Power supply device, display device including the power supply device, and power supply method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a power supply device, a display device including the power supply device, and a power supply method. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the power supply device includes a power converter configured to supply a driving voltage to a display panel. The power supply device may also include a sub-power unit, which is configured to supply a sub-driving voltage to the display panel so that the display panel can still display an image without shutting down despite abnormal operation of the power converter.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0002428, filed on January 8, 2019, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a power supply device, a display device comprising the power supply device, and a power supply method. Background Art

[0003] Generally, a display device includes a power supply device (such as a power management IC (PMIC)) that converts the main power of the display device into a stable driving voltage for a display panel and supplies the stable driving voltage to the display panel. The stable driving voltage is supplied to the display panel by the power supply device, wherein the stable driving voltage is supplied to a plurality of pixels included in the display panel, thereby allowing the plurality of pixels to emit light.

[0004] The power supply device may include a power converter that generates a drive voltage and sends the drive voltage to the display panel. The power converter supplies the drive voltage to a plurality of pixels of the display panel via a drive voltage line. The power converter may temporarily operate abnormally, such as generating a low-level drive voltage that is insufficient to normally drive the display panel. In this case, the brightness of the display panel may deteriorate, or the display panel may have to be turned off to prevent failure of the display panel. When the display panel is installed in a vehicle or the like, failure or shutdown of the display panel may be particularly problematic because there may be problems with the driver's safety. Summary of the invention

[0005] An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a power supply device, a display device including the power supply device, and a power supply method, in which, in the power supply device, when a power converter for supplying a driving voltage to a display panel operates abnormally, the power converter is capable of stopping supplying the driving voltage, and a sub-power unit is capable of supplying the sub-driving voltage to the display panel, thereby preventing the display panel from being shut down.

[0006] In addition, an exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a power supply device, a display device including the power supply device, and a power supply method, in which, in the power supply device, when a sub-power unit sends a control signal for restarting the power converter to the power converter and the power converter operates normally by restarting, the sub-power unit is able to stop supplying a sub-driving voltage, and the power converter is able to restart supplying a driving voltage, thereby allowing the display panel to receive the driving voltage normally again when the power converter operates normally.

[0007] In addition, an exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a power supply device, a display device including the power supply device, and a power supply method, in which, when the power converter maintains abnormal operation despite restarting, the sub-power unit is able to continue to supply the sub-driving voltage, and the power converter is able to keep stopping the supply of the driving voltage, thereby continuing to display the image without turning off the display panel.

[0008] A power supply device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes: a power converter, configured to supply a driving voltage to a display panel; and a sub-power unit, configured to supply a sub-driving voltage to the display panel when the power converter operates abnormally, wherein the power converter is configured to stop supplying the driving voltage to the display panel when the power converter operates abnormally, and send a first control signal to the sub-power unit, and the sub-power unit is configured to supply the sub-driving voltage to the display panel in response to the first control signal.

[0009] A display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes: a display panel configured to display an image; and a power supply device configured to supply a driving voltage or a sub-driving voltage to the display panel; wherein the power supply device includes: a power converter configured to supply the driving voltage to the display panel; and a sub-power unit configured to supply the sub-driving voltage to the display panel when the power converter operates abnormally, wherein the power converter is configured to stop supplying the driving voltage to the display panel when the power converter operates abnormally, and send a first control signal to the sub-power unit, and the sub-power unit is configured to supply the sub-driving voltage to the display panel in response to the first control signal.

[0010] A power supply device, a display device including the power supply device, and a power supply method according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention can display an image without turning off a display panel even if a power converter abnormally operates.

[0011] In addition, the power supply device, the display device including the power supply device, and the power supply method according to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention allow the power converter instead of the sub-power unit to supply the driving voltage to the display panel again when the power converter operates normally again, thereby allowing the display panel to display images with a relatively high driving voltage.

[0012] Furthermore, when the display panel is installed in a vehicle or the like, the display panel can display an image without being turned off, thereby improving the safety of the driver. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram for illustrating a power supply device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 2is a flowchart for illustrating a power supply method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 3A and Figure 3B is a schematic diagram for illustrating a power supply method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 4 is a flowchart for illustrating a power supply method according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C is a schematic diagram for illustrating a power supply method according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 6 is a timing chart for illustrating a driving method of a power supply device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 7 is a timing chart for illustrating a driving method of a power supply device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram for illustrating a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Hereinafter, example embodiments will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals always represent the same elements. However, the present invention may be implemented in various different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments shown herein. On the contrary, these embodiments are provided as examples so that the present disclosure will be thorough and complete, and these embodiments will fully convey the aspects and features of the present invention to those skilled in the art. Therefore, processes, elements and techniques that are not necessary for a person of ordinary skill in the art to fully understand the aspects and features of the present invention may not be described. Unless otherwise noted, throughout the drawings and descriptions, the same reference numerals represent the same elements, and therefore, their descriptions may not be repeated. In the drawings, for clarity, the relative sizes of elements, layers and regions may be exaggerated.

[0022] It will be understood that, although the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or part from another element, component, region, layer or part. Therefore, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, the first element, first component, first region, first layer or first part described below may be referred to as the second element, second component, second region, second layer or second part.

[0023] It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “connected to” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it can be directly on, directly connected to or directly coupled to the other element or layer, or one or more intervening elements or layers may be present.

[0024] The term used herein is only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments, and is not intended to limit the present invention. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form "one (kind / person)" is also intended to include plural forms. It will also be understood that when the term "comprising" and its variations and "including" and its variations are used in this specification, it is explained that there are stated features, integral bodies, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but it is not excluded that there are or add one or more other features, integral bodies, steps, operations, elements, components and / or their groups. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any combination and all combinations of one or more of the related listed items. When the expression such as "at least one of ... " is after a column of elements / elements, the entire column of elements / elements is modified, rather than the single element / element in the column.

[0025] As used herein, the terms "substantially," "approximately," and similar terms are used as terms of approximation rather than as terms of degree, and are intended to account for the inherent deviations in measurements or calculations that one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize. In addition, when describing embodiments of the invention, the use of "may" means "one or more embodiments of the invention." As used herein, the terms "use," "using," and "used" may be considered synonymous with the terms "utilize," "utilizing," and "utilized," respectively. In addition, the term "exemplary" is intended to mean an example or illustration.

[0026] One or more power supply devices and / or any other related devices or components for supplying power to the display device may be implemented using any suitable hardware, firmware (e.g., an application specific integrated circuit), software, or a combination of software, firmware, and hardware. For example, the power supply device may include a power converter, a sub-power unit, and a sub-input voltage supply. According to the embodiments of the present invention described herein, the display panel may include a plurality of pixels, a scan driver, a data driver, and a timing controller. The power supply device may be implemented using any suitable hardware, firmware (e.g., an application specific integrated circuit), software, or a combination of software, firmware, and hardware. For example, the various components of these devices may be formed on an integrated circuit (IC) chip or on a separate IC chip. In addition, the various components of these devices may be implemented on a flexible printed circuit film, a tape carrier package (TCP), a printed circuit board (PCB), or formed on a substrate. In addition, the various components of these devices may be processes or threads that run on one or more processors in one or more computing devices, execute computer program instructions, and interact with other system components to perform the various functions described herein.

[0027] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as those commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs. It will also be understood that terms (such as those defined in common dictionaries) should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and / or this specification, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense, unless explicitly defined as such herein.

[0028] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram for illustrating a power supply device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Reference Figure 1 The power supply device 100 generates a driving voltage DV and a sub driving voltage SUB_DV for driving the display panel 200 and transmits them to the display panel 200. The power supply device 100 includes a power converter 110, a sub power unit 120, and a sub input voltage supplier 130.

[0030] The power converter 110 of the power supply device 100 is configured to generate a driving voltage DV and supply the driving voltage DV to the display panel 200. The power converter 110 may convert a first input voltage VCI1 supplied from an external power source into the driving voltage DV, and may transmit the generated driving voltage DV to the display panel 200 through a driving voltage line. The driving voltage DV may include a first driving voltage and a second driving voltage. For example, the first driving voltage may be a high potential driving voltage greater than the second driving voltage, and may be applied to the display panel 200 through the first driving voltage line. In addition, the second driving voltage may be a low potential driving voltage, and may be applied to the display panel 200 through the second driving voltage line.

[0031] The power converter 110 may be configured to determine whether the power converter 110 operates abnormally, and when the power converter 110 operates abnormally, the power converter 110 may transmit the first control signal CONT1 to the sub-power unit 120 and stop supplying the driving voltage DV to the display panel 200 .

[0032] The abnormal operation of the power converter 110 may be a case where an abnormality occurs in the driving voltage DV generated by the power converter 110 and supplied to the display panel 200. For example, when the magnitude of the driving voltage DV generated by the power converter 110 is outside the normal range, or when the magnitude of the driving current flowing in the driving voltage line transmitting the driving voltage DV on the display panel 200 is outside the normal range, it may be determined that the abnormal operation occurs in the power converter 110.

[0033] For example, when the magnitude of the driving voltage DV applied to the driving voltage line is less than the magnitude of the reference driving voltage, the power converter 110 may be determined to be operating abnormally. For example, the magnitude of the reference driving voltage may be 80% of the magnitude of the driving voltage that allows the display panel 200 to operate normally (e.g., display an image normally). For example, when the magnitude of the first driving voltage applied to the first driving voltage line or the magnitude of the second driving voltage applied to the second driving voltage line is less than the magnitude of the reference driving voltage, the power converter 110 may be determined to be operating abnormally.

[0034] Similarly, when the magnitude of the driving current flowing in the driving voltage line is greater than the magnitude of the reference driving current, the power converter 110 may be determined to be operating abnormally. The magnitude of the reference driving current may be the maximum magnitude of the driving current that allows the display panel 200 to operate normally. When the magnitude of the driving current is greater than the magnitude of the reference driving current, the power converter 110 may be determined to be operating abnormally.

[0035] The power converter 110 may receive a second control signal CONT2 for restarting the power converter 110 from the sub-power unit 120, and may restart in response to the second control signal CONT2. When the power converter 110 operates normally by restarting (e.g., operates normally after restarting), the power converter 110 may again supply the driving voltage DV to the display panel 200. However, when the power converter 110 does not operate normally by restarting and remains abnormally operated, the power converter 110 may continue to be prevented from supplying the driving voltage DV.

[0036] The sub power unit 120 of the power supply device 100 may control the overall operation of the display panel 200 and supply the additional sub driving voltage SUB_DV to the display panel 200. For example, the sub power unit 120 may be configured as a timing controller embedded driver (TED).

[0037] When the power converter 110 operates abnormally, the sub power unit 120 may supply the sub driving voltage SUB_DV of the same magnitude as the driving voltage DV to the display panel 200 instead of the power converter 110. The sub power unit 120 may drive the display panel 200 in a low power mode or the like, so power consumption may be reduced.

[0038] The sub power unit 120 may convert the second input voltage VCI2 supplied from the sub input voltage supplier 130 into a sub driving voltage SUB_DV. When receiving the first control signal CONT1 from the power converter 110, the sub power unit 120 may transmit the sub driving voltage SUB_DV to the display panel 200 in response to the first control signal CONT1, so that the display panel 200 may be driven in a low power mode.

[0039] The sub-power unit 120 may send a second control signal CONT2 to the power converter 110, and the second control signal CONT2 restarts the power converter 110. When the power converter 110 resumes normal operation (e.g., by restarting), the sub-power unit 120 may stop supplying the sub-driving voltage SUB_DV to the display panel 200. The sub-power unit 120 may include at least one charge pump. The charge pump outputs a reverse voltage or a boost voltage using the power storage principle of a capacitor. The sub-power unit 120 may use at least one charge pump to generate the sub-driving voltage SUB_DV.

[0040] The sub-input voltage supplier 130 of the power supply device 100 supplies the second input voltage VCI2 to the sub-power unit 120. The sub-input voltage supplier 130 may generate the second input voltage VCI2 having a smaller magnitude than the first input voltage VCI1, and supply the second input voltage VCI2 to the sub-power unit 120. The power supply device 100 may include the sub-input voltage supplier 130, but is not limited thereto, and may receive the second input voltage VCI2 from a separate external voltage source.

[0041] The display panel 200 is configured to display an image. The display panel 200 may include a plurality of pixels PX (the smallest unit for emitting light). Each pixel PX may include at least one of a red pixel, a green pixel, and a blue pixel. A display element (e.g., an organic light emitting display (OLED) element) and a driving element for driving the display element may be provided in each pixel PX. The driving element may be implemented as a thin film transistor, which may be connected to a signal line (i.e., a gate line and a data line).

[0042] Despite Figure 1 Although not specifically shown in the figure, a plurality of signal lines may be provided in the display panel 200. The plurality of signal lines may include a plurality of data lines and a plurality of gate lines. The plurality of data lines extend in a first direction (e.g., a vertical direction) to transmit data signals to the thin film transistors, and the plurality of gate lines extend in a second direction (e.g., a horizontal direction) intersecting the first direction to transmit gate signals to the thin film transistors. The first direction and the second direction may be perpendicular to each other, but are not limited thereto.

[0043] Figure 2 is a flowchart for illustrating a power supply method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3A and Figure 3B is a schematic diagram for illustrating a power supply method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3A and Figure 3B The power converter 110, the sub-power unit 120 and the display panel 200 are Figure 1 The power converter 110, the sub-power unit 120, and the display panel 200 are substantially the same, so repeated descriptions may be omitted.

[0044] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3A, the power converter 110 supplies the driving voltage DV to the display panel 200 (S110). The power converter 110 generates the driving voltage DV for driving the display panel 200 based on the first input voltage VCI1. The generated driving voltage DV may be supplied to the display panel 200 through the driving voltage line. The driving voltage DV may include a first driving voltage as a high potential driving voltage and a second driving voltage as a low potential driving voltage. The first driving voltage may be supplied to the display panel 200 through the first driving voltage line, and the second driving voltage may be supplied to the display panel 200 through the second driving voltage line. When the power converter 110 supplies the driving voltage DV to the display panel 200, the sub-power unit 120 may not supply the sub-driving voltage SUB_DV to the display panel 200. The display panel 200 may be driven by the driving voltage DV to display an image.

[0045] Next, the power converter 110 determines whether an abnormal operation has occurred (S120). The power converter 110 can determine the occurrence of an abnormal operation by measuring the magnitude of the driving voltage DV applied to the driving voltage line or the magnitude of the driving current flowing through the driving voltage line. When the magnitude of the driving voltage DV is less than the magnitude of the reference driving voltage, or when the magnitude of the driving current is greater than the magnitude of the reference driving current, the power converter 110 can determine that an abnormal operation has occurred.

[0046] During normal operation (eg, when abnormal operation does not occur), the power converter 110 may supply the driving voltage DV to the display panel 200. When the power converter 110 supplies the driving voltage DV to the display panel 200, the sub power unit 120 may not supply the sub driving voltage SUB_DV to the display panel 200.

[0047] Optionally, refer to Figure 3B , when an abnormal operation occurs, the power converter 110 stops supplying the driving voltage DV to the display panel 200 (S130).

[0048] Next, the sub-power unit 120 supplies the sub-driving voltage SUB_DV to the display panel 200 (S140). When the power converter 110 determines that an abnormal operation has occurred, the power converter 110 may send a first control signal CONT1 to the sub-power unit 120. The sub-power unit 120 may send the sub-driving voltage SUB_DV to the display panel 200 in response to receiving the first control signal CONT1. The sub-driving voltage SUB_DV may include a first sub-driving voltage as a high potential sub-driving voltage and a second sub-driving voltage as a low potential sub-driving voltage. The sub-power unit 120 may supply the first sub-driving voltage to the display panel 200 through the first driving voltage line, and may supply the second sub-driving voltage to the display panel 200 through the second driving voltage line. When the sub-power unit 120 supplies the sub-driving voltage SUB_DV to the display panel 200, the power converter 110 may not supply the driving voltage DV to the display panel 200.

[0049] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when an abnormal operation occurs in the power converter 110, the power supply device 100 allows the power converter 110 to stop supplying the driving voltage DV, and allows the sub-power unit 120 to transmit the sub-driving voltage SUB_DV to the display panel 200. When the power converter 110 stops supplying the driving voltage DV, the power converter 110 may transmit a first control signal CONT1 to the sub-power unit 120, and in response to the first control signal CONT1, the sub-power unit 120 may transmit the sub-driving voltage SUB_DV having the same size as that of the driving voltage DV to the display panel 200. Therefore, the display panel 200 may be driven in a low power mode and display an image using the sub-driving voltage SUB_DV supplied from the sub-power unit 120. Therefore, even when the power converter 110 stops supplying the driving voltage DV (for example, because the power converter 110 behaves abnormally), the display panel 200 may continue to display an image without interruption (for example, without interruption due to the display being turned off).

[0050] For example, when the display panel 200 is installed in a vehicle or the like, the turning off of the display panel 200 may cause or cause an accident during the driving of the vehicle. When an abnormal operation occurs in the power converter 110 (for example, when the display panel 200 is installed on a vehicle or the like), the sub-power unit 120 of the power supply device 100 may supply the sub-driving voltage SUB_DV to the display panel 200. Therefore, the display panel 200 installed on the vehicle or the like may display (for example, continuously display) an image without interruption (for example, without turning off), and the safety of the driver may be maintained.

[0051] Figure 4 is a flowchart for illustrating a power supply method according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5A to FIG. 5CFIG. 1 is a schematic diagram for illustrating a power supply method according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C The power converter 110, the sub-power unit 120 and the display panel 200 are Figure 1 The power converter 110, the sub-power unit 120, and the display panel 200 are substantially the same, so repeated descriptions may be omitted.

[0052] First, refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5A , the power converter 110 supplies the driving voltage DV to the display panel 200 (S110). Next, the power converter 110 determines whether an abnormal operation has occurred (S120). Because the step S110 of the power converter 110 supplying the driving voltage DV to the display panel 200 and the step S120 of the power converter 110 determining whether an abnormal operation has occurred are the same as Figure 2 and Figure 3A Step S110 and step S120 described in are substantially the same, so repeated descriptions have been omitted.

[0053] When an abnormal operation does not occur, the power converter 110 may continue to supply the driving voltage DV to the display panel 200 .

[0054] Optionally, refer to Figure 5B , when an abnormal operation occurs, the power converter 110 stops supplying the driving voltage DV to the display panel 200 (S130). Next, the sub-power unit 120 supplies the sub-driving voltage SUB_DV to the display panel 200 (S140). Because these steps S130 and S140 are similar to Figure 2 and Figure 3B Steps S130 and S140 described in are substantially the same, so repeated descriptions may be omitted.

[0055] Next, refer to Figure 5C , the sub-power unit 120 transmits the second control signal CONT2 to the power converter 110 (S250). The second control signal CONT2 may be a trigger signal for restarting the power converter 110. For example, the sub-power unit 120 may periodically transmit the second control signal CONT2 to the power converter 110 while supplying the sub-driving voltage SUB_DV to the display panel 200.

[0056] Next, the power converter 110 is restarted in response to the second control signal CONT2 (S260). After restarting, the power converter 110 may generate the driving voltage DV.

[0057] When the power converter 110 is operating normally, the power converter 110 may resume supplying the driving voltage DV to the display panel 200 (S270). The power converter 110 is restarted in response to the second control signal CONT2. After restarting, the power converter 110 resumes generating the driving voltage DV. When the magnitude of the driving voltage DV generated by the power converter 110 is greater than the magnitude of the reference driving voltage and / or the magnitude of the driving current flowing in the driving voltage line is less than the magnitude of the reference driving current, the power converter 110 may be determined to be operating normally, and then may resume (e.g., restart) supplying the driving voltage DV to the display panel 200 through the driving voltage line.

[0058] After restarting the power converter 110, when the power converter 110 has resumed normal operation after the restart, the sub-power unit 120 stops supplying the sub-driving voltage SUB_DV to the display panel 200 (S280) (for example, when the driving voltage DV is normally supplied to the display panel 200, the sub-power unit 120 may stop supplying the sub-driving voltage SUB_DV to the display panel 200). Therefore, the display panel 200 may be driven by the power converter 110 instead of the sub-power unit 120.

[0059] In some embodiments, when the power converter 110 continues to operate abnormally after restarting, the power converter 110 continues to prevent the drive voltage DV from being supplied to the display panel 200 (S290). The power converter 110 can be restarted by the second control signal CONT2 and generate the drive voltage DV again. However, despite restarting the power converter 110, the magnitude of the drive voltage DV may be less than the magnitude of the reference drive voltage or the magnitude of the drive current may be greater than the magnitude of the reference drive current. Therefore, when the power converter 110 maintains abnormal operation, the power converter 110 may continue to prevent (e.g., keep stopping) the supply of the drive voltage DV.

[0060] Next, the sub power unit 120 keeps supplying the sub driving voltage SUB_DV to the display panel 200 (S300). When the power converter 110 keeps abnormally operating despite the restart, the sub power unit 120 may continue to supply the sub driving voltage SUB_DV to the display panel 200. Thus, the display panel 200 may be driven using the sub driving voltage SUB_DV.

[0061] In a power supply device 100 and a power supply method according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the sub-power unit 120 may send a second control signal CONT2 to the power converter 110 to restart the power converter 110. When the power converter 110 operates normally after restarting (e.g., by restarting), the sub-power unit 120 may stop supplying the sub-driving voltage SUB_DV, and the display panel 200 may be driven using the driving voltage DV supplied from the power converter 110. When the power converter 110 maintains abnormal operation despite the restart, the display panel 200 may be driven using the sub-driving voltage SUB_DV supplied from the sub-power unit 120. Therefore, even when the power converter 110 operates abnormally, the display panel 200 may still maintain the display image in a low power mode without shutting down. When the power converter 110 resumes normal operation, the display panel 200 may be driven by the power converter 110.

[0062] Figure 6 is a timing diagram for illustrating a driving method of a power supply device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figures 4 to 5C To describe Figure 6 .

[0063] Reference Figure 6 , a vertical synchronization signal Vsync, a first control signal CONT1, a second control signal CONT2, a first driving voltage ELVDD, a second driving voltage ELVSS, a first sub driving voltage SUB_ELVDD, and a second sub driving voltage SUB_ELVSS are shown. The vertical synchronization signal Vsync is shown as a reference signal for timing. The interval between pulses of the vertical synchronization signal Vsync may be one horizontal period 1FRAME.

[0064] The power converter 110 may normally supply the driving voltage DV to the display panel 200 in a period before the first time point t1. For example, the power converter 110 may supply the high-level first driving voltage ELVDD and the low-level second driving voltage ELVSS to the display panel 200 through the driving voltage line. At this time (for example, when the power converter 110 is supplying the first driving voltage ELVDD and the second driving voltage ELVSS), the sub-power unit 120 may not transmit the low-level first sub-driving voltage SUB_ELVDD and the high-level second sub-driving voltage SUB_ELVSS to the display panel 200.

[0065] At the first time point t1, the power converter 110 may start to operate abnormally. For example, the high-level first driving voltage ELVDD may become a low level, and the low-level second driving voltage ELVSS may become a high level. The power converter 110 may not provide the low-level first driving voltage ELVDD and / or the high-level second driving voltage ELVSS to the display panel 200. In addition, the power converter 110 may change the first control signal CONT1 from a low level to a high level, and (for example, when the first control signal CONT1 is at a high level) send the first control signal CONT1 to the sub-power unit 120.

[0066] The sub power unit 120 may supply the sub driving voltage SUB_DV to the display panel 200 in response to the first control signal CONT1 (e.g., when the first control signal CONT1 becomes a high level). For example, the first sub driving voltage SUB_ELVDD that starts at a low level may become a high level, and the second sub driving voltage SUB_ELVSS that starts at a high level may become a low level. The first sub driving voltage SUB_ELVDD (e.g., at a high level) and the second sub driving voltage SUB_ELVSS (e.g., at a low level) may be supplied to the display panel 200.

[0067] At the second time point t2, the second control signal CONT2 changes from a low level to a high level. The sub-power unit 120 may send the high-level second control signal CONT2 to the power converter 110, and then the power converter 110 may restart. The power converter 110 restarts so that the first driving voltage ELVDD may change from a low level to a high level. At the third time point t3, the second driving voltage ELVSS changes from a high level to a low level.

[0068] At the fourth time point t4, the sub-power unit 120 changes the first sub-driving voltage SUB_ELVDD from a high level to a low level, and changes the second sub-driving voltage SUB_ELVSS from a low level to a high level. The sub-power unit 120 stops supplying the sub-driving voltage SUB_DV (e.g., the first sub-driving voltage SUB_ELVDD and the second sub-driving voltage SUB_ELVSS) to the display panel 200. The power converter 110 supplies the high-level first driving voltage ELVDD and the low-level second driving voltage ELVSS to the display panel 200. Therefore, at the fourth time point t4, the display panel 200 can be driven by the first driving voltage ELVDD and the second driving voltage ELVSS supplied from the power converter 110, rather than being driven by the sub-power unit 120.

[0069] In addition, when the power converter 110 starts abnormal operation, after at least one scan time H has passed from the first time point t1, the sub-power unit 120 may supply the sub-drive voltage SUB_DV to the display panel 200. The scan time H may represent a time interval from the time when a gate signal is applied through one gate line to the time when a next gate signal is applied through an adjacent gate line. For example, the sub-power unit 120 changes the first sub-drive voltage SUB_ELVDD from a low level to a high level and changes the second sub-drive voltage SUB_ELVSS from a high level to a low level at a time point delayed by one scan time 1H from the first time point t1 at which the power converter 110 starts abnormal operation. Alternatively, the sub-power unit 120 may change the first sub-drive voltage SUB_ELVDD from a low level to a high level and change the second sub-drive voltage SUB_ELVSS from a high level to a low level at a time point delayed by two scan times 2H from the first time point t1. When the sub driving voltage SUB_DV is supplied from the sub power unit 120 to the display panel 200 (for example, at a time point when at least one scanning time H is delayed from the first time point t1 when the abnormal operation of the power converter 110 is started), the image displayed in the display panel is displayed more naturally. Therefore, the time point of supplying the sub driving voltage SUB_DV can be controlled by the number of scanning times H delayed relative to the first time point t1, so that a natural image can be displayed when the supplied voltage is changed from the driving voltage DV to the sub driving voltage SUB_DV.

[0070] Figure 7 t3 is a timing diagram for illustrating a driving method of a power supply device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 The timing diagram and Figure 6 The timing diagrams are basically the same, so repeated descriptions can be omitted. Figures 4 to 6 To describe Figure 7 .

[0071] Reference Figure 7 , the power converter 110 may normally supply the driving voltage DV to the display panel 200 in a period before the first time point t1. For example, the power converter 110 may supply the high-level first driving voltage ELVDD and the low-level second driving voltage ELVSS to the display panel 200 through the driving voltage line. At this time, the sub-power unit 120 may not transmit the first sub-driving voltage SUB_ELVDD (e.g., at a high level) and the second sub-driving voltage SUB_ELVSS (e.g., at a low level) to the display panel 200.

[0072] At the first time point t1, the power converter 110 may start to operate abnormally. For example, the first driving voltage ELVDD may start at a high level and then may become a low level, and the second driving voltage ELVSS may start at a low level and then may become a high level. The power converter 110 may not provide the low-level first driving voltage ELVDD and the high-level second driving voltage ELVSS to the display panel 200. The power converter 110 may change the first control signal CONT1 from a low level to a high level, and send the high-level first control signal CONT1 to the sub-power unit 120.

[0073] The sub power unit 120 may supply the sub driving voltage SUB_DV to the display panel 200 in response to the first control signal CONT1. For example, the low-level first sub driving voltage SUB_ELVDD may become a high level, and the high-level second sub driving voltage SUB_ELVSS may become a low level. The high-level first sub driving voltage SUB_ELVDD and the low-level second sub driving voltage SUB_ELVSS may be supplied to the display panel 200.

[0074] At the second time point t2, the second control signal CONT2 changes from a low level to a high level. The sub-power unit 120 may send the high-level second control signal CONT2 to the power converter 110, and then the power converter 110 may restart. The power converter 110 restarts so that the first driving voltage ELVDD may change from a low level to a high level. At the third time point t3, the second driving voltage ELVSS changes from a high level to a low level.

[0075] At the fourth time point t4, despite the restart, the power converter 110 continues to operate abnormally. For example, the first driving voltage ELVDD changed to a high level at the second time point t2 changes to a low level at the fourth time point t4. Then, the second driving voltage ELVSS changed to a low level at the third time point t3 changes to a high level at the fourth time point t4.

[0076] At the fifth time point t5, the first driving voltage ELVDD is maintained at a low level, and the second driving voltage ELVSS is maintained at a high level. Therefore, the first sub driving voltage SUB_ELVDD is maintained at a high level, and the second sub driving voltage SUB_ELVSS is maintained at a low level. The sub power unit 120 may continue to supply the high-level first sub driving voltage SUB_ELVDD and the low-level second sub driving voltage SUB_ELVSS to the display panel 200. In addition, the power converter 110 may continue to prevent (e.g., keep stopping) the supply of the first driving voltage ELVDD and the second driving voltage ELVSS.

[0077] Figure 8is a schematic diagram for illustrating a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 The power supply device 100 and the display panel 200 are Figure 1 The power supply device 100 and the display panel 200 are substantially the same, so repeated descriptions may be omitted.

[0078] Reference Figure 8 , the display device 1000 includes a power supply device 100, a display panel 200, and a driver 300. The power supply device 100 can send a driving voltage DV or a sub-driving voltage SUB_DV to each of a plurality of pixels PX of the display panel 200 through a driving voltage line. The power converter 110 of the power supply device 100 generates a driving voltage DV and sends the driving voltage DV to each of a plurality of pixels PX. When the power converter 110 operates abnormally, the power converter 110 stops supplying the driving voltage DV, and the sub-power unit 120 sends the sub-driving voltage SUB_DV to each of a plurality of pixels PX. Therefore, even when the power converter 110 operates abnormally, the display panel 200 is not shut down, and the image can continue to be displayed in a low power mode using the sub-driving voltage SUB_DV.

[0079] The display panel 200 may include a plurality of pixels PX arranged in a matrix form, and the plurality of pixels PX may be connected to a plurality of gate lines GL and a plurality of data lines DL to receive gate signals and data signals (respectively) and operate.

[0080] The driver 300 includes a gate driver 310 , a data driver 320 , and a timing controller 330 .

[0081] The timing controller 330 may receive an RGB image signal RGB, a vertical synchronization signal Vsync, a horizontal synchronization signal Hsync, a clock signal CLK, etc. from an external graphics controller, and may generate an output image signal DATA, a data control signal DCONT, a gate control signal GCONT, and an enable signal EN corresponding to the RGB image signal RGB based on these signals. The timing controller 330 may provide the gate control signal GCONT to the gate driver 310, provide the output image signal DATA and the data control signal DCONT to the data driver 320, and provide the enable signal EN to the power supply device 100.

[0082] The gate driver 310 may apply (e.g., sequentially apply) gate signals to the plurality of gate lines GL of the display panel 200 based on the gate control signal GCONT supplied from the timing controller 330. The gate driver 310 may be provided by a method such as chip on glass (COG), chip on film (COF), or tape carrier package (TCP) according to a mounting method, but is not limited thereto.

[0083] The data driver 320 may apply data signals to the plurality of data lines DL based on the data control signal DCONT and the output image signal DATA supplied from the timing controller 330. The data driver 320 may be provided by a method such as chip on glass (COG), chip on film (COF), or tape carrier package (TCP) according to a mounting method, but is not limited thereto.

[0084] The display device 1000 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a power supply device 100, and the power supply device 100 includes a sub-power unit 120. When the power converter 110 of the power supply device 100 cannot normally send the driving voltage DV to the display panel 200, the power converter 110 stops supplying the driving voltage DV. In this case, the sub-power unit 120 may supply the sub-driving voltage SUB_DV to the display panel 200 instead of the power converter 110, and the display panel 200 may keep displaying an image in a low power mode by the sub-driving voltage SUB_DV. Therefore, the display panel 200 may continue to display an image without shutting down. In particular, when the display device 1000 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is installed in a vehicle or the like, the safety of the driver can be ensured by not shutting down when the power converter 110 operates abnormally. In addition, the sub-power unit 120 may send a second control signal CONT2 for restarting the power converter 110. When the power converter 110 operates normally after restarting, the power converter 110 may supply the driving voltage DV to the display panel 200 instead of the sub-power unit 120. Therefore, when the power converter 110 is restarted and operates normally, the display panel 200 of the display device 1000 may display an image by receiving the driving voltage DV from the power converter 110 .

[0085] The above specific embodiments illustrate and explain the present invention. In addition, the above specific embodiments only illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention, and the present invention can be used in various other combinations, changes and environments as described above, and the scope of the inventive concept disclosed herein can be changed or modified within the scope of equivalents and / or technology or knowledge in the art. Therefore, the above specific embodiments are not intended to limit the present invention to the disclosed embodiments. In addition, the attached claims should be interpreted as including other embodiments and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A power supply device, comprising: a power converter configured to supply a driving voltage to the display panel; as well as a sub-power unit configured to supply a sub-driving voltage to the display panel when the power converter operates abnormally, and not supply the sub-driving voltage to the display panel when the power converter operates normally, wherein the power converter is configured to: when the power converter operates abnormally, stop supplying the driving voltage to the display panel and send a first control signal to the sub-power unit, and The sub power unit is configured to supply the sub driving voltage to the display panel in response to the first control signal.

2. The power supply device according to claim 1, wherein: The power converter is configured to determine that the power converter is operating abnormally when a magnitude of the driving voltage is smaller than a magnitude of a reference driving voltage or a magnitude of the driving current is larger than a magnitude of a reference driving current.

3. The power supply device according to claim 1, wherein: The sub-power unit is configured to: send a second control signal for restarting the power converter to the power converter, and The power converter is configured to restart in response to the second control signal.

4. The power supply device according to claim 3, wherein: When the power converter operates normally after restarting, the sub power unit is configured to stop supplying the sub driving voltage to the display panel, and the power converter is configured to supply the driving voltage to the display panel.

5. The power supply device according to claim 3, wherein: When the power converter continues to operate abnormally after restarting, the power converter is configured not to supply the driving voltage to the display panel, and the sub power unit is configured to continue to supply the sub driving voltage to the display panel.

6. The power supply device according to claim 1, wherein: The sub-power unit includes a timing controller embedded driver that controls an operation of the display panel.

7. The power supply device according to claim 6, wherein: The sub-power unit includes at least one charge pump.

8. The power supply device according to claim 1, wherein: The power converter is configured to generate the driving voltage based on a first input voltage, The sub-power unit is configured to generate the sub-driving voltage based on a second input voltage, The magnitude of the second input voltage is smaller than the magnitude of the first input voltage, and The magnitude of the sub-driving voltage is the same as the magnitude of the driving voltage.

9. The power supply device according to claim 1, wherein: The sub power unit is configured to supply the sub driving voltage to the display panel after at least one scanning time has passed when the power converter operates abnormally.

10. A display device, comprising: a display panel configured to display an image; as well as a power supply device configured to supply a driving voltage or a sub-driving voltage to the display panel, The power supply device includes: a power converter configured to supply the driving voltage to the display panel; and a sub-power unit configured to supply the sub-driving voltage to the display panel when the power converter operates abnormally, and not supply the sub-driving voltage to the display panel when the power converter operates normally. wherein the power converter is configured to: when the power converter operates abnormally, stop supplying the driving voltage to the display panel and send a first control signal to the sub-power unit, and The sub power unit is configured to supply the sub driving voltage to the display panel in response to the first control signal.

11. The display device according to claim 10, wherein: The sub-power unit is configured to: send a second control signal for restarting the power converter to the power converter, and The power converter is configured to restart in response to the second control signal.

12. The display device according to claim 11, wherein: When the power converter operates normally after restarting, the sub power unit is configured to stop supplying the sub driving voltage to the display panel, and the power converter is configured to supply the driving voltage to the display panel; and When the power converter continues to operate abnormally after restarting, the power converter is configured not to supply the driving voltage to the display panel, and the sub power unit is configured to continue to supply the sub driving voltage to the display panel.

13. A power supply method, comprising the following steps: The power converter supplies a driving voltage for driving the display panel to the display panel; the power converter determining whether the power converter is operating abnormally; When the power converter is determined to be operating abnormally, the power converter stops supplying the driving voltage to the display panel; as well as The sub power unit supplies a sub driving voltage for driving the display panel to the display panel, supplies the sub driving voltage to the display panel when the power converter operates abnormally, and does not supply the sub driving voltage to the display panel when the power converter operates normally.

14. The power supply method according to claim 13, wherein: The step of the power converter stopping supplying the driving voltage to the display panel further comprises: The power converter transmits a first control signal to the sub power unit, and then the sub power unit supplies the sub driving voltage to the display panel based on the first control signal.

15. The power supply method according to claim 13, further comprising: The sub-power unit sends a second control signal to the power converter to restart the power converter; restarting the power converter in response to the second control signal; When the power converter operates normally by restarting, the sub power unit stops supplying the sub driving voltage to the display panel, and the power converter supplies the driving voltage to the display panel; and When the power converter abnormally operates after restarting, the power converter stops supplying the driving voltage to the display panel, and the sub power unit supplies the sub driving voltage to the display panel.

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