US 5,644,342 A · Addressing system for an integrated printhead

Abstract

An integrated printhead which includes an M row by N column array of groups of ink jet elements wherein each group has a unique row and column address; a first addressing control coupled to the array of groups for selecting one of the M rows of the M row by N column array of groups of ink jet elements; and a second addressing control coupled to the array of groups for selecting one of the N columns of the M row by N column array of groups of ink jet elements. One individual group of ink jet elements is addressed by the first addressing and the second addressing controls. In a specific embodiment a third dimension of addressing is provided by a plurality of address line selects that are coupled to the ink jet elements in each group. In an alternate specific embodiment the resistance between the first addressing means and the second addressing means for each group of ink jet elements can be adjusted to balance the energy dissipated between the groups of ink jet elements. The unique three dimensional addressing system provides for high density integrated printheads that have significantly fewer interconnect pads, which will minimize costs and increase reliability.

Claims20

Dependent claims

An improved inkjet addressing system, for an integrated printhead having a multiplicity of inkjet nozzles;

said system comprising:
a row-and-column array of groups of separate and distinct nozzle drivers;
each of said groups of separate nozzle drivers comprising a multiplicity of the separate nozzle drivers;
each of said groups of separate nozzle drivers having a unique row-and-column address;
first addressing means, coupled to said array of groups, for selecting one row of said array of groups;
and
second addressing means, coupled to said array of groups, for selecting one column of said array of groups;
wherein the first and second addressing means cooperate to select a particular group having a row-and-column address consisting of the row selected by the first addressing means and the column selected by the second addressing means, and the first and second addressing means select each of the separate nozzle drivers in said particular group of nozzle drivers.

5 more elements

An integrated printhead having multiple inkjet nozzles, and having three-dimensional addressing comprising:

a row-and-column array of groups of separate and distinct nozzle drivers, wherein;
each of the separate nozzle drivers is respectively associated with one of the multiple inkjet nozzles, and
each of said groups of separate nozzle drivers has a unique row-and-column address;
first addressing means, coupled to said array of groups, for selecting one row of said array and for connecting voltage or current to individual nozzle drivers in that selected row to partially enable printing by the nozzles associated therewith;
second addressing means, coupled to said array of groups, for selecting one column of said array and for connecting voltage or current to individual nozzle drivers in that selected column to partially enable printing by the nozzles associated therewith;
means for establishing a resistance between said first addressing means and said second addressing means, for each of said groups of individual nozzle drivers;
third addressing means, coupled to said array of groups, for connecting voltage or current to one respective individual nozzle driver in each of said groups of separate nozzle drivers to partially enable printing by the nozzles associated therewith;
and
means, coupled to said first addressing means, for adjusting the resistance-establishing means between said first addressing means and said second addressing means for at least one of said groups of individual nozzle drivers.

6 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Addressing system for an integrated printhead

Life of this patent

Addressing system for an integrated printhead

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20