Inkjet Print Head Shared Data Lines for Memory Integration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing manufacturing processes for inkjet print heads are costly and prone to data cloning due to the separate fabrication of nozzle arrays and non-volatile memory cell arrays, which increases silicon area usage and makes attribute data vulnerable to reverse engineering.
Innovation Solution
Integrating non-volatile memory cells onto the same chip as the nozzle arrays in a single fabrication technology, using shared data signal lines for both arrays, and employing random access addressing to store and manage print head attributes efficiently, reducing the need for additional silicon area and preventing data cloning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If non-volatile memory cell arrays are fabricated separately from nozzle arrays, then each array can be optimized independently, but manufacturing costs increase and silicon area usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fabrication of non-volatile memory cell arrays and nozzle arrays into a single integrated chip using the same fabrication process. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate manufacturing steps and reduces overall silicon area usage while maintaining the functional optimization of both array types through unified design.
2Ease of manufacture
If separate fabrication processes are used for memory and nozzle arrays, then process optimization is easier, but data security against reverse engineering deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating both arrays onto the same chip with identical fabrication processes, the patent creates a unified structure that is more resistant to reverse engineering. The merged architecture eliminates the interfaces and packaging layers between separate components, making it more difficult for attackers to extract and clone attribute data without damaging the chip.
3Measurement precision
If additional data signal lines are added for memory cell addressing, then memory access precision improves, but device complexity and silicon area increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functional data signal lines that serve dual purposes: controlling the nozzle array and addressing memory cells. By making the data lines universal rather than dedicated to single functions, the system achieves precise memory access without requiring additional signal lines, thereby reducing overall device complexity and silicon area.
Data Source
AI summary
An inkjet print head includes data signal lines configured to supply inkjet control voltages and non-volatile memory cell random access addresses. The inkjet print head includes an inkjet nozzle array wherein each nozzle in the array is configured to communicate with a data signal line. Also a non-volatile attribute memory cell array is included in the inkjet print head wherein each memory cell in the array is accessed through a data signal line shared with the nozzle array.