Piezo Inkjet IC Layout for Stable Drive Signal Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid ejecting apparatuses with piezoelectric elements face malfunctions due to suboptimal circuit arrangements within the integrated circuit, leading to instability in the operation of the drive circuit, which is not adequately addressed in existing technologies.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a specific configuration of the integrated circuit within the liquid ejecting apparatus, including a drive circuit with a power supply voltage control circuit, a drive signal discharge circuit, and a modulation circuit, which optimizes the arrangement of components such as the discharge circuit, constant voltage output circuit, and modulation circuit to improve signal interference reduction and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If multiple circuits (discharge circuit, constant voltage output circuit, modulation circuit) are integrated into a single integrated circuit, then the device complexity is reduced and space is saved, but signal interference increases and operational stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated circuit is divided into distinct functional regions: a discharge circuit region, a constant voltage output circuit region, and a modulation circuit region. Each region is spatially separated to minimize signal interference while maintaining functional integration within the same integrated circuit package.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the integrated circuit are designed with locally optimized characteristics appropriate to their function. The discharge circuit region is positioned and configured to handle high-current discharge operations, while the modulation circuit region is optimized for precision signal processing, with each region having tailored electrical properties and shielding arrangements.
2Area of stationary object
If the discharge circuit is positioned close to the modulation circuit, then the circuit area is reduced, but signal interference from the discharge circuit to the modulation circuit increases
Solution Approach 1:
A shielding structure is introduced as an intermediary element between the discharge circuit and the modulation circuit. This shielding structure acts as a barrier that blocks electromagnetic interference from the discharge circuit while allowing the circuits to remain in close proximity for space efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of separating the discharge circuit and modulation circuit only in the planar direction, the solution utilizes the vertical dimension by positioning one circuit above or below the other with shielding structures in between, effectively using three-dimensional space to reduce interference while maintaining compact footprint.
3Measurement precision
If the constant voltage output circuit is optimally positioned to reduce interference, then signal quality improves, but the circuit layout complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The constant voltage output circuit is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides stable voltage reference for the modulation circuit, supplies power to other circuit blocks, and acts as a buffer between the discharge circuit and other sensitive circuits. This multi-functionality justifies its centrally positioned layout.
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 enhances the stability and accuracy of the drive signal output, reducing the likelihood of malfunctions and improving the ink ejection precision in the liquid ejecting apparatus.
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
Data Source
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AI summary
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a liquid ejecting head ejecting a liquid by supplying a drive signal to a drive element, and a drive circuit. The drive circuit includes an integrated circuit, an amplifier circuit that operates according to the amplification control signal to output an amplified modulation signal, and a demodulation circuit. The integrated circuit includes a modulation circuit that modulates the base drive signal to output a modulation signal, a switching circuit that outputs the amplification control signal according to the modulation signal, and a constant voltage output circuit that outputs a DC voltage signal based on the output of the modulation circuit. The constant voltage output circuit and the modulation circuit are electrically coupled to each other, and at least a part of the constant voltage output circuit is located between the modulation circuit and the switching circuit.