( Snip )

The engine test confirms that the hardware can actually write an test image
to the page. It indicates that the print laser and associated hardware is
OK.

The engine test bypasses the formatter board completely, and does not
test the formatter board at all.

The formatter board takes the incoming data, and "formats" a page in memory
according to what is received. The formatter board then writes this page to
the print engine as a raster image, one line at a time.

Most of the complexity of handling PCL and PS data is handled by the
formatter board. It is most complex circuit board in the printer, and
usually is
controlling everything else. If you can find a processor/speed specification

for your printer, then that processor will be located on the formatter board.


Aidan Grey