Enhancing inkjet printhead performance by MIMO Iterative Learning Control using implementation based basis functions

The functioning of inkjet printheads is influenced negatively by residual vibrations and cross-talk, e.g. in terms of attainable jetting frequencies and droplet consistency. Previous work has shown that MIMO lifted iterative learning control (ILC) can be applied to design input wave forms (pulses) that leave the droplet formation undisturbed while minimizing the effect of these issues. However, the resulting pulses are usually too complex to be implemented on an application specific integrated circuit of a printhead. In this paper, the ILC framework is adjusted with a modified algorithm that allows for the design of pulses with predefined complexity. It is shown that this - generally applicable - modified ILC algorithm using only piece-wise affine command signals operates without a severe loss of performance compared to unconstrained ILC.