An integrated circuit for use in the printhead of an ink jet printer includes an array circuit for heating an ink reservoir to produce a pattern of ink jets, the array circuit including a plurality of resistor cells arranged into rows and columns. A corresponding number of row and column lines are coupled to the integrated circuit array for selecting and energizing the resistor cells according to the desired printing pattern. An identification circuit integrated into the same substrate as the array circuit includes one or more programmable paths, the programmable paths corresponding and coupled to each row line. The programmable paths each include the serial combination of a programmable fuse and an active device. The opposite end of the programmable paths are coupled together at a common node, which in turn is coupled to an output circuit for providing a single output signal in response to a polling of the row lines. The identification circuit can be programmed and polled without adversely affecting or energizing the array circuit.