Printhead IC with multi-stage print data loading and firing

1. A printhead IC comprising:

an array of nozzles configured into rows and columns to print a line in a line time, each row defining a line of adjacent nozzles extending transverse to a media feed path; and

drive circuitry for receiving print data and fire commands from a print engine controller;

the drive circuitry loading the print data for a first row of nozzles and issuing a fire command to fire the first row of nozzles in accordance with the loaded print data before loading the print data for a second row of nozzles, wherein

the print data for the second row of nozzles is loaded as the first row of nozzles is fired,

the nozzles in each of the rows eject the same type of printing fluid, and the first and second nozzle rows, each having a displaced portion and a droop portion connecting the displaced portion to the non-displaced portion, wherein the print data loaded to nozzles in the displaced portion and the droop portion is respectively delayed by a certain number of line times from that of loading print data to nozzles in the non-displaced portion in a row.

2. A printhead IC according to claim 1 wherein the drive circuitry is configured to fire the rows in a predetermined sequence and the print engine controller sends the print data for each row to the drive circuitry in the predetermined sequence.

3. A printhead IC according to claim 1 wherein the drive circuitry resets itself to a known initial state in response to receiving power from a power source after a period of not receiving power from the power source.

4. A printhead IC according to claim 1 wherein the drive circuitry is configured to receive the print data in any one of a plurality of different data transmission protocols.