Patent ID: 7637580
Filing Date: 2009-12-29
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for generating a fire pulse comprising: a first input adapted to receive a first control signal; a second input adapted to receive a second control signal; a first component coupled to and controlled by the first input, the first component comprising at least a first transistor, at least one first capacitor, and at least one first resistor selected to enable the first component to function as a first fixed current source; a second component coupled to and controlled by the second input, the second component comprising at least a second transistor, at least one second capacitor, and at least one second resistor selected to enable the second component to function as a second fixed current source; an output terminal coupled to the first transistor and to the second transistor; wherein the first component is adapted to charge a piezoelectric element coupled to the output terminal at a constant rate in response to a state of the first input; and wherein a slew rate of a charge signal generated by the first component is constant.