IEEE 1284 Compliant IBM Parallel Printer A-to-C Cable, 10 feet long. An 'A-to-C' cable has a DB25 male connector on one side and a 36-position micro-Centronics connector on the other side. Major printer manufacturers are now making printers with IEEE 1284 parallel ports. This standard was developed to support higher transmission speeds between computers and parallel printers. Cable assemblies complying with the IEEE 1284 specifications are required to be manufactured with special low capacitance, impedance match, twisted pair, double shielded cable. Most printer manufacturers are now requiring that a 100% compliant IEEE 1284 cable be used on their printers, or the printer manufacturer will not provide technical support.