Piezo Inkjet Drive IC Layout for Stable Feedback Signals
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid ejecting apparatuses with piezoelectric elements face malfunctions due to suboptimal circuit arrangements within the drive circuit, leading to instability in the operation of integrated circuits.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejecting apparatus with a drive circuit that includes an integrated circuit featuring a modulation circuit, a switching circuit, a constant voltage output circuit, and a feedback circuit, where the modulation circuit and constant voltage output circuit are strategically positioned to avoid intersections with the input terminal, enhancing signal propagation and reducing noise interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the modulation circuit and constant voltage output circuit are arranged without considering their spatial relationship with the input terminal, then the circuit layout is simple, but the integrated circuit operation becomes unstable due to noise interference and signal propagation issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different spatial zones around the input terminal: a first restricted zone where the constant voltage output circuit is positioned (with its output line segment not intersecting the modulation circuit), and a second restricted zone where the modulation circuit is positioned (with its output line segment not intersecting the constant voltage output circuit). This localized spatial differentiation ensures that noise-sensitive areas are protected while maintaining overall circuit functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces virtual line segments as intermediary elements that mediate the spatial relationship between circuits and the input terminal. These virtual line segments serve as protective barriers or exclusion zones, ensuring that the constant voltage output circuit and modulation circuit do not interfere with each other through their respective output paths to the input terminal.
2Area of stationary object
If the constant voltage output circuit and modulation circuit are positioned close to the input terminal for compact design, then the integrated circuit area is reduced, but noise interference and signal integrity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates localized protected zones around the input terminal by defining specific spatial relationships: the first virtual line segment connecting the input terminal to the constant voltage output circuit must not intersect the modulation circuit, and the second virtual line segment connecting the input terminal to the modulation circuit must not intersect the constant voltage output circuit. This allows compact arrangement while maintaining signal integrity through localized spatial differentiation.
3Manufacturing precision
If the circuit components are arranged without spatial restrictions, then the design and manufacturing process is simpler, but the drive signal accuracy deteriorates due to signal interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses virtual line segments as intermediary design tools that simplify the manufacturing process by providing clear, visual spatial guidelines. Rather than requiring complex manufacturing constraints, the virtual line segments define intuitive non-intersection rules that are easier to implement during PCB layout and integrated circuit design, thereby improving drive signal accuracy without significantly complicating manufacturing.
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 stabilizes the operation of the integrated circuit, improving the accuracy and reliability of the drive signal output, which in turn enhances the ink ejection process and reduces the likelihood of malfunctions.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric element such as a piezo element are known. Such a piezoelectric element is provided corresponding to a plurality of nozzles for ejecting ink
Implementation Method 2
a modulation circuit that modulates the base drive signal to output a modulation signal
Implementation Method 3
an amplifier circuit that amplifies the modulation signal according to an amplification control signal to output an amplified modulation signal
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes an integrated circuit, and a feedback circuit that feeds back a feedback signal. The integrated circuit includes a modulation circuit that output a modulation signal, a constant voltage output circuit that outputs a DC voltage signal, and an input terminal to which the feedback signal is input. The modulation circuit and the constant voltage output circuit are electrically coupled to the input terminal, a first line segment located between the input terminal and the constant voltage output circuit in a first straight line connecting the input terminal and the constant voltage output circuit at a shortest distance does not intersect the modulation circuit, and a second line segment located between the input terminal and the modulation circuit in a second straight line connecting the input terminal and the modulation circuit at a shortest distance does not intersect the constant voltage output circuit.