This invention relates to a printhead integrated circuit assembly having a substrate, drive circuitry and a controller. The substrate includes a plurality of micro-electromechanical nozzle arrangements formed thereon. The drive circuitry is positioned on the substrate for operatively actuating the respective nozzle arrangements to eject a drop of printing fluid therefrom. The controller is configured to monitor the power required to eject a drop from each nozzle, and to deactivate such nozzle and compensate with another nozzle if a required power level is exceeded.