METHOD AND APPARATUS TO PROVIDE VARIABLE DROP SIZE EJECTION WITH A LOW POWER WAVEFORM

In one embodiment, a method for driving a droplet ejection device having an actuator includes applying a low power multi-pulse waveform having at least two drive pulses and at least one intermediate portion to the actuator. The method further includes alternately expanding and contracting a pumping chamber coupled to the actuator in response to the at least two drive pulses and the at least one intermediate portion. The method further includes causing the droplet ejection device to eject one or more droplets of a fluid in response to the pulses of the low power multi-pulse waveform. In some embodiments, at least one intermediate portion has a voltage level greater than zero and less than or equal to a threshold voltage level in order to reduce the power needed to operate the droplet ejection device.