Abstract: A printer controller with a gate array capable of performing image data reception, image data decompression and relocation, image data serialization to reduce the memory and CPU requirements. The controller cooperates with a host computer printer driver and utilizes the host computer to process data from application software into raw bit map data, compresses the raw bit map data, and encodes the raw bit map data for transmission to the printer controller.The controller includes a dispatcher for keeping track of sequential print data received from the host computer and separating the print data into raw image data and print commands, a CPU which executes the print commands to instruct the printer to start or stop a printing job, report printer status to the host computer, manage printer configuration, etc.