Active matrix device and method of driving the same

A method for driving an electrowetting on dielectric (EWOD) device, comprising:

• a plurality of array elements configured to manipulate one or more droplets of fluid on an array, each of the array elements including a corresponding array element driver circuit,
• wherein each array element driver circuit includes:
• a top substrate electrode and a first drive electrode between which the one or more droplets may be positioned, the top substrate electrode being formed on a top substrate, and the first drive electrode being formed on a lower substrate;
• and
• circuitry configured to selectively provide drive voltages to the first drive electrode to move the one or more droplets among the plurality of array elements, and
• wherein at least one of the plurality of array elements includes:
• a heater element also formed on the lower substrate and configured to heat the one or more droplets when positioned between the top substrate electrode and the first drive electrode of the at least one array element, the heater element comprising a second drive electrode;
• and
• circuitry configured to provide drive voltages the second electrode, the method including the steps of:
• switching the second drive electrode between a first mode of operation in which the drive voltages are provided to the second drive electrode to control an electro-wetting force exerted by the second drive electrode on the one or more droplets, and a second mode of operation in which the drive voltages provided to the second drive electrode cause the second drive electrode to dissipate thermal energy to heat the one or more droplets.