Systems and methods for verifying a chip
Disclosed is a system and method for verifying a chip having a memory. Remanufacturers of imaging devices, such as inkjet printers or electrostatic printers, often have to use a replacement chip in order to reuse an imaging cartridge. It is desirable to have a system and method for determining if the replacement chip is suitable for use with a specific imaging cartridge. Also, it may be desirable to confirm that the chip was manufactured by a specific manufacturer. The disclosed system and method allow the remanufacturer a reliable and efficient way to verify chips.
1. A method of verifying a chip that is designed to be mounted on an imaging cartridge, the method comprising:
sending a sync signal to the chip;
sending a dummy word with a valid read command to the chip;
sending a first value to the chip;
sending a second value to the chip;
sending a third value to the chip;
sending a fourth value to the chip;
checking for a response from the chip, wherein the chip responds with a sync and four values if the chip has been verified and the chip does not respond if it has not been verified; and
determining at least one type of imaging cartridge that the chip will work properly when the chip is mounted thereon.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the first value is a reset count and configuration register command.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein the second value, third value, and the fourth value are values that are set when the chip is programmed.
4. The method of claim 3 wherein the second value is 000x, wherein x is a first nibble of a serial number.
5. The method of claim 3 wherein the third value is a lower four nibbles of a serial number.
6. The method of claim 3 wherein the fourth value is a type code, wherein the type code indicates the type imaging device or devices that the chip may operate in.
7. The method of claim 1 wherein the imaging cartridge is an inkjet cartridge.
8. The method of claim 1 wherein the imaging cartridge is a toner cartridge.