Display device

Abstract

A display device is disclosed. The display device includes a display panel, an electrode, a first wiring, a second wiring, a first contact hole, a second contact hole, and a first resistor. The display panel includes an active area for displaying an image and a peripheral area adjacent to the active area. The electrode is in the active area. The first wiring is in the peripheral area and is configured to apply a power supply voltage to the electrode. The second wiring is in the peripheral area and is configured to apply a power supply voltage to the electrode. The first contact hole connects the electrode and the first wiring. The second contact hole connects the electrode and the second wiring. The first resistor is connected between the first wiring and the second wiring.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] One or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a display device and a method of detecting a defect of the display device. Background Art

[0002] The display device includes a display panel and a display panel driver. The display panel driver includes a gate driver, a data driver, an emission driver, a driving controller, and a power supply voltage generator.

[0003] The display device may include wiring for outputting power supply voltage and drive signals to the display panel. The wiring may be provided between the display panel driver and the display panel. In addition, the display device may also include contact holes for connecting the electrodes of the display panel to the wiring.

[0004] A defect in the contact hole and / or a defect in the wiring may occur due to a crack in the contact hole or a crack in the wiring formed during the manufacturing process of the display device or during the operation of the display device. The crack in the contact hole or the crack in the wiring may cause an electric field to be generated between the wirings, so that the sensor in the display device may malfunction. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One or more aspects of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a display device capable of correctly determining a position of a defect of the display device.

[0006] One or more aspects of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a method of detecting a defect of a display device.

[0007] One or more aspects of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a method of detecting a defect by using a resistor connected between a first wiring and a second wiring applying a power supply voltage to a display panel and a method of detecting a defect of a display device.

[0008] In an exemplary embodiment of a display device according to the present disclosure, the display device includes a display panel, an electrode, a first wiring, a second wiring, a first contact hole, a second contact hole, and a first resistor. The display panel includes an active area for displaying an image and a peripheral area adjacent to the active area. The electrode is in the active area. The first wiring is in the peripheral area and is configured to apply a power supply voltage to the electrode. The second wiring is in the peripheral area and is configured to apply a power supply voltage to the electrode. The first contact hole connects the electrode and the first wiring. The second contact hole connects the electrode and the second wiring. The first resistor is connected between the first wiring and the second wiring.

[0009] In an exemplary embodiment, the display device may further include a second resistor and a first switch connected between the first wiring and the second wiring.

[0010] In an exemplary embodiment, the display device may further include a driving controller configured to measure a first voltage at both ends of the first resistor and a second voltage at both ends of the second resistor in response to an off state of the first switch, and configured to measure the first voltage and the second voltage in response to an on state of the first switch.

[0011] In an exemplary embodiment, the drive controller is configured to detect a defect in the first contact hole or a defect in the second contact hole based on the absolute value of the first voltage being ΔVdrop and the absolute value of the second voltage being zero in response to the off state of the first switch, and based on the absolute value of the first voltage being ΔVdrop / 2 and the absolute value of the second voltage being ΔVdrop / 2 in response to the on state of the first switch.

[0012] In an exemplary embodiment, the drive controller is configured to detect a defect in the first wiring or a defect in the second wiring based on the absolute value of the first voltage being ΔVdrop and the absolute value of the second voltage being zero in response to the off state of the first switch, and based on the absolute value of the first voltage being ΔVdrop and the absolute value of the second voltage being ΔVdrop in response to the on state of the first switch.

[0013] In an exemplary embodiment, the display device may further include a third resistor and a second switch connected between the first wiring and the second wiring.

[0014] In an exemplary embodiment, the display device may further include a driving controller configured to measure a first voltage across the first resistor, a second voltage across the second resistor, and a third voltage across the third resistor in response to an off state of the first switch and an off state of the second switch, and to measure the first voltage, the second voltage, and the third voltage in response to an on state of at least one of the first switch and the second switch.

[0015] In an exemplary embodiment, the display device may further include a third contact hole connected to the electrode, a fourth contact hole connected to the electrode, a third wiring connecting the first contact hole and the third contact hole, and a fourth wiring connecting the second contact hole and the fourth contact hole.

[0016] In an exemplary embodiment, the first and second contact holes may be connected to a first end portion of the electrode, and the third and fourth contact holes may be connected to a second end portion of the electrode opposite to the first end portion of the electrode.

[0017] In an exemplary embodiment, the first resistor, the second resistor, and the first switch may be in a peripheral area of the display panel.

[0018] In an exemplary embodiment, the display device may further include a printed circuit board connected to a peripheral area of the display panel. The first resistor, the second resistor, and the first switch may be on the printed circuit board.

[0019] In an exemplary embodiment, the display panel may include a plurality of pixels, the plurality of pixels may include a plurality of organic light emitting elements, and the electrode may be a cathode electrode of the plurality of organic light emitting elements.

[0020] In an exemplary embodiment, a first power supply voltage and a second power supply voltage smaller than the first power supply voltage may be applied to a pixel of the plurality of pixels. The second power supply voltage may be applied to the first wiring and the second wiring.

[0021] In an exemplary embodiment of a method for detecting a defect of a display device according to the present disclosure, the method includes applying a power supply voltage to a first wiring, a first contact hole connected to the first wiring, and an electrode connected to the first contact hole, applying a power supply voltage to a second wiring, a second contact hole connected to the second wiring, and an electrode connected to the second contact hole, and measuring a first voltage at both ends of a first resistor connected between the first wiring and the second wiring. The electrode is in an active region. The first wiring and the second wiring may be in a peripheral region adjacent to the active region.

[0022] In an exemplary embodiment, the method may further include controlling a first switch connected between the first wiring and the second wiring, and measuring a second voltage at both ends of a second resistor connected between the first wiring and the second wiring and connected to the first switch.

[0023] In an exemplary embodiment, measuring the second voltage may include measuring the first voltage and the second voltage in response to an off-state of the first switch, and measuring the first voltage and the second voltage in response to an on-state of the first switch.

[0024] In an exemplary embodiment, the method may further include detecting a defect in the first contact hole or a defect in the second contact hole when the absolute value of the first voltage is ΔVdrop and the absolute value of the second voltage is zero in response to an off-state of the first switch, and when the absolute value of the first voltage is ΔVdrop / 2 and the absolute value of the second voltage is ΔVdrop / 2 in response to an on-state of the first switch.

[0025] In an exemplary embodiment, the method may further include detecting a defect in the first wiring or a defect in the second wiring when the absolute value of the first voltage is ΔVdrop and the absolute value of the second voltage is zero in response to an off-state of the first switch, and when the absolute value of the first voltage is ΔVdrop and the absolute value of the second voltage is ΔVdrop in response to an on-state of the first switch.

[0026] In an exemplary embodiment, the method may further include controlling a second switch connected between the first wiring and the second wiring, and measuring a third voltage at both ends of a third resistor connected between the first wiring and the second wiring and connected to the second switch.

[0027] In an exemplary embodiment, measuring the third voltage may include measuring the first voltage, the second voltage, and the third voltage in response to an off state of the first switch and an off state of the second switch, and measuring the first voltage, the second voltage, and the third voltage in response to an on state of at least one of the first switch and the second switch.

[0028] According to a display device and a method for detecting a defect of a display device, a defect of the display device can be detected by using a resistor connected between a first wiring and a second wiring that applies a power supply voltage to a display panel. Furthermore, the location of a defect of the display device can be determined (e.g., accurately determined) by using a first resistor, a second resistor, and a first switch connected between the first wiring and the second wiring. Therefore, the reliability of the display device can be improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] The above and other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent by describing exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0030] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 Conceptual diagram of the display device.

[0032] Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 A conceptual image of a portion of the display panel.

[0033] Figure 4 It shows Figure 1 A circuit diagram of an organic light-emitting element of a pixel of a display device.

[0034] Figure 5 It shows Figure 2 A conceptual diagram of the path of the power supply voltage for a display panel.

[0035] Figure 6 It shows Figure 1 A conceptual diagram of a portion of a display device.

[0036] Figure 7 Is shown to detect Figure 1 A table of methods of displaying defects of a device.

[0037] Figure 8and Figure 9 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a defect occurring at a second contact hole.

[0038] Figure 10 and Figure 11 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a defect occurring at a first wiring.

[0039] Figure 12 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a portion of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0040] Figure 13 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a portion of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0041] Figure 14 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a portion of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0043] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] Reference Figure 1 The display device includes a display panel 100 and a display panel driver. The display panel driver may include a driving controller 200, a gate driver 300, a gamma reference voltage generator 400, a data driver 500, and an emission driver 600. The display panel driver may also include a power supply voltage generator 700.

[0045] The display panel 100 includes a plurality of gate lines GL, a plurality of data lines DL, a plurality of emission lines EL, and a plurality of pixels P electrically connected to the gate lines GL, the data lines DL, and the emission lines EL. The gate lines GL and the emission lines EL may extend in a first direction D1, and the data lines DL may extend in a second direction D2 that intersects the first direction D1. In one or more embodiments, the first direction D1 is perpendicular to or orthogonal to the second direction D2, such as Figure 1 shown.

[0046] In one or more embodiments, the display panel 100 may be an organic light emitting panel including organic light emitting diodes.

[0047] The drive controller 200 receives input image data IMG and an input control signal CONT from an external device. For example, the input image data IMG may include red image data, green image data, and blue image data. In one or more embodiments, the input image data IMG may include white image data. The input image data IMG may include magenta image data, cyan image data, and yellow image data. The input control signal CONT may include a main clock signal and a data enable signal. The input control signal CONT may also include a vertical synchronization signal and a horizontal synchronization signal.

[0048] The driving controller 200 generates a first control signal CONT1 , a second control signal CONT2 , a third control signal CONT3 , a fourth control signal CONT4 , and a data signal DATA based on input image data IMG and an input control signal CONT.

[0049] The driving controller 200 generates a first control signal CONT1 for controlling the operation of the gate driver 300 based on the input control signal CONT and outputs the first control signal CONT1 to the gate driver 300. The first control signal CONT1 may include a vertical start signal and a gate clock signal.

[0050] The driving controller 200 generates a second control signal CONT2 for controlling the operation of the data driver 500 based on the input control signal CONT, and outputs the second control signal CONT2 to the data driver 500. The second control signal CONT2 may include a level start signal and a load signal.

[0051] The driving controller 200 generates a data signal DATA based on the input image data IMG and outputs the data signal DATA to the data driver 500 .

[0052] The driving controller 200 generates a third control signal CONT3 for controlling the operation of the gamma reference voltage generator 400 based on the input control signal CONT, and outputs the third control signal CONT3 to the gamma reference voltage generator 400 .

[0053] The driving controller 200 generates a fourth control signal CONT4 for controlling the operation of the emission driver 600 based on the input control signal CONT, and outputs the fourth control signal CONT4 to the emission driver 600 .

[0054] The gate driver 300 generates a gate signal for driving the gate line GL in response to the first control signal CONT1 received from the driving controller 200. The gate driver 300 may sequentially output the gate signal to the gate line GL. In one or more embodiments, the gate driver 300 may be integrated on the display panel 100 or the gate driver 300 may be an integral part of the display panel 100. For example, the gate driver 300 may be mounted on the display panel 100.

[0055] The gamma reference voltage generator 400 generates a gamma reference voltage VGREF in response to the third control signal CONT3 received from the driving controller 200. The gamma reference voltage generator 400 provides or outputs the gamma reference voltage VGREF to the data driver 500. The gamma reference voltage VGREF has a value corresponding to a level of the data signal DATA.

[0056] In an exemplary embodiment, the gamma reference voltage generator 400 may be provided in the driving controller 200 or the data driver 500 .

[0057] The data driver 500 receives the second control signal CONT2 and the data signal DATA from the driving controller 200, and receives the gamma reference voltage VGREF from the gamma reference voltage generator 400. The data driver 500 converts the data signal DATA into an analog data voltage using the gamma reference voltage VGREF. The data driver 500 outputs the data voltage to the data line DL.

[0058] For example, the data driver 500 may be integrally formed with the driving controller 200 to form a timing controller embedded data driver TED (eg, as shown in FIG. 2 ). Figure 2 In other words, the timing controller embedded data driver TED may include a data driver 500 and a driving controller 200.

[0059] The emission driver 600 generates an emission signal in response to the fourth control signal CONT4 received from the drive controller 200 to drive the emission line EL. The emission driver 600 can output the emission signal to the emission line EL. In one or more embodiments, the emission driver 600 can be integrated with the display panel 100 or the emission driver 600 can be an integral part of the display panel 100. For example, the emission driver 600 can be mounted on the display panel 100. In one or more embodiments, the emission driver 600 can be integrally formed with the gate driver 300 (the emission driver 600 can be an integral part of the gate driver 300).

[0060] The power supply voltage generator 700 may generate a first power supply voltage ELVDD and a second power supply voltage ELVSS. The second power supply voltage ELVSS may be lower than the first power supply voltage ELVDD. The power supply voltage generator 700 may apply the first power supply voltage ELVDD and the second power supply voltage ELVSS to the display panel 100.

[0061] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 Conceptual diagram of the display device. Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 A conceptual diagram of a portion of the display panel 100 is shown. Figure 4 It shows Figure 1 A circuit diagram of an organic light emitting element OLED of a pixel P of a display device.

[0062] Reference Figures 1 to 4 The display panel 100 may include an active area AA displaying an image and a peripheral area BA adjacent to the active area AA. The peripheral area BA may be a bending area (eg, a bendable area) bent toward the rear surface of the display panel 100.

[0063] The display device may further include a printed circuit board (PCB) connected to the peripheral area BA. A drive controller 200, a gamma reference voltage generator 400, a data driver 500, and a power supply voltage generator 700 may be disposed on the printed circuit board (PCB). The drive controller 200 and the data driver 500 may form a timing controller-embedded data driver TED. For example, the timing controller-embedded data driver TED may include the drive controller 200, the gamma reference voltage generator 400, and the data driver 500.

[0064] The gate driver 300 and the emission driver 600 may be integrated on the display panel 100 or may be integral parts of the display panel 100 .

[0065] The display panel 100 may include a plurality of pixels P. The pixels P may include an organic light emitting element OLED (e.g., Figure 4 (As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 3 ) The organic light emitting element OLED may include a first electrode ANO and a second electrode CAT. For example, the organic light emitting element OLED may include a first electrode ANO which may be an anode electrode and a second electrode CAT which may be a cathode electrode.

[0066] The second electrodes CAT of the plurality of organic light emitting elements OLED may be integrally formed to cover the entire area of the active area AA.

[0067] The display device may further include a first wiring PTL disposed in the peripheral area BA and applying the second power voltage ELVSS to the second electrode CAT, and a second wiring PTR disposed in the peripheral area BA and applying the second power voltage ELVSS to the second electrode CAT.

[0068] In one or more embodiments, the first wiring PTL may be arranged in the left end portion of the peripheral area BA, and the second wiring PTR may be arranged in the right end portion of the peripheral area BA.

[0069] The display device may further include a first contact hole CNL connecting the second electrode CAT and the first wiring PTL, and a second contact hole CNR connecting the second electrode CAT and the second wiring PTR. In other words, the first contact hole CNL may be a hole filled with a conductive element connecting the second electrode (e.g., cathode electrode) CAT and the first wiring PTL, and the second contact hole CNR may be a hole filled with a conductive element connecting the second electrode CAT and the second wiring PTR.

[0070] In one or more embodiments, the first contact hole CNL may be disposed in the lower left portion of the active area AA. The second contact hole CNR may be disposed in the lower right portion of the active area AA.

[0071] Figure 3 Indicates the path of the second power voltage ELVSS. The second power voltage ELVSS may be applied to the second electrode CAT through the first wiring PTL and the first contact hole CNL. The second power voltage ELVSS may be applied to the second electrode CAT through the second wiring PTR and the second contact hole CNR. The direction of the current may be from the display panel 100 to the power voltage generator 700, so that Figure 3 The direction of the arrow in is shown as downward.

[0072] Figure 5 It shows Figure 2 A conceptual diagram of a path of a power supply voltage of the display panel 100 is shown.

[0073] Reference Figures 1 to 5 , the second power voltage ELVSS may be applied to the first metal layer ML1 in the active area AA of the display panel 100. The second power voltage ELVSS may be applied to a second metal layer ML2 different from the first metal layer ML1 in the peripheral area BA of the display panel 100 through a contact hole (e.g., CNL). In one or more embodiments, the second metal layer ML2 is located at a layer above the first metal layer ML1 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1 ). Figure 5 ).

[0074] In one or more embodiments, the second electrode CAT may be formed of the first metal layer ML1 in the active area AA. In one or more embodiments, the first and second wirings PTL and PTR may be formed of the second metal layer ML2 in the peripheral area BA.

[0075] Figure 6 It shows Figure 1 A conceptual diagram of a portion of a display device. Figure 7 Is shown to detect Figure 1 A table of methods of displaying defects of a device.

[0076] Reference Figures 1 to 7 , defects of the display device may include contact damage and / or bending damage, wherein the contact damage is such as a contact hole defect in which a portion of the first contact hole CNL or a portion of the second contact hole CNR is disconnected (for example, a disconnection occurs in the contact hole), and the bending damage is such as a wiring defect in which a portion of the first wiring PTL or a portion of the second wiring PTR is disconnected (for example, a disconnection occurs in the wiring) due to a crack in the peripheral area BA.

[0077] To detect defects in a display device, the display device may include a first resistor RX connected between a first wiring PTL and a second wiring PTR. The driving controller 200 or the timing controller-embedded data driver TED may detect defects in the display device based on a first voltage ADCX across the first resistor RX. In other words, the first voltage ADCX is based on a voltage drop across the first resistor RX.

[0078] To detect defects of the display device in more detail (eg, determine a location of a defect of the display device), the display device may further include a second resistor RY and a first switch SWY connected (eg, connected in series) between the first wiring PTL and the second wiring PTR.

[0079] In one or more embodiments, the joint (connection point) between the first resistor RX and the first wiring PTL is closer to the first contact hole CNL than the joint between the second resistor RY and the first wiring PTL is to the first contact hole CNL. In one or more embodiments, the joint between the first resistor RX and the second wiring PTR is closer to the second contact hole CNR than the joint between the first switch SWY and the second wiring PTR is to the second contact hole CNR.

[0080] In the present exemplary embodiment, the first resistor RX, the second resistor RY, and the first switch SWY may be provided in the peripheral area BA of the display panel 100 .

[0081] The driving controller 200 or the timing controller embedded data driver TED may control the on-state and the off-state of the first switch SWY, and may measure a first voltage ADCX at both ends of the first resistor RX and a second voltage ADCY at both ends of the second resistor RY (for example, as shown in FIG. Figure 6 In other words, the second voltage ADCY is based on the voltage drop across the second resistor RY.

[0082] When the first switch SWY is turned off, the driving controller 200 or the timing controller embedded data driver TED can measure the first voltage ADCX and the second voltage ADCY. In addition, when the first switch SWY is turned on, the driving controller 200 or the timing controller embedded data driver TED can measure the first voltage ADCX and the second voltage ADCY.

[0083] Figure 8 and Figure 9 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a defect occurring at the second contact hole CNR.

[0084] Reference Figures 6 to 9 , when a defect occurs at the second contact hole CNR, current does not flow from the second contact hole CNR to the second wiring PTR.

[0085] Therefore, the current I1 (for example, a current having a value of X) that flows from the second contact hole CNR to the second wiring PTR in a normal state without defects (for example, during normal operation) is turned to flow from the second contact hole CNR to the first contact hole CNL when a defect occurs at the second contact hole CNR.

[0086] Therefore, when a defect occurs at the second contact hole CNR, the current I2 flowing from the first contact hole CNL to the first wiring PTL can have a higher level (e.g., a current with a 2X value) than the level of the current in a normal state without defects (e.g., during normal operation).

[0087] exist Figure 8 In the embodiment, the first switch SWY is turned off so that current does not flow through the second resistor RY (ADCY=0), and the current I2 (for example, a current having a value of 2X) flowing from the first contact hole CNL to the first wiring PTL is divided into a current I3 (for example, a current having a value of X) flowing toward the first resistor RX and a current I4 (for example, a current having a value of X) flowing to the power supply voltage generator 700 through the first wiring PTL.

[0088] When the left electrode of the first voltage ADCX is a positive electrode and the right electrode of the first voltage ADCX is a negative electrode, a voltage generated by the current I3 (eg, a current having an X value) flowing toward the first resistor RX may be +ΔVdrop (ie, a positive voltage drop).

[0089] The current I3 (eg, current having a value of X) flowing toward the first resistor RX may be the current I5 (eg, current having a value of X) flowing toward the power supply voltage generator 700 through the second wiring PTR.

[0090] exist Figure 9 In the embodiment, the first switch SWY is turned on so that the current I2 (e.g., current having a value of 2X) flowing from the first contact hole CNL to the first wiring PTL is divided into a current I31 (e.g., current having a value of X / 2) flowing to the first resistor RX, a current I32 (e.g., current having a value of X / 2) flowing to the second resistor RY, and a current I4 (e.g., current having a value of X) flowing to the power supply voltage generator 700 through the first wiring PTL.

[0091] When the left electrode of the first voltage ADCX is a positive electrode and the right electrode of the first voltage ADCX is a negative electrode, the voltage generated by the current I31 (for example, a current having a value of X / 2) flowing toward the first resistor RX may be +ΔVdrop / 2. When the left electrode of the second voltage ADCY is a positive electrode and the right electrode of the second voltage ADCY is a negative electrode, the voltage generated by the current I32 (for example, a current having a value of X / 2) flowing toward the second resistor RY may be +ΔVdrop / 2.

[0092] exist Figure 8 and Figure 9 In the embodiment, the second contact hole CNR is disconnected (for example, a disconnection occurs in the second contact hole CNR). On the contrary, when the first contact hole CNL is disconnected (for example, a disconnection occurs in the first contact hole CNL), the polarities of the first voltage ADCX and the second voltage ADCY are the same as those of the first voltage ADCX and the second voltage ADCY. Figure 8 and Figure 9 The opposite is true.

[0093] Therefore, when the first contact hole CNL is disconnected (eg, disconnection occurs in the first contact hole CNL) and the first switch SWY is turned off, the first voltage ADCX across the first resistor RX may be -ΔVdrop (ie, a negative voltage drop).

[0094] In addition, when the first contact hole CNL is disconnected (for example, a disconnection occurs in the first contact hole CNL) and the first switch SWY is turned on, the first voltage ADCX across the first resistor RX may be -ΔVdrop / 2, and the second voltage ADCY across the second resistor RY may be -ΔVdrop / 2.

[0095] As described above, in one or more embodiments, when the absolute value of the first voltage ADCX is ΔVdrop and the absolute value of the second voltage ADCY is zero in the off state of the first switch SWY, and the absolute value of the first voltage ADCX is ΔVdrop / 2 and the absolute value of the second voltage ADCY is ΔVdrop / 2 in the on state of the first switch SWY, the driving controller 200 or the timing controller-embedded data driver TED can detect a defect of the first contact hole CNL or the second contact hole CNR.

[0096] As described above, in one or more embodiments, a defect of the first contact hole CNL and a defect of the second contact hole CNR can be detected by using the first resistor RX, the second resistor RY, and the first switch SWY. In other words, a defect can be detected based on the first voltage ADCX and / or the second voltage ADCY based on the first resistor RX, the second resistor RY, and / or the first switch SWY.

[0097] Figure 10 and Figure 11 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a defect occurring at the first wiring PTL.

[0098] Reference Figure 6 、 Figure 7 、 Figure 10 and Figure 11 , a current I1 (eg, a current having a value of X) flows from the first contact hole CNL to the first wiring PTL, and a current I2 (eg, a current having a value of X) flows from the second contact hole CNR to the second wiring PTR.

[0099] exist Figure 10 In the embodiment, the current I3 (eg, current having a value of X) flowing from the first contact hole CNL to the first wiring PTL in a normal state without defects (eg, during normal operation) instead flows to the first resistor RX when a defect occurs at the first wiring PTL.

[0100] exist Figure 10 In the embodiment, when the left electrode of the first voltage ADCX is a positive electrode and the right electrode of the first voltage ADCX is a negative electrode, a voltage generated by the current I3 (eg, a current having an X value) flowing toward the first resistor RX may be +ΔVdrop.

[0101] exist Figure 10 In the embodiment, the first switch SWY is turned off so that current does not flow through the second resistor RY (ADCY=0), and the current I4 flowing through the second wiring PTR can have a level higher than the level of the current in a normal state without defects (for example, during normal operation) (for example, a current with a 2X value).

[0102] exist Figure 11 In the embodiment, the current I31 (eg, current having a value of X) flowing from the first contact hole CNL to the first wiring PTL in a normal state without defects (eg, during normal operation) instead flows to the first resistor RX when a defect occurs at the first wiring PTL.

[0103] exist Figure 11 In the embodiment, when the left electrode of the first voltage ADCX is a positive electrode and the right electrode of the first voltage ADCX is a negative electrode, a voltage generated by the current I31 (eg, a current having an X value) flowing toward the first resistor RX may be +ΔVdrop.

[0104] exist Figure 11 In the embodiment, the first switch SWY is turned on so that the current flowing through the second wiring PTR is divided into a current I32 (eg, a current having a value of X) flowing toward the second resistor RY and a current I4 (eg, a current having a value of X) flowing toward the power supply voltage generator 700.

[0105] In addition, the current I32 (eg, current having a value of X) flowing toward the second resistor RY may be the current I5 (eg, current having a value of X) flowing toward the power supply voltage generator 700 through the first wiring PTL.

[0106] exist Figure 11 In the embodiment of the present invention, when the left electrode of the second voltage ADCY is a positive electrode and the right electrode of the second voltage ADCY is a negative electrode, the voltage generated by the current I32 (e.g., a current having a value of X) flowing toward the second resistor RY may be -ΔVdrop. Here, the current I32 (e.g., a current having a value of X) flowing toward the second resistor RY may have the same level as the current I31 flowing toward the first resistor RX. The current I32 (e.g., a current having a value of X) flowing toward the second resistor RY may have a direction opposite to that of the current I31 flowing toward the first resistor RX.

[0107] exist Figure 10 and Figure 11 In the case where the first wiring PTL is disconnected (for example, a disconnection occurs in the first wiring PTL), on the contrary, when the second wiring PTR is disconnected (for example, a disconnection occurs in the second wiring PTR), the polarities of the first voltage ADCX and the second voltage ADCY are the same as (relative to) Figure 10 and Figure 11 This is in contrast to the exemplary embodiment in which a defect occurs at the first wiring PTL.

[0108] Therefore, when the second wiring PTR is disconnected (eg, disconnection occurs in the second wiring PTR) and the first switch SWY is turned off, the first voltage ADCX across both ends of the first resistor RX may be -ΔVdrop.

[0109] In addition, when the second wiring PTR is disconnected (for example, disconnection occurs in the second wiring PTR) and the first switch SWY is turned on, the first voltage ADCX across the first resistor RX may be -ΔVdrop and the second voltage ADCY across the second resistor RY may be +ΔVdrop.

[0110] As described above, in one or more embodiments, when the absolute value of the first voltage ADCX is ΔVdrop and the absolute value of the second voltage ADCY is zero in the off state of the first switch SWY, and the absolute value of the first voltage ADCX is ΔVdrop and the absolute value of the second voltage ADCY is ΔVdrop in the on state of the first switch SWY, the driving controller 200 or the timing controller embedded data driver TED can detect a defect of the first wiring PTL or the second wiring PTR.

[0111] As described above, in one or more embodiments, a defect in the first wiring PTL and a defect in the second wiring PTR can be detected using the first resistor RX, the second resistor RY, and the first switch SWY. In other words, a defect can be detected based on the first voltage ADCX and / or the second voltage ADCY using the first resistor RX, the second resistor RY, and / or the first switch SWY.

[0112] In addition, refer again Figures 6 to 11 , damage of the first contact hole CNL, damage of the second contact hole CNR, damage of the first wiring PTL, and damage of the second wiring PTR may be determined by using the first resistor RX, the second resistor RY, and the first switch SWY.

[0113] According to this exemplary embodiment, the position of a defect of the display device can be determined (eg, accurately determined) by using the first resistor RX, the second resistor RY, and the first switch SWY connected between the first wiring PTL and the second wiring PTR.

[0114] Figure 12 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a portion of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0115] The display device and the method of detecting a defect of the display device according to the present exemplary embodiment are similar to those of the reference device except that the display device further includes a third resistor RZ and a second switch SWZ. Figures 1 to 11The display device and the method of detecting defects of the previously explained exemplary embodiments are substantially the same. Therefore, the same reference numerals will be used to refer to the same Figures 1 to 11 The components are the same as or similar to those described in the previous exemplary embodiments of the present invention, and any repeated explanation about the above elements will be omitted.

[0116] Reference Figures 1 to 5 and Figure 12 The display device includes a display panel 100 and a display panel driver. The display panel driver may include a driving controller 200, a gate driver 300, a gamma reference voltage generator 400, a data driver 500, and an emission driver 600. The display panel driver may also include a power supply voltage generator 700.

[0117] The display panel 100 may include an active area AA displaying an image and a peripheral area BA adjacent to the active area AA. The peripheral area BA may be a bending area (eg, a bendable area) bent toward the rear surface of the display panel 100.

[0118] The display device may further include a first wiring PTL disposed in the peripheral area BA and applying the second power voltage ELVSS to the second electrode CAT, and a second wiring PTR disposed in the peripheral area BA and applying the second power voltage ELVSS to the second electrode CAT.

[0119] The display device may further include a first contact hole CNL connecting the second electrode CAT and the first wiring PTL, and a second contact hole CNR connecting the second electrode CAT and the second wiring PTR.

[0120] To detect defects of the display device, the display device may include a first resistor RX connected between the first wiring PTL and the second wiring PTR. The driving controller 200 or the timing controller embedded data driver TED may detect defects of the display device based on a first voltage ADCX across both ends of the first resistor RX.

[0121] In order to detect a defect of the display device in more detail (eg, determine a location of a defect of the display device), the display device may further include a second resistor RY and a first switch SWY connected between the first wiring PTL and the second wiring PTR.

[0122] In addition, in order to detect a defect of the display device in more detail (eg, determine a location of a defect of the display device), the display device may further include a third resistor RZ and a second switch SWZ connected between the first wiring PTL and the second wiring PTR.

[0123] In one or more embodiments, the joint between the first resistor RX and the first wiring PTL is closer to the first contact hole CNL than the joint between the second resistor RY and the first wiring PTL is to the first contact hole CNL, and the joint between the second resistor RY and the first wiring PTL is closer to the first contact hole CNL than the joint between the third resistor RZ and the first wiring PTL is to the first contact hole CNL. In one or more embodiments, the joint between the first resistor RX and the second wiring PTR is closer to the second contact hole CNR than the joint between the first switch SWY and the second wiring PTR is to the second contact hole CNR, and the joint between the first switch SWY and the second wiring PTR is closer to the second contact hole CNR than the joint between the second switch SWZ and the second wiring PTR is to the second contact hole CNR.

[0124] The driving controller 200 or the timing controller embedded data driver TED can control the on-state and off-state of the first switch SWY and the on-state and off-state of the second switch SWZ, and can measure the first voltage ADCX at both ends of the first resistor RX, the second voltage ADCY at both ends of the second resistor RY, and the third voltage ADCZ at both ends of the third resistor RZ.

[0125] For example, when the first switch SWY is turned off and the second switch SWZ is turned off, the driving controller 200 or the timing controller embedded data driver TED can measure the first voltage ADCX, the second voltage ADCY, and the third voltage ADCZ. In addition, when at least one of the first switch SWY and the second switch SWZ is turned on, the driving controller 200 or the timing controller embedded data driver TED can measure the first voltage ADCX, the second voltage ADCY, and the third voltage ADCZ.

[0126] According to the present exemplary embodiment, damage of the first contact hole CNL and the second contact hole CNR, damage of the first wiring PTL and the second wiring PTR in the upper area BA1 of the peripheral area BA, and damage of the first wiring PTL and the second wiring PTR in the lower area BA2 of the peripheral area BA can be determined. The method of detecting defects of the display device can be the same as that of the reference Figures 6 to 11 The explained methods of detecting defects of the display devices are basically the same.

[0127] According to this exemplary embodiment, the position of a defect of the display device can be determined (e.g., accurately determined) by using the first resistor RX, the second resistor RY, the third resistor RZ, the first switch SWY, and the second switch SWZ connected between the first wiring PTL and the second wiring PTR. Therefore, the reliability of the display device can be improved.

[0128] Figure 13 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a portion of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0129] The display device and the method of detecting defects of the display device according to the present exemplary embodiment are similar to those of the reference device except that the display device further includes the third contact hole CNL1, the fourth contact hole CNR1, the third wiring CL1, and the fourth wiring CL2. Figures 1 to 11 The display device and the method of detecting defects of the display device of the previously explained exemplary embodiment are substantially the same. Therefore, the same reference numerals will be used to refer to the same as those in Figures 1 to 11 The components are the same as or similar to those described in the previous exemplary embodiments of the present invention, and any repeated explanation about the above elements will be omitted.

[0130] Reference Figures 1 to 11 and Figure 13 The display device includes a display panel 100 and a display panel driver. The display panel driver may include a driving controller 200, a gate driver 300, a gamma reference voltage generator 400, a data driver 500, and an emission driver 600. The display panel driver may also include a power supply voltage generator 700.

[0131] The display panel 100 may include an active area AA displaying an image and a peripheral area BA adjacent to the active area AA. The peripheral area BA may be a bending area (eg, a bendable area) bent toward the rear surface of the display panel 100.

[0132] The display device may further include a first wiring PTL disposed in the peripheral area BA and applying the second power voltage ELVSS to the second electrode CAT, and a second wiring PTR disposed in the peripheral area BA and applying the second power voltage ELVSS to the second electrode CAT.

[0133] The display device may further include a first contact hole CNL2 connecting the second electrode CAT and the first wiring PTL, and a second contact hole CNR2 connecting the second electrode CAT and the second wiring PTR.

[0134] In this exemplary embodiment, the display device may further include a third contact hole CNL1 connected to the second electrode CAT and a fourth contact hole CNR1 connected to the second electrode CAT. Furthermore, the display device may further include a third wiring CL1 connected between the first contact hole CNL2 and the third contact hole CNL1, and a fourth wiring CL2 connected between the second contact hole CNR2 and the fourth contact hole CNR1. In other words, the third contact hole CNL1 may be a hole filled with a conductive element connecting the second electrode (e.g., cathode electrode) CAT and the third wiring CL1, and the fourth contact hole CNR1 may be a hole filled with a conductive element connecting the second electrode CAT and the fourth wiring CL2.

[0135] The first contact hole CNL2 and the second contact hole CNR2 may be connected to the first end portion of the second electrode CAT. The third contact hole CNL1 and the fourth contact hole CNR1 may be connected to the second end portion of the second electrode CAT opposite to the first end portion of the second electrode CAT. Figure 13 As shown, the first end portion of the second electrode CAT may correspond to the lower portion of the active area AA of the display panel 100, and the second end portion of the second electrode CAT may correspond to the upper portion of the active area AA of the display panel 100. In other words, the first end portion of the second electrode CAT may be located at the lower portion of the active area AA of the display panel 100, and the second end portion of the second electrode CAT may be located at the upper portion of the active area AA of the display panel 100.

[0136] The third wiring CL1 may extend along the left side of the active area AA. The fourth wiring CL2 may extend along the right side of the active area AA.

[0137] In this exemplary embodiment, the method of detecting a defect of a display device may be similar to that described in reference to Figures 6 to 11 The explained methods of detecting defects of the display devices are basically the same.

[0138] In this exemplary embodiment (for example, Figure 13 In an embodiment), in addition to the damage to the first wiring PTL and the second wiring PTR caused by the crack in the peripheral area BA of the display panel 100, the damage to the third wiring CL1 and the fourth wiring CL2 caused by the crack in the active area AA of the display panel 100 can also be detected.

[0139] According to this exemplary embodiment, the position of a defect of the display device can be determined (eg, accurately determined) by using the first resistor RX, the second resistor RY, and the first switch SWY connected between the first wiring PTL and the second wiring PTR.

[0140] Figure 14is a conceptual diagram illustrating a portion of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0141] The display device and the method of detecting a defect of the display device according to the present exemplary embodiment are similar to those of the reference device except that the first resistor RX, the second resistor RY, and the first switch SWY are provided on the printed circuit board PCB. Figures 1 to 11 The display device and the method of detecting defects of the previously explained exemplary embodiments are substantially the same. Therefore, the same reference numerals will be used to refer to the same Figures 1 to 11 The components are the same as or similar to those described in the previous exemplary embodiments of the present invention, and any repeated explanation about the above elements will be omitted.

[0142] Reference Figures 1 to 5 and Figure 14 The display device includes a display panel 100 and a display panel driver. The display panel driver may include a driving controller 200, a gate driver 300, a gamma reference voltage generator 400, a data driver 500, and an emission driver 600. The display panel driver may also include a power supply voltage generator 700.

[0143] The display panel 100 may include an active area AA displaying an image and a peripheral area BA adjacent to the active area AA. The peripheral area BA may be a bending area (eg, a bendable area) bent toward the rear surface of the display panel 100.

[0144] The display device may further include a printed circuit board (PCB) connected to the peripheral area BA. A drive controller 200, a gamma reference voltage generator 400, a data driver 500, and a power supply voltage generator 700 may be disposed on the printed circuit board (PCB). The drive controller 200 and the data driver 500 may form a timing controller-embedded data driver TED. For example, the timing controller-embedded data driver TED may include the drive controller 200, the gamma reference voltage generator 400, and the data driver 500.

[0145] The display device may further include a first wiring PTL disposed in the peripheral area BA and applying the second power voltage ELVSS to the second electrode CAT, and a second wiring PTR disposed in the peripheral area BA and applying the second power voltage ELVSS to the second electrode CAT.

[0146] The display device may further include a first contact hole CNL connecting the second electrode CAT and the first wiring PTL, and a second contact hole CNR connecting the second electrode CAT and the second wiring PTR.

[0147] To detect defects of the display device, the display device may include a first resistor RX connected between the first wiring PTL and the second wiring PTR. The driving controller 200 or the timing controller embedded data driver TED may detect defects of the display device based on a first voltage ADCX across the first resistor RX.

[0148] In order to more accurately detect a defect of the display device, the display device may further include a second resistor RY and a first switch SWY connected between the first wiring PTL and the second wiring PTR.

[0149] In the present exemplary embodiment, the first resistor RX, the second resistor RY, and the first switch SWY may be provided on a printed circuit board PCB.

[0150] According to this exemplary embodiment, the position of a defect of the display device can be determined (eg, accurately determined) by using the first resistor RX, the second resistor RY, and the first switch SWY connected between the first wiring PTL and the second wiring PTR.

[0151] According to the present disclosure as explained above, in one or more embodiments, the location of a defect of a display device may be determined (eg, accurately determined), and the reliability of the display device may be improved.

[0152] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular exemplary embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the exemplary embodiments described herein.

[0153] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0154] It will also be understood that the term “comprising,” when used in this specification, specifies the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0155] As used herein, expressions such as “at least one,” “one,” and “selected from,” when preceding or following a list of elements, modify the entire list of elements and do not modify the individual elements of the list.

[0156] As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0157] Additionally, the use of “may,” when describing embodiments of the present disclosure, refers to “one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.”

[0158] It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “on,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element, it can be directly on, directly connected to, or coupled to the other element, or one or more intervening elements may be present. When an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element, there are no intervening elements present.

[0159] For ease of description, spatially relative terms such as "below," "beneath," "down," "above," "up," "bottom," "top," and the like may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element(s) or another(s) feature(s) as shown in the figures. It will be understood that spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, an element described as being "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would then be oriented as being "above" or "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the term "below" may encompass both above and below orientations. The device may be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0160] As used herein, the terms "substantially," "about," and similar terms are used as terms of approximation, not as terms of degree, and are intended to account for the inherent variations in measurements or calculations that those skilled in the art would appreciate.

[0161] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs. It will also be understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used 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 as an idealized or overly formal meaning unless explicitly defined as such herein.

[0162] The foregoing is illustrative of the present disclosure and should not be interpreted as limiting thereof. Although some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications may be made to the exemplary embodiments without departing substantially from the novel teachings and advantages of the present disclosure. Therefore, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure as defined in the claims. Therefore, it will be understood that the foregoing is illustrative of the present disclosure and should not be interpreted as being limited to the specific exemplary embodiments disclosed, and modifications to the disclosed exemplary embodiments as well as other exemplary embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. The present disclosure is defined by the following claims, and equivalents of the claims are intended to be included therein.

Claims

1. A display device comprising: The display panel includes an active area for displaying an image and a peripheral area adjacent to the active area; an electrode located in the active area; a first wiring located in the peripheral region and configured to apply a power supply voltage to the electrode; a second wiring located in the peripheral region and configured to apply the power supply voltage to the electrode; a first contact hole connecting the electrode and the first wiring; a second contact hole connecting the electrode and the second wiring; a first resistor connected between the first wiring and the second wiring; as well as A second resistor and a first switch, the second resistor and the first switch are connected in series between the first wiring and the second wiring, wherein the second resistor and the first switch are connected in parallel with the first resistor between the first wiring and the second wiring.

2. The display device according to claim 1 further includes a drive controller, wherein the drive controller is configured to measure a first voltage at both ends of the first resistor and a second voltage at both ends of the second resistor in response to an off state of the first switch, and is configured to measure the first voltage and the second voltage in response to an on state of the first switch.

3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein: The drive controller is configured to detect a defect in the first contact hole or a defect in the second contact hole based on that the absolute value of the first voltage is ΔVdrop and the absolute value of the second voltage is zero in response to the off state of the first switch, and based on that the absolute value of the first voltage is ΔVdrop / 2 and the absolute value of the second voltage is ΔVdrop / 2 in response to the on state of the first switch.

4. The display device according to claim 3, wherein The drive controller is configured to detect a defect in the first wiring or a defect in the second wiring based on the absolute value of the first voltage being ΔVdrop and the absolute value of the second voltage being zero in response to the off state of the first switch, and based on the absolute value of the first voltage being ΔVdrop and the absolute value of the second voltage being ΔVdrop in response to the on state of the first switch.

5. The display device according to claim 1 , further comprising a third resistor and a second switch, the third resistor and the second switch being connected in series between the first wiring and the second wiring, wherein The third resistor and the second switch are connected in parallel with the first resistor between the first wiring and the second wiring.

6. The display device according to claim 5 further includes a drive controller, which is configured to measure a first voltage at both ends of the first resistor, a second voltage at both ends of the second resistor, and a third voltage at both ends of the third resistor in response to an off state of the first switch and an off state of the second switch, and is configured to measure the first voltage, the second voltage, and the third voltage in response to an on state of at least one of the first switch and the second switch.

7. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: a third contact hole connected to the electrode; a fourth contact hole connected to the electrode; a third wiring connecting the first contact hole and the third contact hole; as well as A fourth wiring connects the second contact hole and the fourth contact hole.

8. The display device according to claim 7, wherein: The first contact hole and the second contact hole are connected to the first end portion of the electrode, and The third contact hole and the fourth contact hole are connected to a second end portion of the electrode opposite to the first end portion.

9. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The first resistor, the second resistor, and the first switch are located in the peripheral area of the display panel.

10. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising a printed circuit board connected to the peripheral area of the display panel, in, The first resistor, the second resistor, and the first switch are located on the printed circuit board.

11. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The display panel includes a plurality of pixels, Wherein, the plurality of pixels include a plurality of organic light emitting elements, Wherein, the electrode is the cathode electrode of the plurality of organic light-emitting elements.

12. The display device according to claim 11, wherein A first power supply voltage and a second power supply voltage smaller than the first power supply voltage are applied to pixels of the plurality of pixels, and The second power supply voltage is applied to the first wiring and the second wiring.

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