Integrated Circuit for Liquid Ejecting Apparatus Signal Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing liquid ejecting apparatuses, such as ink jet printers, face challenges in miniaturizing the circuit scale due to the need to restore LVDS differential signals to single-ended signals, which increases the complexity and size of the head unit.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a drive signal output circuit, a control signal output circuit, and a differential signal output circuit that convert original control signals into differential signals, with an integrated circuit receiving these signals and outputting a drive signal to drive a piezoelectric element for ink ejection, while minimizing circuit size through efficient signal processing and wiring arrangements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If LVDS differential signals are restored to single-ended signals on the substrate in the head unit, then data transfer speed is improved, but the circuit scale increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the signal restoration function from the head unit substrate and relocates it to the integrated circuit. The differential signal receiving circuit is configured in the integrated circuit package, separating the high-speed differential signal processing from the head unit's substrate, thus reducing the head unit's circuit scale while maintaining fast data transfer capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated circuit is packaged within a compact housing that integrates multiple functions. The differential signal receiving circuit, drive signal selection circuit, and other components are nested within the integrated circuit package, which itself is mounted on the head unit substrate, creating a hierarchical integration that minimizes overall space occupation.
2Manufacturing precision
If the number of nozzles is increased to improve printing accuracy, then printing accuracy is improved, but the amount of data transferred increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the signal transmission parameter from single-ended to differential signaling (LVDS), which allows for higher data transfer rates and better noise immunity. This parameter change enables the system to handle the increased data volume required for controlling a higher number of nozzles while maintaining signal integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional single-ended signal transmission with differential signal transmission, substituting a more efficient electrical signaling mechanism. This substitution allows for faster data transfer speeds and better electromagnetic compatibility, enabling support for higher nozzle counts without proportionally increasing data transfer complexity.
3Reliability
If differential signal receiving circuit is integrated into the head unit substrate, then signal restoration is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the circuit functions by separating the differential signal receiving circuit from the head unit substrate and placing it in the integrated circuit. This segmentation isolates the complex differential signal processing functionality in a dedicated integrated circuit module, reducing the overall device complexity while maintaining signal restoration capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated circuit acts as an intermediary between the differential signal transmission line and the head unit substrate. It receives differential signals, restores them to single-ended signals, and interfaces with the substrate, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining reliable signal restoration.
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
This configuration allows for a more compact and efficient liquid ejecting apparatus with improved printing accuracy, enabling a higher density of nozzles and reduced signal delay, thus enhancing the overall performance and miniaturization of the print head.
Implementation Method 1
an apparatus using a piezoelectric element such as a piezo element is known
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a drive signal output circuit, a control signal output circuit, a differential signal output circuit, and a head unit, in which the head unit includes an integrated circuit that receives a first drive signal and outputs a second drive signal, and an ejector that ejects liquid from nozzle, and the integrated circuit includes a drive signal input terminal that inputs a first drive signal, a first signal input terminal that inputs a first signal, a second signal input terminal that inputs a second signal, a differential signal receiving circuit that receives the first signal and the second signal, and outputs the control signal, a drive signal selection circuit that outputs the second drive signal based on the control signal and the first drive signal, and a drive signal output terminal that outputs the second drive signal to the ejector.