Minimization of cross-talk for an inkjet printhead using MIMO ILC

Abstract

The functioning of inkjet printheads is severely hampered by the fact that an ink channel cannot be actuated without exciting the fluid-mechanics in neighboring channels. This phenomenon is referred to as cross-talk. As a result, droplet properties vary when actuating an array of channels. This paper presents an approach based on lifted MIMO ILC with which input wave forms are designed that minimize the effects of cross-talk such that the droplet speed variations are reduced considerably. This paper shows the modeling required for ILC, the design of the ILC controller in the lifted setting, and the experimental implementation