Abstract: A microdeposition system and method includes a head with a plurality of nozzles. A controller generates nozzle firing commands that selectively fire the nozzles to create a desired feature pattern. Configuration memory stores voltage waveform parameters that define a voltage waveform for each of the nozzles. A digital to analog converter (DAC) sequencer communicates with the configuration memory and the controller and outputs a first voltage waveform for a first nozzle when a nozzle firing command for the first nozzle is received from the controller. A resistive ladder DAC receives the voltage waveforms from the DAC sequencer. An operational amplifier (opamp) communicates with the resistive ladder DAC and amplifies the voltage waveforms. The nozzles fire droplets when the voltage waveforms received from the opamp exceed a firing threshold of the nozzle.

Abstract: A microdeposition system and method includes a head with a plurality of nozzles. A controller generates nozzle firing commands that selectively fire the nozzles to create a desired feature pattern. Configuration memory stores voltage waveform parameters that define a voltage waveform for each of the nozzles. A digital to analog converter (DAC) sequencer communicates with the configuration memory and the controller and outputs a first voltage waveform for a first nozzle when a nozzle firing command for the first nozzle is received from the controller. A resistive ladder DAC receives the voltage waveforms from the DAC sequencer. An operational amplifier (opamp) communicates with the resistive ladder DAC and amplifies the voltage waveforms. The nozzles fire droplets when the voltage waveforms received from the opamp exceed a firing threshold of the nozzle.

Abstract: A microdeposition system (20) and method includes a head with a plurality of nozzles (230). A controller (22) generates nozzle firing commands that selectively fire the nozzles to create a desired feature pattern. Configuration memory stores voltage waveform parameters that define a voltage waveform (280) for each of the nozzles. A digital to analog converter (DAC) sequencer communicates with the configuration memory and the controller and outputs a first voltage waveform for a first nozzle when a nozzle firing command for the first nozzle is received from the controller (22). A resistive ladder DAC receives the voltage waveforms from the DAC sequencer. An operational amplifier (opamp) communicates with the resistive ladder DAC and amplifies the voltage waveforms. The nozzles fire droplets when the voltage waveforms received from the opamp exceed a firing threshold of the nozzle (230).

Abstract: A microdeposition system (20) and method deposits precise amounts of fluid material onto a substrate. A microdeposition head (50) includes a plurality of spaced nozzles. A positioning device controls a position of the microdeposition head relative to the substrate. A controller (22) includes a positioning module that communicates with the positioning device and that generates position control signals for the positioning device. A nozzle firing module communicates with the microdeposition head (50) and selectively generates nozzle firing commands to define features of at least one layer of an electrical device, such as resistors, traces and capacitors on a printed circuit board, polymer light emitting diodes, and light panels.

Abstract: A microdeposition system (20) and method deposits precise amounts of fluid material onto a substrate. A microdeposition head (50) includes a plurality of spaced nozzles that fire droplets having a deposited width when deposited on the substrate. A positioning device moves the microdeposition head (50) relative to the substrate at a head speed. A controller (22) generates over-clocking signals at a rate that is substantially greater than the head speed divided by the droplet width to improve resolution. The controller (22) includes a positioning module that generates position control signals for the positioning device. The controller (22) includes a nozzle firing module (114) that generates nozzle firing commands based on the over-clocking rate to fire the nozzles to form droplets that define features on the substrate.

Abstract: A microdeposition apparatus and method according to the invention includes an interchangeable microdeposition head for depositing fluid manufacturing material on a substrate to form microstructures. The apparatus includes at least one of a plurality of microdeposition heads mounted on a head support and held above a substrate, which is mounted on a stage in controlled alignment with the microdeposition head. The control system coordinates the relative movement of the stage and microdeposition head while the fluid manufacturing material is discharged from the microdeposition head. A mounting bracket and computer system enable various microdeposition heads to be interchangeably used with the microdeposition apparatus.

Abstract: A microdeposition system (20) and method deposits precise amounts of fluid material onto a substrate. A microdeposition head (50) includes a plurality of spaced nozzles that fire droplets having a deposited width when deposited on the substrate. A positioning device moves the microdeposition head (50) relative to the substrate at a head speed. A controller (22) generates over-clocking signals at a rate that is substantially greater than the head speed divided by the droplet width to improve resolution. The controller (22) includes a positioning module that generates position control signals for the positioning device. The controller (22) includes a nozzle firing module (114) that generates nozzle firing commands based on the over-clocking rate to fire the nozzles to form droplets that define features on the substrate.

Abstract: A microdeposition system (20) and method deposits precise amounts of fluid material onto a substrate. A microdeposition head (50) includes a plurality of spaced nozzles. A positioning device controls a position of the microdeposition head relative to the substrate. A controller (22) includes a positioning module that communicates with the positioning device and that generates position control signals for the positioning device. A nozzle firing module communicates with the microdeposition head (50) and selectively generates nozzle firing commands to define features of at least one layer of an electrical device, such as resistors, traces and capacitors on a printed circuit board, polymer light emitting diodes, and light panels.

Abstract: A microdeposition apparatus and method according to the invention deposits a fluid manufacturing material on a substrate to form microstructures. The apparatus includes a microdeposition head mounted on a head support and held above a substrate, which is mounted on a stage in controlled alignment with the microdeposition head. A control system moves the stage, and thus the substrate, while the fluid manufacturing materials is discharged from the microdeposition head. A diagnostics assembly ensures the nozzles of the microdeposition head are firing correctly. A maintenance station cleans the nozzles of the microdeposition head when needed. A capping station and a docking station hold the microdeposition head during periods of nonuse. A mounting bracket and computer system enable various microdeposition heads to be interchangeably used with the microdeposition apparatus.