L6452 is a chip designed by ST to drive two 13x16 matrix ink jet print heads in printer applications. The output stage is able to source simultaneously 400 mA on each of the 16 power lines (columns) with a duty cycle of 33% in normal printing and 66% in head pre-heating. On the address lines (rows), the load is only capacitive (MOS FET driving capability). The driver can control two print heads, but only one is active at a time. The address scanning counter is included and can be disabled to allow a different scanning scheme. In order to avoid output activation during the supply transient, an internal power-up system is implemented. As supporting function, L6452 is capable of sensing the head silicon temperature and to electrically check each nozzle. The device is also integrating a thermal protection.