Abstract: A driver circuit for driving an array of inkjet printer actuators, comprising a serial input (15, 20) for receiving serial print data, a register (25, 26) for storing the print data in the form of event and event timing data pairs, a parallel output (30, 32) for outputting event data and control circuitry (42, 48) for controlling the timing of output of event data according to corresponding event timing data. The driver circuit preferably comprises a programmable part (10) and a fixed part (11, 12, 13, 14), in which the programmable part stores selectable pre-programmed waveforms and outputs event and time data pairs to the fixed circuit part, which controls the timing of output of the event data.

Abstract: A driver circuit (18) generates a circuit output signal (VDO) which is provided to an electrical conductor (12) that furnishes a conductor output signal (VBO) to a load (14). The circuit and conductor output signals make corresponding circuit and conductor output transitions approximately between a pair of output voltage levels (VSS and VDD) between which there is an intermediate voltage level (VHH). Inductance (LB) and capacitance (CB and CL) of the conductor and load produce resonance that enables the conductor output signal to largely complete each conductor output transition while the circuit output signal is being held at or close to the intermediate voltage level for a short period. The circuit output signal rapidly completes each circuit output transition after the intermediate-level holding period is over. By operating in this manner, energy is re-used in a resonant manner, thereby substantially reducing power consumption.

Abstract: A driver circuit (18) generates a circuit output signal (V.sub.DO) which is provided to an electrical conductor (12) that furnishes a conductor output signal (V.sub.BO) to a load (14). The circuit and conductor output signals make corresponding circuit and conductor output transitions approximately between a pair of output voltage levels (V.sub.SS and V.sub.DD) between which there is an intermediate voltage level (V.sub.HH). Inductance (LB) and capacitance (CB and CL) of the conductor and load produce resonance that enables the conductor output signal to largely complete each conductor output transition while the circuit output signal is being held at or close to the intermediate voltage level for a short period. The circuit output signal rapidly completes each circuit output transition after the intermediate-level holding period is over. By operating in this manner, energy is re-used in a resonant manner, thereby substantially reducing power consumption.

Abstract: An electronic circuit uses a resonance technique to reduce power consumption. The circuit contains function circuitry (14) that performs electronic functions. Certain elements (14F) of the function circuitry change state at a circuit frequency in response to one or more input signals, typically clock signals (CKR and CKR), that change state at the circuit frequency. A resonant system (50 or 140), which oscillates at the circuit frequency, is operated close to a resonant frequency so that the resonant system is largely in resonance. Oscillations of the resonance system typically include frequency components attributable to the fundamental resonance frequency and at least one other resonance frequency of the system. The resonant system is coupled to the function circuitry in order to help the indicated elements in changing state by overcoming parasitic capacitances and/or inductances associated with the function circuitry.