Converters
The vector5to5raster converter (VRC) or raster5to5raster converter (RRC), depending on the data format sent, rasterizes the data from the display list, swath by swath, and sends the swaths to a swath holding area.
Swath Holding Area
The swath holding area is part of the DRAM that is specially allocated for this purpose. The swath holding area is large enough to hold up to three swaths at a time.
Swath Manager
The swath manager firmware algorithm removes data from the swath holding area and reorganizes the data for more efficient plotting. This enables the plotter to sweep the carriage to areas that require ink and to conserve motion by not sweeping blank areas of the media. Variables are calculated and stored during this optimization.
The swath manager then replaces the data into the swath holding area.
PrintEngine Controller
The print5engine controller removes the organized data from the swath holding area and copies it to the physical swath RAM area. The plotter's microprocessor has a feature called •burst mode," enabling data to be copied from one area of memory to another very quickly.
The print5engine controller uses the variables calculated by the swath manager to determine the stop and start positions of the swath and thus control the carriage movement.
Swath RAM
The swath RAM is dedicated RAM memory and not part of the DRAM.
CartridgeInterface ASIC
The cartridge5interface ASIC (Application5Specific Integrated Circuit) controls the shuffling of pure swath data to the actual firing order of the cartridge nozzles. It fetches pixels from the physical swath RAM and sends it serially through the trailing cable to the carriage ASIC.
This sending of pixel data is initiated by means of a signal sent to the cartridge5interface ASIC by the processor5support ASIC, so as to synchronize the motion of the media motor and carriage motor with the firing of the print5head drivers.
Carriage ASIC and Cartridge Drivers
The carriage ASIC generates the select and enable signals to drive the cartridge5driver integrated circuits.
The cartridge drivers provide the firing pulses for the print5head nozzles.
5520 FunctionalOverview | C3187590000 |