Drive Circuit Voltage Amplifier Segmentation for Waveform Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of accurately correcting output voltage shifts and waveform distortions in drive circuits for image recorders, especially with increasing numbers of recording elements and operating frequencies, makes it difficult to maintain proper control over ink ejection in image recorders, leading to complications in power consumption and waveform accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A drive circuit with a voltage amplifier that includes subsequent-stage amplifiers with signal feedback units, specifically using transistors and emitter ground circuits, and a current amplifier with push-pull operation, to stabilize and accurately output drive signals with good frequency response.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple voltage amplifiers are used in series to amplify digital data to drive voltage, then the required drive voltage can be achieved, but output voltage shift and waveform distortion occur
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage amplifier is divided into multiple stages (first voltage amplifier, second voltage amplifier, third voltage amplifier) with different amplification factors. Each stage performs partial amplification, which reduces the burden on individual amplifiers and helps maintain waveform accuracy while achieving the required drive voltage through cumulative amplification.
Solution Approach 2:
Different amplification factors are assigned to different amplifier stages based on their position in the signal chain. The first voltage amplifier has a first amplification factor, the second has a second amplification factor, and the third has a third amplification factor, optimizing the amplification distribution to minimize distortion and voltage shift.
2Productivity
If the number of recording elements and operating frequency increase to improve image quality, then image quality improves, but power consumption range and waveform accuracy requirements become very large
Solution Approach 1:
Different amplifier stages are optimized for different functions: the first voltage amplifier focuses on initial signal conditioning, the second on intermediate amplification, and the third on final drive voltage generation. This localized optimization allows the system to handle varying power consumption and waveform accuracy requirements without increasing overall control complexity.
3Power
If high amplification rate is used to convert digital signal voltage to drive voltage, then drive voltage is achieved, but voltage shift and waveform distortion increase
Solution Approach 1:
The high amplification rate is segmented across multiple amplifier stages rather than using a single high-gain amplifier. This segmentation reduces the amplification burden on each individual stage, minimizing voltage shift and waveform distortion while achieving the required drive voltage through cumulative amplification.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables more stable and efficient output of signals with improved frequency response to the recording head, ensuring accurate ink ejection and maintaining image quality by reducing distortion and power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
at least one of subsequent-stage amplifiers which are a second and subsequent amplifiers from an upstream side includes a signal feedback unit that returns a signal to be output to an input side of the subsequent-stage amplifiers
Implementation Method 2
In the piezoelectric recording element, a piezoelectric element and a diaphragm are provided along a wall of an ink flow path (pressure chamber). A voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element to deform it.
Implementation Method 3
In the thermal recording element, a resistance element is provided along an ink flow path. An electric current is applied to the resistance element so that the resistance element generates heat.
Data Source
AI summary
A drive circuit of a recording head having a recording element is provided. The drive circuit supplies a load element for recording operation of the recording element with an output signal of electric power according to operation of the load element. The drive circuit includes a voltage amplifier that amplifies a voltage of an analog drive waveform signal for operation of the recording element to generate a drive voltage signal. The voltage amplifier includes amplifiers. Among the amplifiers, at least one of subsequent-stage amplifiers which are a second and subsequent amplifiers from an upstream side includes a signal feedback unit that returns a signal to be output to an input side of the subsequent-stage amplifiers.