Dynamic impedance matching networks
AssigneeXerox Corporation
InventorEugene Wilson
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An improved matching networks for matching the impedance of a source of variable frequency oscillating energy to a variable load is described. The described matching network includes variable capacitances that can be changed to maintain an impedance match between a source and a load despite rapid changes in the frequency output by the source and rapid changes in load impedance.
Claims17
A printer system including a dynamic impedance matching network for matching the impedance of a source of variable frequency oscillating energy to a printhead impedance of a printhead, the dynamic impedance matching network comprising:
- a first reactive element to couple to a source of oscillating energy, the first reactive element including a first capacitance that changes as a function of the frequency of the received oscillating energy;
- and
- a second reactive element coupled to the first reactive element, the second reactive element having a second capacitance that changes as a function of changes in the printhead impedance due to different firings of different ejectors in the printhead, such that an approximate impedance match is maintained between the source and the printhead.
A printer comprising:
- a source of RF energy;
- a printhead that includes a plurality of ink ejectors, the printhead having an impedance that corresponds to the number of ejectors ejecting ink;
- and
- a matching network that couples the RF energy from the source to the printhead, the matching network having reactive elements that vary with the frequency of the RF energy and the number of ejectors ejecting ink such that an approximate impedance match is maintained despite changes in frequency of the RF energy and changes in the number of ejectors ejecting ink.
A method of maintaining an impedance match between a RF source and load, the method comprising the operations of:
- determining the frequency output from the RF source;
- adjusting a first reactive element in an impedance matching network according to the frequency from the RF source;
- determining the number of ink ejectors to be fired at a first point in time;
- and
- adjusting a second reactive element in the impedance matching network according to the number of ink ejectors to be fired to maintain an impedance match between the RF source and the load.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.