Troubleshooting Manual
LaserJet Pro M501
LaserJet Enterprise M506
LaserJet Enterprise MFP M527
www.hp.com/support/ljM501
www.hp.com/support/ljM506
www.hp.com/support/ljM527MFP
For printer part removal and part number
information, see the Repair Manual.
M527dn M527f M527c M527z
M506x
M506dn
M501n M501dn
M506n
HP LaserJet Pro M501, HP LaserJet
Enterprise M506, and LaserJet Enterprise
MFP M527
Troubleshooting Manual
Copyright and License
Trademark Credits
© Copyright 2016 HP Development Company,
L.P.
Reproduction, adaptation, or translation
without prior written permission is prohibited,
except as allowed under the copyright laws.
The information contained herein is subject to
change without notice.
The only warranties for HP products and
services are set forth in the express warranty
statements accompanying such products and
services. Nothing herein should be construed
as constituting an additional warranty. HP shall
not be liable for technical or editorial errors or
omissions contained herein.
Edition 2, 4/2016
Microsoft®, Windows®, Windows® XP, and
Windows Vista® are U.S. registered trademarks
of Microsoft Corporation.
Conventions used in this guide
TIP: Helpful hints or shortcuts.
Reinstallation tip: Reinstallation helpful hints, shortcuts, or considerations.
NOTE: Information that explains a concept or how to complete a task.
IMPORTANT: Information that help the user to avoid potential printer error conditions.
CAUTION: Procedures that the user must follow to avoid losing data or damaging the printer.
WARNING! Procedures that the user must follow to avoid personal injury, catastrophic loss of data, or
extensive damage to the printer.
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iv Conventions used in this guide ENWW
For additional service and support information
HP service personnel, go to the Service Access Work Bench (SAW) at http://h41302.www4.hp.com/km/saw/
home.do.
Channel partners, go to HP Channel Services Network (CNS) at https://h30125.www3.hp.com/hpcsn.
At these locations, nd information on the following topics:
●
Install and congure
●
Printer specications
●
Up-to-date control panel message (CPMD) troubleshooting
●
Solutions for printer issues and emerging issues
●
Remove and replace part instructions and videos
●
Service advisories
●
Warranty and regulatory information
To access HP PartSurfer information from any mobile device, go to http://partsurfermobile.hp.com/ or scan
the Quick Response (QR) code below.
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vi For additional service and support information ENWW
Table of contents
1 Theory of operation ....................................................................................................................................... 1
Related documentation and software ................................................................................................................... 2
Basic operation ...................................................................................................................................................... 3
Sequence of operation ........................................................................................................................ 5
Formatter-control system ..................................................................................................................................... 6
Sleep delay (M501) .............................................................................................................................. 6
Sleep mode (M506/M527) ................................................................................................................... 6
Auto On / Auto O mode (M501) ......................................................................................................... 7
Printer job language (PJL) ................................................................................................................... 7
Printer management language (PML) ................................................................................................. 8
Control panel ....................................................................................................................................... 8
Easy-access USB port (M506/M527) ................................................................................................... 9
Wireless (wireless models only) .......................................................................................................... 9
Low end data model (LEDM) overview (M501) ................................................................................... 9
Advanced control language (ACL) overview (M501) ........................................................................... 9
Near eld communication (NFC; M506/M527) .................................................................................. 10
CPU ..................................................................................................................................................... 10
Input/output (I/O) .............................................................................................................................. 10
Memory .............................................................................................................................................. 10
Firmware ......................................................................................................................... 10
Nonvolatile random access memory (NVRAM) ............................................................... 10
Random access memory (RAM) ...................................................................................... 11
HP Memory Enhancement technology (MEt) .................................................................. 11
Engine-control system ........................................................................................................................................ 12
DC controller ...................................................................................................................................... 13
Motors ............................................................................................................................. 14
Fans ................................................................................................................................. 15
Solenoids ......................................................................................................................... 15
Clutches ........................................................................................................................... 15
Switches .......................................................................................................................... 15
Photointerrupter sensors ............................................................................................... 16
Sensors ........................................................................................................................... 16
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LEDs ................................................................................................................................. 16
Low-voltage power supply ................................................................................................................ 17
Low-voltage power supply voltages description ........................................................... 19
Over-current/over-voltage protection ........................................................................... 19
Safety .............................................................................................................................. 20
Sleep mode operation (M506/M527) ............................................................................. 20
Low-voltage power supply failure detection (M506/M527) .......................................... 20
Low-voltage power supply functions ............................................................................. 20
High-voltage power supply ............................................................................................................... 21
High-voltage power supply circuits ................................................................................ 21
Fuser bias ........................................................................................................................ 22
Fuser control ..................................................................................................................................... 22
Fuser circuits ................................................................................................................... 22
Fuser control functions ................................................................................................... 23
Fuser heater protection .................................................................................................. 24
Fuser unit life detection (M506/M527) ........................................................................... 24
Fuser identication (M506/M527) .................................................................................. 24
Engine laser/scanner system .............................................................................................................................. 25
Laser/scanner failure detection ........................................................................................................ 26
Safety ................................................................................................................................................ 26
Image-formation process ................................................................................................................. 27
Step 1: Primary charging ................................................................................................ 30
Step 2: Laser-beam exposure ......................................................................................... 31
Step 3: Development ...................................................................................................... 31
Step 4: Transfer ............................................................................................................... 32
Step 5: Separation ........................................................................................................... 32
Step 6: Fusing .................................................................................................................. 33
Step 7: Drum cleaning ..................................................................................................... 33
Toner cartridge .................................................................................................................................. 34
Design ............................................................................................................................. 34
Memory chip .................................................................................................................... 35
Toner seal ........................................................................................................................ 35
Toner level and cartridge life detection .......................................................................... 35
JetIntelligence ................................................................................................................. 35
Authentication .............................................................................................. 35
Anti-theft ...................................................................................................... 36
Pickup, feed, and delivery system ....................................................................................................................... 36
Photo sensors and switches ............................................................................................................. 39
Motors, clutches, and solenoids ........................................................................................................ 40
Tray 1 (multipurpose)/Tray 2 (base printer) ..................................................................................... 41
Tray 1 paper pickup and feed ......................................................................................... 41
viii ENWW
Tray 2 paper presence detection .................................................................................... 42
Tray 2 lift operation ........................................................................................................ 42
Tray 2 paper pickup ......................................................................................................... 43
Tray 2 multiple-feed prevention ..................................................................................... 43
Tray 2 presence detection .............................................................................................. 44
Tray 2 skew feed prevention ........................................................................................... 44
Feed speed control .......................................................................................................... 45
Duplexing unit ................................................................................................................................... 46
Duplexing reverse and duplex feed control ................................................................... 46
Jam detection/prevention ................................................................................................................. 47
Input accessories ................................................................................................................................................. 49
Tray 3-5 ............................................................................................................................................. 49
Driver PCA ....................................................................................................................... 50
Electrical components .................................................................................................... 50
Paper pickup ................................................................................................................... 51
Multiple feed prevention ................................................................................................. 52
Tray presence detection ................................................................................................. 52
Tray lift operation ........................................................................................................... 52
Jam detection .................................................................................................................. 53
Scanning and image capture system (M527) ...................................................................................................... 54
Document feeder system (M527) ........................................................................................................................ 55
Document feed system ..................................................................................................................... 55
Sensors in the document feeder ....................................................................................................... 55
Document feeder paper path ............................................................................................................ 56
Document feeder simplex operation ................................................................................................ 57
Document feeder e-duplex operation .............................................................................................. 58
Deskew operation .............................................................................................................................. 59
Document feeder hinges ................................................................................................................... 59
Fax functions and operation (fax models only) .................................................................................................. 61
Computer and network security features ......................................................................................... 61
PSTN operation .................................................................................................................................. 61
Receive faxes when you hear fax tones ............................................................................................ 61
Distinctive ring function .................................................................................................................... 62
Set up the distinctive ring function ................................................................................ 62
Fax by using voice over IP (VOIP) services ........................................................................................ 62
The fax subsystem ............................................................................................................................ 63
Fax card in the fax subsystem ........................................................................................................... 63
Safety isolation ............................................................................................................... 63
Safety-protection circuitry ............................................................................................. 63
Data path ......................................................................................................................... 63
Hook state ....................................................................................................................... 64
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Downstream device detection ........................................................................................ 64
Hook switch control ........................................................................................................ 64
Ring detect ...................................................................................................................... 64
Line current control ........................................................................................................ 64
Billing or metering tone lters ....................................................................................... 65
Fax page storage in ash memory .................................................................................................... 65
Stored fax pages ............................................................................................................. 65
Advantages of ash memory storage ............................................................................ 65
2 Solve problems ............................................................................................................................................ 67
For additional service and support information ................................................................................................. 68
Solve problems checklist (M501) ........................................................................................................................ 69
Print the menu map (M501) .............................................................................................................. 70
Print the service page (includes the event log) (M501) .................................................................... 70
Solve problems checklist (M506/M527) .............................................................................................................. 71
Solve problems checklist ................................................................................................................... 71
Print menu map (M506/M527) .......................................................................................................... 75
Print current settings pages (M506/M527) ...................................................................................... 75
Print event log (M506/M527) ............................................................................................................ 76
Pre-boot menu options (M506/M527) .............................................................................................. 78
Remote Admin (M506/M527) ......................................................................................... 88
Required software and network connection ................................................ 88
Connect a remote connection ....................................................................... 90
Disconnect a remote connection .................................................................. 94
Troubleshooting process ..................................................................................................................................... 97
Determine the problem source ......................................................................................................... 97
Pre-troubleshooting checklist ........................................................................................ 97
Troubleshooting owchart ............................................................................................. 98
Power subsystem .............................................................................................................................. 99
Power-on checks ............................................................................................................. 99
Power-on troubleshooting overview ........................................................... 99
Control panel checks (M501) .......................................................................................................... 103
Control panel checks (M506/M527) ................................................................................................ 104
Control-panel diagnostics (M506x and M527) ............................................................. 104
Touchscreen diagnostic mode (M506x and M527) .................................... 104
Control-panel system diagnostics (M506x and M527) .............................. 109
Control panel diagnostic owcharts (M506x and M527) ............................................. 124
Touchscreen black, white, or dim (no image) ............................................ 125
Touchscreen has an unresponsive zone .................................................... 126
No control panel sound .............................................................................. 127
Home button is unresponsive .................................................................... 128
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Hardware integration pocket (HIP) is not functioning (control panel
functional) .................................................................................................. 129
Tools for troubleshooting .................................................................................................................................. 130
Individual component diagnostics .................................................................................................. 130
Tools for troubleshooting: LED diagnostics (M501) ..................................................... 130
Network port LEDs (M501) ......................................................................... 130
M501 control panel LEDs ........................................................................... 131
Tools for troubleshooting: LED diagnostics (M506/M527) .......................................... 132
Understand lights on the formatter (M506/M527) ................................... 132
Tools for troubleshooting: Engine diagnostics ............................................................ 135
Engine test button ...................................................................................... 135
Defeating interlocks ................................................................................... 135
Disable cartridge check (M506/M527) ....................................................... 137
Tools for troubleshooting: Paper path and sensor diagnostic tests (M506/M527) .... 137
Paper path test (M506/M527) .................................................................... 137
Paper path sensors test (M506/M527) ...................................................... 138
Manual sensor tests (M506/M527) ............................................................ 140
Tray/bin manual sensor test (M506/M527) ............................................... 142
Tools for troubleshooting: Print/stop test (M506/M527) ............................................ 144
Tools for troubleshooting: Component tests (M506/M527) ........................................ 145
Individual component diagnostics (special-mode test; M506/M527) ...... 145
Tools for troubleshooting: Scanner tests (M527) ........................................................ 147
Scanner tests (M527) ................................................................................. 147
Diagrams ......................................................................................................................................... 149
Diagrams: Block diagrams ............................................................................................ 149
Sensors and switches ................................................................................. 149
Cross section diagrams .............................................................................. 153
Diagrams: Printed circuit assembly (PCA) connector locations ................. 155
Diagrams: External plug and port locations ................................................................. 161
Diagrams: Locations of major assemblies ................................................................... 164
Main assemblies (printer base) .................................................................. 164
Rollers and pads (printer base) .................................................................. 165
Motor and fans ........................................................................................... 166
Printed circuit assemblies (PCAs; printer base) ......................................... 167
Diagrams: General timing chart ................................................................................... 168
Diagrams: General circuit diagrams ............................................................................. 169
Internal test and information pages ............................................................................................... 171
Print a conguration page ............................................................................................ 171
HP embedded Jetdirect page (M506/M527) .............................................. 174
Wireless page (M506/M527) ...................................................................... 175
Finding important information on the conguration pages ..................... 176
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Print a fuser test page (M506/M527) ........................................................................... 177
Advanced conguration with HP Embedded Web Server (EWS) and HP Device
Toolbox (Windows) (M501) ........................................................................................... 179
Control panel menus (M501) .......................................................................................................... 182
Setup menu ................................................................................................................... 182
HP Web Services menu (M501) .................................................................. 182
Reports menu (M501) ................................................................................ 183
System Setup menu (M501) ....................................................................... 184
Service menu (M501) .................................................................................. 188
Network Setup menu (M501) ..................................................................... 189
Quick Forms menu (M501) ......................................................................... 190
Function specic menus (M501) ................................................................................... 191
Apps (M501) ............................................................................................... 191
Jobs (M501) ................................................................................................ 191
Supplies Status (M501) .............................................................................. 191
Control-panel menus (M506/M527) ............................................................................................... 192
Administration menu (M506/M527) ............................................................................. 192
Reports menu (M506/M527) ...................................................................... 192
General Settings menu (M506/M527) ....................................................... 194
Copy Settings menu (M527) ....................................................................... 201
Scan/Digital Send Settings menu (M527) .................................................. 208
Fax Settings menu (M527) ......................................................................... 218
General Print Settings menu (M506/M527) ............................................... 230
Default Print Options menu (M506/M527) ................................................ 233
Display Settings menu (M506/M527) ........................................................ 235
Manage Supplies menu (M506/M527) ....................................................... 237
Manage Trays menu (M506/M527) ............................................................ 240
Network Settings menu (M506/M527) ...................................................... 242
Troubleshooting menu (M506/M527) ........................................................ 253
Device Maintenance menu (M506/M527) ..................................................................... 256
Backup/Restore menu (M506/M527) ......................................................... 256
Calibration/Cleaning menu (M506/M527) ................................................. 256
USB Firmware Upgrade menu (M506/M527) ............................................. 258
Service menu (M506/M527) ....................................................................... 258
Control panel message document (CPMD) ..................................................................................... 259
Control-panel message types ...................................................................................... 259
Control-panel messages and event log entries (M501) ............................................... 259
49.XX.YY Error Messages ........................................................................... 259
50.XX fuser errors ...................................................................................... 260
51.XX Laser Errors ...................................................................................... 261
55.XXXX Error Messages ............................................................................ 261
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57.XX Error Messages ................................................................................ 262
58.XX Error Messages ................................................................................ 263
59.XX Error Messages ................................................................................ 263
79 Errors ..................................................................................................... 264
Alpha Error Messages ................................................................................. 265
Event-log messages ................................................................................... 272
Control-panel messages and event log entries (M506/M527) .................................... 275
10.XX.YZ Error Messages ........................................................................... 275
11.XX.YZ Error Messages ........................................................................... 279
13.XX.YZ Error Messages ........................................................................... 279
20.XX.YZ Error Messages ........................................................................... 304
30.XX.YZ Error Messages ........................................................................... 304
31.XX.YZ Error Messages ........................................................................... 311
32.XX.YX and 33.XX.YZ Error Messages .................................................... 318
40.XX.YZ Error Messages ........................................................................... 326
41.XX.YZ Error Messages ........................................................................... 327
42.XX.YZ Error Messages ........................................................................... 335
44.XX.XX Error Messages ........................................................................... 335
47.XX.XX Error Messages ........................................................................... 336
48.XX.YY Error Messages ........................................................................... 338
49.XX.YY Error Messages ........................................................................... 339
50.WX.YZ Error Messages .......................................................................... 339
51.XX.YZ, 52.XX.YZ Error Messages .......................................................... 342
54.XX.YZ Error Messages ........................................................................... 343
55.XX.YZ, 56.XX.YZ Error Messages .......................................................... 344
57.XX.YZ Error Messages ........................................................................... 345
58.XX.YZ Error Messages ........................................................................... 345
59.XX.YZ Error Messages ........................................................................... 347
60.00.0Y, 62.00.00 Error Messages ........................................................... 348
65.X0.AZ Error Messages ........................................................................... 349
66.WX.YZ Error Messages .......................................................................... 349
70.XX.YY Error Messages ........................................................................... 353
80.XX.YY, 82.XX.YY Error Messages ........................................................... 353
98.0X.0Y Error Messages ........................................................................... 354
99.XX.YY Error Messages ........................................................................... 355
Alpha Error Messages ................................................................................. 363
Tools for troubleshooting: Event log messages (M506/M527) ................................... 391
Print or view an event log (M506/M527) ................................................... 392
Clear the event log (M506/M527) .............................................................. 393
Improve print quality ......................................................................................................................................... 394
Print-quality troubleshooting pages (M506/M527) ....................................................................... 394
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Print from a dierent software program ........................................................................................ 397
Check the paper-type setting for the print job ............................................................................... 397
Check toner-cartridge status .......................................................................................................... 397
Visually inspect the toner cartridge or cartridges .......................................................................... 398
Print a cleaning page ....................................................................................................................... 398
Check paper and the printing environment .................................................................................... 399
Use manual print modes (M506/M527) .......................................................................................... 400
Try a dierent print driver ............................................................................................................... 402
Check Economode settings (M501) ................................................................................................ 403
Print quality troubleshooting guide .................................................................................................................. 404
Image defects table ........................................................................................................................ 404
Product specic image defects ....................................................................................................... 408
Repetitive image defect ruler ....................................................................................... 409
Use a ruler to measure between repetitive defects .................................. 410
Print-quality troubleshooting ...................................................................................... 413
Image defect events ................................................................................... 413
Image defect (developmental) events ....................................................... 437
Other events ............................................................................................... 485
Clean the printer ................................................................................................................................................ 500
Clean the paper path ....................................................................................................................... 500
Print a cleaning page ....................................................................................................................... 500
Enable and congure auto cleaning (M527) ................................................................. 501
Check the scanner glass for dirt and smudges (M527) .................................................................. 501
Clean the pickup rollers and separation pad in the document feeder (M527) ............................... 503
Clean the Tray 1 roller and separation pad ..................................................................................... 505
Step 1: Remove the roller ............................................................................................. 505
Step 2: Remove the separation pad assembly ............................................................. 506
Step 3: Clean the Tray 1 roller and separation pad ...................................................... 507
Step 4: Install the separation pad assembly ................................................................ 508
Step 5: Install the roller ................................................................................................ 510
Clean the Tray 2-X rollers ................................................................................................................ 512
Step 1: Remove the tray ............................................................................................... 512
Step 2: Remove the roller assembly ............................................................................. 513
Step 3: Clean the Tray 2-X rollers ................................................................................. 514
Step 4: Install the roller assembly ................................................................................ 514
Step 5: Install the tray .................................................................................................. 517
Solve paper handling problems ........................................................................................................................ 518
Printer feeds incorrect page size .................................................................................................... 518
Printer pulls from incorrect tray ..................................................................................................... 518
Printer will not duplex or duplexes incorrectly ............................................................................... 518
Paper does not feed from Tray 2-X ................................................................................................. 519
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Output is curled or wrinkled ............................................................................................................ 519
Printer does not pick up paper or misfeeds .................................................................................... 520
The printer does not pick up paper .............................................................................. 520
The printer picks up multiple sheets of paper ............................................................. 521
The document feeder jams, skews, or picks up multiple sheets of paper (M527) ...... 521
Paper does not feed automatically .............................................................................. 521
Clear paper jams ................................................................................................................................................ 523
Paper path jam sensor locations .................................................................................................... 524
Auto-navigation for clearing jams .................................................................................................. 525
Experiencing frequent or recurring paper jams? ............................................................................ 525
Clear paper jams in the document feeder ...................................................................................... 526
Clear paper jams in Tray 1 ............................................................................................................... 530
Clear paper jams in Tray 2 and the 550-sheet trays ...................................................................... 533
Clear paper jams in the toner-cartridge area ................................................................................. 537
Clear paper jams in the rear door and the fuser area ..................................................................... 539
Clear paper jams in the output bin .................................................................................................. 541
Clear paper jams in the duplexer .................................................................................................... 542
Change jam recovery (M506/M527) ................................................................................................ 547
Solve performance problems ............................................................................................................................ 548
Factors aecting print performance ............................................................................................... 548
Print speeds ..................................................................................................................................... 549
The printer does not print or it prints slowly .................................................................................. 550
The printer prints slowly ................................................................................................................. 550
Solve connectivity problems ............................................................................................................................. 551
Solve USB connection problems ..................................................................................................... 551
Solve wired network problems ....................................................................................................... 551
Introduction .................................................................................................................. 551
Poor physical connection .............................................................................................. 551
The computer is using the incorrect IP address for the printer ................................... 552
The computer is unable to communicate with the printer ........................................... 552
The printer is using incorrect link and duplex settings for the network ..................... 552
New software programs might be causing compatibility problems ........................... 552
The computer or workstation might be set up incorrectly .......................................... 552
The printer is disabled, or other network settings are incorrect ................................. 552
Service mode functions (M501) ........................................................................................................................ 553
Service menu ................................................................................................................................... 553
Service menu settings .................................................................................................. 553
Restore the factory-set defaults .................................................................................. 553
Restore the factory-set defaults from a LCD control panel (M501) .......... 553
Secondary service menu (M501) .................................................................................................... 554
Open the secondary service menu (M501) ................................................................... 554
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Open the secondary service menu from a LCD control panel (M501) ....... 554
Secondary service menu structure (M501) .................................................................. 554
Printer resets (M501) ...................................................................................................................... 555
NVRAM initialization (M501) ......................................................................................... 555
Service mode functions (M506/M527) .............................................................................................................. 556
Service menu (M506/M527) ............................................................................................................ 556
Printer resets (M506/M527) ........................................................................................................... 559
Restore factory-set defaults (M506/M527) ................................................................. 559
Restore the service ID (M506/M527) ............................................................................ 560
Printer cold reset (M506/M527) ................................................................................... 561
Format Disk and Partial Clean functions (M506/M527) ................................................................. 562
Active and repository rmware locations .................................................................... 562
Partial Clean .................................................................................................................. 562
Execute a Partial Clean ............................................................................... 563
Format Disk ................................................................................................................... 563
Execute a Format Disk ................................................................................ 564
Firmware upgrades (M501) ............................................................................................................................... 566
Determine the installed revision of rmware (M501) .................................................................... 566
Method one: Update the rmware using the control panel (M501) ............................................... 566
Method two: Update the rmware using the Firmware Update Utility (M501) ............................. 567
Firmware upgrades (M506/M527) .................................................................................................................... 568
Determine the installed revision of rmware (M506/M527) ......................................................... 569
Perform a rmware upgrade (M506/M527) ................................................................................... 571
HP Embedded Web Server (M506/M527) ..................................................................... 571
USB ash drive (Pre-boot menu) (M506/M527) ........................................................... 572
USB ash drive (control-panel menu) (M506/M527) ................................................... 574
Solve email problems (M527) ............................................................................................................................ 575
Cannot connect to the email server (M527) ................................................................................... 575
Validate the SMTP gateway (Windows) (M527) .............................................................................. 575
Validate the LDAP gateway (Windows) (M527) .............................................................................. 575
Appendix A Printer specications .................................................................................................................. 577
Printer dimensions ............................................................................................................................................ 578
HP LaserJet Pro M501 dimensions ................................................................................................. 578
HP LaserJet Enterprise M506 dimensions ...................................................................................... 580
HP LaserJet Enterprise MFP M527 dimensions .............................................................................. 583
Printer space requirements ............................................................................................................................... 586
Power consumption, electrical specications, and acoustic emissions ........................................................... 586
Operating-environment range .......................................................................................................................... 586
Certicate of Volatility ....................................................................................................................................... 587
xvi ENWW
Index ........................................................................................................................................................... 593
ENWW xvii
xviii ENWW
List of tables
Table 1-1 Sequence of operation .......................................................................................................................................... 5
Table 1-2 Motors ................................................................................................................................................................. 14
Table 1-3 Fans ..................................................................................................................................................................... 15
Table 1-4 Solenoids ............................................................................................................................................................ 15
Table 1-5 Clutches .............................................................................................................................................................. 15
Table 1-6 Switches .............................................................................................................................................................. 15
Table 1-7 Photointerrupter sensors ................................................................................................................................... 16
Table 1-8 Sensors ............................................................................................................................................................... 16
Table 1-9 LEDs .................................................................................................................................................................... 16
Table 1-10 Converted DC voltages ..................................................................................................................................... 19
Table 1-11 Low-voltage power supply functions ............................................................................................................... 20
Table 1-12 High-voltage power supply circuits ................................................................................................................. 21
Table 1-13 Fuser components ............................................................................................................................................ 22
Table 1-14 Fuser control functions .................................................................................................................................... 24
Table 1-15 Sensors ............................................................................................................................................................. 29
Table 1-16 Image formation process ................................................................................................................................. 30
Table 1-17 Toner cartridge functions ................................................................................................................................. 34
Table 1-18 Pickup, feed and delivery system functions .................................................................................................... 37
Table 1-19 Photo sensors and switches ............................................................................................................................. 39
Table 1-20 Motors, solenoids, and clutches ....................................................................................................................... 40
Table 1-21 Print mode and feed speed .............................................................................................................................. 45
Table 1-22 Jams that the printer detects ........................................................................................................................... 48
Table 1-23 Tray 3 functions ................................................................................................................................................ 49
Table 1-24 Paper pickup and feed components ................................................................................................................. 51
Table 1-25 Document feeder sensors ................................................................................................................................ 56
Table 1-26 Document feeder paper path ........................................................................................................................... 56
Table 2-1 Pre-boot menu options (1 of 7) .......................................................................................................................... 81
Table 2-2 Pre-boot menu options (2 of 7) .......................................................................................................................... 82
Table 2-3 Pre-boot menu options (3 of 7) .......................................................................................................................... 83
Table 2-4 Pre-boot menu options (4 of 7) .......................................................................................................................... 84
Table 2-5 Pre-boot menu options (5 of 7) .......................................................................................................................... 84
Table 2-6 Pre-boot menu options (6 of 7) .......................................................................................................................... 85
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Table 2-7 Pre-boot menu options (7 of 7) .......................................................................................................................... 87
Table 2-8 Troubleshooting owchart ................................................................................................................................. 98
Table 2-9 Heartbeat LED, printer operational (M506/M527) ........................................................................................... 133
Table 2-10 Paper-path sensors diagnostic tests (M506/M527) ...................................................................................... 139
Table 2-11 Manual sensor diagnostic tests (M506/M527) .............................................................................................. 141
Table 2-12 Tray/bin manual sensors (M506/M527) ........................................................................................................ 143
Table 2-13 Component test details (M506/M527) ........................................................................................................... 145
Table 2-14 Printer base, sensors and switches block diagram ....................................................................................... 149
Table 2-15 1x500-sheet paper feeder, sensors and switches block diagram ................................................................ 150
Table 2-16 Printer base, motors, clutches, and solenoids block diagram ...................................................................... 151
Table 2-17 1x550-sheet paper feeder, motors clutches, and solenoids block diagram ................................................. 152
Table 2-18 Printer base, cross section diagram ............................................................................................................... 153
Table 2-19 1x550-sheet paper feeder, cross section diagram ........................................................................................ 154
Table 2-20 DC controller connectors ................................................................................................................................ 155
Table 2-21 Formatter PCA M501 ...................................................................................................................................... 157
Table 2-22 Formatter PCA M506 ...................................................................................................................................... 158
Table 2-23 Formatter PCA M527 ...................................................................................................................................... 159
Table 2-24 1x550-sheet paper feeder controller PCA connectors .................................................................................. 160
Table 2-25 External plug and port locations (M501) ....................................................................................................... 161
Table 2-26 External plug and port locations (M506) ....................................................................................................... 162
Table 2-27 External plug and port locations (M527) ....................................................................................................... 163
Table 2-28 Main assemblies (printer base) ...................................................................................................................... 164
Table 2-29 Rollers and pads (printer base) ...................................................................................................................... 165
Table 2-30 Motor and fans ............................................................................................................................................... 166
Table 2-31 PCAs (printer base) ......................................................................................................................................... 167
Table 2-32 Conguration page (M501) ............................................................................................................................ 172
Table 2-33 Conguration page (M506/M527) .................................................................................................................. 173
Table 2-34 HP embedded Jetdirect page (M506/M527) .................................................................................................. 174
Table 2-35 Wireless page (M506/M527) .......................................................................................................................... 175
Table 2-36 Important information on the conguration pages ...................................................................................... 176
Table 2-37 HP Web Services menu (M501) ...................................................................................................................... 182
Table 2-38 Reports menu (M501) .................................................................................................................................... 183
Table 2-39 System Setup menu (M501) ........................................................................................................................... 184
Table 2-40 Service menu (M501) ...................................................................................................................................... 188
Table 2-41 Network Setup menu (M501) ......................................................................................................................... 189
Table 2-42 Quick Forms menu .......................................................................................................................................... 190
Table 2-43 Reports menu (M506/M527) .......................................................................................................................... 192
Table 2-44 General Settings menu (M506/M527) ........................................................................................................... 194
Table 2-45 Copy Settings menu (M527) ........................................................................................................................... 201
Table 2-46 Scan/Digital Send Settings menu (M527) ...................................................................................................... 208
Table 2-47 Fax Settings menu (M527) ............................................................................................................................. 218
xx ENWW
Table 2-48 General Print Settings menu (M506/M527) ................................................................................................... 230
Table 2-49 Default Print Options menu (M506/M527) .................................................................................................... 233
Table 2-50 Display Settings menu (M506/M527) ............................................................................................................ 235
Table 2-51 Manage Supplies menu (M506/M527) ........................................................................................................... 237
Table 2-52 Manage Trays menu (M506/M527) ................................................................................................................ 240
Table 2-53 Network Settings menu (M506/M527) .......................................................................................................... 242
Table 2-54 Embedded Jetdirect Menu (M506/M527) ...................................................................................................... 242
Table 2-55 Troubleshooting (M506/M527) ...................................................................................................................... 253
Table 2-56 Backup/Restore menu (M506/M527) ............................................................................................................. 256
Table 2-57 Calibration/Cleaning menu (M527) ................................................................................................................ 257
Table 2-58 Event-log messages (X=0: black cartridge) ................................................................................................... 272
Table 2-59 Call out Cable identication ........................................................................................................................... 304
Table 2-60 Call out Cable identication ........................................................................................................................... 311
Table 2-61 Sample event log page ................................................................................................................................... 391
Table 2-62 Print modes under the Adjust Paper Types submenu (M506/M527) ............................................................ 401
Table 2-63 Print modes under the Optimize submenu (M506/M527) ............................................................................. 401
Table 2-64 Repetitive defects .......................................................................................................................................... 409
Table 2-65 Printer feeds incorrect page size ................................................................................................................... 518
Table 2-66 Printer pulls from incorrect tray .................................................................................................................... 518
Table 2-67 Printer will not duplex (print 2-sided jobs) or duplexes incorrectly .............................................................. 518
Table 2-68 Paper does not feed from Tray 2-X ................................................................................................................ 519
Table 2-69 Output is curled or wrinkled ........................................................................................................................... 519
Table 2-70 Paper does not feed automatically ................................................................................................................ 521
Table 2-71 Printer base jam sensors ................................................................................................................................ 524
Table 2-72 Solve performance problems ......................................................................................................................... 548
Table 2-73 Secondary Service menu (M501) ................................................................................................................... 554
Table 2-74 Service menu (M506/M527) ........................................................................................................................... 556
Table A-1 Operating-environment specications1 .......................................................................................................... 586
ENWW xxi
xxii ENWW
List of gures
Figure 1-1 Relationship between the main printer systems ............................................................................................... 3
Figure 1-2 System block diagram ......................................................................................................................................... 4
Figure 1-3 Engine-control system ...................................................................................................................................... 12
Figure 1-4 DC controller block diagram .............................................................................................................................. 13
Figure 1-5 Low-voltage power-supply circuit (M501) ........................................................................................................ 17
Figure 1-6 Low-voltage power-supply circuit (M506/M527) ............................................................................................. 18
Figure 1-7 High-voltage power supply circuits .................................................................................................................. 21
Figure 1-8 Fuser components ............................................................................................................................................ 22
Figure 1-9 Fuser control ..................................................................................................................................................... 23
Figure 1-10 Laser/scanner system ..................................................................................................................................... 25
Figure 1-11 Image-formation system ................................................................................................................................ 27
Figure 1-12 Fuser motor ..................................................................................................................................................... 28
Figure 1-13 Toner-level sensor .......................................................................................................................................... 29
Figure 1-14 Image-formation process ............................................................................................................................... 29
Figure 1-15 Primary charging ............................................................................................................................................. 30
Figure 1-16 Laser-beam exposure ..................................................................................................................................... 31
Figure 1-17 Development ................................................................................................................................................... 31
Figure 1-18 Primary transfer .............................................................................................................................................. 32
Figure 1-19 Separation ....................................................................................................................................................... 32
Figure 1-20 Fusing .............................................................................................................................................................. 33
Figure 1-21 ITB cleaning ..................................................................................................................................................... 33
Figure 1-22 Toner cartridge system ................................................................................................................................... 34
Figure 1-23 Pickup, feed, and delivery system .................................................................................................................. 37
Figure 1-24 Photo sensors and switches ........................................................................................................................... 39
Figure 1-25 Motors, solenoids, and clutches ..................................................................................................................... 40
Figure 1-26 Tray 1 pickup mechanism ............................................................................................................................... 42
Figure 1-27 Tray 2 multiple-feed prevention ..................................................................................................................... 44
Figure 1-28 Skew-feed prevention ..................................................................................................................................... 45
Figure 1-29 Jam detection sensors .................................................................................................................................... 47
Figure 1-30 550-sheet paper feeder paper path ............................................................................................................... 49
Figure 1-31 Tray 3-5 driver PCA ......................................................................................................................................... 50
Figure 1-32 Paper pickup and feed components ............................................................................................................... 51
ENWW xxiii
Figure 1-33 Jam detection (1x550-sheet paper feeder) ................................................................................................... 53
Figure 1-34 Document feeder sensors .............................................................................................................................. 56
Figure 1-35 Document feeder paper path ......................................................................................................................... 56
Figure 1-36 Deskew operation ........................................................................................................................................... 59
Figure 1-37 Document feeder open (book mode) .............................................................................................................. 60
Figure 1-38 Document feeder open (60º to 80º) ............................................................................................................... 60
Figure 2-1 Open the Pre-boot menu .................................................................................................................................. 78
Figure 2-2 Pre-boot menu .................................................................................................................................................. 79
Figure 2-3 Open the Pre-boot menu .................................................................................................................................. 80
Figure 2-4 Open the Control Panel ..................................................................................................................................... 89
Figure 2-5 Turn Windows features on or o ...................................................................................................................... 89
Figure 2-6 Enable the telnet client feature ........................................................................................................................ 90
Figure 2-7 Select the +3:Administrator item ..................................................................................................................... 91
Figure 2-8 Select the +A:Remote Admin item .................................................................................................................... 91
Figure 2-9 Select the 1:Start Telnet item ........................................................................................................................... 91
Figure 2-10 Telnet connecting message ............................................................................................................................ 91
Figure 2-11 Telnet error message ...................................................................................................................................... 92
Figure 2-12 Telnet server function initialized .................................................................................................................... 92
Figure 2-13 Open a command window ............................................................................................................................... 93
Figure 2-14 Start a telnet session ...................................................................................................................................... 93
Figure 2-15 Establish a telnet connection ......................................................................................................................... 93
Figure 2-16 Enter the PIN ................................................................................................................................................... 94
Figure 2-17 Remote Admin window ................................................................................................................................... 94
Figure 2-18 Access the administrator menu ...................................................................................................................... 95
Figure 2-19 Access the remote admin menu ...................................................................................................................... 95
Figure 2-20 Terminate the telnet connection .................................................................................................................... 96
Figure 2-21 Diagnostic-tests access button (M506x) ...................................................................................................... 104
Figure 2-22 Press the diagnostics-access button (M506x) ............................................................................................. 105
Figure 2-23 Diagnostic-tests access button (M527) ........................................................................................................ 105
Figure 2-24 Press the diagnostics-access button (M527) ............................................................................................... 106
Figure 2-25 Control-panel version A yellow screen ......................................................................................................... 106
Figure 2-26 Exit the diagnostic mode .............................................................................................................................. 108
Figure 2-27 Open the Pre-boot menu .............................................................................................................................. 109
Figure 2-28 Pre-boot menu .............................................................................................................................................. 110
Figure 2-29 Access the administration menu .................................................................................................................. 111
Figure 2-30 Access the diagnostics menu ........................................................................................................................ 111
Figure 2-31 Open the screen test ..................................................................................................................................... 112
Figure 2-32 Blue vertical gradient screen ........................................................................................................................ 112
Figure 2-33 Open the touch test ...................................................................................................................................... 116
Figure 2-34 Touch the white grid ..................................................................................................................................... 116
Figure 2-35 Verify the mark ............................................................................................................................................. 117
xxiv ENWW
Figure 2-36 Open the softkey test ................................................................................................................................... 118
Figure 2-37 Touch the Home button ................................................................................................................................ 118
Figure 2-38 Successful test .............................................................................................................................................. 119
Figure 2-39 Open the backlight test ................................................................................................................................. 120
Figure 2-40 Open the sound test ...................................................................................................................................... 121
Figure 2-41 Do not open the keyboard test ..................................................................................................................... 122
Figure 2-42 Open the sound test ...................................................................................................................................... 123
Figure 2-43 Touchscreen blank, white, or dim (no image) .............................................................................................. 125
Figure 2-44 Touchscreen has an unresponsive zone ....................................................................................................... 126
Figure 2-45 No control panel sound ................................................................................................................................. 127
Figure 2-46 Home button is unresponsive ....................................................................................................................... 128
Figure 2-47 Hardware integration pocket (HIP) is not functioning (control panel functional) ....................................... 129
Figure 2-48 Engine test button ........................................................................................................................................ 135
Figure 2-49 Defeat the toner cartridge door interlock .................................................................................................... 136
Figure 2-50 Defeat the rear door interlock ...................................................................................................................... 136
Figure 2-51 Printer base, sensors and switches block diagram ...................................................................................... 149
Figure 2-52 1x550-sheet paper feeder, sensors and switches block diagram ............................................................... 150
Figure 2-53 Printer base, motors, clutches, and solenoids block diagram ..................................................................... 151
Figure 2-54 1x550-sheet paper feeder, motors, clutches, and solenoids block diagram .............................................. 152
Figure 2-55 Printer base, cross section diagram ............................................................................................................. 153
Figure 2-56 1x550-sheet paper feeder, cross section diagram ...................................................................................... 154
Figure 2-57 DC controller PCA connectors ....................................................................................................................... 155
Figure 2-58 Formatter PCA M501 ..................................................................................................................................... 157
Figure 2-59 Formatter PCA (M506) .................................................................................................................................. 158
Figure 2-60 Formatter PCA M527 ..................................................................................................................................... 159
Figure 2-61 1x550-sheet paper feeder controller PCA connectors ................................................................................ 160
Figure 2-62 External plug and port locations (M501) ...................................................................................................... 161
Figure 2-63 External plug and port locations (M506) ...................................................................................................... 162
Figure 2-64 External plug and port locations (M527) ...................................................................................................... 163
Figure 2-65 Main assemblies ........................................................................................................................................... 164
Figure 2-66 Rollers and pads (printer base) .................................................................................................................... 165
Figure 2-67 Motor and fans .............................................................................................................................................. 166
Figure 2-68 PCAs (printer base) ....................................................................................................................................... 167
Figure 2-69 General timing chart ..................................................................................................................................... 168
Figure 2-70 General circuit diagram for the printer base (1 of 2) ................................................................................... 169
Figure 2-71 General circuit diagram for the printer base (2 of 2) ................................................................................... 170
Figure 2-72 Conguration report (M501) ......................................................................................................................... 172
Figure 2-73 Conguration page (M506/M527) ................................................................................................................ 173
Figure 2-74 HP embedded Jetdirect page (M506/M527) ................................................................................................. 174
Figure 2-75 Wireless page (M506/M527) ......................................................................................................................... 175
Figure 2-76 Fuser test page (M506/M527) ...................................................................................................................... 178
ENWW xxv
Figure 2-77 Paper Tray guides ......................................................................................................................................... 281
Figure 2-78 Paper Tray overll guide ............................................................................................................................... 281
Figure 2-79 Paper Tray guides ......................................................................................................................................... 283
Figure 2-80 Paper Tray overll guide ............................................................................................................................... 283
Figure 2-81 Paper Tray guides ......................................................................................................................................... 285
Figure 2-82 Paper Tray overll guide ............................................................................................................................... 285
Figure 2-83 Paper Tray guides ......................................................................................................................................... 287
Figure 2-84 Paper Tray overll guide ............................................................................................................................... 287
Figure 2-85 Paper Tray guides ......................................................................................................................................... 289
Figure 2-86 Paper Tray overll guide ............................................................................................................................... 289
Figure 2-87 Paper Tray guides ......................................................................................................................................... 291
Figure 2-88 Paper Tray overll guide ............................................................................................................................... 291
Figure 2-89 Sample event log (M506/M527) ................................................................................................................... 391
Figure 2-90 Print-quality troubleshooting procedure page (M506/M527) ..................................................................... 395
Figure 2-91 Black print-quality troubleshooting page (M506/M527) ............................................................................. 396
Figure 2-92 Examples of repetitive defects ..................................................................................................................... 410
Figure 2-93 Place the ruler on the page ........................................................................................................................... 411
Figure 2-94 Locate the next repetitive defect ................................................................................................................. 411
Figure 2-95 Determine the defective assembly ............................................................................................................... 412
Figure 2-96 Graininess/xing mottle ............................................................................................................................... 414
Figure 2-97 Vertical streaks - high temperature/humidity ............................................................................................. 416
Figure 2-98 Dark streaks (early in toner cartridge life) ................................................................................................... 419
Figure 2-99 Fine-pitch banding ........................................................................................................................................ 421
Figure 2-100 Wide-pitch banding ..................................................................................................................................... 423
Figure 2-101 AC banding .................................................................................................................................................. 425
Figure 2-102 OPC sharp bands (version 1) ....................................................................................................................... 427
Figure 2-103 OPC sharp bands (version 2) ....................................................................................................................... 429
Figure 2-104 Impulse band (leading edge) ...................................................................................................................... 431
Figure 2-105 Impulse band (trailing edge) ...................................................................................................................... 433
Figure 2-106 Impulse band (trailing edge) ...................................................................................................................... 435
Figure 2-107 Rain-toner attached to the OPC ................................................................................................................. 439
Figure 2-108 Developer defect ........................................................................................................................................ 441
Figure 2-109 Random missing toner ............................................................................................................................... 443
Figure 2-110 OPC gear slip ............................................................................................................................................... 446
Figure 2-111 OPC wide-pitch banding ............................................................................................................................. 448
Figure 2-112 Leading edge - mid-page toner scatter ..................................................................................................... 451
Figure 2-113 Density change ........................................................................................................................................... 453
Figure 2-114 Transfer issue - random voids .................................................................................................................... 455
Figure 2-115 Right to left fade and banding .................................................................................................................... 458
Figure 2-116 Cartridge ne pitch banding ....................................................................................................................... 460
Figure 2-117 IPG repeating defect ................................................................................................................................... 462
xxvi ENWW
Figure 2-118 Impulse band leading edge ........................................................................................................................ 465
Figure 2-119 Toner in the leading edge margin (fuser slap) ........................................................................................... 467
Figure 2-120 Wide-pitch banding ..................................................................................................................................... 469
Figure 2-121 Fuser blisters .............................................................................................................................................. 472
Figure 2-122 Contaminated fuser lm ............................................................................................................................. 473
Figure 2-123 Hot fuser oset ........................................................................................................................................... 474
Figure 2-124 Poor edge xing - within the image assurance area .................................................................................. 476
Figure 2-125 Poor edge xing - outside the image assurance area ................................................................................ 478
Figure 2-126 Uneven Density - across the page .............................................................................................................. 481
Figure 2-127 Water drop (condensation) ......................................................................................................................... 483
Figure 2-128 Fuser contamination ................................................................................................................................... 486
Figure 2-129 Image placement - margins and skew ....................................................................................................... 488
Figure 2-130 Output curl .................................................................................................................................................. 491
Figure 2-131 Sticky output ............................................................................................................................................... 493
Figure 2-132 Output stacking .......................................................................................................................................... 495
Figure 2-133 Open the toner-cartridge door ................................................................................................................... 505
Figure 2-134 Release two tabs ........................................................................................................................................ 505
Figure 2-135 Remove the roller ....................................................................................................................................... 506
Figure 2-136 Open the toner-cartridge door ................................................................................................................... 506
Figure 2-137 Release two tabs ........................................................................................................................................ 507
Figure 2-138 Remove the roller ....................................................................................................................................... 507
Figure 2-139 Clean the rollers and pad ............................................................................................................................ 508
Figure 2-140 Install the spring ......................................................................................................................................... 508
Figure 2-141 Align the assembly with the holder ............................................................................................................ 509
Figure 2-142 Install the pad assembly ............................................................................................................................. 509
Figure 2-143 Slide the roller carriage to the left ............................................................................................................. 510
Figure 2-144 Install the roller .......................................................................................................................................... 510
Figure 2-145 Engage two tabs ......................................................................................................................................... 511
Figure 2-146 Close the toner-cartridge door ................................................................................................................... 511
Figure 2-147 Pull the tray out until it stops ..................................................................................................................... 512
Figure 2-148 Release and remove the tray ...................................................................................................................... 512
Figure 2-149 Locate the roller assembly ......................................................................................................................... 513
Figure 2-150 Compress the spring-loaded shaft ............................................................................................................. 513
Figure 2-151 Remove the roller assembly ....................................................................................................................... 514
Figure 2-152 Clean the rollers .......................................................................................................................................... 514
Figure 2-153 Check the pin on the assembly ................................................................................................................... 515
Figure 2-154 Install the roller assembly .......................................................................................................................... 515
Figure 2-155 Decompress the spring-loaded shaft ......................................................................................................... 516
Figure 2-156 Check the installation ................................................................................................................................. 516
Figure 2-157 Install the tray ............................................................................................................................................. 517
Figure 2-158 Close the tray .............................................................................................................................................. 517
ENWW xxvii
Figure 2-159 Jam sensors ................................................................................................................................................ 524
Figure 2-160 Open the Pre-boot menu ............................................................................................................................ 561
Figure 2-161 Open the Pre-boot menu ............................................................................................................................ 563
Figure 2-162 Open the Pre-boot menu ............................................................................................................................ 564
Figure 2-163 Conguration page rmware date code location (M501) .......................................................................... 566
Figure 2-164 Conguration page rmware version (M506/M527) ................................................................................. 570
Figure 2-165 Open the Pre-boot menu ............................................................................................................................ 572
Figure A-1 Dimensions for the base printer ..................................................................................................................... 578
Figure A-2 Dimensions for the printer with the 1 x 550-sheet paper feeder .................................................................. 579
Figure A-3 Dimensions for the 1 x 550-sheet paper feeder ............................................................................................ 579
Figure A-4 M506 dimensions for the n and dn models .................................................................................................... 580
Figure A-5 M506 dimensions for the x model .................................................................................................................. 580
Figure A-6 Dimensions for the 1 x 550-sheet paper feeder ............................................................................................ 581
Figure A-7 Dimensions for the cabinet/stand .................................................................................................................. 581
Figure A-8 M506 dimensions for the printer with three 1 x 550-sheet paper feeders and the cabinet/stand .............. 582
Figure A-9 M527 dimensions for the dn, f, and z models ................................................................................................ 583
Figure A-10 Dimensions for the 1 x 550-sheet paper feeder .......................................................................................... 583
Figure A-11 Dimensions for the cabinet/stand ................................................................................................................ 584
Figure A-12 M527 dimensions for the printer with three 1 x 550-sheet paper feeders and the cabinet/stand ............ 585
Figure A-13 Certicate of Volatility (1 of 2; M501) .......................................................................................................... 587
Figure A-14 Certicate of Volatility (2 of 2; M501) .......................................................................................................... 588
Figure A-15 Certicate of Volatility (1 of 2; M506) .......................................................................................................... 588
Figure A-16 Certicate of Volatility (2 of 2; M506) .......................................................................................................... 589
Figure A-17 Certicate of Volatility (1 of 2; M527) .......................................................................................................... 590
Figure A-18 Certicate of Volatility (2 of 2; M527) .......................................................................................................... 591
xxviii ENWW
1 Theory of operation
●
Related documentation and software
●
Basic operation
●
Formatter-control system
●
Engine-control system
●
Engine laser/scanner system
●
Pickup, feed, and delivery system
●
Input accessories
●
Scanning and image capture system (M527)
●
Document feeder system (M527)
●
Fax functions and operation (fax models only)
ENWW 1
Related documentation and software
HP service personnel, go to the Service Access Work Bench (SAW) at http://h41302.www4.hp.com/km/saw/
home.do.
Channel partners, go to HP Channel Services Network (CSN) at https://h30125.www3.hp.com/hpcsn.
2 Chapter 1 Theory of operation ENWW
Basic operation
Engine-control system
Laser scanner system
Image-formation system
Pickup, feed, and delivery system
Accessory
Engine-control system
Laser scanner system
Image-formation system
Pickup, feed, and delivery system
Accessor
y
The printer routes all high-level processes through the formatter, which stores font information, processes
the print image, and communicates with the host computer.
The basic printer operation comprises the following systems:
●
The engine-control system, which includes the high-voltage and low-voltage power supplies (HVPS and
LVPS), fuser control circuits, and the DC controller printed circuit assembly (PCA)
●
The laser/scanner system, which forms the latent image on the photosensitive drum
●
The image-formation system, which transfers a toner image onto the paper
●
The pickup, feed and delivery system, which uses a system of rollers and belts to transport the paper
through the printer
●
Accessory (optional paper feeder)
Figure 1-1 Relationship between the main printer systems
ENWW Basic operation 3
Figure 1-2 System block diagram
(M506/M527 only)
4 Chapter 1 Theory of operation ENWW
Sequence of operation
The DC controller PCA controls the operating sequence, as described in the following table.
Table 1-1 Sequence of operation
Period Duration Description
Waiting From the time the power is turned on, the door is
closed, or when the printer exits Sleep mode until the
printer is ready for printing.
Standby From the end of the waiting sequence, the last
rotation until the formatter receives a print command,
or until the printer is turned o.
Initial rotation From the time the formatter receives a print command
until the paper enters the paper path.
Printing From the time the rst sheet of paper enters the paper
path until the last sheet has passed through the fuser.
●
Heats the fuser lm in the fuser
●
Detects the toner cartridge
●
Rotates and stops each motor
●
Rotates and stops each fan
●
Cleans the transfer roller
●
Is in the Ready state
●
Enters Sleep mode if the formatter sends the
sleep command
●
Rotates and stops each fan
●
Rotates each motor
●
Rotates each fan
●
Activates the high-voltage power supply (highvoltage bias)
●
Prepares the laser/scanner unit
●
Warms the fuser to the correct temperature
●
Forms the image on the photosensitive drums
●
Transfers the toner to the paper
Last rotation From the time the last sheet of paper exits the fuser
until the motors stop rotating.
●
Fuses the toner image onto the paper
●
Stops each motor
●
Stops each fan
●
Stops the high-voltage power supply (highvoltage bias)
●
Stops the laser/scanner unit
●
Turns the fuser heater o
●
If another print command is received, the printer
enters the initial rotation period when the last
rotation is complete.
ENWW Basic operation 5
Formatter-control system
The formatter performs the following functions:
●
Controls sleep mode
●
Receives and processes print data from the various printer interfaces
●
Monitors control panel functions and relaying printer status information through the control panel and
the network or bi-directional interface
●
Develops and coordinates data placement and timing with the DC controller PCA
●
Stores font information
●
Communicates with the host computer through the network or the bidirectional interface
The formatter receives a print job from the network or bidirectional interface and separates it into image
information and instructions that control the printing process. The DC controller PCA synchronizes the image
formation system with the paper input and output systems, and then signals the formatter to send the print
image data.
Sleep delay (M501)
When the printer is in sleep delay mode, the control-panel backlight is turned o, but the printer retains all
printer settings, downloaded fonts, and macros. The default setting is a 5-minute idle time. This setting can
be changed by using the control panel menus or the HP Embedded Web Server (EWS).
The printer exits sleep delay mode and enters the warm-up cycle when any of the following occurs.
●
A print job, valid data, or a PML or PJL command is received at the serial port.
●
The control panel is touched (button press or touchscreen touch depending on model).
●
A tray is opened.
TIP: Error messages override the sleep delay message. The printer enters sleep mode at the appropriate
time, but the error message continues to appear.
Sleep mode (M506/M527)
NOTE: In the General Settings menu (a submenu of the Administration menu), this item is termed Sleep
Timer Settings.
This feature conserves power after the printer has been idle for an adjustable period of time. When the printer
is in Sleep mode, the printer retains all settings, downloaded fonts, and macros. The default setting is for
Sleep mode to be enabled, and the printer enters Sleep mode after a 30-second idle time.
The printer rmware uses a combination of timers and Sleep settings to control when the printer enters a
dierent state, as well as what states the printer will enter. The available states are listed below, in
descending order, from using the most power to using the least power:
●
Active: The printer control panel is fully illuminated. The power button light is illuminated.
●
Shallow sleep: The printer control panel is dim and the content is grayed out, but is still readable. The
power button light is illuminated.
6 Chapter 1 Theory of operation ENWW
●
Sleep: The printer control panel is o (blacked out). The power button light blinks once every three
seconds.
●
Deep sleep: The printer control panel is o (blacked out). The power button light blinks once every three
seconds. The control panel and power button appearance is the same in this state as the sleep state.
However, the printer is drawing less than 1 watt of power in the deep sleep state (as opposed to 6 watts
of power in the sleep state).
●
O: This state is entered by pressing the power button or removing power from the printer. The power
button light is not illuminated.
The printer exits Sleep mode and enters the warm-up cycle when any of the following events occur:
●
The printer receives a print job, valid data, or a PML or PJL command.
●
A control-panel button is pressed or the touchscreen is touched.
●
A cover or door is opened.
●
The engine-test switch is pressed.
●
A paper tray, other than Tray 1, is opened.
NOTE: If the printer is in the deep sleep state, opening a paper tray will not cause the printer to exit
Sleep mode.
NOTE: Printer error messages override the Sleep message. The printer enters Sleep mode at the
appropriate time, but the error message continues to appear.
TIP: When the printer is in Sleep mode, the sub-power supply is o and the low-voltage power supply is on.
Auto On / Auto O mode (M501)
1. On the printer control panel, press the OK button.
2. Open the following menus:
●
System Setup
●
Energy Settings
●
Sleep/Auto O After
3. Use the arrow keys to select the time for the Sleep/Auto O delay, and then press the OK button.
Printer job language (PJL)
PJL is an integral part of printer conguration, in addition to the standard printer command language (PCL)
and PostScript (PS). With standard cabling, the printer can use PJL to perform a variety of functions, such as
these:
●
Two-way communication with the host computer through a network connection or a USB device
port: The printer can inform the host about the control-panel settings, and the control-panel settings
can be changed from the host.
●
Dynamic I/O switching: The printer uses this switching to be congured with a host on each I/O. The
printer can receive data from more than one I/O simultaneously, until the I/O buer is full. This can occur
even when the printer is oine.
ENWW Formatter-control system 7
●
Context-sensitive switching: The printer can automatically recognize the personality (PS or PCL) of
each job and congure itself to serve that personality.
●
Isolation of print environment settings from one print job to the next: For example, if a print job is
sent to the printer in landscape mode, the subsequent print jobs print in landscape only if they are
formatted for landscape printing.
Printer management language (PML)
PML allows remote conguration of the printer and status read-back from the printer through the I/O ports.
Control panel
The M501n and M501dn control panel is a 2-line backlit control panel display with numeric keypad and
additional buttons for navigating control panel menus.
The M506n and M506dn control panel is a 4-line backlit control panel display with numeric keypad and
additional buttons for navigating control panel menus. The M506x control panel is a 10.9 cm (4.3 in) full-color
SVGA with infrared touchscreen and adjustable viewing angle.
The control panel for all of the M527 models is a 20.3 cm (8 in) full-color SVGA with infrared touchscreen and
adjustable viewing angle.
8 Chapter 1 Theory of operation ENWW
Easy-access USB port (M506/M527)
All models feature easy-access USB printing, for quickly printing les without sending them from a computer.
The printer accepts standard USB ash drives in the USB port near the control panel. It supports the following
types of les:
●
.pdf
●
.jpg
●
.prn and .PRN
●
.cht and .CHT
●
.pxl
●
.pcl and .PCL
●
.ps and .PS
●
.doc and .docx
●
.ppt and .pptx
The USB port is disabled by default. Follow the instructions in the printer user guide to enable the USB port
and print USB documents.
Wireless (wireless models only)
The M506x and M527z models contain a wireless card to enable wireless direct printing over an 802.11b/g/n
wireless connection.
NOTE: This card does not enable the printer to connect to the network.
Low end data model (LEDM) overview (M501)
The low-end data model (LEDM) provides one consistent data representation method and denes the
dynamic and capabilities tickets shared between clients and devices, as well as the access protocol, event,
security, and discovery methods.
Advanced control language (ACL) overview (M501)
The advanced control language (ACL) is a language that supports printer control and rmware downloads in
printers that support both PJL/PCL and host-based printing. Each sequence of ACL commands must be
preceded by a unied exit command (UEL) and an @PJL ENTER LANGUAGE=ACL command. The ACL sequence
is always followed by a UEL. Any number of commands can be placed between the UELs. The only exception to
these rules is the download command. If a rmware download is done, the download command must be the
last command in the sequence. It will not be followed by a UEL.
The rmware searches for the UEL sequence when parsing commands. However, while downloading binary
data such as host-based code or NVRAM data the rmware suspends UEL parsing. To handle hosts that
“disappear” during binary sequences, the rmware times out all ACL command sessions. If a timeout occurs
during a non-download command sequence, it is treated as the receipt of a UEL. If a timeout occurs during
rmware download, the printer resets.
ENWW Formatter-control system 9
Near eld communication (NFC; M506/M527)
The M506x and M527z models support NFC capabilities. NFC enables a connection between the printer and a
mobile device, such as a smartphone or tablet, by touching the device to the NFC icon on the bottom of the
control panel. Documents and images from the mobile device can then be printed through the wireless card
on the printer.
NOTE: The customer can purchase a NFC accessory and add this functionality to other M506/M527 models.
CPU
The formatter incorporates a 1.2 GHz processor.
Input/output (I/O)
The printer supports the following interfaces:
●
Hi-Speed USB 2.0
●
USB hosts
●
10/100/1000 Ethernet LAN connection with IPv4 and IPv6
●
Fax PCA (fax models only)
Memory
Firmware
NOTE: The M527 includes a fax phone line connection.
●
Easy-access USB printing (no computer required; M506/M527)
●
HP near eld communication (NFC) for printing from mobile devices (M506x and M527z models only)
●
Wi-Fi Direct for printing from mobile devices (M506x and M527z models only)
The formatter incorporates dierent types of memory and storage to store the printer rmware as well as
print-job data and user settings.
NOTE: M501 only: If the printer encounters a problem when managing available memory, a clearable
warning message displays on the control panel.
For the M501, Memory on the formatter stores the rmware. A remote rmware upgrade process is used to
overwrite and upgrade the rmware.
For the M506n, M506dn, M506x, and M527dn models, the embedded MultiMedia Card (eMMC) on the
formatter stores the rmware. For the M527c/f and Flow M527z models, the high-performance hard disk
stores the rmware. A rmware upgrade process is used to overwrite and upgrade the rmware. The upgrade
can use a network connection (remote upgrade) or be accomplished by using a USB ash drive.
Nonvolatile random access memory (NVRAM)
The printer uses NVRAM to store printer and user conguration settings. The contents of NVRAM are retained
when the printer is turned o or disconnected.
10 Chapter 1 Theory of operation ENWW
Random access memory (RAM)
The RAM on the formatter serves as a temporary storage area for printing and system operation.
HP Memory Enhancement technology (MEt)
MEt eectively doubles the amount of standard memory through a variety of font- and data-compression
methods.
NOTE: MEt is available only when printing in printer command language (PCL) mode. It is not functional
when printing in PostScript (PS) mode.
ENWW Formatter-control system 11
Engine-control system
Formatter
Engine-control system
DC controller
Low-voltage power supply
Laser scanner system
Image-formation system
Pickup, feed, and delivery
system
Accessory
High-voltage power supplies
Fuser power supply
Formatter
Engine-control system
DC controller
Low-voltage power suppl
y
Laser scanner system
Image-formation system
Pickup, feed, and delivery
sy
stem
Accessor
y
igh-voltage power supplies
Fuser power suppl
y
The engine-control system receives commands from the formatter and interacts with the other main systems
to coordinate all printer functions. The engine-control system consists of the following components:
●
DC controller
●
Low-voltage power supply
●
High-voltage power supplies
●
Fuser power supply
Figure 1-3 Engine-control system
12 Chapter 1 Theory of operation ENWW
DC controller
Transfer roller
High-voltage
power supply
Fan
Cartridge
LED
Fan
Motor
Clutch
Solenoid
Switch
Photointerrupter
Formatter
Control panel
Accessory
Laser scanner ass’y
Fuser
AC input
Low-voltage
power supply
Photointerrupter
Fuser power
supply
DC controller
Switch
Sensor
The DC controller controls the operation of the printer and its components. The DC controller starts the
printer operation when the printer power is turned on and the power supply sends DC voltage to the DC
controller. After the printer enters the standby period, the DC controller sends out various signals to operate
motors, solenoids, and other printer components based on the print command and image data that the host
computer sends.
Figure 1-4 DC controller block diagram
ENWW Engine-control system 13
Motors
The printer has four motors. The motors drive the components in the paper-feed and image-formation
systems.
The DC controller monitors the fuser motor and the scanner motor to determine if a motor has failed. It
noties the formatter when it encounters the following conditions:
●
Startup failure: the motor does not reach a specied speed within a specied time from when the motor
starts.
●
Rotational failure: the rotational speed of the motor is not in the specied range for a specied time
after the motor reaches a specied speed.
Table 1-2 Motors
Abbreviation Name Purpose Failure detection
M1 Fuser motor Drives the pressure roller and delivery roller;
the pressurization and release of the pressure
roller; and the engagement and
disengagement of the primary and secondary
transfer rollers
M2 Pickup motor Drives the Tray 1 pickup roller, the Tray 2
pickup and feed rollers, the registration roller,
and the feed roller
M3 Scanner motor Drives the scanner mirror Yes
M4 Lifter motor Drives the Tray 2 lifter Yes
Yes
Yes
14 Chapter 1 Theory of operation ENWW
Fans
The printer has two fans for preventing the temperature from rising in the printer and for cooling the printed
pages.
The DC controller determines if there is a fan failure and noties the formatter if a fan locks for a specied
time from when the fan starts.
Table 1-3 Fans
Abbreviation Name Cooling area Type Speed
Solenoids
Clutches
FM1 Main fan Toner cartridge and laser
scanner assembly
FM2 Sub fan Around the low-voltage power
supply and formatter
Table 1-4 Solenoids
Component abbreviation Component name
SL1 Tray 2 pickup solenoid
SL2 Tray 1 pickup solenoid
SL3 Duplex switchback solenoid (duplex models only)
Table
1-5 Clutches
Component abbreviation Component name
CL1 Duplex re-pickup clutch (duplex models only)
Intake Full
Intake Full/half
Switches
Table
1-6 Switches
Component abbreviation Component name
SW1 Power switch
SW2 Cartridge door switch
SW4 Tray 2 detection switch
SW5 Rear door switch
SW201 Test print switch
ENWW Engine-control system 15
Photointerrupter sensors
Table 1-7 Photointerrupter sensors
Component abbreviation Component name
PS1a Media-width sensor
PS2b Duplex feed sensor (duplex models only)
PS1 Tray 2 media out sensor
PS2 Top-of-page (TOP) sensor
PS3 Tray 1 media-out sensor
PS4 Output bin media-full sensor
PS11 Registration sensor
PS12 Media surface sensor
PS13 Fuser output sensor
Sensors
Table 1-8 Sensors
Component abbreviation Component name
LEDs
TH401 Environment sensor
Table
1-9 LEDs
Component abbreviation Component name
LED1 Power supply LED
16 Chapter 1 Theory of operation ENWW
Low-voltage power supply
+3.3VA
AC input
+24VA
+3.3VA
+3.3VB +3.3VH
FET
FET
FET
+24VB +24VC
+24VD
FET
+24VE
+24VBSNS
+24VA
PWRSW
Low-voltage power supply
Rectifying
circuit
Protection
circuit
+3.3V
generation
circuit
Fuse
FU101
Fuse
FU102
+24V
generation
circuit
Fuser
Power switch
SW1
DC controller
High-voltage power supply
Interlock switch
SW2
Frequency
detection circuit
Fuser control
circuit
Fuser power supply
FREQSNS
The low-voltage power-supply (LVPS) circuit converts the AC power from the wall receptacle into the DC
voltage that the printer components use.
Figure 1-5 Low-voltage power-supply circuit (M501)
ENWW Engine-control system 17
Figure 1-6 Low-voltage power-supply circuit (M506/M527)
AC input
+5VA
+24VA
+3.3VA
+3.3VB +3.3VH
FET
FET
FET
+24VB +24VC
+24VD
FET
+24VE
+24VBSNS
+24VA
FET
+5VC
+5VA
PWRSW
Low-voltage power supply
Rectifying
circuit
Protection
circuit
+5V
generation
circuit
Fuse
FU101
Fuse
FU102
+24V
generation
circuit
Fuser
Power switch
SW1
DC controller
High-voltage power supply
Interlock switch
SW2
Frequency
detection circuit
Fuser control
circuit
Fuser power supply
+3.3V
generation
circuit
FREQSNS
18 Chapter 1 Theory of operation ENWW
Low-voltage power supply voltages description
The low-voltage power supply converts the AC power into two DC voltages, which it then subdivides, as
described in the following table.
Table 1-10 Converted DC voltages
Main DC voltage Sub-voltage Behavior
+24 V +24 VA Constantly supplied
Stopped during inactive OFF
Becomes 4V during active OFF
+24 VB Stopped when cartridge door is opened. (SW2)
Stopped during active OFF or inactive OFF
+24 VC Stopped when cartridge door is opened. (SW2)
Stopped during active OFF or inactive OFF
+24 VD Constantly supplied
Stopped during active OFF or inactive OFF
+24 VE (M527 only) Constantly supplied
+5 V +5 VA Constantly supplied
+5 VB Constantly supplied
+5 VC Constantly supplied
+3.3 V +3.3 VA Constantly supplied
+3.3 VB Constantly supplied
+3.3 VH Constantly supplied
Over-current/over-voltage protection
The low-voltage power supply automatically stops supplying the DC voltage to the printer components
whenever it detects excessive current or abnormal voltage. The low-voltage power supply has a protective
circuit against over-current and over-voltage to prevent failures in the power supply circuit.
Stopped during active OFF or inactive OFF
Becomes 3.4V during inactive OFF
Stopped during active OFF or inactive OFF
Stopped during inactive OFF
Stopped during inactive OFF
Stopped during inactive OFF
Supplied intermittently during inactive OFF
ENWW Engine-control system 19
CAUTION: If DC voltage is not being supplied from the low-voltage power supply, the protective function
might be running. In this case, turn the power switch o and unplug the power cord.
Do not turn the power switch on until the root cause is found and corrected.
If the protective function is active, the DC controller noties the formatter of a low-voltage power supply
failure. In addition, the low-voltage power supply has two fuses to protect against over-current. If overcurrent ows into the AC line, the fuse stops the AC power.
Safety
For personal safety, the printer interrupts +24VB and +24VC power when the cartridge door detection switch
is turned o (see Table 1-10 Converted DC voltages on page 19), this stops DC power supply to the following
load:
●
High-voltage power supply (HVPS)
The remote switch control circuit turns on or o the printer power so that the AC power ows even the power
switch is turned o. Unplug the printer power cord before disassembling the printer.
Sleep mode operation (M506/M527)
Sleep mode conserves energy by stopping the power to several components when the printer is idle. If the DC
controller detects voltage that is too high when the printer is in Sleep mode, it determines that the lowvoltage power supply has failed, and it noties the formatter.
Low-voltage power supply failure detection (M506/M527)
The DC controller determines a low-voltage power supply failure and noties the formatter when the lowvoltage power supply does not supply +24 V.
Low-voltage power supply functions
The printer has the following low-voltage power supply functions:
Table
1-11 Low-voltage power supply functions
Function Supported feature
Sleep mode No
Power supply voltage detection No
Automatic power OFF No
Automatic power ON/OFF No
Active OFF Yes
Inactive OFF Yes
Network mode No
Power switch illumination Yes
Low-voltage power supply failure detection Yes
Power save mode No
Fast boot mode Yes
20 Chapter 1 Theory of operation ENWW
High-voltage power supply
PRI
DEV
TR
DC controller High-voltage power supply
To primary charge roller
To developing roller
Cartridge
Photosensitive drum
Transfer roller
Primary
charging bias
circuit
Developing
bias circuit
Transfer bias
circuit
The DC controller controls the high-voltage power supply (HVPS) to generate biases. The high-voltage power
supply delivers the high-voltage biases to the following components used to transfer toner during the imageformation process:
●
Primary charging roller (in the toner cartridges)
●
Developing roller (in the toner cartridges)
●
Transfer roller
●
Pressure roller
High-voltage power supply circuits
The high-voltage power supply contains the following separate circuits.
Figure 1-7 High-voltage power supply circuits
ENWW Engine-control system 21
Table 1-12 High-voltage power supply circuits
Circuit Description
Primary-charging-bias generation The primary charging bias negatively charges the surface of the photosensitive drum to
Developing-bias generation The developing bias adheres toner to an electrostatic latent image formed on the
Transfer-bias generation The primary transfer bias transfers the toner from the photosensitive drum onto the
prepare for image formation.
photosensitive drum.
paper.
Fuser bias
FUSER TEMPERATURE signal
FUSER HEATER CONTROL signal
DC controller
Low-voltage power supply
Fuser control circuit
TH1
TP1
H1
Pressure roller
Fuser film
Fuser heater
control circuit
Fuser heater
safety circuit
The printer uses instant-on fusing. The fuser bias is DC positive for improved print quality. The fuser bias
circuit is located in the high-voltage power supply.
Fuser control
The DC controller and components in the fuser perform the following functions related to fuser operation:
●
Control fuser temperature
●
Detect fuser failures
●
Prevent excessive temperature rise
●
Detect remaining life in the fuser
●
Determine if the correct fuser is installed
Fuser circuits
The fuser heater control circuit and the fuser heater safety circuit control the fuser temperature according to
commands from the DC controller. The fuser consists of the following major components:
Figure 1-8 Fuser components
1-13 Fuser components
Table
Type of component Abbreviation Name Function
Heaters H1 Fuser main heater Heats the center of the fuser sleeve
22 Chapter 1 Theory of operation ENWW
Table 1-13 Fuser components (continued)
Fuser heater
safety circuit
FREQSNS
TP1
Fuser heater (H1)
Fuser film ass’y
TP1: Thermal switch
TH1: Thermistor
Fuser
Pressure roller
FSRD
RLYD
FSRTH
+24V
Low-voltage suppry supply
Fuser control
RL101
DC controlle
r
Fuser heater
control circuit
Relay control
circuit
Current detection
circuit
TH1
Type of component Abbreviation Name Function
Fuser control functions
Thermistors
(Contact type)
Thermal switch
(Contact type)
Figure 1-9 Fuser control
TH1 Main thermistor Detects the center temperature of
the fuser heater
TP1 Thermal switch Prevents an abnormal temperature
rise in the fuser heater
The printer has the following fuser control functions.
ENWW Engine-control system 23
Table 1-14 Fuser control functions
Failure detection function Supported feature
Fuser temperature control Yes
Fuser failure detection Yes
Frequency detection circuit failure detection Yes
Fuser pressure release mechanism failure detection No
Fuser type identication detection Yes
Fuser presence detection No
Fuser life detection Yes
Relay failure detection No
Fuser roller cleaning Yes
Fuser heater protection
Fuser heater protection is a feature that detects excessive temperatures in the fuser and interrupts the power
supply to the fuser heater.
The following three protective components prevent the fuser heater from excessive rising temperature:
●
DC controller: When a thermistor or sub-thermistor detects a temperature above a certain threshold,
the DC controller interrupts power to the specic heater.
●
Fuser-heater safety circuit: The fuser heater safety circuit monitors the detected temperature of the
sub thermistors.
●
Thermal switch: If the temperature in the heaters is abnormally high, and the temperature in the
thermoswitch exceeds a specied value, the contact to the thermoswitch breaks.
Fuser unit life detection (M506/M527)
The fuser life is tracked by fuser rotations, and not by the number of pages printed. This is a more accurate
tracking method since the fuser rotates for every print job. There will be variations in fuser life depending on
customer usage. Customers who are running one and two page intermittent jobs with long pauses between
each job might reach the fuser low message sooner due to the fuser rotating more times per page than it
would for larger print jobs.
Fuser identication (M506/M527)
The printer detects the type and presence of the fuser. The DC controller noties the formatter when it fails to
detect the type or presence of the fuser.
NOTE: This printer detects if a fuser of the correct voltage for the printer is installed. If a fuser of the
incorrect voltage is installed, the DC controller noties the formatter and an error message is displayed on the
control panel.
24 Chapter 1 Theory of operation ENWW
Engine laser/scanner system
Laser ass’y
BD sensor
Scanner mirror
Scanner motor ass’y
Photosensitive drum
DC controller
The laser/scanner system forms the latent electrostatic image on the photosensitive drums inside each of the
toner cartridges.
The DC controller receives instructions from the formatter regarding the image of the page to be printed. The
DC controller signals the lasers to emit light, and the laser beams pass through lenses and onto the scanner
mirror, which rotates at a constant speed. The mirror reects the beam onto the photosensitive drum in the
pattern required for the image, exposing the surface of the drum so it can receive toner.
The main components of the laser/scanner system, which are controlled by signals sent from the DC
controller, are:
●
Laser assembly
●
Scanner motor assembly
●
Beam detect (BD) sensor
●
Scanner mirror
Figure 1-10 Laser/scanner system
ENWW Engine laser/scanner system 25
Laser/scanner failure detection
The DC controller determines an optical unit failure and noties the formatter of the error status when any of
the following occurs:
●
Beam detect (BD) failure detection: The scan control board (SCB) does not detect the laser/scanner
and/or the beam detect interval is outside a specied range during printing.
●
Laser/scanner motor startup failure: The scanner motor does not reach a specied rotation frequency
within a specied period of time from when the laser/scanner starts up.
●
Laser/scanner motor abnormal rotation: The laser/scanner motor does not reach a specied rotational
frequency within a specied period of time during a print operation.
Safety
The laser/scanner assembly has a mechanical laser shutter. For the safety of users and service technicians,
the laser shutter interrupts the optical path of the laser/scanner assembly when the top door is opened
(SW101).
26 Chapter 1 Theory of operation ENWW
Image-formation process
Laser scanner ass’y
Fuser
Cartridge
Transfer roller
High-voltage power supply
DC controller
The image-formation system creates the printed image on the paper. The system consists of the following
components:
●
Toner cartridge
●
Transfer roller
●
Fuser
●
Laser/scanner
●
High-voltage power supply
The DC Controller controls the internal components of the image formation system (according to commands
received from the formatter) to form the toner image on the photosensitive drum surface. The toner image is
then transferred to the print media and fused.
Figure 1-11 Image-formation system
The fuser motor (M1) drives the following image formation components:
●
Photosensitive drum
●
Developing roller
●
Primary charging roller (follows the photosensitive drum)
●
Transfer roller (follows the photosensitive drum)
ENWW Engine laser/scanner system 27
●
DC controller
M1
Pressure roller
●
Fuser lm (follows the pressure roller)
NOTE: The primary charging roller and developer roller are located in the toner cartridge.
Figure 1-12 Fuser motor
Abbreviation Component
M1 Fuser motor
The following gure shows the location of the toner-level sensor.
28 Chapter 1 Theory of operation ENWW
Figure 1-13 Toner-level sensor
DC controller
Toner level
sensor
: Paper path
: Direction of drum rotation
: Functional block
: Step
Pickup
Delivery
Fusing
Transfer
Drum cleaning
Developing
Latent image formation
6. Fusing
5. Separation
7. Drum cleaning
1. Primary charging
2. Laser beam exposure
4. Transfer
3. Developing
Table 1-15 Sensors
Abbreviation Component
N/A Toner-level sensor
The image-formation process consists of seven steps divided into ve functional blocks.
Figure 1-14 Image-formation process
ENWW Engine laser/scanner system 29
Table 1-16 Image formation process
Photosensitive drum
Primary charging roller
Primary charging bias
Functional block Steps Description
Latent image formation 1. Primary charging
Development 3. Developing Toner adheres to the electrostatic latent image on the
Transfer 4. Transfer
Fusing 6. Fusing The toner fuses to the paper to make a permanent
Drum cleaning 7. Drum cleaning Residual toner is removed from the drum.
Step 1: Primary charging
The primary-charging roller contacts the photosensitive drum and charges the drum with negative potential.
Figure 1-15 Primary charging
An invisible latent image forms on the surface of the
photosensitive drum.
2. Laser-beam exposure
photosensitive drum.
The toner image transfers to the paper.
5. Separation
image.
30 Chapter 1 Theory of operation ENWW
Step 2: Laser-beam exposure
Photosensitive drum
Laser beam
Developer roller
Developing bias
Photosensitive drum
Developer blade
The laser beam strikes the surface of the photosensitive drum in the areas where the image will form. The
negative charge neutralizes in those areas, which are then ready to accept toner.
Figure 1-16 Laser-beam exposure
Step 3: Development
Toner acquires a negative charge as the developing cylinder contacts the developing blade. Because the
negatively charged surface of the photosensitive drums have been neutralized where they have been struck
by the laser beam, the toner adheres to those areas on the drums. The latent image becomes visible on the
surface of each drum.
Figure 1-17 Development
ENWW Engine laser/scanner system 31
Step 4: Transfer
Transfer roller
Paper
Transfer bias
Photosensitive
drum
Paper
Transfer roller
Static charge eliminator
Photosensitive
drum
The toner image on the photosensitive drum transfers to the paper. Transfer bias applied to the transfer
roller attracts the negatively-charged toner to the paper.
Figure 1-18 Primary transfer
Step 5: Separation
The elasticity of the paper and the curvature of the photosensitive drum cause the paper to separate from the
photosensitive drum. The static-charge eliminator removes excess charge from the paper to make sure that
the toner fuses correctly.
Figure 1-19 Separation
32 Chapter 1 Theory of operation ENWW
Step 6: Fusing
Paper
Fuser film
Fuser heater
Pressure roller
Cleaning blade
Residual toner collection box
Photosensitive
drum
To create the permanent image, the paper passes through heated, pressurized rollers to melt the toner onto
the page. Fusing bias is added to the pressure roller to improve the print quality.
Figure 1-20 Fusing
Step 7: Drum cleaning
The cleaning blade scrapes the residual toner o the surface of the photosensitive drum, and toner is
deposited in the toner-collection portion of the cartridge.
Figure 1-21 ITB cleaning
ENWW Engine laser/scanner system 33
Toner cartridge
DC controller
Cartridge
Memory chip
Photosensitive drum
Developer roller
M1
Primary charging
roller
The printer has one toner cartridge.
Design
The toner cartridge is lled with toner and consists of the following components:
●
Photosensitive drum
●
Developer roller
●
Primary-charging roller
●
Memory chip
The DC controller rotates the drum motor to drive the photosensitive drum, developer roller, and the primarycharging roller.
Figure 1-22 Toner cartridge system
Table 1-17 Toner cartridge functions
Function Supported feature
Toner cartridge presence detection Yes
Toner level detection Yes
34 Chapter 1 Theory of operation ENWW
Toner cartridge life detection Yes
Toner cartridge mis-installation detection Not applicable (one cartridge)
Table 1-17 Toner cartridge functions (continued)
Function Supported feature
Drum discharge No
Transfer cleaning Yes
Memory chip
The memory chip is non-volatile memory that stores information about the usage of the toner cartridge and
helps protect the customer from counterfeit cartridges. This chip is also used to detect the presence of a
cartridge within the printer. The printer reads and writes the data in the memory chip.
NOTE: The memory chip does not store any customer print, scan, copy, fax, or digital send information. The
memory chip also supports the printer Jet Intelligence toner cartridge management functions.
Toner seal
The toner cartridge seal is opened automatically when the toner cartridge is installed into the printer.
Toner level and cartridge life detection
Toner level detection: The DC controller detects the remaining toner in the cartridge by the optical detection
method and then noties the formatter of the remaining toner level.
Cartridge life detection: Cartridge life detection is measured in two ways.
1.
Toner level:
—
2.
Rotations of internal components (OPC and developer):
—
JetIntelligence
JetIntelligence supports two features for managing toner cartridges.
●
The authentication feature allows customers to specify the use of only genuine HP toner cartridges in
the printer.
●
The anti-theft feature enables locking a cartridge to a specic printer or eet of printers.
Authentication
The genuine HP authentication feature allows a customer to specify that only genuine HP supplies can be
used in a printer. If a non-HP or used supply is installed, the printer will not print. This feature is disabled by
default, and can be enabled or disabled from the control panel or the Embedded Web Server (EWS).
For the rst 75% of cartridge life, toner level is measure through pixel counting by the DC
controller. Once the level reaches 25%, the toner level sensor utilizes electrical properties to
determine the amount of toner remaining.
The DC controller monitors these two life parameters and reports them to the formatter as percent
life remaining. End of cartridge life is determined by the lower value of the two.
ENWW Engine laser/scanner system 35
Anti-theft
If a genuine HP toner cartridge from another printer is moved to a printer with this feature enabled, the toner
cartridge will authenticate and print, unless the toner cartridge has passed the low state. If the toner
cartridge has passed the low state, an Unauthorized Cartridge message displays on the control panel.
If a non-HP toner cartridge is used in a printer with this feature enabled, the message Unauthorized
Cartridge appears on the control-panel display.
NOTE: If a customer suspects they have a counterfeit cartridge, they should report it by going to
www.hp.com/go/anticounterfeit and selecting Report now.
The printer still functions normally.
The toner cartridge anti-theft feature allows a customer to congure the printer to automatically lock
genuine HP toner cartridges to a specic printer or eet of printers when they are installed. A locked toner
cartridge will only work in the specied printer or eet of printers. This feature prevents toner cartridges from
being stolen and used in another printer, or from being moved from an authorized printer to an unauthorized
printer. This feature is disabled by default, and can be enabled or disabled from the control panel, the
Embedded Web Server (EWS), or Web Jetadmin.
When the anti-theft feature is enabled, the toner cartridge in a printer will only work in the specied printer or
eet of printers. If a locked toner cartridge is moved to another printer, the cartridge will not print and the
message Protected Cartridge appears on the control-panel display.
NOTE: When a toner cartridge is locked to a specic printer or eet of printers, it cannot be unlocked. This is
a permanent operation.
Pickup, feed, and delivery system
The DC controller controls the pickup, feed, and delivery system according to commands from the formatter.
The pickup, feed, and delivery system uses a series of rollers to move the paper through the printer.
The pickup, feed, and delivery system consists of the following three functional blocks. The DC controller
controls each block to pick up, feed and deliver the paper.
●
Pickup-and-feed-block: Controls the movement of the paper from each pickup source to the fuser inlet
●
Fuser-and-delivery-block: Controls the movement of the paper from the fuser to the delivery
destination
●
Duplex block: Controls the movement of the paper from the duplex switchback unit to the duplex repickup unit (duplex models only)
36 Chapter 1 Theory of operation ENWW
Figure 1-23 Pickup, feed, and delivery system
Duplex paper path
Simplex paper path
Duplex block
Pickup-and-feed block
Fuser-and-delivery block
Table 1-18 Pickup, feed and delivery system functions
Function Supported feature
Tray 2 media size detection No
Tray 2 media presence detection Yes
Tray 2 media level detection No
ENWW Pickup, feed, and delivery system 37
Table 1-18 Pickup, feed and delivery system functions (continued)
Function Supported feature
Tray 2 lift-down control No
Tray 2 multiple-feed prevention mechanism Yes
Tray 1 media presence detection Yes
Tray 1 media width detection No
Tray 1 last-media detection No
Skew-feed prevention mechanism Yes
Media detection No
OHT detection No
Image leading edge positioning Yes
Media length detection Yes
Media width detection Yes
Pressure roller pressure release control No
Output bin media-full detection Yes
Automatic delivery Yes
Duplex switchback control (duplex models only) Yes
Duplex feed control (duplex models only) Yes
38 Chapter 1 Theory of operation ENWW
Photo sensors and switches
SW4
PS1a
PS2a
PS4
PS13
PS2
PS3
PS11
PS1
PS12
The following gure shows the photo sensors and switches for the pickup, feed, and delivery system.
Figure 1-24 Photo sensors and switches
Table 1-19 Photo sensors and switches
Abbreviation Component
PS1a Media width sensor
PS2b Duplex feed sensor (duplex models only)
PS1 Tray 2 media out sensor
PS2 TOP sensor
PS3 Tray 1 media out sensor
PS4 Output bin media-full sensor
PS11 Registration sensor
PS12 Media surface sensor
PS13 Fuser output sensor
SW4 Tray 2 detection switch
ENWW Pickup, feed, and delivery system 39
Motors, clutches, and solenoids
CL1
SL3
M1
SL1
SL2
M2
M4
The following gure shows the motors, clutches, and solenoids for the pickup, feed, and delivery system.
Figure 1-25 Motors, solenoids, and clutches
Table 1-20 Motors, solenoids, and clutches
Abbreviation Component
M1 Fuser motor
M2 Pickup motor
M4 Lifter motor
SL1 Tray 2 pickup solenoid
SL2 Tray 1 pickup solenoid
SL3 Duplex switchback solenoid (duplex models only)
CL1 Duplex re-pickup clutch (duplex models only)
40 Chapter 1 Theory of operation ENWW
Tray 1 (multipurpose)/Tray 2 (base printer)
Moving paper from Tray 1 and Tray 2 involves the interaction of multiple components within the printer. The
following sections describe these processes.
Tray 1 paper pickup and feed
The printer picks up one sheet of paper from Tray 1.
Following are the sequence of steps for the Tray 1 pickup operation.
NOTE: Tray 1 and Tray 2 are optimal for paper pickup when using special paper or media other than 20 lb
plain paper. For Tray 1, the printer increases the number of attempts to pick up a page, which increases the
reliability of successfully picking the page from the tray and decreases the possibility of a mis-pick jam.
HP recommends using Tray 1 or Tray 2 if the printer is experiencing excessive or reoccurring jams from trays
other than Tray 1 and Tray 2, or for print jobs that require media other than 20 lb plain paper.
Always use Tray 1 when printing envelopes or labels.
1.
The pickup motor reverses when a print command is received from the formatter.
2.
When the DC controller turns on the Tray 1 pickup solenoid, the Tray 1 pickup roller rotates and the
lifting plate lifts.
3.
As the lifting plate rises, the paper is picked up.
4.
The Tray 1 separation pad removes any multiply-fed sheets, and one sheet is fed into the printer.
The Tray 1 media-out sensor (SR8) detects whether paper is present in Tray 1.
ENWW Pickup, feed, and delivery system 41
Figure 1-26 Tray 1 pickup mechanism
M4
SR8
SL2
Tray 1 pickup solenoid
Tray 1 pickup roller
Tray 1 separation pad
Tray 2 paper presence detection
The Tray 2 media-out sensor (SR12) detects the presence of paper in Tray 2.
The DC controller noties the formatter when the Tray 2 media-out sensor detects that paper is absent.
Tray 2 lift operation
The printer keeps the paper stack surface at the correct pickup position. The Tray 2 lift-up operation is
performed under the following conditions:
●
The printer is turned on
●
Tray 2 is installed
●
The paper stack surface in Tray 2 lowers
The operational sequence of the Tray 2 lift-up is as follows:
1. The lifter motor (M4) rotates and the lifter moves up.
2. When the Tray 2 media stack surface sensor 2 detects the stack surface of media, the lifter motor stops.
3. The lifter motor rotates again to lift the lifter when the Tray 2 media stack surface sensor 1 detects the
stack surface and then lowers during printing.
42 Chapter 1 Theory of operation ENWW
When a Tray 2 media stack surface sensors does not detect the stack surface within a specied time period
after the lifter motor starts rotating, the DC controller determines a lifter motor failure and noties the
formatter.
Tray 2 paper pickup
Following are the sequence of steps for the Tray 2 pickup operation.
NOTE: Tray 1 and Tray 2 are optimal for paper pickup when using special paper or media other than 20 lb
plain paper. For Tray 1, the printer increases the number of attempts to pick up a page, which increases the
reliability of successfully picking the page from the tray and decreases the possibility of a mis-pick jam.
HP recommends using Tray 1 or Tray 2 if the printer is experiencing excessive or reoccurring jams from trays
other than Tray 1 and Tray 2, or for print jobs that require media other than 20 lb plain paper.
1.
The printer is turned on or Tray 2 is inserted.
2.
The tray lift-up operation raises the lifting plate so paper can be picked up.
3.
The pickup motor rotates when a print command is received from the formatter.
4.
The Tray 2 pickup roller and Tray 2 feed roller rotate.
5.
The Tray 2 pickup solenoid turns on at a specied time.
6.
The Tray 2 pickup cam rotates.
7.
As the pickup arm lowers, the Tray 2 pickup roller touches the surface of the paper stack.
8.
One sheet of paper feeds into the printer.
Tray 2 multiple-feed prevention
The printer uses a separation roller method to prevent multiple sheets of print media from entering the paper
path.
The separation roller overruns if just one sheet of paper is picked. If two or more sheets are picked, only the
top sheet will be fed to registration and the multiply-fed sheets will be held at the pickup location by the
separation roller. This printer does not have an actively-driven separation roller.
ENWW Pickup, feed, and delivery system 43
Figure 1-27 Tray 2 multiple-feed prevention
Tray 2 separation roller
follows the Tray 2 feed roller
Driving force from
the pickup motor
Normal feed
Multiple feed
Paper
Tray 2 pickup roller
Tray 2 separation roller
Tray 1 feed roller
Tray 2 separation roller
llows the Tray 2 feed roller
Driving force from
the pickup motor
Normal
feed
ultiple fee
d
Paper
Tray 2 pickup roller
Tray 2 separation roller
Tray 1 feed roller
Tray 2 presence detection
The Tray 2 presence sensor is in the lifter drive unit. The sensor detects the tray-presence sensor ag and
determines whether Tray 2 is installed correctly.
Tray 2 skew feed prevention
The printer can straighten the paper without slowing the feed operation.
1.
The leading edge of paper strikes the registration shutter, and the leading edge is aligned with the
shutter.
2.
As the feed rollers keep pushing the paper, the paper warps.
3.
When the force is great enough, the registration shutter rotates, and the paper passes through
straightened.
44 Chapter 1 Theory of operation ENWW
Figure 1-28 Skew-feed prevention
Registration shutter
Paper
Registration shutter
Paper
Feed speed control
The DC controller adjusts the feed speed to improve the print quality depending on the paper type. The paper
is fed at a specied speed according to the print mode designated by the formatter.
1-21 Print mode and feed speed
Table
Print mode
Normal 1/1 Yes
Heavy media 1 Pro No
Feed speed
1
Media sensor detection
Heavy media 2 1/2 Yes
Heavy media 3 1/3 Yes
ENWW Pickup, feed, and delivery system 45
Table 1-21 Print mode and feed speed (continued)
Print mode
Light media 1 1/1 Yes
Light media 2 1/1 Yes
Light media 3 1/3 Yes
Glossy media 1 1/3 Yes
Glossy media 2 1/3 Yes
Glossy media 3 1/3 Yes
Glossy lm 1/3 Yes
Envelope 1 1/2 No
OHT 1/3 Yes
Label 1/2 No
Designated media 1 1/2 No
Designated media 2 1/3 No
Designated media 3 Pro No
1
Feed speeds
1/1 speed = 210 mm/s
Pro speed = 174 mm/s
1/2 speed = 105 mm/s
1/3 speed = 70 mm/s
Feed speed
1
Media sensor detection
Duplexing unit
When duplexing, the fuser motor (M1) reverses the paper and feeds it through the paper path to print the
second side.
Duplexing reverse and duplex feed control
The duplex reverse control reverses the paper after the rst side is printed and feeds it to the duplex repickup position to print the second side of the page.
1.
At a specied time after the rst side of a page is printed, the fuser motor rotates, and the duplex
reverse solenoid is turned on.
2.
The duplex apper moves, and the paper feeds to the duplex reverse unit.
3.
After a specied period of time, the fuser motor reverses, and the paper feeds to the duplex feed unit.
4.
The fuser motor and the pickup motor move the paper to the duplex re-pickup position.
5.
The fuser motor and the duplex feed clutch stop, and the paper feed operation pauses.
6.
After a specied period of time, the fuser motor rotates, and the duplex feed clutch is turned on. The
paper is then picked up again.
46 Chapter 1 Theory of operation ENWW
Jam detection/prevention
PS432
PS13
PS2a
PS2
PS1a
PS11
Duplex paper path
Simplex paper path
The printer uses the following sensors to detect the paper as it moves through the paper path and to report
to the DC controller if the paper has jammed.
●
Top of page (TOP) sensor (SR2)
●
Media width sensor (SR1a)
●
Fuser output sensor (SR13)
●
Duplex feed sensor (SR2a)
●
Registration sensor (SR11; M506/M527)
●
Paper feeder feed sensor (SR432; M506/M527)
Figure 1-29 Jam detection sensors
The printer determines that a jam has occurred if one of these sensors detects paper at an inappropriate
time. The DC controller stops the print operation and noties the formatter.
ENWW Pickup, feed, and delivery system 47
Table 1-22 Jams that the printer detects
Jam Description
Media input delay jam 1 Media did not reach the registration sensor in time.
Media input delay jam 2 Media did not reach the source tray feed sensor in time.
Media input delay jam 3 Media did not reach the tray 3 feed sensor in time.
Duplex re-feed jam 1 Media did not reach the registration sensor in time.
Media input stay jam 1 Media remained at the registration sensor longer than legal-sized media should remain.
Fuser delivery delay jam 1 Media did not reach the fuser output sensor in time.
Fuser delivery stay jam 1 Media stayed at fuser output sensor longer than it should stay. Media is in duplex path.
Fuser delivery stay jam 2 Media stayed at fuser output sensor longer than it should stay. Media is in simplex path.
Wrap jam 1 Media is rst detected at fuser output sensor and then disappeared from the sensor
before it should have disappeared.
Door open jam A door is open while paper is moving through the printer.
Residual Media in paper path jam 1 Media detected in the paper path.
48 Chapter 1 Theory of operation ENWW
Input accessories
NOTE: An optional 550-sheet paper feeder is available for this printer. The M506/M527 printers support up
to three of these paper feeders at a time. The M501 printer supports one paper feeder.
Tray 3-5
The 550-sheet paper feeder is installed under the printer. It picks up paper and feeds it into the printer.
NOTE: The M501 printer supports one paper feeder. The M506/M527 printers support three paper feeders.
Figure 1-30 550-sheet paper feeder paper path
Table 1-23 Tray 3 functions
Function Supported feature
Cassette lift-up control Yes
Cassette presence detection Yes
Cassette media size detection No
Cassette media stack surface detection Yes
Cassette media out detection Yes
Cassette media level detection No
Multiple-feed prevention Yes
Automatic delivery Yes
ENWW Input accessories 49
Driver PCA
DC controller
Paper feeder controller
Motor
550-sheet paper feeder
+24VD
+3.3VB
Solenoid
Clutch
Switch
Photointerruptor
The paper feeder controller controls the operational sequence of the paper feeder.
Figure 1-31 Tray 3-5 driver PCA
Electrical components
The 550-sheet paper feeder has one motor for lifting the tray and feeding paper.
Component type Abbreviation Component name
Motor M5 Optional tray lifter motor
Solenoid SL4 Cassette pickup solenoid
Clutch Cl2 Feed clutch
Switch SW3 Cassette detection switch
Photointerrupter PS460 Media surface sensor
PS461 Cassette media out sensor
PS432 Feed sensor
50 Chapter 1 Theory of operation ENWW
Paper pickup
SL4
M1
M5
CL2
PS461
PS460
SW3
PS432
Figure 1-32 Paper pickup and feed components
The paper feeder contains several motors, solenoids, sensors, and switches, as described in the following
table.
Table 1-24 Paper pickup and feed components
Component type Abbreviation Component name
Motors M1 Fuser motor
M5 Lifter motor
Clutch CL2 Feed clutch
Solenoid SL4 Cassette pickup solenoid
Switches SW3 Cassette detection switch
Sensors PS460 Media surface sensor
PS461 Cassette media out sensor
PS432 Feed sensor
ENWW Input accessories 51
Multiple feed prevention
The Trays 3-5 multiple-feed prevention for the paper feeder is operated in the same way as that of Tray 2.
Tray presence detection
The Trays 3-5 tray presence detection for the paper feeder is the same as that of Tray 2.
Tray lift operation
The 550-sheet paper feeder keeps the paper stack surface at the correct pickup position. The tray lift
operation occurs under the following conditions:
●
The printer is turned on
●
The tray is inserted
●
The paper stack surface of the tray lowers
The sequence occurs as follows:
1. The feeder tray-lifting motor rotates and the lifter moves up.
2. When the paper-feeder media-stack-surface sensor detects the stack surface of the paper, the lifting
motor stops.
3. The lifting motor rotates again to lift the lifter when the paper-feeder media-stack-surface sensor
detects the stack surface, and then lowers during printing.
If a tray media-stack-surface sensor does not detect a stack surface within a specied period after the lifting
motor starts rotating, the paper feeder driver determines that the lifting motor has failed and noties the
formatter through the DC controller.
The paper-feeder driver noties the formatter if either of the paper-feeder media-stack-surface sensors fails
to detect the stack surface within a specied period from when a lift-up operation starts.
52 Chapter 1 Theory of operation ENWW
Jam detection
PS432
PS13
PS2a
PS2
PS1a
PS11
Duplex paper path
Simplex paper path
The 550-sheet paper feeder uses the paper feeder feed sensor (SR432) to detect the presence of paper and
to check whether paper has jammed.
Figure 1-33 Jam detection (1x550-sheet paper feeder)
The 550-sheet paper feeder detects the following jams:
●
Media input delay jam 1 (550-sheet paper feeder): Paper did not reach the registration sensor in time.
●
Media input delay jam 2 (550-sheet paper feeder): Paper did not reach the source tray feed sensor in
time.
●
Media input delay jam 3 (550-sheet paper feeder): Paper did not reach the tray 3 feed sensor in time.
●
Pickup stationary jam (550-sheet paper feeder): The feed sensor does not detect the trailing edge of
paper within a specied time after the sensor detects the leading edge.
●
Residual paper jam (550-sheet paper feeder): The feed sensor detects the presence of paper for a
specied time during an automatic delivery operation.
●
Right door open jam (550-sheet paper feeder): The right door open is detected during a paper feed
operation.
ENWW Input accessories 53
Scanning and image capture system (M527)
NOTE: This section is for the M527 printer only.
Figures in this section might look slightly dierent from your printer, but they are correct for the M527
printer. All the information provided in this section is correct for this printer.
The scanner is a carriage-type platen scanner which includes the frame, glass, scan module, and a scan
control board (SCB). The scanner has a sensor to detect legal-sized media and a switch to indicate when the
document feeder is opened.
The document feeder and control panel are attached to the scanner. If the scanner fails, it can be replaced as
a whole unit. The scanner replacement part does not include the document feeder, control panel, or SCB.
54 Chapter 1 Theory of operation ENWW
Document feeder system (M527)
NOTE: This section is for the M527 printer only.
Document feed system
This section describes the following:
●
Sensors in the document feeder
●
Document feeder paper path
●
Simplex single-pass scanning
●
Electronic duplexing (e-duplex) single-pass scanning
●
Deskew operation
●
Document feeder hinges
The printer supports single-pass electronic duplexing (e-duplex) copy jobs. Two separate scan modules scan
the front-side and back-side of an e-duplex copy job page in a single pass through the document feeder.
For the WF class, this ADF supports a smart background which auto-crops and adjusts the image extents.
Sensors in the document feeder
The document feeder contains the following sensors:
●
ADF paper present sensor: Detects whether a document is present in the document feeder. If paper is
present in the document feeder when copies are made, the printer scans the document using the
document feeder. If no paper is present when copies are made, the printer scans the document using
the scanner glass.
●
ADF Y (length) sensor: Detects whether a legal-size original is present in the document feeder.
●
ADF jam cover sensor: Detects whether the document feeder cover is open or closed.
●
ADF paper path deskew sensor: Detects the top of the page as it enters the deskew rollers.
●
ADF paper path pick success sensor: Detects a successful one page feed from the document feeder
tray.
NOTE: This sensor uses ultrasonic sound to detect a multi-page paper feed.
●
Paper path sensor 1: Detects the top of the page as it approaches the front-side scan module
(document feeder glass).
ENWW Document feeder system (M527) 55
Figure 1-34 Document feeder sensors
1
2
5
3
4
Table 1-25 Document feeder sensors
Item Description
1 ADF Y (length) sensor
2 ADF paper present sensor
3 ADF deskew sensor
4 Paper path sensor 1
NOTE: For an e-duplex copy job, this sensor is used to activate the front-side scan module (in the
scanner base) and the front-side background selector (in the document feeder), if needed.
5 ADF jam cover sensor (open the jam access cover and insert a folded piece of paper to activate the ag)
Document feeder paper path
Figure 1-35 Document feeder paper path
Table
1-26 Document feeder paper path
Item Description Item Description
1 Input tray 7 Front-side scan module
NOTE: This scan module (document feeder glass) is
located in the scanner base.
2 Pre-pick roller 8 Back-side scan module
56 Chapter 1 Theory of operation ENWW
Table 1-26 Document feeder paper path (continued)
Item Description Item Description
3 Pick roller 9 ADF pick success transmitter
4 ADF pick success receiver 10 Separator roller
5 Deskew drive roller 11 Exit drive roller
6 Prescan drive roller 12 Lift plate
Document feeder simplex operation
Following is the basic sequence of operation for a document feeder simplex job.
1.
The ADF jam cover sensor detects when the cover door is in the closed position.
2.
The ADF paper present sensor activates when paper is loaded onto the input tray.
3.
The feed motor rotates to raise the lift plate and starts to pick the loaded paper.
4.
The ADF multi-pick (ultrasonic) sensor activates when the leading edge of the media is driven past the
sensor. The printer rmware registers a successful pick operation.
5.
The ADF paper path deskew activates when the leading edge of the paper passes it. The printer rmware
registers the leading edge of the paper position.
6.
The leading edge of the paper drives into the nip point of the deskew drive roller and the deskew pinch
rollers. This creates a buckle of paper by the nip point for pick-skew correction.
7.
The deskew motor rotates the deskew drive roller to pull the paper into the prescan drive roller.
8.
The pick motor stops turning and allows both the pick and feed roller to turn freely while the paper is
pulled in by the deskew drive roller.
9.
The feed motor rotates to drive the paper into the prescan front-side sensor. The rmware registers the
leading edge position of the paper as the multi-pick sensor activates.
10.
The feed motor continues to rotate and drive the leading edge of the paper through the preset distance
from the multi-pick sensor to the front-side scan zone. The scanner begins the scanning and data
retrieval process.
11.
The ADF multi-pick (ultrasonic) sensor deactivates when the trailing edge of the paper passes the
sensor. The rmware registers the trailing edge of the paper position.
12.
The feed motor continues to rotate and drive the trailing edge of the paper through the preset distance
from the ADF multi-pick (ultrasonic) sensor to the front-side scan zone. The scanner ends the scanning
and data retrieval process.
13.
The feed motor continues to rotate and ejects the trailing edge of the paper into the output bin.
14.
One of the following occurs:
—
If the copy job is complete, the ADF paper present sensor deactivates. The feed motor reverses
rotation to raise the pick roller.
—
If the copy job is not complete, the ADF paper present sensor is active. The printer rmware
detects additional pages in the input tray and the process repeats.
ENWW Document feeder system (M527) 57
Document feeder e-duplex operation
Following is the basic sequence of operation for a document feeder simplex job.
NOTE: For an e-duplex copy job, the background scan operation begins immediately after the simplex
sequence of operation ends.
1.
The feed motor continues to drive the paper until the leading edge activates the prescan back-side
sensor. The printer rmware registers the position of the leading edge of the paper.
2.
The feed motor continues to rotate to drive the leading edge of the paper through the preset distance
from prescan back-side sensor to the back-side background selector scan zone. The back-side
background scan module begins scanning and retrieval of the data.
3.
The prescan back-side sensor deactivates when the trailing edge of the paper passes it. The printer
rmware registers the trailing edge of the paper position.
4.
The feed motor continues to rotate to drive the trailing edge of the paper edge past the back-side
background selector scan zone.
5.
The feed motor continues to rotate and ejects the trailing edge of the paper into the output bin.
6.
One of the following occurs:
—
If the copy job is complete, the ADF paper present sensor deactivates. The feed motor reverses
rotation to raise the pick roller.
—
If the copy job is not complete, the ADF paper present sensor is active. The printer rmware
detects additional pages in the input tray and the process repeats.
58 Chapter 1 Theory of operation ENWW
Deskew operation
Sliding side guides on the input tray make sure that the paper stack is correctly aligned at the center of the
input tray when paper is loaded in the tray. The correct position of the loaded paper is parallel with the
direction of travel into the document feeder paper path.
The document feeder further reduces paper skew due to improper loading of paper in the input tray by
buckling the paper to create a paper buer.
The document feeder aligns the leading edge of the paper parallel with the deskew drive rollers before it is
driven further into the document feeder paper path.
NOTE: If the page to be copied is smaller than the minimal sliding guide setting, do not use the document
feeder for the copy job. Attempting to copy too small of a page using the document feeder can result in
document feeder jams and/or damage to the original page. Instead, use the atbed glass to copy the page.
Figure 1-36 Deskew operation
Document feeder hinges
The document feeder hinges allow positioning the assembly vertically above the scanner glass to
accommodate the placement of books and other objects up to 25 mm (1.0 in) in height on the scanner glass.
The document feeder still closes (the bottom of the ADF is kept parallel to the scanner glass) and allows the
printer to operate.
The document feeder hinges provide height adjustment of 25 mm (1.0 in) when a maximum downward force
of 4.5 kg (10 lb) is applied at the front edge of the assembly, with the fulcrum (such as the spine of a book)
centered on the scanner glass and parallel to its long axis.
The document feeder will withstand a downward force of about 4.5 kg (10 lb) applied at the front edge center
of the assembly—when the fulcrum (such as the spine of a book) is located anywhere on the scanner glass
and parallel to its long axis—without breaking, deforming, detaching or experiencing performance
degradation.
The document feeder hinges support the assembly in the open position and prevent the document feeder
from suddenly closing in a damaging or loud manner.
The hinges can hold the document feeder static in all positions higher than 100 mm (3.93 in); measured at the
front of the assembly. Less than 2.3 kg (5 lb) of force is required to open or close the document feeder.
ENWW Document feeder system (M527) 59
The hinges allow the document feeder to open to an angle of between 60º and 80º from the horizontal
position (this angle will not allow the printer to tip over).
Figure 1-37 Document feeder open (book mode)
Figure 1-38 Document feeder open (60º to 80º)
60 Chapter 1 Theory of operation ENWW
Fax functions and operation (fax models only)
The following sections describe the printer fax capabilities.
Computer and network security features
The printer can send and receive fax data over telephone lines that conform to public switch telephone
network (PSTN) standards. The secure fax protocols make it impossible for computer viruses to be
transferred from the telephone line to a computer or network.
The following printer features prevent virus transmission:
●
No direct connection exists between the fax line and any devices that are connected to the USB or
Ethernet ports.
●
The internal rmware cannot be modied through the fax connection.
●
All fax communications go through the fax subsystem, which does not use Internet data-exchange
protocols.
PSTN operation
The PSTN operates through a central oice (CO) that generates a constant voltage on the TIP and RING wires
(48 V, usually). A device goes on-hook by connecting impedance (such as 600 ohms for the U.S.) across the
TIP and RING so that a line current can ow. The CO can detect this current and can send impulses like dial
tones. The printer generates more signaling tones, such as dialing digits, to tell the CO how to connect the
call. The printer can also detect tones, such as a busy tone from the CO that tell it how to behave.
When the call is nally connected, the CO behaves like a piece of wire connecting the sender and receiver. This
is the period during which all of the fax signaling and data transfer occurs. When a call is completed, the
circuit opens again and the line-current ow ceases, removing the CO connection from both the sender and
the receiver.
On most phone systems, the TIP and RING signals appear on pins 3 and 4 of the RJ-11 modular jack (the one
on the fax card, as dened in the common 6 wire RJ standard). These two signals do not have to be polarized
because all of the equipment works with either TIP or RING on one pin and the other signal on the other pin.
This means that cables of either polarity can interconnect and still work.
These basic functions of PSTN operation are assumed in the design of the fax subsystem. The printer
generates and detects the signaling tones, currents, and data signals that are required to transmit and
receive faxes using the PSTN.
Receive faxes when you hear fax tones
In general, incoming faxes to the printer are automatically received. However, if other devices are connected
to the same phone line, the printer might not be set to answer automatically.
If the printer is connected to a phone line that receives both fax and phone calls, and you hear fax tones when
you answer the extension phone, receive the fax in one of two ways:
●
If you are near the printer, press Start Fax on the control panel.
●
Press 1-2-3 in sequence on the extension phone keypad, listen for fax transmission sounds, and then
hang up.
ENWW Fax functions and operation (fax models only) 61
NOTE: In order for the 1-2-3 sequence to work, the extension phone setting must be set to On in the
Fax Setup menu.
Distinctive ring function
Distinctive ring is a service that a telephone company provides. The distinctive ring service allows three phone
numbers to be assigned to one phone line. Each phone number has a distinctive ring. The rst phone number
has a single ring, the second phone number has a double ring, and the third phone number has a triple ring.
NOTE: The printer has not been tested with all of the distinctive-ring services that telephone companies
provide in all countries/regions. HP does not guarantee that the distinctive-ring function will operate correctly
in all countries/regions. Contact the local phone service provider for assistance.
Set up the distinctive ring function
1. Open the Setup menu.
2. Open the Fax Menu menu.
3. Select the Basic Setup menu.
4. Select the Distinctive Ring setting.
5. Use the arrow buttons to select one of the following options:
●
All Rings (default setting)
●
Single
●
Double
●
Triple
●
Double and Triple
Fax by using voice over IP (VOIP) services
Voice over IP (VoIP) services provide normal telephone service, including long distance service through a
broadband Internet connection. These services use packets to break up the voice signal on a telephone line
and transmit it digitally to the receiver, where the packets are reassembled. The VoIP services are often not
compatible with fax machines. The VoIP provider must state that the service supports fax over IP services.
Because the installation process varies, the VoIP service provider will have to assist in installing the printer
fax component.
Although a fax might work on a VoIP network, it can fail when the following events occur:
●
Internet traic becomes heavy and packets are lost.
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Latency (the time it takes for a packet to travel from its point of origin to its point of destination)
becomes excessive.
If you experience problems using the fax feature on a VoIP network, ensure that all of the printer cables and
settings are correct. Conguring the Fax Speed setting to Medium(V.17) or Slow(V.29) can also improve your
ability to send a fax over a VoIP network.
If you continue to have problems faxing, contact your VoIP provider.
62 Chapter 1 Theory of operation ENWW
The fax subsystem
The formatter, fax card, rmware, and software all contribute to the fax functionality. The designs of the
formatter and fax card, along with parameters in the rmware, determine the majority of the regulatory
requirements for telephony on the printer.
The fax subsystem is designed to support V.34 fax transmission, low speeds (such as V.17 fax), and older fax
machines.
Fax card in the fax subsystem
Two versions of the fax card are used in the printer. One is used in the North American, South American, and
Asian countries/regions. The other is used primarily in European countries/regions.
The fax card contains the modem chipset (DSP and CODEC) that controls the basic fax functions of tone
generation and detection, along with channel control for fax transmissions. The CODEC and its associated
circuitry act as the third-generation silicon data access arrangement (DAA) to comply with worldwide
regulatory requirements.
The only dierence between the two versions is that each version is compliant with the 2/4-wire phone jack
system from the respective country/region.
Safety isolation
The most important function of the fax card is the safety isolation between the high-voltage, transient-prone
environment of the telephone network (TNV [telephone network voltage]) and the low-voltage analog and
digital circuitry of the formatter (SELV [secondary extra-low voltage]). This safety isolation provides both
customer safety and printer reliability in the telecom environment.
Any signals that cross the isolation barrier do so magnetically. The breakdown voltage rating of barriercritical components is greater than 5 kV.
Safety-protection circuitry
In addition to the safety barrier, the fax card protects against over-voltage and over-current events.
Telephone over-voltage events can be either dierential mode or common mode. The event can be transient
in nature (a lightning-induced surge or ESD) or continuous (a power line crossed with a phone line). The fax
card protection circuitry provides margin against combinations of over-voltage and overcurrent events.
Common mode protection is provided by the selection of high-voltage-barrier critical components
(transformer and relay). The safety barrier of the fax card PCB traces and the clearance between the fax card
and surrounding components also contribute to common mode protection.
A voltage suppressor (a crowbar-type thyristor) provides dierential protection. This device becomes low
impedance at approximately 300 V dierential, and crowbars to a low voltage. A series thermal switch works
in conjunction with the crowbar for continuous telephone line events, such as crossed power lines.
All communications cross the isolation barrier magnetically. The breakdown voltage rating of barrier-critical
components is greater than 5 kV.
Data path
TIP and RING are the two-wire paths for all signals from the telephone network. All signaling and data
information comes across them, including fax tones and fax data.
ENWW Fax functions and operation (fax models only) 63
The telephone network uses DC current to determine the hook state of the telephone, so line current must be
present during a call. The silicon DAA provides a DC holding circuit to keep the line current constant during a
fax call.
The silicon DAA converts the analog signal to a digital signal for DSP processing, and also converts the digital
signal to an analog signal for transmitting data through a telephone line.
The magnetically coupled signals that cross the isolation barrier go through either a transformer or a relay.
The DSP in the fax card communicates with the ASIC in the formatter using the high-speed serial interface.
Hook state
Another magnetically coupled signal is the control signal that disconnects the downstream telephone devices
(such as a phone or answering machine). A control signal originating on the DSP can change the relay state,
causing the auxiliary jack (downstream jack) to be disconnected from the telephone circuit.
The printer takes control of calls that it recognizes as fax calls. If the printer does not directly pick up the call,
it monitors incoming calls for the fax tone or for the user to direct it to receive a fax. This idle mode is also
called eavesdropping. This mode is active when the printer is on-hook but current exists in the downstream
phone line because another device is o-hook. During eavesdropping, the receive circuit is enabled but has a
dierent gain from the current that is generated during normal fax transmissions.
The printer does not take control of the line unless it detects a fax tone or the user causes it to connect
manually. This feature allows the user to make voice calls from a phone that is connected to the printer
without being cut o if a fax is not being received.
Downstream device detection
The line voltage monitoring module of the silicon DAA can detect the line state as well as the downstream
device. It tells DSP via DIB that an active device (telephone, modem, or answering machine) is connected to
the auxiliary port on the printer (the right side of the dual RJ-11 jack). The DSP uses the signal to ensure that
the printer does not go o-hook (and disconnects a downstream call) until it has been authorized to do so (by
a manual fax start or the detection of the appropriate tones).
Hook switch control
In the silicon DAA the CODEC controls the hook switch directly. The CODEC is activated when it receives
commands from the DSP. When the circuit is drawing DC current from the central oice it is considered o-
hook. When no DC current ows the state is considered on-hook.
Ring detect
Ring detect is performed by the line voltage monitoring module of the silicon DAA, and is a combination of
voltage levels and cadence (time on and time o). Both must be present to detect a valid ring. The CODEC
works with DSP as well as the rmware to determine if an incoming signal is an answerable ring.
Line current control
The DC current from the CO needs to have a path to ow from TIP to RING. The DC impedance emulation line
modulator and DC terminations modules in the silicon DAA act as a DC holding circuit, and work with the
rmware to achieve the voltage-current characteristic between TIP and RING. The impedance (the currentvoltage characteristic) changes corresponding to certain special events, such as pulse dialing or when the
printer goes on-hook.
64 Chapter 1 Theory of operation ENWW
Billing or metering tone lters
Switzerland and Germany provide high-frequency AC signals on the phone line in order to bill customers.
A lter in a special fax cable (for certain countries/regions), can lter these signals. Because these billing
signals are not used in the U.S., these lters are not present in the U.S. fax cable.
To obtain a special fax cable, contact your local telephone service provider.
Fax page storage in ash memory
Fax pages are the electronic images of the document page. They can be created in any of three ways: scanned
to be sent to another fax machine, generated to be sent by the computer, or received from a fax machine to be
printed.
The printer stores all fax pages in ash memory automatically. After these pages are written into ash
memory, they are stored until the pages are sent to another fax machine, printed on the printer, transmitted
to the computer, or erased by the user.
These pages are stored in ash memory, which is the nonvolatile memory that can be repeatedly read from,
written to, and erased. The printer has 8 MB of ash memory, of which 7.5 MB is available for fax storage. The
remaining 0.5 MB is used for the le system and reclamation. Adding RAM does not aect the fax page
storage because the printer does not use RAM for storing fax pages.
Stored fax pages
The user can reprint stored fax receive pages in case of errors. For a fax send, the printer will resend the fax in
case of errors. The printer will resend stored fax pages after a busy signal, communication error, no answer, or
power failure. Other fax devices store fax pages in either normal RAM or short-term RAM. Normal RAM
immediately loses its data when power is lost, while short-term RAM loses its data about 60 minutes after
power failure. Flash memory maintains its data for years without any applied power.
Advantages of ash memory storage
Fax pages that are stored in ash memory are persistent. They are not lost as a result of a power failure, no
matter how long the power is o. Users can reprint faxes in case the print cartridge runs out of toner or the
printer experiences other errors while printing faxes.
The printer also has scan-ahead functionality that makes use of ash memory. Scan-ahead automatically
scans pages into ash memory before a fax job is sent. This allows the sender to pick up the original
document immediately after it is scanned, eliminating the need to wait until the fax transmission is complete.
Because fax pages are stored in ash memory rather than RAM, more RAM is available to handle larger and
more complicated copy and print jobs.
ENWW Fax functions and operation (fax models only) 65
66 Chapter 1 Theory of operation ENWW
2 Solve problems
●
For additional service and support information
●
Solve problems checklist (M501)
●
Solve problems checklist (M506/M527)
●
Troubleshooting process
●
Tools for troubleshooting
●
Improve print quality
●
Print quality troubleshooting guide
●
Clean the printer
●
Solve paper handling problems
●
Clear paper jams
●
Solve performance problems
●
Solve connectivity problems
●
Service mode functions (M501)
●
Service mode functions (M506/M527)
●
Firmware upgrades (M501)
●
Firmware upgrades (M506/M527)
●
Solve email problems (M527)
ENWW 67
For additional service and support information
HP service personnel, go to the Service Access Work Bench (SAW) at http://h41302.www4.hp.com/km/saw/
home.do.
Channel partners, go to HP Channel Services Network (CSN) at https://h30125.www3.hp.com/hpcsn.
●
To access HP PartSurfer information from any mobile device, go to http://partsurfermobile.hp.com/ or
scan the Quick Response (QR) code below.
●
Install and congure
●
Printer specications
●
Up-to-date control panel message (CPMD) troubleshooting
●
Solutions for printer issues and emerging issues
●
Remove and replace part instructions and videos
●
Service advisories
●
Warranty and regulatory information
68 Chapter 2 Solve problems ENWW
Solve problems checklist (M501)
If the printer is not correctly functioning, complete the steps (in the order given) in the following checklist. If
the printer fails a checklist step, follow the corresponding troubleshooting suggestions for that step. If a
checklist step resolves the problem, skip the remaining checklist items.
1. Make sure that the printer is set up correctly.
a. Press the power button to turn on the printer or to deactivate the Auto-O mode.
b. Check the power-cable connections.
c. Make sure that the line voltage is correct for the printer power conguration. See the label that is
on the printer for voltage requirements. If you are using a power strip and its voltage is not within
specications, plug the printer directly into the wall. If it is already plugged into the wall, try a
dierent outlet.
2. Check the cable connections.
a. Check the cable connection between the printer and the computer. Make sure that the connection
is secure.
b. Make sure that the cable itself is not faulty, by using a dierent cable if possible.
c. Check the network connection: Make sure that the network light is lit. The network light is next to
the network port on the back of the printer.
If the printer remains unable to connect to the network, uninstall and then reinstall the printer. If
the error persists, contact a network administrator.
3. Check to see if any messages appear on the control panel.
4. Make sure that the paper you are using meets specications.
5. Make sure that the paper is loaded correctly in the input tray.
6. Make sure that the printer software is installed correctly.
7. Verify that you have installed the printer driver for this printer, and that you are selecting this printer
from the list of available printers.
8. Print a conguration page.
a. On the printer control panel, press the OK button.
b. Open the Reports menu.
c. Select Conguration Report.
After printing the conguration page, check the following:
a. If the page does not print, verify that the input tray contains paper and that the paper is properly
loaded.
b. Make sure that each toner cartridge is installed correctly.
c. If the page jams in the printer, clear the jam.
d. If the print quality is unacceptable, complete the following steps:
ENWW Solve problems checklist (M501) 69
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Verify that the print settings are correct for the paper you are using.
●
Solve print-quality problems.
9. Print a small document from a dierent program that has printed in the past. If this solution works, then
the problem is with the program you are using. If this solution does not work (the document does not
print), complete these steps:
a. Try printing the job from another computer that has the printer software installed.
b. Check the cable connection. Direct the printer to the correct port, or reinstall the software,
selecting the connection type you are using.
Print the menu map (M501)
To more easily navigate individual settings, print a report of the complete printer menus.
1. On the printer control panel, press the OK button.
2. Open the Reports menu.
3. Select Menu Structure.
Print the service page (includes the event log) (M501)
Printing the service page provides a list of printer settings that might be helpful in the troubleshooting
process, as well as the event log, which stores the last 10 error events that the printer experienced.
1. On the printer control panel, press the OK button.
2. Open the Reports menu.
3. Select the Service Page option to print the report.
The event log is located in the lower right-hand corner of the service page.
70 Chapter 2 Solve problems ENWW
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