Customization-Bit Integrated Circuits for Regional Fluid Ejection Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid ejection systems, such as inkjet printers, require multiple physical integrated circuits to accommodate different geographic regions, subscription or non-subscription customers, leading to management complexities.
Innovation Solution
Integrated circuits with non-volatile memory cells storing customization bits that modify address inputs and configure operations, allowing a single circuit to behave differently based on customization bits, enabling unique functionality without physical duplication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple physical integrated circuits are used to accommodate different geographic regions and customer types, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single integrated circuit that can perform multiple functions by reading customization bits from non-volatile memory cells. The circuit configuration logic determines whether to operate in fluid ejection mode or memory element control mode based on these bits, allowing one physical circuit to replace multiple specialized circuits for different geographic regions and customer types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the integrated circuit by reading customization bits from non-volatile memory cells. These bits modify the address input and control the circuit configuration logic, enabling the same hardware to adapt its behavior for different geographic regions, subscription types, and customer categories without physical modification.
2Reliability
If multiple physical integrated circuits are used for different regions, then reliability is improved, but loss of substance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple specialized integrated circuits into a single universal circuit. By combining fluid ejection capabilities with memory element control in one device, and using non-volatile memory to store customization bits, the system reduces the number of physical circuits needed while maintaining reliability across different operating conditions.
Data Source
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AI summary
An integrated circuit to drive a plurality of fluid actuation devices includes a plurality of first non-volatile memory cells and control logic. Each first non-volatile memory cell stores a customization bit. The control logic configures an operation of the integrated circuit based on the customization bits.