Memory tag
The memory tag is an EEP-ROM built into the print cartridge. It stores information about the
amount of toner in the cartridge and estimates the remaining life.
Figure 5-15. Memory tag
describes how the memory tag operates.
Figure 5-15.
Memory tag
The DC controller reads information from the memory tag whenever the printer is turned on,
whenever the top cover is closed, and whenever it receives a READ command from the
formatter.
The DC controller writes information to the memory tag at specified times during a print
operation and whenever it receives a WRITE command from the formatter.
If the DC controller is unable to either read to or write from the memory tag four times in a
row, the DC controller alerts the formatter of a memory tag abnormality.
Toner level detection
The printer monitors print cartridge life in several ways to ensure continued high print quality:
● The number of developer rotations measures the usefulness (charge) of the toner.
● The toner sensor monitors remaining toner, and informs the user of "low" or "out"
conditions.
● The number of photosensitive drum rotations measures the life of the photosensitive
drum, which degrades slightly with each rotation.
The cartridge life represented on the supplies status page and in the gauges on the control
panel is a combination of all three of these components. The lowest remaining percent is the
number reported to the customer. However, information about which of these components is
low or out is not reported.
During the life of a print cartridge, the customer receives three different control panel
messages:
● CLEARABLE WARNINGS. The cartridge has between 15 and 100% life remaining.
● ORDER <COLOR> CARTRIDGE. The cartridge has 15% life remaining. In typical
printing situations, this represents about 2 weeks of use.
● REPLACE <COLOR> CARTRIDGE. One of the three components listed above has
reached its end of life. The printer stops, and printing cannot continue until the cartridge
is replaced.
150 Chapter 5 Theory of operation ENWW
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