Abstract: A method and apparatus for energizing a printhead by maintaining substantially constant peak current in the actuator means of the printhead regardless of the duty cycle of the actuator means. The method and apparatus establishes a minimum time period for energizing the actuator means and a supplemental time period for energizing the actuator means in response to the determined duty cycle. The actuator means are then energized for an extended time period in dependence upon the minimum time period and the established supplemental time period to thereby maintain substantially constant peak current in the actuator means regardless of the duty cycle thereof.