handle it with wet hands. It may damage the printer
mechanism or cause a fire due to short circuit.
p) The printer mechanism is susceptible to dust. Do not use the printer mechanism in
dusty places. It may damage the thermal head and paper drive system.

Rev. E
- 11 -
SMP685
■
Features of SMP685 printer mechanism
This printer mechanism has the following features.
* High Speed Printer
- Support up to 90mm per second of printing speed.
* High Resolution Printing
- Smooth and accurate printing is supported using high-density printer head with
a density of 8 dots/mm.
* Small and Economic Size
- The product is designed in compact size.
* High Reliability
- 50km printing life is guaranteed.
* Low Noise
- Printing noise is small with thermal printing method.

Rev. E
- 12 -
SMP685
1. Specifications
Printing method
Thermal Dot Line Printing
Resolution
8 dots/mm
Number of dots per line
384 dots
Simultaneously
activated dots
64dots
Printing width
48mm
Printing speed
90mm/s (at 8.5V) * Note. 1)
Paper feed gap
0.0625mm (at 2-2Phase) * Note. 2)
Paper width
58 0, -1 mm
Paper diameter
Max. 80mm
Head
temperature detection
Via thermistor
Out of paper detection
Via photo interrupter
Operating voltage
4.75 ~ 9.5VDC (Vp line : TPH, Step motors)
2.7 ~ 5.25VDC (Vdd line : Logic)
Power consumption
Head : 3.2A(at 64dots, 9.5V)
* Note. 3)
Motor paper feed : 0.6A (Max. current)
Head Logic : 0.1A
Paper feed loading
Min. 100gf
Product life
(25
o
C, normal energy)
Activation pulse resistance : 100million
Abrasion resistance : 50km
Impact resistance
Package : Bixolon standard package
Height : 75 cm
Directions : 1 corner, 3edges and 6 surfaces
Recommended paper
A. TF50KS-E2D(Paper thickness : 65
µ
m)
of Nippon paper Industries Co., Ltd
B. PD 160R(75 µm) of New Oji Paper Mfg, Co., Ltd.
C. P350(62 µm) of Kanzaki Specialty Paper, Inc.(USA)
D. Hansol Thermo 65(65
µ
m) of Hansol Paper Co., Ltd.(Korea)
Size
(Width x Length x Height) 67.2mm(H) x 33mm(D) x 17.4mm(H)
Weight
35.0g
Temperature range
Operating : 0°C to 45°C Storage : -20°C to 60°C (no condensation)
Humidity range
Operating : 10 to 80% RH Storage : 90% RH

Rev. E
- 13 -
SMP685
Operation conditions
by temperature / humidity
*Note. 1) Printing speed depends on the controller processing speed and strobe
pulse width.
*Note. 2) In case of motor driving 1-2 phase, paper supply interval : 0.03125mm
*Note. 3) Current value when all 64 dots are printed.
Operable zone
Printing quality guarantee zone

Rev. E
- 14 -
SMP685
2. Exploded View

Rev. E
- 15 -
SMP685
3. Component Names
No Parts No Name Specifications Q’ty A/S
1 KP05-00023A Frame lower SECC T1.0(685CB/CJS)1 N
KP05-00023B SECC T1.0(685CK)
2
KM05-00019A
Frame upper
PC-GF10(685CB/CJS)
1 N
KM05-00019B PC-GF10(685CK)
3
AE05-00033B Ass’y TPH
(AOI) TPH(AOI)+FPC(S)+Bracket +Sensor+Motor(685CK)
1 N
AE05-00034B Ass’y TPH
(AOI, FPC L) TPH(AOI)+FPC(L)+Bracket +Sensor+Motor(685CJS)
AE05-00037B
Ass’y TPH
(AOI)
TPH(AOI)+FPC(S)+Bracket
+Sensor+Motor(685CB)
KF05-00038R Ass’y TPH
(Rohm) TPH(Rohm)+FPC(L)+Bracket+ Sensor+Motor(685CK)
KF05-00037R Ass’y TPH
(Rohm, FPC L) TPH(AOI)+FPC+Bracket +Sensor+Motor(685CJS)
KF05-00039R Ass’y TPH
(Rohm) TPH(Rohm)+FPC+Bracket+ Sensor+Motor(685CB)
4
KS05-00009C
Spring pressure
SUS304
2
N
5-1 KS05-00011B Spring roller SUS304(685CB/CJS)1 N
KS05-00010A SUS304(685CK)
5-2 KS05-00011C Spring roller SUS304(685CB/CJS)1 N
KS05-00010A
SUS304(685CK)
6 KM05-00018A Frame gear POM(685CB/CJS)1 N
KM05-00018B POM(685CK)
7 KM05-00010A Gear deceleration A POM, White 1 N
8
KM05-00011A
Gear deceleration B
POM, White(685CB/CJS)
1 N
KM05-00011B POM, Blue(685CK)
9 KM05-00012A Gear deceleration C POM, White(685CB/CJS)1 N
KM05-00012B POM, Blue(685CK)
10 AR05-00018B Ass’y Platen roller
(White Gear)
SUS303+Silicone+Washer
+ Bush bearing(685CB/CJS)
1 Y
AR05-00018C Ass’y Platen roller
(Blue Gear) SUS303+Silicone+Washer + Bush bearing(685CK)
11 KC05-00014A Screw- Machine M1.7*2 1 N
12 KC05-00015A Screw- Machine M1.7*3 1 N

Rev. E
- 16 -
SMP685
13 KC05-00007A Screw-Tapping M1.7*7 1 N
14 6002-001052 Screw-Tapping M1.7*3 4 N

Rev. E
- 17 -
SMP685
4. Connector Pin Arrangement
4-1 Main FPC Cable (1mm 30Pin)
Pin No.
Signal
Function
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
PS_IN
VSEN
PS_OUT
NC
NC
Vp
Vp
DI
CLK
GND
GND
STB6
STB5
STB4
VDD
TH1
TH2
STB3
STB2
STB1
GND
GND
/LAT
DO
Vp
Vp
OUT2
OUT1
OUT3
OUT4
Cathode for photo interrupter
Photo interrupter power
Emitter for photo interrupter
Non connector
Non connector
Print Supply Voltage
Print Supply Voltage
Data IN
Clock
Ground
Ground
Strobe 6
Strobe 5
Strobe 4
Logic Voltage
Head Thermistor
Head Thermistor
Strobe 3
Strobe 2
Strobe 1
Ground
Ground
Latch(Low Active)
Data OUT
Print Supply Voltage
Print Supply Voltage
Stepping Motor signal
Stepping Motor signal
Stepping Motor signal
Stepping Motor signal
※User recommended connector : 1mm pitch 30pin FFC/FPC CONNECTOR

Rev. E
- 18 -
SMP685
5. Thermal Printer Head
Thermal head comprises a thermal device and thermal head driver that drives and controls
the thermal device. Data input coming from SI terminal is “High” for printing and “Low” for
not printing. The data coming from SI terminal are transmitted to the shift registers at the
rising edge of the CLK signal.
After transmitting one line data, nLAT signal becomes “Low” and data are transferred to
the latch registers. STB signal becomes “High” depending on the stored printing data and
thermal device is activated.
Division printing of 6block with 64 dots each is supported.
Division printing can reduce the peak current.
5-1 Specifications
Printing width 48mm
Total number of dots
384 dots / Line (2heaters/dot)
Dot density 8 dots/mm
Dot pitch
0.125mm
Average resistance R
ave
176 Ω ± 4%
Thermister
specifications 30㏀ (B=3950K)

Rev. E
- 19 -
SMP685
5-2 Head Block Diagram
COM: TPH Supply voltage (Vset)
STB: STROBE (High active)
nLAT: /LATCH (Low active)
CLK: CLOCK
SI: Data input
SO: Data output
TM: Thermistor
VDD: TPH Logic voltage
GND: Ground

Rev. E
- 20 -
SMP685
※Relationship between STB terminal and activated thermal device
5-3 Printing position of transmitted data
PRINTER MECHANISM
12 3 4 382 383 384
PAPER FEED DIRECTION
DATA IN
DATA
PRINT SURFACE
PAPER
DATA INPUT SEQUENCE 1 2 3 4 382 383 384
Block No. STB number Heating element number Dots / STB
1
STB1
1 ~ 64
64
2 STB2 65 ~ 128 64
3
STB3
129 ~ 192
64
4 STB4 193 ~ 256 64
5
STB5
257 ~ 320
64
6 STB6 321 ~ 384 64