Methods, apparatus, and systems for fuser assembly power control

A stepped power fuser control method for controlling power for a fuser assembly using discrete power levels, the method comprising:

• turning on a first fuser heating member in response to a first power level signal output by a controller;
• and
• turning on a second fuser heating member in response to a second power level signal;
• turning on a third fuser heating member based on a third power level signal output by the controller;
• turning off the third fuser heating member in response to a second or first power level signal;
• turning off the second fuser heating member in response to a first power level signal;
• and
• turning off the first fuser heating member, the second fuser heating member, and the third fuser heating member when no power level signal is output.

A method for fuser assembly temperature control, the fuser assembly having at least a first fuser heating member, a second fuser heating member, and a third fuser heating member, each being connected to a controller that outputs power level signals, the method comprising:

• determining a temperature error by comparing a target fuser component temperature with an actual fuser assembly component temperature;
• outputting a first power level signal when the determined temperature error is substantially equal to or greater than a first temperature threshold, and less than a second temperature threshold;
• outputting a second power level signal when the determined temperature error is substantially equal to or greater than a second temperature threshold, and less than a third temperature threshold;
• and
• outputting a third power level signal when the determined temperature error is substantially equal to or greater than a third temperature threshold.