Piezoelectric Drive Circuit With Dynamic Level Shifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drive circuits for piezoelectric-based liquid ejecting apparatuses face inefficiencies in switching loss and waveform accuracy, particularly in the level shift circuit and demodulation of drive signals.
Innovation Solution
A drive circuit design incorporating a modulation circuit, an amplification circuit with switching elements, a level switching signal generation circuit, a level shift circuit, and a demodulation circuit to enhance signal amplification and potential switching, improving the drive signal's accuracy and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a conventional level shift circuit is used to amplify the modulation signal, then the drive signal can be generated, but switching loss increases and waveform accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the level shift circuit's operation mode changeable based on signal conditions. The circuit dynamically switches between first operation mode (when base drive signal is larger than threshold) and second operation mode (when base drive signal is smaller than threshold), optimizing performance for different operating conditions and reducing overall switching loss while maintaining waveform accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the level shift circuit by switching between different operation modes. In the first operation mode, the circuit operates with one set of parameters optimized for high-amplitude signals, while in the second operation mode, it operates with different parameters optimized for low-amplitude signals, thereby resolving the contradiction between switching loss and waveform accuracy
2Power
If signal amplification is increased to improve drive signal strength, then piezoelectric element operation improves, but switching loss in the level shift circuit increases
Solution Approach 1:
The level shift circuit dynamically adjusts its operation mode based on the amplitude of the base drive signal. When the base drive signal is large, it operates in the first operation mode with optimized amplification characteristics. When the base drive signal is small, it switches to the second operation mode, reducing unnecessary switching operations and minimizing switching loss while maintaining adequate drive signal strength
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit changes its operational parameters based on signal amplitude conditions. By monitoring whether the base drive signal exceeds a threshold value, the circuit adjusts its amplification parameters and switching behavior, achieving optimal power efficiency across different drive signal strength requirements
3Manufacturing precision
If the level shift circuit operates in high amplification mode to improve waveform accuracy, then drive signal precision improves, but switching loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The level shift circuit employs dynamic operation mode switching based on the base drive signal amplitude. When high waveform accuracy is required (base drive signal larger than threshold), the circuit operates in the first operation mode with optimized amplification characteristics. When the signal amplitude is low, it switches to the second operation mode, reducing switching frequency and minimizing switching loss while maintaining adequate waveform quality
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 proposed drive circuit enhances the switching efficiency and waveform accuracy of drive signals, leading to improved performance in piezoelectric element operation and liquid ejection precision.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects a liquid to form an image or a document on a medium, a device using piezoelectric elements is known
Data Source
AI summary
A drive circuit includes a modulation circuit that modulates a base drive signal that is a base of a drive signal for driving a drive section, and outputs a modulation signal, an amplification circuit that outputs a first amplified modulation signal obtained by amplifying the modulation signal, a level switching signal generation circuit that generates a level switching signal as a digital signal including a first potential and a second potential, a level shift circuit that outputs the first amplified modulation signal as a second amplified modulation signal, and outputs, as the second amplified modulation signal, a signal obtained by shifting a potential of the first amplified modulation signal, and a demodulation circuit that demodulates the second amplified modulation signal, and outputs the drive signal. The level switching signal generation circuit switches a potential of the level switching signal in response to the base drive signal and the modulation signal.