Print Component Memory Circuit Segmentation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing print components, such as printheads, face challenges due to the limitations of on-die memory in fluidic dies, including high costs, large silicon area consumption, and the risk of defects leading to operational failures when memory elements are defective.
Innovation Solution
A separate memory die is introduced, connected to the fluidic die via I/O terminals, which stores memory values like manufacturing data and thermal behavior, allowing for the replacement or supplementation of defective memory arrays, enabling the print component to remain operational and reducing its size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If on-die memory is used in fluidic dies, then memory capacity is provided, but silicon area consumption increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the memory system into two separate components: a fluidic die containing fluid actuators and a separate memory die containing memory elements. This segmentation allows each die to be optimized independently, reducing the silicon area required on the fluidic die while maintaining necessary memory capacity through the separate memory die that couples to the fluidic die via I/O terminals.
2Quantity of substance
If on-die memory is used in fluidic dies, then memory capacity is provided, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the memory function into a separate memory die, the patent enables independent manufacturing and optimization of each component. The memory die can be manufactured using optimized memory fabrication processes while the fluidic die can be manufactured using optimized fluidic fabrication processes, potentially reducing overall manufacturing cost compared to integrating both functions on a single expensive fluidic die.
3Quantity of substance
If on-die memory is used in fluidic dies, then memory is available, but reliability decreases due to defect risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the memory function into a distinct memory die that couples to the fluidic die through I/O terminals. This segmentation isolates memory elements from the fluidic actuators, so that a defect in one does not necessarily cause failure of the other. The memory die can be independently tested and replaced without affecting the fluidic die, thereby improving overall system reliability.
4Area of stationary object
If separate memory die is used, then silicon area of fluidic die is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fluidic die and memory die into a single integrated print component assembly that couples to the print system through a unified interface. The I/O terminals provide standardized communication between the memory die and fluidic die, managing the complexity internally while presenting a simplified external interface, thereby reducing the fluidic die size without significantly increasing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A memory circuit for a print component including a plurality of I/O pads, including an analog pad, to connect to a plurality of signals paths which communicate operating signals to the print component, and a memory component to store memory values associated with the print component. A control circuit to, in response to identifying a sequence of operating signals representing a memory read, provide a first analog signal on the analog pad in parallel with a second analog signal from the print component to provide an analog electrical value on the analog pad representing stored memory values selected by the memory read.