Nonvolatile Memory Write-Protect Configuration for Inkjet Printers
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-speed inkjet printers with numerous heads face challenges in uniformly setting driving waveforms due to nozzle variation, and existing solutions involving separate read-only and rewritable nonvolatile memories increase costs and complicate stock control, while also risking data damage from errors or noise.
Innovation Solution
A droplet discharge head with a single nonvolatile memory configured for both read-only and rewritable states using write-protect functions, where one memory is set to a fixed read-only state and the other to a rewritable state, allowing for both data protection and flexibility without requiring separate boards or controllers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate read-only nonvolatile memory and rewritable nonvolatile memory are mounted on each circuit board, then data protection and flexibility are achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines read-only and rewritable nonvolatile memory functions into a single memory device by utilizing a write-protect pin. This pin can be set to different states (high or low) to enable read-only or readable/writable modes, eliminating the need for separate memory devices while maintaining both data protection and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
A single nonvolatile memory device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate as read-only memory for data protection or as readable/writable memory for flexible data storage. This multi-functionality is achieved through the write-protect pin mechanism, reducing overall device complexity.
2Reliability
If separate read-only nonvolatile memory and rewritable nonvolatile memory are mounted on each circuit board, then data protection and flexibility are achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines read-only and rewritable nonvolatile memory functions into a single memory device by utilizing a write-protect pin. This pin can be set to different states (high or low) to enable read-only or readable/writable modes, eliminating the need for separate memory devices while maintaining both data protection and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
A single nonvolatile memory device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate as read-only memory for data protection or as readable/writable memory for flexible data storage. This multi-functionality is achieved through the write-protect pin mechanism, reducing overall device complexity.
3Reliability
If two types of boards with different memory configurations are used, then data protection and flexibility are achieved, but stock control becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
A single nonvolatile memory device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate as read-only memory for data protection or as readable/writable memory for flexible data storage. This multi-functionality is achieved through the write-protect pin mechanism, reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The memory device transitions from a static configuration to a dynamic one through the write-protect pin. The pin's state can be changed during operation to switch between read-only and readable/writable modes, allowing a single board type to adapt to different memory needs without requiring multiple board designs.
4Adaptability or versatility
If rewritable nonvolatile memory is used to store head information, then flexibility for updating data is achieved, but risk of data damage from errors or noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The memory device transitions from a static configuration to a dynamic one through the write-protect pin. The pin's state can be changed during operation to switch between read-only and readable/writable modes, allowing a single board type to adapt to different memory needs without requiring multiple board designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The write-protect pin changes the operational parameters of the nonvolatile memory device by switching between high and low states. This parameter change enables the memory to function in different modes (read-only or readable/writable), providing flexibility while maintaining data integrity through controlled access.
Data Source
AI summary
A droplet discharge head includes circuit boards each mounted with one or more nonvolatile memories. The nonvolatile memories are configured in a data-rewritable manner and are used to store written data even when power is turned off. The nonvolatile memories have a write-protect function. One or more of the nonvolatile memories are set to write inhibition state and the write inhibition state is fixed. One or more of the remaining nonvolatile memories are set to rewritable state.