Electronic device, method for detecting contact connectivity, and printer

Abstract

An example of an electronic device is described. In some examples, the electronic device includes: a first shared line having a plurality of first contacts respectively connected to a plurality of integrated circuits, a plurality of second lines having corresponding second contacts respectively connected to the plurality of integrated circuits, and a third shared line having a plurality of third contacts respectively connected to the plurality of integrated circuits. In some examples, the electronic device includes circuitry for determining whether one of the third contacts is connected to the integrated circuit based on a state of the first shared line and a state of one of the second lines associated with one of the third contacts.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to contact connectivity. Background Art

[0002] An electronic device includes an electronic circuit that operates based on the electrical characteristics of the circuit. For example, the electronic circuit may rely on the flow of voltage(s) and / or current(s) throughout the electronic circuit. The electronic circuit may include components such as resistors, capacitors, transistors, inductors, etc. The components of the electronic circuit may be used to establish the electrical characteristics of the circuit, and how the voltage and / or current in the circuit behave. Summary of the invention

[0003] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an electronic device is provided, comprising: a first shared line having multiple first contacts, the multiple first contacts being respectively connected to multiple integrated circuits; a plurality of second lines having corresponding second contacts, the corresponding second contacts being respectively connected to the multiple integrated circuits; a third shared line having multiple third contacts, the multiple third contacts being respectively connected to the multiple integrated circuits; and a circuit for determining whether one of the third contacts is connected to an integrated circuit based on a state of the first shared line and a state of a second line associated with one of the third contacts in the multiple second lines, wherein the first shared line is a reset line and each of the multiple second lines is a corresponding data line.

[0004] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for detecting contact connectivity is provided, comprising: setting a state of a first shared line having a first contact to a first value; setting a state of one of a plurality of second lines having a second contact to a first value; setting a state of another of the plurality of second lines having the second contact to a second value; and detecting whether one of a plurality of third contacts is connected to an integrated circuit based on the state of the first shared line and the states of the plurality of second lines, wherein the first shared line is a reset line and each of the plurality of second lines is a corresponding data line.

[0005] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a printer is provided, comprising: a plurality of first contacts, wherein a first signal is to be shared by all the plurality of first contacts; a plurality of second contacts, wherein each of the plurality of second signals is independent for each of the plurality of second contacts; and a plurality of third contacts, wherein a third signal is to be shared by all of the plurality of third contacts, and wherein connectivity of one of the plurality of third contacts is to be detected based on the first signal and one of the plurality of second signals, wherein the first signal is a reset signal, and each of the plurality of second signals is a corresponding data signal. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an electronic device having contacts with shared lines;

[0007] Figure 2 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method for contact connectivity detection;

[0008] Figure 3 is a flow chart illustrating another example of a method for contact connectivity detection;

[0009] Figure 4A is a block diagram illustrating an example of an electronic device and a pull circuit;

[0010] Figure 4B is a block diagram illustrating an example of an electronic device and a pull-type circuit; and

[0011] Figure 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a printer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] Some electronic devices can be docked with other electronic devices. For example, some electronic devices may include electrical contacts for docking with other electronic devices. When connected, these contacts can be used to provide power between devices and / or communicate between devices.

[0013] An electronic device may include a connection interface for connecting to another electronic device or devices. The connection interface may include contacts for connecting to a contact pad on another electronic device. The contact(s) may be electrical contacts (e.g., electrical structures, plates, prongs, etc.) for docking (e.g., contacting) with a mating contact pad(s) on another electronic device. For example, the contact may be a metal contact capable of transmitting an electrical or electronic signal. For example, the contact may provide power and / or signals (e.g., data) to a corresponding contact pad on another electronic device or devices.

[0014] Some examples of electronic devices are printers. Printers can be used as examples of electronic devices implemented according to some of the techniques and structures described herein. Although some examples can be described based on printers and / or print cartridges, it should be noted that some of the examples described herein can be implemented in other electronic devices. For example, some of the techniques and / or structures described herein can be implemented in a variety of electronic devices that dock with other electronic devices. For example, electronic devices with docked removable electronic components, connection interfaces, ports, etc. can be implemented according to some of the examples described herein.

[0015] A print cartridge is a device that provides material (e.g., ink, toner, three-dimensional (3D) printing media, etc.) to one or more print heads. For example, a print cartridge may include a reservoir that stores material for supply to one or more print heads. A print cartridge may include one or more print heads. A print head is a device that dispenses material (e.g., ink, toner, three-dimensional (3D) printing media, etc.). A print head may include one or more integrated circuits for dispensing material. For example, a print head may be implemented in silicon including one or more integrated circuits. In some examples, a print head may include one or more dies (e.g., fluid dies) for dispensing material. For example, a print head may be implemented in a silicon die (also referred to as a sliver) and plastic. A print head may include or may be coupled to a contact pad.

[0016] Some printheads and / or print cartridges include exposed contact pads that, when operating properly, form an electrical connection with the printer. The contact pads (e.g., indented flex connections) may be susceptible to contamination or damage. In some cases, improper user handling or insertion may result in damage to one or more contact pads and / or damage to one or more contacts on the printer.

[0017] It may be beneficial to determine and / or verify the electrical connectivity of each individual contact point (e.g., corresponding to contact pads on one or more print cartridges, such as black and color cartridges). For example, this may result in improved problem detection (e.g., troubleshooting), better printhead safety and reliability, and / or reduced customer return and service call rates.

[0018] In some examples, contacts can share a line. A line is a conductor or an electrical coupling. A shared line is a conductor or an electrical coupling coupled to multiple contacts. For example, an electrical signal or an electronic signal on a shared line can be provided to all contacts of the shared line. It may be difficult to determine and / or verify the connectivity of individual contacts that share a line. Some examples of the structures and / or technologies described herein may enable connectivity determination and / or verification for individual contacts that share a line. For example, individual contact connectivity may be verified for one or more print heads, where multiple contacts share a line. The terms "connectivity" and "connection" may refer to electrical and / or electronic connections between one or more contacts and one or more contact pads. When a contact and a mating contact pad are not in physical contact, when there is no electrical connection, or when there is no reliable electrical connection (e.g., when there is an intermittent or attenuated connection that is unreliable for transmitting power and / or transmitting signals), an "open circuit" occurs.

[0019] Throughout the drawings, the same reference numerals designate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and the size of some parts may be exaggerated to more clearly illustrate the examples shown. In addition, the drawings provide examples and / or implementations consistent with the present description; however, the present description is not limited to the examples and / or implementations provided in the drawings.

[0020] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an electronic device 102 having contacts with a shared line. Figure 1 In the example of FIG. 1 , the electronic device 102 includes: a first shared line 104 having a plurality of first contacts 114, a plurality of second lines 106 having corresponding second contacts 116, and a third shared line 108 having a plurality of third contacts 118. Figure 1 The first contact 114, the second contact, and the third contact 118 are illustrated, but other examples may include one or more additional sets of contacts with shared lines, and / or one or more additional sets of contacts with corresponding lines. As described above, a shared line may share a signal with all contacts of the shared line. The corresponding lines are separate or independent from each other. For example, the corresponding lines may carry separate or independent signals.

[0021] In some examples, each contact set (e.g., first contact 114, second contact 116, third contact 118, etc.) can be implemented to connect to multiple integrated circuits. For example, one of first contact 114, one of second contact 116, and one of third contact 118 can be implemented to connect to a first integrated circuit, and another of first contact 114, another of second contact 116, and another of third contact 118 can be implemented to connect to a second integrated circuit. Although each contact set (first contact 114, second contact 116, third contact 118) is Figure 1 114, the second contact 116, and the third contact 118. The electronic device 102 is illustrated as including two individual contacts, but in some examples, each contact set can include more contacts. In some examples, different contact sets can include the same or different numbers of contacts from each other. The electronic device 102 includes a connection interface 112. The connection interface 112 is an interface that includes multiple contact sets (e.g., a first contact 114, a second contact 116, and a third contact 118, etc.).

[0022] Some examples of electronic devices 102 include printers. For example, a printer can be implemented to connect to one or more print cartridges, one or more print heads, one or more integrated circuits, and / or one or more dies. For example, each of the first contacts 114, the second contacts 116, and the third contacts 118 can be implemented to connect to mating contact pads of one or more print cartridges, one or more print heads, one or more integrated circuits, and / or one or more dies (e.g., strips).

[0023] In some examples, the first shared line 104 can be a reset line. For example, the first shared line 104 can carry a reset signal to the first contact 114. In some examples, the reset signal can reset the one or more integrated circuits connected. In some examples, each of the second lines 106 can be a corresponding data line. For example, each of the second lines 106 can carry a separate data signal to a corresponding second contact 116. In some examples, the data signal can be supplied to the one or more integrated circuits connected.

[0024] In some examples, the third shared line 108 can be a clock line, a sense line, or a mode line. For example, the third shared line 108 can carry a clock signal, a sense signal, or a mode signal for the third contact 118. In some examples, the clock signal can be supplied to one or more connected integrated circuits (e.g., for operation timing). In some examples, a sense signal can be received from one or more connected integrated circuits (e.g., for sensing conditions such as temperature). In some examples, a mode signal can be supplied to one or more connected integrated circuits (e.g., to indicate and / or command a mode of operation).

[0025] The electronic device 102 may include circuit 110. Examples of circuit 110 include: an integrated circuit, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a processor, a microcontroller, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a digital logic circuit, and / or an analog circuit, etc. In some examples, circuit 110 may include and / or may be coupled to a memory. For example, circuit 110 may include a processor, which may be any of a central processing unit (CPU), a semiconductor-based microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU), an FPGA, an ASIC, and / or other hardware devices suitable for retrieving and executing instructions stored in a memory. The processor may fetch, decode, and / or execute instructions stored in the memory (e.g., contact connectivity determination instructions). Additionally or alternatively, the processor may include one or more electronic circuits including electronic components for implementing one or more functions of instructions. In some examples, the processor may implement a combination of Figure 1-4B In some examples, the memory may include a memory for combining Figure 1-4B The executable instructions of one, some or all of the described functions, operations, elements, methods, etc.

[0026] In some examples, the memory can be any electronic, magnetic, optical, or other physical storage device that contains or stores electronic information (e.g., instructions and / or data). The memory can be, for example, a random access memory (RAM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a storage device, an optical disk, and the like. In some examples, the memory can be a volatile and / or non-volatile memory, such as a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), an EEPROM, a magnetoresistive random access memory (MRAM), a phase change RAM (PCRAM), a memristor, a flash memory, and the like. In some implementations, the memory can be a non-transitory tangible machine-readable storage medium, where the term "non-transitory" does not cover transient propagating signals. In some examples, the memory can include multiple devices (e.g., a RAM card and a solid-state drive (SSD)).

[0027] Circuit 110 can be coupled to contacts (e.g., first contact 114, second contact 116, and third contact 118). For example, circuit 110 can be coupled to first contact 114 using first shared line 104, to second contact 116 using corresponding second line 106, and to third contact 118 using third shared line. In some examples, circuit 110 can be coupled to one or more additional contacts using one or more shared lines and / or using corresponding lines.

[0028] Circuit 110 may determine connectivity of one or more contacts. For example, circuit 110 may determine whether each of first contacts 114 is connected to one or more integrated circuits, whether each of second contacts 116 is connected to one or more integrated circuits, and / or whether each of third contacts 118 is connected to one or more integrated circuits. In some examples, circuit 110 may determine additional or alternative contacts ( Figure 1 whether connected to one or more integrated circuits.

[0029] Circuit 110 can use a combination of states on a line (e.g., first shared line 104 and second line 106) to determine connectivity of one or more contacts (e.g., third contact 118). A state is an electrical or electronic state. For example, a state can be a specific voltage or logic level on a line and / or a contact. A state can be controlled by circuit 110. For example, circuit 110 can drive a voltage or logic level on a line and / or a contact. Some examples of states can indicate or correspond to logic 0 and logic 1.

[0030] In some examples, the measurement results (e.g., voltage measurements, voltage levels, etc.) corresponding to the contacts on the shared line can vary based on the state on another shared line and the state on the individual line. The measurement results can be used to determine whether the contact is connected. In some examples, the circuit 110 can determine whether one of the third contacts 118 is connected to the integrated circuit based on the state of the first shared line 104 and the state of one of the second lines 106 associated with one of the third contacts. For example, one of the second lines 106 can be associated with one of the third contacts 118. The association between the contacts can be based on whether they are implemented to be connected to the same integrated circuit. For example, one of the third contacts 118 can be associated with one of the second contacts 116 and / or the corresponding second line because one of the third contacts 118 and one of the second contacts 116 are implemented to be connected to the same integrated circuit (e.g., die).

[0031] In some examples, circuit 110 can use a combination of contact states to enable and disable pull circuits (e.g., pull-down or pull-up) on a per-integrated circuit (e.g., die) basis. A pull-down is a circuit that modifies an input voltage (e.g., pulls the input voltage down) when connected. A pull-up is a circuit that modifies an input voltage (e.g., pulls the input voltage up) when connected. A pull-up can be implemented in an integrated circuit to be connected to connection interface 112. Some examples herein are described with respect to pull-downs. Pull-ups can be implemented in other examples instead. In some examples, pull circuits (e.g., pull-down or pull-up) corresponding to a contact pad and corresponding to a contact can be activated or deactivated based on the state of an associated contact (e.g., a contact from other lines to be connected to the same integrated circuit). For example, when the state of the first shared line 104 (e.g., a reset line) is a first state (e.g., logic 0) and the state of one of the second lines 106 (e.g., data lines) is a first state (e.g., logic 0), a pull-down corresponding to one of the third contacts 118 can be enabled, but when the state of one of the second lines 106 (e.g., data lines) is a second state (e.g., logic 1), the pull-down can be disabled.

[0032] Because the second lines 106 (and the second contacts 116) are independent with respect to different integrated circuits, each of the second contacts 116 can be individually verified for connectivity. In some examples, verifying the connectivity of each of the second contacts 116 can be performed before determining the connectivity of each of the third contacts 118. The second contacts 116 can be used to enable a pull circuit of one integrated circuit and disable other pull circuits of the remaining integrated circuits or dies (e.g., at a certain time). For example, one or more connections to an integrated circuit with one or more pull circuits enabled can be determined (e.g., measured). For example, when the state of the first shared line 104 is a first state (e.g., logical 0) and the state of one of the plurality of second lines 106 is a first state (e.g., logical 0), and the state of each other line in the plurality of second lines 106 is a second state (e.g., logical 1), the circuit 110 can determine the connectivity of one of the third contacts 118. In some examples, the circuit 110 can determine the connectivity of each of the third contacts 118 by sequentially setting the state of each of the second lines 106 to the first state. For example, a contact corresponding to an integrated circuit (eg, die) may be measured with the corresponding data line low and the pull-down activated.

[0033] In some examples of the techniques described herein, even in the case of multiple contacts (and integrated circuits, dies, strips, etc.) with shared wiring, each contact can be measured individually and determined to have an expected connection resistance. One or more open circuits can be detected. In the event that one or more open circuits are detected, circuit 110 can provide one or more indicators that one or more open circuits are detected, and / or an indicator of one or more contacts that are not connected. For example, circuit 110 can provide one or more indicators to be presented on a display and to be transmitted in a message (e.g., a packet, text, email, etc.). For example, a printer can include a display that presents a message, and / or the message can be transmitted to another device (e.g., a computer, laptop, smart phone, tablet device, etc.) for presentation.

[0034] In some examples, the electronic device 102 may include additional shared lines, each of which has multiple contacts. For example, the electronic device 102 may include: a fourth shared line having multiple fourth contacts, the multiple fourth contacts are respectively connected to the multiple integrated circuits ( Figure 1 104 and the state of one of the second lines 106 associated with one of the fourth contacts. In some examples, the electronic device 102 may include a fifth shared line having a plurality of fifth contacts, the plurality of fifth contacts being connected to a plurality of integrated circuits ( Figure 1 The circuit 110 is to determine whether one of the fifth contacts is connected to the integrated circuit based on the state of the first shared line 104 and the state of one of the second lines 106 associated with one of the fifth contacts.

[0035] In some examples, the connection interface 112 may include a plurality of first contacts 114. A first signal (e.g., a state, a logic value, a voltage, etc.) may be shared by all of the plurality of first contacts 114. The connection interface 112 may include a plurality of second contacts 116. Each of the plurality of second signals (e.g., a state, a logic value, a voltage, etc.) may be independent for each of the plurality of second contacts. The connection interface 112 may include a plurality of third contacts 118. The third signal may be shared by all of the plurality of third contacts 118. The connectivity of one of the plurality of third contacts 118 is to be detected based on the first signal and one of the plurality of second signals. For example, the first signal and one of the plurality of second signals may activate a first pull-down circuit, and the first signal and another of the plurality of second signals may disable a second pull-down circuit.

[0036] Figure 2is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method 200 for contact connectivity detection. The method 200 may be combined with Figure 1 The electronic device 102 described is implemented.

[0037] The electronic device 102 (e.g., the circuit 110) can set 202 the state of the first shared line 104 having the first contact 114 to a first value. The value can be a logical value or a signal (e.g., a voltage) corresponding to a logical value. In some examples, the first value can be 0, a "low" logical value, and / or a voltage below a threshold. For example, the electronic device 102 can drive the state of the first shared line 104 to the first value.

[0038] The electronic device 102 (eg, the circuit 110) may set 204 a state of one of the plurality of second lines 106 having the second contact 116 to a first value (eg, 0). For example, the electronic device 102 may drive the state of the second line 106 to the first value.

[0039] The electronic device 102 (e.g., the circuit 110) can set 206 the state of another one of the plurality of second lines 106 having the second contact 116 to a second value (e.g., 1). For example, the electronic device 102 can drive the state(s) of the other one or more second lines to the second value. In some examples, the second value can be 1, a "high" logic value, and / or a voltage above a threshold. For example, the electronic device 102 can drive the state of one of the second lines 106 to the second value. In some examples, the electronic device 102 can drive the state of a set of second lines 106 that is complementary to the one of the second lines 106 driven to the first value.

[0040] The electronic device 102 (eg, the circuit 110) may detect 208 whether one of the plurality of third contacts 118 is connected to the integrated circuit based on the state of the first shared line 104 and the states of the plurality of second lines 106. This may be as described above in conjunction with Figure 1 For example, the electronic device 102 (e.g., the circuit 110) can measure a voltage on one of the third contacts 118. The voltage can indicate whether the pull-type circuit (and therefore the integrated circuit) is connected to one of the third contacts. For example, detecting 208 whether one of the plurality of third contacts 118 is connected can include: when the state of the first shared line 104 is set to 0, the state of one of the plurality of second lines 106 is set to 0, and the state of another of the plurality of second lines 106 is set to 1, measuring the voltage of one of the plurality of third contacts 118. Referring to Figure 4A and Figure 4B Examples are given of techniques for determining or detecting whether contacts are connected.

[0041] Table (1) is a truth table illustrating an example of a line state corresponding to a pull circuit activity of a line. In Table (1), the term "activate" represents an activated or enabled pull circuit, "disable" represents an inactive or disabled pull circuit, and "X" indicates a "don't care" term (a case where the pull circuit activity does not depend on the state).

[0042]

[0043] Table (1).

[0044] As can be observed in the example of Table (1), when the first shared line state is 0 and the second line state is 0, the pull circuit corresponding to the third shared line can be active. In this example, when the first shared line state is 0 and the second line state is 1, the pull circuit corresponding to the third shared line can be disabled. Therefore, one of the second line states or values ​​can be set to 0, while the remaining second line states or values ​​can be set to 1. In this case, the third contact associated with one of the second lines set to 0 can be measured to determine whether the third contact is connected (e.g., whether the corresponding pull circuit is active).

[0045] In some examples, method 200 may include detecting whether one or more additional contacts are connected. For example, method 200 may include detecting whether one of the plurality of fourth contacts is connected to the integrated circuit based on a state of first shared line 104 and a state of the plurality of second lines 106 in response to detecting that one of the plurality of third contacts 118 is connected.

[0046] Figure 3 is a flow chart illustrating another example of a method 300 for contact connectivity detection. The method 300 may be combined with Figure 1 The electronic device 102 described is implemented.

[0047] The electronic device 102 (eg, the circuit 110) may determine 302 whether the first contact is connected. The reset contact may be in conjunction with Figure 1 An example of a first contact 114 described. For example, a first line can be shared between multiple contacts to be connected to multiple integrated circuits (e.g., dies or strips, etc.). In some examples, the electronic device 102 can measure the voltage at one or more first contacts to determine whether a pull circuit is connected or a pull circuit is connected to one or more first contacts. In some examples, the first connectivity check can indicate that one first contact is connected, although the first connectivity check may not necessarily indicate that all first contacts are connected. In some examples, individual first contact connectivity can be checked (e.g., additionally checked) in conjunction with a second contact connectivity check.

[0048] In the case where the first contact is not connected, the electronic device 102 may indicate 304 a first contact failure (e.g., a reset contact failure). For example, the electronic device 102 may store an indicator in a memory indicating that one or more first contacts are not connected. Additionally or alternatively, the electronic device 102 may present an indicator indicating a first contact failure on a display. Additionally or alternatively, the electronic device 102 may send a message (e.g., a packet, a text message, an email, a chat message, etc.) indicating the first contact failure.

[0049] In the event that the first contact is connected, the electronic device 102 (eg, the circuit 110) may determine 306 whether the second contact is connected. The data contact may be a combination of Figure 1 An example of the second contact 116 described. For example, multiple second lines can be coupled to multiple contacts, respectively, which are to be connected to multiple integrated circuits (e.g., dies or strips, etc.). In some examples, the electronic device 102 can measure the voltage at each second contact to determine whether a pull circuit is connected to each second contact. In some examples, the second contact connectivity check can include two stages. In the first stage, when the first line is in a first logic state (e.g., 0), each second contact can be checked to verify the presence of a pull circuit (e.g., an activated pull-down circuit). In the second stage, when the first line is in a second logic state (e.g., 1), each second contact can be checked to verify that the pull circuit does not exist (e.g., a disabled pull-down). This two-stage check can be used to indirectly verify the first connectivity on all shared first contacts and verify the second line (e.g., control line) connectivity of each of the second contacts.

[0050] In the case where one or more second contacts are not connected, the electronic device 102 may indicate 308 a second contact failure. For example, the electronic device 102 may store an indicator in a memory indicating that the one or more second contacts are not connected. Additionally or alternatively, the electronic device 102 may present an indicator indicating a second contact failure on a display. Additionally or alternatively, the electronic device 102 may send a message (e.g., a packet, a text message, an email, a chat message, etc.) indicating the second contact failure.

[0051] With the second contact connected, the electronic device 102 may set 310 or drive the first (eg, reset) contact to 0. For example, the electronic device 102 may set the state of the first line to 0 (eg, to a voltage representing a logical 0).

[0052] The electronic device 102 may initialize i. In this example, i is an index or variable. For example, the value of i may correspond to an integrated circuit. For example, assuming that the print cartridge includes four integrated circuits (e.g., dies), i=1 may correspond to a first integrated circuit, i=2 may correspond to a second integrated circuit, i=3 may correspond to a third integrated circuit, and i=4 may correspond to a fourth integrated circuit. Initializing 312 i may include setting i to a value for iterating through the integrated circuits. For example, i may be initially set to 0. In some examples, other ranges and / or numbering schemes may be used for i.

[0053] The electronic device 102 may step i 314. For example, the electronic device 102 may increment the value of i (e.g., add to the value of i, increase the value of i). For example, the electronic device 102 may set i=i+1. In other examples, the electronic device 102 may initialize i to a high value (e.g., 5) and decrement the value of i (e.g., subtract from the value of i, decrease the value of i) to step through the integrated circuit.

[0054] The electronic device 102 may set 316 or drive a second contact and / or line (e.g., data (i)) to 0. In this example, data (i) represents the i-th data contact and / or data line. For example, the electronic device 102 may set the state of the i-th data line to 0 (e.g., to a voltage representing a logical 0).

[0055] The electronic device 102 may set 318 or drive other second contacts and / or lines (e.g., data (n≠i)) to 1. In this example, data (n≠i) represents one or more nth data contacts and / or one or more nth data lines that are not the i-th data contact and / or data line. For example, the electronic device 102 may set the state of all second contacts or lines that are not the i-th second contact or line to 1 (e.g., to a voltage representing a logical 1). Driving 316 the second contact (e.g., data (i)) to 0 and driving 318 the other second contacts (e.g., data (n≠i)) to 1 may prepare the contacts on the shared line corresponding to the i-th second contact for connectivity determination or detection. Figure 3 In the example of FIG. 1 , there are three contacts (in addition to the first contact) on the shared line that are tested for connectivity of each integrated circuit: a third contact (e.g., a clock contact), a fourth contact (e.g., a mode contact), and a fifth contact (e.g., a sense contact). The clock contact, the mode contact, and / or the sense contact may be a combination of Figure 1 An example of a third contact 118 is described.

[0056] The electronic device 102 may determine 320 or detect whether the third (e.g., clock (i)) contact is connected. In this example, clock (i) indicates the i-th contact on the shared clock line to be connected to the i-th integrated circuit. For example, the electronic device 102 may measure a voltage on one of the third contacts (e.g., clock (i) contact). The voltage may indicate whether the third (e.g., clock (i)) contact is connected to the i-th integrated circuit. For example, the i-th integrated circuit may include a pull circuit that, when activated, changes the voltage on the third (e.g., clock (i)) contact when connected.

[0057] In the event that the third (e.g., clock (i)) contact is not connected (e.g., in the event that the measured voltage indicates an open circuit), the electronic device 102 may indicate 322 a third contact failure. For example, the electronic device 102 may store an indicator in a memory indicating that the third (e.g., clock (i)) contact is not connected. Additionally or alternatively, the electronic device 102 may present an indicator on a display indicating that the third (e.g., clock (i)) contact is not connected. Additionally or alternatively, the electronic device 102 may send a message (e.g., a packet, a text message, an email, a chat message, etc.) indicating that the third contact is not connected.

[0058] In the event that the third (e.g., clock (i)) contact is connected (e.g., the measured voltage indicates an activated pull circuit), the electronic device 102 can determine 324 or detect whether the fourth (e.g., mode (i)) contact is connected. In this example, mode (i) represents the i-th contact on the shared mode line to be connected to the i-th integrated circuit. For example, the electronic device 102 can measure the voltage on the fourth (e.g., mode (i)) contact. The voltage can indicate whether the fourth (e.g., mode (i)) contact is connected to the i-th integrated circuit. For example, the i-th integrated circuit can include a pull circuit that, when activated, changes the voltage on the fourth contact when connected.

[0059] In the event that the fourth (e.g., mode (i)) contact is not connected (e.g., in the event that the measured voltage indicates an open circuit), the electronic device 102 may indicate 326 a fourth (e.g., mode (i)) contact failure. For example, the electronic device 102 may store an indicator in a memory indicating that the fourth contact is not connected. Additionally or alternatively, the electronic device 102 may present an indicator on a display indicating that the fourth (e.g., mode (i)) contact is not connected. Additionally or alternatively, the electronic device 102 may send a message (e.g., a packet, a text message, an email, a chat message, etc.) indicating that the fourth contact is not connected.

[0060] In the event that the fourth (e.g., mode (i)) contact is connected (e.g., the measured voltage indicates an activated pull circuit), the electronic device 102 can determine 328 whether the fifth (e.g., sense (i)) contact is connected. In this example, sense (i) represents the i-th contact on the shared sense line to be connected to the i-th integrated circuit. For example, the electronic device 102 can measure the voltage on the fifth (e.g., sense (i)) contact. The voltage can indicate whether the fifth contact is connected to the i-th integrated circuit. For example, the i-th integrated circuit can include a pull circuit that, when activated, changes the voltage on the fifth (e.g., sense (i)) contact when connected.

[0061] In the event that the fifth (e.g., sense (i)) contact is not connected (e.g., in the event that the measured voltage indicates an open circuit), the electronic device 102 may indicate 330 a fifth contact failure. For example, the electronic device 102 may store in a memory an indicator indicating that the fifth (e.g., sense (i)) contact is not connected. Additionally or alternatively, the electronic device 102 may present on a display an indicator indicating that the fifth contact is not connected. Additionally or alternatively, the electronic device 102 may send a message (e.g., a packet, a text message, an email, a chat message, etc.) indicating that the fifth contact is not connected.

[0062] In the event that the fifth (e.g., sense (i)) contact is connected (e.g., the measured voltage indicates an activated pull-type circuit), the electronic device 102 can determine 332 whether i is equal to the number of integrated circuits. If i is equal to the number of integrated circuits, the electronic device 102 can indicate 334 that the connectivity test has passed. For example, if i has progressively passed all integrated circuits to be tested, the electronic device 102 can indicate 334 that the connectivity test has passed. Indicating 334 that the connectivity test has passed can include: storing an indicator in a memory indicating that the connectivity test (e.g., for all contacts) has passed. Additionally or alternatively, the electronic device 102 can present an indicator on a display indicating that the connectivity test has passed. Additionally or alternatively, the electronic device 102 can send a message (e.g., a packet, a text message, an email, a chat message, etc.) indicating that the connectivity test has passed. In other examples, the electronic device 102 can determine whether another end condition is met (e.g., all contacts have been tested for connectivity), and can indicate 334 that the connectivity test has passed when the end condition is met.

[0063] From the combination Figure 3It can be observed in the described examples that the first line and the second line can be used to control the pull circuit (e.g., pull-down) state on the shared lines (e.g., the fourth shared line, the fifth shared line, and the third shared line). As can be observed, in some examples, the connectivity of the control lines (e.g., the first line and the second line) can be verified before the connectivity of other shared lines is verified.

[0064] In some examples, the order of line verification can be modified. For example, the order of verification of the third line, the fourth line, and the fifth line can be implemented. In other examples, other orders or sequences can be implemented. In some examples, the order of verification of control lines (e.g., the first line and the second line) can be modified. For example, the connectivity of the second contact can be verified before the connectivity of the first contact, followed by verification of other shared lines.

[0065] Figure 4A is a block diagram illustrating an example of an electronic device 430 and pull circuits 420a-b. In particular, Figure 4A An example of a technique for detecting or determining whether contacts 428a-b (eg, contacts of a shared line) are connected to an integrated circuit (eg, contact pads 456a-b) is illustrated. Figure 4A The electronic device 430 described may be a combination of Figure 1 The example of electronic device 102 described herein, and contacts 428a-b may be combined Figure 1 An example of a depicted third contact 118. In some examples, electronic device 430 may be a printer.

[0066] exist Figure 4A In the example of FIG. 4 , the electronic device 430 includes: a current digital-to-analog converter (IDAC) 432, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 434 (e.g., a 10-bit ADC), a comparator 436, a reference voltage (Vref) 438, contacts 428a-b, and a digital circuit 440. In some examples, one or more components of the electronic device 430 (e.g., the IDAC 432, the ADC 434, the comparator 436, and / or the digital circuit 440) may be included in combination with the electronic device 430. Figure 1 The circuit 110 is described.

[0067] In some examples, the pull circuits 420a-b can be examples of pull circuits described herein and / or can be part of and / or can be coupled to some integrated circuits (e.g., dies, strips, etc.) described herein. In some examples, the pull circuits 420a-b can be part of and / or can be coupled to corresponding dies of one or more print heads of one or more print cartridges, respectively. Each of the pull circuits 420a-b includes a pull-down resistor (Rpulldown) 422a-b, a parasitic capacitor (cparalitic) 424a-b, and a contact pad 426a-b, respectively. Although in Figure 4A Two pull circuits 420a-b and contacts 428a-b are illustrated in FIG. 4 , but other examples may include more than two pull circuits 420a-b and / or contacts 428a-b.

[0068] The connectivity of contacts 428a-b and / or pull circuits 420a-b can be detected using various techniques. One example of contact 428a-b connection detection is described below. Other detection techniques can be utilized in accordance with the techniques described herein.

[0069] Reference Figure 4A The described example may be referred to as an analog method. Such an analog method may utilize a current source and an ADC 434 and / or an analog comparator 436. The digital circuit 440 may include a current source IDAC 432 and / or provide control for the current source IDAC 432. When determining whether the first contact 428a is connected, the first pull circuit 420a may be enabled or activated, while the second pull circuit 420b may be disabled or inactivated based on the state of the other circuits, as described herein. Therefore, a current source may be applied to the first contact 428a (e.g., an input / output (I / O) contact), which may cause a first current 442a (represented as Icurrent_source) to flow into the first pull circuit 420a. When the first pull circuit 420a is connected to the first contact 428a, the voltage on the first contact 428a and / or the first pull circuit 420a may be expressed as Icurrent_source*Rpulldown.

[0070] The digital circuit 440 can measure the voltage on the first contact 428a via the ADC 434 and / or via the analog comparator 436. For example, the analog comparator 436 can indicate whether the voltage on the first contact 428a is above or below a threshold (e.g., Vref 438). The voltage measurement result can indicate whether the first contact 428a is connected (e.g., whether the voltage is at an expected level, within a threshold range, or meets a threshold) or is open. The digital circuit 440 can indicate whether the first contact 428a is connected or open based on the voltage measurement result. When the second contact 428b is being tested, the first pull circuit 420a can be disabled and the second pull circuit 420b can be enabled according to the techniques described herein, thereby allowing the current 442b to flow into the second pull circuit 420b and performing the measurement of the second contact 428b.

[0071] Note that in some examples, the threshold of the pull-down resistor may be changed. For example, the current source (eg, IDAC 432), comparator 436 (eg, Vref 438), and / or ADC target may be modified.

[0072] Figure 4B is a block diagram illustrating an example of an electronic device 460 and pull circuits 450a-b. In particular, Figure 4B An example of a technique for detecting or determining whether a contact 458a-b (eg, a contact of a shared line) is connected to an integrated circuit (eg, contact pads 456a-b) is illustrated. Figure 4B The electronic device 460 described may be a combination of Figure 1 The example of electronic device 102 described herein, and contacts 458a-b may be combined Figure 1 An example of a depicted third contact 118. In some examples, electronic device 460 may be a printer.

[0073] exist Figure 4B In the example of , electronic device 460 includes: digital output driver 464, Schmitt trigger 466, contacts 458a-b and digital circuit 470. In some examples, one or more components of electronic device 460 (e.g., digital output driver 464, Schmitt trigger 466 and / or digital circuit 470) can be included in combination Figure 1 The circuit 110 is described.

[0074] In some examples, the pull circuits 450a-b can be examples of pull circuits described herein, and / or can be part of and / or can be coupled to some integrated circuits (e.g., dies, strips, etc.) described herein. In some examples, the pull circuits 450a-b can be part of and / or can be coupled to corresponding dies of one or more print heads of one or more print cartridges, respectively. Each of the pull circuits 450a-b includes a pull-down resistor (Rpulldown) 452a-b, a parasitic capacitor (Cparasitic) 454a-b, and a contact pad 456a-b, respectively. Although Figure 4B Two pull circuits 450a-b and contacts 458a-b are illustrated in FIG. 4 , but other examples may include more than two pull circuits 450a-b and / or contacts 458a-b.

[0075] The connectivity of contacts 458a-b and / or pull circuits 450a-b can be detected using various techniques. One example of contact 458a-b connection detection is described below. Other detection techniques can be utilized in accordance with the techniques described herein.

[0076] Reference Figure 4B The described example may be referred to as a digital method. Such a digital method may utilize a digital output driver 464 and / or a Schmitt trigger 466. A digital circuit 470 may provide an output enable signal 462 (e.g., a tri-state control signal) to the digital output driver 464. The digital output driver 464 may receive an output value 468 from the digital circuit 470. The Schmitt trigger 466 may provide an input value 472 (e.g., a digital input) to the digital circuit 470. For example, the Schmitt trigger may measure the amount (e.g., voltage) of a contact. The digital circuit 470 may utilize an output enable signal 462 (e.g., a pad control), a digital timer, and a latched input value 472 to implement digital pull-down detection.

[0077] When determining whether the first contact 458a is connected, based on the state of other circuits described herein, the first pull circuit 450a can be enabled or activated, while the second pull circuit 450b is disabled or inactivated. The digital circuit 470 can use a digital output driver 464 to drive the first contact 458a (e.g., input / output (I / O) contact) to high (e.g., driven to a high logic value, driven to 1, driven to a voltage corresponding to a high logic value). The digital circuit 470 can wait for a settling time (e.g., represented as tsettle). The digital circuit 470 can use an output enable signal 462 (three-state control) to set the first contact 458a to high impedance. The digital circuit 470 can start a timer and determine when the timer reaches a target time. When the target time is reached, the digital circuit 470 can use a Schmitt trigger 466 to read the first contact 458a. If the input value 472 indicates a logic 1 value, the digital circuit 470 can determine that the first contact 458a is not connected (e.g., there is no pull-down). If the input value 472 indicates a logic 0 value, the digital circuit 470 can determine that the first contact 458a is connected (e.g., there is a pull-down). When the second contact 458b is being tested, the first pull circuit 450a can be disabled and the second pull circuit 450b can be enabled according to the techniques described herein, allowing a similar process to be performed with the second contact 458b. It is noted that in some examples, the sensitivity of the pull-down resistor (Rpulldown) can be changed by modifying the digital timer target.

[0078] Figure 5 502 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a printer 502. The printer 502 may be a combination of Figure 1 An example of an electronic device 102 is described. Figure 5 In the example of FIG. 5 , the printer 502 includes: a plurality of first contacts 514a-b, a plurality of second contacts 516a-b, and a plurality of third contacts 518a-b. The first contacts 514a-b, the second contacts 516a-b, and the third contacts 518a-b may be combined Figure 1 Examples of corresponding contacts are described. Figure 5The first contacts 514a-b, the second contacts 516a-b, and the third contacts 518a-b are illustrated, but other examples may include one or more additional contact sets with shared lines, and / or one or more additional contact sets with corresponding lines. As described above, the shared lines can share signals with all contacts of the shared lines. For example, the first signal 574 can be shared by all multiple first contacts 514a-b, and the third signal 578 can be shared by all multiple third contacts 518a-b. The corresponding lines are separated or independent from each other, where the corresponding lines can carry separate or independent signals. For example, each of the multiple second signals 576a-b can be independent for each of the multiple second contacts 516a-b.

[0079] Printer 502 may be implemented to be connected to a plurality of integrated circuits 580a-b. Figure 5 The described integrated circuits 580a-b may be a combination of Figure 1 Examples of integrated circuits described. Figure 5 Integrated circuits 580a-b are illustrated in FIG. 5 , but in some examples, additional integrated circuits may be implemented. In some examples, integrated circuits 580a-b are multiple print cartridge dies. For example, printer 502 may be implemented to connect to a print cartridge that includes multiple print cartridge dies.

[0080] Each integrated circuit 580a-b can include a pull-down circuit 582a-b. The pull-down circuit 582a-b can be an example of a pull-down circuit described herein (eg, pull-down circuits 420a-b, 450a-b).

[0081] The connectivity of one of the plurality of third contacts 518a-b may be detected based on the first signal 574 and the second signal A 576a. For example, the first signal 574 and the second signal A 576a may activate the pull-down circuit A 582a, and the first signal 574 and the second signal B 576b may disable the pull-down circuit B 582b. As described herein, the circuit 510 may detect whether the third contact A 518a is connected based on the first signal 574 (e.g., when the first signal 574 is a logic state = 0), the second signal A 576a (e.g., when the second signal A 576a is a logic state = 0), and the second signal B 576b (e.g., when the second signal B 576b is a logic state = 1).

[0082] Some of the techniques described herein can provide various benefits as follows. Some examples enable electrical connectivity verification of all contacts on an electronic device (and / or paired contacts on another electronic device). Some examples enable electrical connectivity verification of multiple print cartridges when multiple print cartridges (e.g., both color and black cartridges) are present in the system at the same time. Some examples provide open circuit detection per contact (e.g., when contacts are coupled to a shared line). Some examples provide detection of which print head has one or more open connections when an electrical failure occurs. Some examples provide an improved troubleshooting experience when an electrical connection failure occurs. Some examples allow printer systems to use low-cost methods (e.g., charge / bleed) to verify correct electrical connections, including ink shorts and reliability risks.

[0083] It should be noted that although various examples of systems and methods are described herein, the present disclosure should not be limited to these examples. Variations of the examples described herein may be implemented within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the functions, aspects or elements of the examples described herein may be omitted or combined.

Claims

1. An electronic device, comprising: a first shared line having a plurality of first contacts, wherein the plurality of first contacts are respectively connected to a plurality of integrated circuits; a plurality of second circuits having corresponding second contacts, the corresponding second contacts being respectively connected to the plurality of integrated circuits; a third shared circuit having a plurality of third contacts, the plurality of third contacts being respectively connected to the plurality of integrated circuits; as well as circuitry for determining whether one of the third contacts is connected to an integrated circuit based on a state of the first shared line and a state of one of the plurality of second lines associated with one of the third contacts, Wherein, the first shared line is a reset line, and each of the plurality of second lines is a corresponding data line.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The circuit is for determining connectivity of one of the third contacts when the state of the first shared line is a first state and the state of one of the plurality of second lines is the first state and the state of each other of the plurality of second lines is a second state.

3. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein: The circuit is for determining connectivity of each of the third contacts by sequentially setting a state of each of the plurality of second lines to the first state.

4. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The third shared line is a clock line, a sense line or a mode line.

5. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The electronic device is a printer.

6. The electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising: a fourth shared line having a plurality of fourth contacts, the plurality of fourth contacts being respectively connected to the plurality of integrated circuits, wherein the circuit is configured to determine whether one of the fourth contacts is connected to the integrated circuit based on a state of the first shared line and a state of one of the plurality of second lines associated with one of the fourth contacts.

7. The electronic device according to claim 6, further comprising: a fifth shared line having a plurality of fifth contacts, the plurality of fifth contacts being respectively connected to the plurality of integrated circuits, wherein the circuit is configured to determine whether one of the fifth contacts is connected to the integrated circuit based on a state of the first shared line and a state of one of the plurality of second lines associated with one of the fifth contacts.

8. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The circuit is for verifying connectivity of each of the plurality of second lines before determining whether one of the third contacts is connected.

9. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of integrated circuits is a plurality of print cartridge dies.

10. A method for detecting contact connectivity, comprising: setting a state of a first shared line having a plurality of first contacts to a first value; setting a state of one of a plurality of second lines having a corresponding second contact to a first value; setting a state of another one of the plurality of second lines having the second contact to a second value; as well as detecting whether one of a plurality of third contacts of a third shared line is connected to an integrated circuit based on a state of the first shared line and states of the plurality of second lines, Wherein, the first shared line is a reset line, and each of the plurality of second lines is a corresponding data line.

11. The method according to claim 10, further comprising: In response to detecting that one of the plurality of third contacts is connected, detecting whether one of the plurality of fourth contacts of a fourth shared line is connected to the integrated circuit based on a state of the first shared line and states of the plurality of second lines.

12. The method according to claim 10, wherein: Detecting whether one of the plurality of third contacts is connected includes measuring a voltage of one of the plurality of third contacts when a state of the first shared line is set to 0, a state of one of the plurality of second lines is set to 0, and a state of another of the plurality of second lines is set to 1.

13. A printer, comprising: a plurality of first contacts, wherein the first signal is to be shared by all of the plurality of first contacts; a plurality of second contacts, wherein each of the plurality of second signals is independent for each of the plurality of second contacts; a plurality of third contacts, wherein the third signal is to be shared by all third contacts of the plurality of third contacts; and circuitry for detecting connectivity of one of the plurality of third contacts based on the first signal and one of the plurality of second signals associated with one of the plurality of third contacts, The first signal is a reset signal, and each of the plurality of second signals is a corresponding data signal.

14. The printer according to claim 13, wherein: The first signal and one of the plurality of second signals are used to activate a first pull-down circuit, and the first signal and another one of the plurality of second signals are used to disable a second pull-down circuit.

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