Electrostatic discharge protection circuit and organic light emitting display device including the same

Abstract

The present invention discloses an electrostatic discharge protection circuit and an organic light-emitting display device including the same. The electrostatic discharge protection circuit includes: a first electrostatic discharge diode including a cathode for receiving a first voltage and an anode connected to a sensing line; a first switching element that determines the first voltage as a precharge voltage applied to a source terminal of a driving transistor when a sensing operation is performed, and determines the first voltage as a maximum voltage used in a display panel when the sensing operation is not performed; a second electrostatic discharge diode including a cathode connected to the sensing line and an anode configured to receive a second voltage; and a second switching element that is configured to determine the second voltage as a precharge voltage when the sensing operation is performed, and determine the second voltage as a minimum voltage used in the display panel when the sensing operation is not performed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Aspects of exemplary embodiments generally relate to a display device. More specifically, aspects of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an electrostatic discharge protection circuit that protects a display panel from an electrostatic discharge current introduced from the outside, and to an organic light-emitting display device including the electrostatic discharge protection circuit. Background Art

[0002] Recently, organic light-emitting display devices have been widely used as display devices included in electronic devices. Generally, an organic light-emitting display device can be configured such that: a pixel circuit includes a driving transistor and an organic light-emitting diode connected in series between a high power supply voltage and a low power supply voltage; and the driving transistor allows a driving current corresponding to a data signal (e.g., a data voltage) to flow to the organic light-emitting diode, so that the organic light-emitting diode can emit light.

[0003] However, since various characteristics of the driving transistor (for example, threshold voltage and / or electron mobility, etc.) may be different for each pixel circuit included in the organic light-emitting display device, when the characteristic deviation of the driving transistor is not compensated, even if the same data signal is applied to the pixel circuit, the light-emitting brightness of the pixel circuit may be different from each other (for example, the driving current flowing through the organic light-emitting diode may be different from each other).

[0004] Therefore, the organic light-emitting display device can perform external compensation on the pixel circuit by sensing a sensing current corresponding to the characteristics of the driving transistor at each preset time point (for example, a time point when the organic light-emitting display device is turned on or off, etc.), generating compensation data (for example, where the sensing voltage in analog form is converted into compensation data in digital form by an analog-to-digital conversion circuit) based on a sensing voltage corresponding to the sensing current (for example, where the sensing current is converted into a sensing voltage by a current-voltage conversion circuit (for example, implemented as an operational amplifier, etc.)), and using the compensation data to compensate the data signal supplied to the pixel circuit. In this case, the sensing current flows through a sensing line for connecting the pixel circuit to the sensing driver. When an electrostatic discharge current is introduced into the pixel circuit through the sensing line, the pixel circuit (for example, the display panel) may be damaged.

[0005] The above information disclosed in this Background section is for enhancement of understanding of the background of the disclosure and therefore it may contain information that does not constitute prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0006] One or more example embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an electrostatic discharge protection circuit that can prevent or substantially prevent noise caused by a voltage applied to an electrostatic discharge diode connected to a sensing line from being introduced into a sensing current when an organic light-emitting display device performs a sensing operation for performing external compensation on a pixel circuit.

[0007] One or more example embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an organic light emitting display device including the electrostatic discharge protection circuit.

[0008] According to one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure, an electrostatic discharge protection circuit includes: a first electrostatic discharge diode including a cathode configured to receive a first voltage and an anode connected to a sensing line, and when a sensing operation for compensating for a characteristic deviation of a driving transistor of a pixel circuit is performed, a sensing current flows through the sensing line; a first switching element configured to determine the first voltage as a precharge voltage applied to a source terminal of the driving transistor for the sensing operation when the sensing operation is performed, and to determine the first voltage as a maximum voltage used in a display panel when the sensing operation is not performed; a second electrostatic discharge diode including a cathode connected to the sensing line and an anode configured to receive a second voltage; and a second switching element configured to determine the second voltage as a precharge voltage when the sensing operation is performed, and to determine the second voltage as a minimum voltage used in the display panel when the sensing operation is not performed.

[0009] In example embodiments, the first and second electrostatic discharge diodes may be located at the display panel.

[0010] In example embodiments, the maximum voltage may be a first gate driving voltage corresponding to a high voltage level of the gate signal, and the minimum voltage may be a second gate driving voltage corresponding to a low voltage level of the gate signal.

[0011] In example embodiments, when a sensing operation is not performed, in response to a voltage of the sensing line being greater than a first voltage as an electrostatic discharge current is introduced into the sensing line, the first electrostatic discharge diode may be configured to discharge the electrostatic discharge current to a voltage line configured to supply the first voltage.

[0012] In example embodiments, when the sensing operation is not performed, in response to the voltage of the sensing line being less than the second voltage as the electrostatic discharge current is introduced into the sensing line, the second electrostatic discharge diode may be configured to discharge the electrostatic discharge current to a voltage line configured to supply the second voltage.

[0013] In example embodiments, the electrostatic discharge protection circuit may further include: a third electrostatic discharge diode including a cathode configured to receive an analog high voltage and an anode connected to the sensing line; and a fourth electrostatic discharge diode including a cathode connected to the sensing line and an anode configured to receive an analog low voltage.

[0014] In example embodiments, the third and fourth electrostatic discharge diodes may be located at a display panel driving circuit configured to drive the display panel.

[0015] In example embodiments, when the sensing operation is not performed, in response to the voltage of the sensing line being greater than the first voltage as the electrostatic discharge current is introduced into the sensing line, the third electrostatic discharge diode may be configured to discharge the electrostatic discharge current to the voltage line configured to supply the analog high voltage.

[0016] In example embodiments, when the sensing operation is not performed, in response to the voltage of the sensing line being less than the second voltage as the electrostatic discharge current is introduced into the sensing line, the fourth electrostatic discharge diode may be configured to discharge the electrostatic discharge current to the voltage line configured to supply the analog low voltage.

[0017] According to one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure, an organic light-emitting display device includes: a display panel including a pixel circuit including an organic light-emitting diode; a display panel driving circuit configured to drive the display panel; and an electrostatic discharge protection circuit configured to protect the display panel from an externally introduced electrostatic discharge current, the electrostatic discharge protection circuit including: a first electrostatic discharge diode including a cathode configured to receive a first voltage and an anode connected to a sensing line, wherein a sensing current flows through the sensing line when a sensing operation for compensating for a characteristic deviation of a driving transistor of the pixel circuit is performed; a first switching element configured to determine the first voltage as a precharge voltage applied to a source terminal of the driving transistor for the sensing operation when the sensing operation is performed, and to determine the first voltage as a maximum voltage used in the display panel when the sensing operation is not performed; a second electrostatic discharge diode including a cathode connected to the sensing line and an anode configured to receive a second voltage; and a second switching element configured to determine the second voltage as the precharge voltage when the sensing operation is performed, and to determine the second voltage as a minimum voltage used in the display panel when the sensing operation is not performed.

[0018] In an example embodiment, a pixel circuit may include: a switching transistor including a first terminal configured to receive a data signal, a second terminal connected to a first node, and a gate terminal configured to receive a gate signal; a storage capacitor including a first terminal connected to the first node and a second terminal connected to the second node; a driving transistor including a first terminal connected to a third node, a second terminal corresponding to a source terminal and connected to the second node, and a gate terminal connected to the first node; an emission control transistor including a first terminal connected to a high power supply voltage line, a second terminal connected to the third node, and a gate terminal configured to receive an emission control signal; a sensing control transistor including a first terminal connected to the second node, a second terminal connected to a sensing line, and a gate terminal configured to receive a sensing control signal; and an organic light emitting diode including an anode connected to the second node and a cathode connected to a low power supply voltage line.

[0019] In an example embodiment, the display panel driving circuit may include: a gate driver configured to provide a gate signal to a pixel circuit; a data driver configured to provide a data signal to the pixel circuit; an emission control driver configured to provide an emission control signal to the pixel circuit; a sensing driver configured to receive a sensing current from the pixel circuit to generate a sensing voltage corresponding to the sensing current and generate compensation data for compensating the data signal based on the sensing voltage; and a timing controller configured to control the gate driver, the data driver, the emission control driver, and the sensing driver.

[0020] In example embodiments, the first and second electrostatic discharge diodes may be located at the display panel.

[0021] In example embodiments, the maximum voltage may be a first gate driving voltage corresponding to a high voltage level of the gate signal, and the minimum voltage may be a second gate driving voltage corresponding to a low voltage level of the gate signal.

[0022] In example embodiments, when a sensing operation is not performed, in response to a voltage of the sensing line being greater than a first voltage as an electrostatic discharge current is introduced into the sensing line, the first electrostatic discharge diode may be configured to discharge the electrostatic discharge current to a voltage line configured to supply the first voltage.

[0023] In example embodiments, when the sensing operation is not performed, in response to the voltage of the sensing line being less than the second voltage as the electrostatic discharge current is introduced into the sensing line, the second electrostatic discharge diode may be configured to discharge the electrostatic discharge current to a voltage line configured to supply the second voltage.

[0024] In example embodiments, the electrostatic discharge protection circuit may further include: a third electrostatic discharge diode including a cathode configured to receive an analog high voltage and an anode connected to the sensing line; and a fourth electrostatic discharge diode including a cathode connected to the sensing line and an anode configured to receive an analog low voltage.

[0025] In example embodiments, the third and fourth electrostatic discharge diodes may be located at the display panel driving circuit.

[0026] In example embodiments, when the sensing operation is not performed, in response to the voltage of the sensing line being greater than the first voltage as the electrostatic discharge current is introduced into the sensing line, the third electrostatic discharge diode may be configured to discharge the electrostatic discharge current to the voltage line configured to supply the analog high voltage.

[0027] In example embodiments, when the sensing operation is not performed, in response to the voltage of the sensing line being less than the second voltage as the electrostatic discharge current is introduced into the sensing line, the fourth electrostatic discharge diode may be configured to discharge the electrostatic discharge current to the voltage line configured to supply the analog low voltage.

[0028] Therefore, in one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, when the organic light-emitting display device performs a sensing operation on a pixel circuit, the electrostatic discharge protection circuit may determine the first voltage and the second voltage applied to the first electrostatic discharge diode and the second electrostatic discharge diode connected to the sensing line as precharge voltages, and when the organic light-emitting display device does not perform a sensing operation on the pixel circuit, the first voltage and the second voltage applied to the first electrostatic discharge diode and the second electrostatic discharge diode connected to the sensing line may be respectively determined as the maximum voltage and the minimum voltage used in the display panel. Therefore, when the organic light-emitting display device performs a sensing operation, the electrostatic discharge protection circuit may prevent or substantially prevent noise caused by the first voltage and the second electrostatic discharge diode applied to the first electrostatic discharge diode and the second electrostatic discharge diode connected to the sensing line from being introduced into the sensing current, while preventing or substantially preventing the electrostatic discharge current from being introduced into the pixel circuit (e.g., the display panel) through the sensing line (e.g., while preventing or substantially preventing the pixel circuit (e.g., the display panel) from being damaged).

[0029] In one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, an organic light-emitting display device including an electrostatic discharge protection circuit can prevent or substantially prevent compensation data generated based on a sensing voltage corresponding to a sensing current from becoming inaccurate due to noise (e.g., a low grayscale sensing error rate can be reduced), allowing accurate external compensation (e.g., due to the reduced compensation error, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) can be improved, and degradation compensation efficiency can be improved or maximized), while preventing or substantially preventing pixel circuits (e.g., display panels) from being damaged due to the introduction of electrostatic discharge current. As a result, the organic light-emitting display device can provide a user (or viewer) with a high-quality image. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] The above and other aspects and features of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of example embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] Figure 1 is a circuit diagram illustrating an electrostatic discharge protection circuit according to one or more embodiments.

[0032] Figure 2A is shown where by connecting to Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram of an example of a sensing line of an electrostatic discharge protection circuit performing a sensing operation.

[0033] Figure 2B is shown where no connection is made to Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram of an example of a sensing line of an electrostatic discharge protection circuit performing a sensing operation.

[0034] Figure 3 It shows that Figure 1 Flowchart of a process in which an electrostatic discharge protection circuit determines a first voltage and a second voltage applied to a first electrostatic discharge diode and a second electrostatic discharge diode, respectively, according to whether a sensing operation is performed on a pixel circuit.

[0035] Figure 4 is a diagram showing that when a sensing operation is performed on a pixel circuit, Figure 1 A diagram of an example of an electrostatic discharge protection circuit determining a first voltage and a second voltage applied to a first electrostatic discharge diode and a second electrostatic discharge diode, respectively.

[0036] Figure 5 is a diagram showing that when no sensing operation is performed on the pixel circuit, Figure 1 A diagram of an example of an electrostatic discharge protection circuit determining a first voltage and a second voltage applied to a first electrostatic discharge diode and a second electrostatic discharge diode, respectively.

[0037] Figure 6is a block diagram illustrating an organic light emitting display device according to one or more example embodiments.

[0038] Figure 7 is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device according to one or more example embodiments.

[0039] Figure 8 It shows that Figure 7 FIG2 is a diagram of an example in which the electronic device is implemented as a smart phone. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] Hereinafter, example embodiments will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals refer to the same elements throughout. However, the present disclosure can be embodied in a variety of 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 is sufficient and complete and fully conveys the various aspects and features of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art. Therefore, processes, elements and techniques that are not necessary for a complete understanding of these aspects and features of the present disclosure for those of ordinary skill in the art may not be described. Unless otherwise stated, the same reference numerals indicate the same elements throughout the drawings and written description, and therefore their descriptions may not be repeated.

[0041] In the drawings, for the sake of clarity, the relative sizes of elements, layers and regions may be magnified and / or simplified. For the purpose of ease of explanation, spatial relative terms such as "below", "below", "below", "above" and "upper" may be used in this article to describe the relationship between an element or feature as shown in each figure relative to another (some) element or feature. It should be understood that in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures, spatial relative terms are also intended to include different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the figure is flipped, the element described as being "below" or "below" or "below" other elements or features will then be oriented to be "above" other elements or features. Therefore, the example terms "below" and "below" can include both the above and below orientations. The device can be oriented in other ways (for example, rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0042] 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 portions, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or portion from another element, component, region, layer, or portion. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or portion described below could be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer, or portion without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0043] 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. Additionally, it will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “between” two elements or layers, it can be the only element or layer between the two elements or layers, or one or more intervening elements or layers may also be present.

[0044] The purpose of the terms used herein is to describe specific embodiments and is not intended to limit the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular form "a" is intended to also include the plural form, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that when used in this specification, the terms "comprises", "includes" and "having" and variations thereof indicate the presence of the stated features, wholes, steps, operations, elements and / or parts, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, wholes, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or groups thereof. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the relevant listed items. Expressions such as "at least one of" modify the entire column of elements when located after a column of elements, rather than modifying the individual elements of the column.

[0045] As used herein, the terms "substantially," "about," and similar terms are used as terms of approximation, rather than as terms of degree, and are intended to account for inherent deviations in measurements or calculations that one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize. Additionally, "may" is used when describing embodiments of the present disclosure to refer to "one or more embodiments of the present disclosure." As used herein, the terms "use," "using," and "used" are considered synonymous with the terms "utilize," "utilizing," and "utilized," respectively. Additionally, the term "exemplary" means an example or illustration.

[0046] 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 be further 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 in this specification, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined as such herein.

[0047] Figure 1 is a circuit diagram illustrating an electrostatic discharge protection circuit according to one or more example embodiments, Figure 2A is shown where by connecting to Figure 1 FIG1 is a diagram of an example of an electrostatic discharge protection circuit that performs a sensing operation on a sensing line, and Figure 2B is shown where no connection is made to Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram of an example of a sensing line of an electrostatic discharge protection circuit performing a sensing operation.

[0048] Organic light-emitting display devices may include an electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection circuit comprising ESD diodes, each of which has one end connected to a sensing line, to protect the display panel from ESD current. However, during a sensing operation for performing external compensation on a pixel circuit, noise may be introduced into the sensed current flowing through the sensing line due to the voltage applied to the opposite end of the ESD diode. Consequently, compensation data generated based on the sensed voltage corresponding to the sensed current may become inaccurate.

[0049] According to one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure, an electrostatic discharge protection circuit can prevent or substantially prevent noise caused by a voltage applied to an electrostatic discharge diode connected to a sensing line from being introduced into a sensing current when an organic light-emitting display device performs a sensing operation for performing external compensation on a pixel circuit.

[0050] refer to Figures 1 to 2B The ESD protection circuit 100 may include a first ESD diode FDD, a first switching element (e.g., a first switch) FSE, a second ESD diode SDD, and a second switching element (e.g., a second switch) SSE. Each of the first switching element FSE and the second switching element SSE may be implemented as any suitable type of switch, such as, for example, a relay, a transistor, a rectifier, and / or a thyristor. In some embodiments, the ESD protection circuit 100 may further include a third ESD diode TDD and a fourth ESD diode FODD.

[0051] The first electrostatic discharge (ESD) diode FDD may include a cathode configured to receive a first voltage V1 and an anode connected to a sensing line SENL. When a sensing operation is performed to compensate for characteristic variations of the driving transistor DT included in the pixel circuit 10, a sensing current SC flows through the sensing line SENL. When a sensing operation is performed to compensate for characteristic variations of the driving transistor DT included in the pixel circuit 10, the first switching element FSE may determine the first voltage V1 to be a precharge voltage VPRE applied to the source terminal (e.g., the second node N2) of the driving transistor DT for the sensing operation. When a sensing operation is not performed (e.g., a display operation and / or a module operation, etc.), the first switching element FSE may determine the first voltage V1 to be a maximum voltage VGH used in the display panel. In other words, the first electrostatic discharge (ESD) diode FDD and the first switching element FSE may be connected in series between the sensing line SENL and a terminal to which the precharge voltage VPRE is applied or a terminal to which the maximum voltage VGH used in the display panel is applied.

[0052] like Figure 2A As shown in FIG, when performing a sensing operation for compensating for a characteristic deviation of the driving transistor DT included in the pixel circuit 10, the precharge voltage VPRE applied to the source terminal (e.g., the second node N2) of the driving transistor DT may also be applied to the cathode of the first electrostatic discharge diode FDD through the first switching element FSE, so that the voltages across the first electrostatic discharge diode FDD may become the same or substantially the same as each other. Therefore, it is possible to prevent or substantially prevent noise caused by the first voltage V1 applied to the first electrostatic discharge diode FDD from being introduced into the sensing current SC.

[0053] On the other hand, Figure 2B As shown in , when the sensing operation for compensating for the characteristic deviation of the driving transistor DT included in the pixel circuit 10 is not performed, the maximum voltage VGH used in the display panel can be applied to the cathode of the first electrostatic discharge diode FDD through the first switching element FSE, so that the voltage difference between the two ends of the first electrostatic discharge diode FDD can be large. Therefore, when the electrostatic discharge current ESD1 is introduced into the sensing line SENL, the electrostatic discharge current ESD1 can be discharged to the outside through the first electrostatic discharge diode FDD. In an embodiment, the maximum voltage VGH used in the display panel can be the first gate drive voltage VGH corresponding to the high voltage level of the gate signal GS. However, the above configuration is described for illustrative purposes, and the maximum voltage VGH used in the display panel is not limited thereto.

[0054] The second electrostatic discharge diode SDD may include a cathode connected to a sensing line SENL through which a sensing current SC flows when a sensing operation is performed to compensate for characteristic variations of the driving transistor DT included in the pixel circuit 10; and an anode configured to receive a second voltage V2. When a sensing operation is performed to compensate for characteristic variations of the driving transistor DT included in the pixel circuit 10, the second switching element SSE may determine the second voltage V2 to be a precharge voltage VPRE applied to the source terminal (e.g., the second node N2) of the driving transistor DT for the sensing operation. When a sensing operation is not performed (e.g., a display operation and / or a module operation, etc.), the second switching element SSE may determine the second voltage V2 to be a minimum voltage VGL used in the display panel. In other words, the second electrostatic discharge diode SDD and the second switching element SSE may be connected in series between the sensing line SENL and a terminal to which the precharge voltage VPRE is applied or a terminal to which the minimum voltage VGL used in the display panel is applied.

[0055] like Figure 2A As shown in FIG, when performing a sensing operation for compensating for characteristic deviation of the driving transistor DT included in the pixel circuit 10, the precharge voltage VPRE applied to the source terminal (e.g., the second node N2) of the driving transistor DT may also be applied to the anode of the second electrostatic discharge diode SDD through the second switching element SSE, so that the voltages across the second electrostatic discharge diode SDD may become the same or substantially the same as each other. Therefore, it is possible to prevent or substantially prevent noise caused by the second voltage V2 applied to the second electrostatic discharge diode SDD from being introduced into the sensing current SC.

[0056] On the other hand, Figure 2B As shown in , when the sensing operation for compensating for the characteristic deviation of the driving transistor DT included in the pixel circuit 10 is not performed, the minimum voltage VGL used in the display panel can be applied to the anode of the second electrostatic discharge diode SDD through the second switching element SSE, so that the voltage difference between the two ends of the second electrostatic discharge diode SDD can be large. Therefore, when the electrostatic discharge current ESD2 is introduced into the sensing line SENL, the electrostatic discharge current ESD2 can be discharged to the outside (for example, in the reverse bias direction) through the second electrostatic discharge diode SDD. In an embodiment, the minimum voltage VGL used in the display panel can be a second gate drive voltage VGL corresponding to the low voltage level of the gate signal GS. However, the above configuration is described for illustrative purposes, and the minimum voltage VGL used in the display panel is not limited thereto.

[0057] In an embodiment, Figure 1As shown in , the first electrostatic discharge diode FDD and the second electrostatic discharge diode SDD may be located at (e.g., in or on) a display panel (e.g., indicated by “display panel”). In some embodiments, the electrostatic discharge protection circuit 100 may further include a third electrostatic discharge diode TDD and a fourth electrostatic discharge diode FODD. The third electrostatic discharge diode TDD may include: a cathode configured to receive an analog high voltage AVDD; and an anode connected to a sensing line SENL, through which a sensing current SC flows when a sensing operation for compensating for a characteristic deviation of a driving transistor DT included in the pixel circuit 10 is performed. In other words, the third electrostatic discharge diode TDD may be connected between the sensing line SENL and a terminal to which the analog high voltage AVDD is applied. Therefore, as Figure 2B As shown in FIG, the analog high voltage AVDD may be applied to the cathode of the third electrostatic discharge diode TDD, so that the voltage difference between the two ends of the third electrostatic discharge diode TDD may be large. Therefore, when the electrostatic discharge current ESD1 is introduced into the sensing line SENL, the electrostatic discharge current ESD1 may be discharged to the outside through the third electrostatic discharge diode TDD.

[0058] The fourth electrostatic discharge diode FODD may include: a cathode connected to the sensing line SENL, through which a sensing current SC flows when a sensing operation for compensating for a characteristic deviation of the driving transistor DT included in the pixel circuit 10 is performed; and an anode configured to receive the analog low voltage AVSS. In other words, the fourth electrostatic discharge diode FODD may be connected between the sensing line SENL and a terminal to which the analog low voltage AVSS is applied. Therefore, as Figure 2B As shown in FIG, the analog low voltage AVSS may be applied to the anode of the fourth electrostatic discharge diode FODD, so that the voltage difference between the two ends of the fourth electrostatic discharge diode FODD may be large. Therefore, when the electrostatic discharge current ESD2 is introduced into the sensing line SENL, the electrostatic discharge current ESD2 may be discharged to the outside (e.g., in the reverse bias direction) through the fourth electrostatic discharge diode FODD. In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 As shown in , the third electrostatic discharge diode TDD and the fourth electrostatic discharge diode FODD can be located at (e.g., in or on) a display panel driving circuit (e.g., indicated by “display panel driving circuit”). In this case, the analog high voltage AVDD and the analog low voltage AVSS can be voltages used in the display panel driving circuit.

[0059] Although for ease of description, Figure 2A and Figure 2BThe pixel circuit 10 is shown as having a 4-transistor-1-capacitor (e.g., 4T-1C) structure, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In an embodiment, the pixel circuit 10 may include a switching transistor ST, a storage capacitor CST, a driving transistor DT, an emission control transistor ET, a sensing control transistor CT, and an organic light emitting diode OLED. The switching transistor ST may include a first terminal configured to receive a data signal DS; a second terminal connected to a first node N1; and a gate terminal configured to receive a gate signal GS. When the gate signal GS applied to the gate terminal has a turn-on voltage level (e.g., a high voltage level), the switching transistor ST may be turned on to transmit the data signal DS applied via the data line to the first node N1. The storage capacitor CST may include a first terminal connected to the first node N1; and a second terminal connected to the second node N2. The storage capacitor CST may store the data signal DS used to turn on the driving transistor DT. The driving transistor DT may include a first terminal connected to a third node N3 and corresponding to a drain terminal; a second terminal connected to a second node N2 and corresponding to a source terminal; and a gate terminal connected to the first node N1. The driving transistor DT may allow a driving current corresponding to the data signal DS stored in the storage capacitor CST to flow to the organic light emitting diode OLED.

[0060] The emission control transistor ET may include a first terminal connected to a high power supply voltage line configured to provide a high power supply voltage ELVDD; a second terminal connected to a third node N3; and a gate terminal configured to receive an emission control signal ES. When the emission control signal ES applied to the gate terminal has a turn-on voltage level (e.g., a high voltage level), the emission control transistor ET may be turned on to allow a drive current to flow between the high power supply voltage ELVDD and the low power supply voltage ELVSS, thereby enabling the organic light emitting diode OLED to emit light. The sense control transistor CT may include a first terminal connected to a second node N2; a second terminal connected to a sense line SENL; and a gate terminal configured to receive a sense control signal SS. When the sense control signal SS applied to the gate terminal has a turn-on voltage level (e.g., a high voltage level), the sense control transistor CT may be turned on to apply a precharge voltage VPRE to a second node N2 corresponding to the source terminal of the drive transistor DT and transmit a sense current SC flowing through the sense line SENL by passing through the drive transistor DT to a sense driver (e.g., indicated by "sense driver"). The organic light emitting diode OLED may include an anode connected to the second node N2 and a cathode connected to a low power voltage line configured to provide a low power voltage ELVSS. However, the above configuration is described for illustrative purposes, and the structure of the pixel circuit 10 is not limited to the above structure.

[0061] Generally, because various characteristics of the driving transistor DT (e.g., threshold voltage and / or electron mobility) may differ for each pixel circuit in the pixel circuit 10, external compensation can be performed on the pixel circuit 10 by sensing a sense current SC corresponding to the characteristics of the driving transistor DT at each preset time point (e.g., a time point when the organic light-emitting display device is turned on or off), generating compensation data based on a sense voltage corresponding to the sense current SC, and using the compensation data to compensate the data signal DS supplied to the pixel circuit 10. In this case, the external compensation can be performed by a sense driver. For example, the sensing driver may include: a pre-charge voltage application circuit, configured to apply a pre-charge voltage VPRE to the source terminal (e.g., the second node N2) of the driving transistor DT for a sensing operation for compensating for a characteristic deviation of the driving transistor DT included in the pixel circuit 10; a current-voltage conversion circuit (e.g., implemented as an operational amplifier, etc.), configured to convert a sensing current SC flowing through the sensing line SENL by passing through the driving transistor DT in the pixel circuit 10 into a sensing voltage; an analog-to-digital conversion circuit, configured to convert the sensing voltage in analog form into compensation data in digital form; and / or the like.

[0062] When the current-voltage conversion circuit is implemented as an operational amplifier, the precharge voltage VPRE may be a reference voltage for forming a virtual ground of the current-voltage conversion circuit (i.e., the operational amplifier). However, the above configuration is described for illustrative purposes, and the precharge voltage VPRE is not limited thereto. In more detail, as Figure 2A As shown in , a sensing operation for compensating for characteristic deviations (e.g., threshold voltage deviations and / or electron mobility deviations, etc.) of the driving transistor DT included in the pixel circuit 10 can be performed by connecting the sensing line SENL to the electrostatic discharge protection circuit 100. For example, when performing the sensing operation, the precharge voltage VPRE can be applied to the source terminal (e.g., the second node N2) of the driving transistor DT in the pixel circuit 10, and the reference data voltage REF can be applied to the first node N1, so that the voltage difference (e.g., the gate-source voltage difference Vgs) between the first node N1 and the second node N2 can be determined. Therefore, when only the sensing current SC flowing through the sensing line SENL by passing through the driving transistor DT is sensed, the expression for calculating the current flowing through the driving transistor DT can be used: I=K×(Vgs-Vth) 2(where I is the current flowing through the driving transistor DT, K is a characteristic constant of the driving transistor DT, Vgs is the gate-source voltage difference of the driving transistor DT, and Vth is the threshold voltage of the driving transistor DT) to determine the threshold voltage of the driving transistor DT. Therefore, the organic light-emitting display device can compensate for characteristic deviations (e.g., threshold voltage deviations and / or electron mobility deviations, etc.) of the driving transistor DT included in the pixel circuit 10 by sensing the sensing current SC through a sensing operation.

[0063] When the electrostatic discharge currents ESD1 and ESD2 introduced into the sensing line SENL are introduced into the pixel circuit 10 (e.g., the display panel), the pixel circuit 10 (e.g., the display panel) may be damaged. For example, through the operation of a module for connecting the display panel to a display panel driving circuit (e.g., configured as a chip on film (COF) and a printed circuit board (PCB)), there may be a possibility (e.g., a high possibility) that the electrostatic discharge currents ESD1 and ESD2 may be introduced into the pixel circuit 10 through the sensing line SENL. Therefore, the electrostatic discharge protection circuit 100 can discharge the electrostatic discharge currents ESD1 and ESD2 introduced into the sensing line SENL to a voltage line configured to supply a first voltage V1, a voltage line configured to supply a second voltage V2, a voltage line configured to supply an analog high voltage AVDD, and / or a voltage line configured to supply an analog low voltage AVSS, so that the pixel circuit 10 (e.g., the display panel) can be protected from the influence of the electrostatic discharge currents ESD1 and ESD2.

[0064] In more detail, Figure 2B As shown in FIG, in a case where a sensing operation for compensating for characteristic deviation of the driving transistor DT included in the pixel circuit 10 is not performed (e.g., a display operation and / or a module operation, etc.), when the voltage of the sensing line SENL becomes higher than a first voltage V1 (e.g., a maximum voltage VGH used in the display panel) by a preset voltage difference or more as the electrostatic discharge current ESD1 is introduced into the sensing line SENL, the first electrostatic discharge diode FDD may discharge the electrostatic discharge current ESD1 to a voltage line configured to supply the first voltage V1. In addition, when the voltage of the sensing line SENL becomes higher than the first voltage V1 (e.g., the maximum voltage VGH used in the display panel) by a preset voltage difference or more as the electrostatic discharge current ESD1 is introduced into the sensing line SENL, the third electrostatic discharge diode TDD may also discharge the electrostatic discharge current ESD1 to a voltage line configured to supply the analog high voltage AVDD.

[0065] In a case where a sensing operation for compensating for characteristic deviation of the driving transistor DT included in the pixel circuit 10 is not performed, when the voltage of the sensing line SENL becomes lower than the second voltage V2 (e.g., the minimum voltage VGL used in the display panel) by a preset voltage difference or more as the electrostatic discharge current ESD2 is introduced into the sensing line SENL, the second electrostatic discharge diode SDD may discharge the electrostatic discharge current ESD2 to a voltage line configured to supply the second voltage V2. In addition, when the voltage of the sensing line SENL becomes lower than the second voltage V2 (e.g., the minimum voltage VGL used in the display panel) by a preset voltage difference or more as the electrostatic discharge current ESD2 is introduced into the sensing line SENL, the fourth electrostatic discharge diode FODD may also discharge the electrostatic discharge current ESD2 to a voltage line configured to supply the analog low voltage AVSS.

[0066] As a result, even if the electrostatic discharge currents ESD1 and ESD2 are introduced into the sensing line SENL, the electrostatic discharge protection circuit 100 can prevent or substantially prevent the electrostatic discharge currents ESD1 and ESD2 from being introduced into the pixel circuit 10 (e.g., the display panel), so that the pixel circuit 10 (e.g., the display panel) can be prevented or substantially prevented from being damaged by the electrostatic discharge currents ESD1 and ESD2 introduced into the sensing line SENL.

[0067] As described above, the electrostatic discharge protection circuit 100 may include: a first electrostatic discharge diode FDD, including a cathode configured to receive a first voltage V1 and an anode connected to the sensing line SENL; a first switching element FSE, configured to determine the first voltage V1 as a precharge voltage VPRE when a sensing operation for sensing a characteristic deviation of the driving transistor DT included in the pixel circuit 10 is performed, and configured to determine the first voltage V1 as a maximum voltage VGH used in the display panel when the sensing operation is not performed; a second electrostatic discharge diode SDD, including a cathode connected to the sensing line SENL and an anode configured to receive a second voltage V2; and a second switching element SSE, configured to determine the second voltage V2 as a precharge voltage VPRE when a sensing operation for compensating for a characteristic deviation of the driving transistor DT included in the pixel circuit 10 is performed, and configured to determine the second voltage V2 as a minimum voltage VGL used in the display panel when the sensing operation is not performed. Therefore, when the organic light-emitting display device performs a sensing operation for performing external compensation on the pixel circuit 10, the first voltage V1 and the second voltage V2 respectively applied to the first electrostatic discharge diode FDD and the second electrostatic discharge diode SDD connected to the sensing line SENL can be determined as the pre-charge voltage VPRE (for example, when the organic light-emitting display device performs a sensing operation for performing external compensation on the pixel circuit 10, the voltage applied to the source terminal (for example, the second node N2) of the driving transistor DT in the pixel circuit 10), and when the organic light-emitting display device does not perform a sensing operation for performing external compensation on the pixel circuit 10, the first voltage V1 and the second voltage V2 respectively applied to the first electrostatic discharge diode FDD and the second electrostatic discharge diode SDD connected to the sensing line SENL can be determined as the maximum voltage VGH and the minimum voltage VGL used in the display panel.

[0068] As a result, the electrostatic discharge protection circuit 100 can prevent or substantially prevent the electrostatic discharge currents ESD1 and ESD2 from being introduced into the pixel circuit 10 (e.g., the display panel) through the sensing line SENL (e.g., can prevent or substantially prevent the pixel circuit 10 (e.g., the display panel) from being damaged), and when the organic light-emitting display device performs a sensing operation for performing external compensation on the pixel circuit 10, can prevent or substantially prevent noise caused by the first voltage V1 and the second voltage V2 applied to the first electrostatic discharge diode FDD and the second electrostatic discharge diode SDD, respectively, connected to the sensing line SENL from being introduced into the sensing current SC.

[0069] As described above, the electrostatic discharge protection circuit 100 may further include: a third electrostatic discharge diode TDD connected between the analog high voltage AVDD and the sensing line SENL; and a fourth electrostatic discharge diode FODD connected between the sensing line SENL and the analog low voltage AVSS. Figure 1 As shown in , unlike the first ESD diode FDD and the second ESD diode SDD, each of the third ESD diode TDD and the fourth ESD diode FODD may not be connected to a switching element (e.g., a switch) for providing a voltage applied thereto (e.g., the analog high voltage AVDD or the analog low voltage AVSS). However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and in some embodiments, similar to the first ESD diode FDD and the second ESD diode SDD, each of the third ESD diode TDD and the fourth ESD diode FODD may be connected to a switching element (e.g., a switch) for performing switching of a voltage applied thereto (e.g., switching between an appropriate voltage (e.g., the precharge voltage VPRE) and the analog high voltage AVDD or the analog low voltage AVSS).

[0070] Figure 3 It shows that Figure 1 Flowchart of a process in which an electrostatic discharge protection circuit determines a first voltage and a second voltage applied to a first electrostatic discharge diode and a second electrostatic discharge diode, respectively, according to whether a sensing operation is performed on a pixel circuit. Figure 4 is a diagram showing that when a sensing operation is performed on a pixel circuit, Figure 1 A diagram of an example of an electrostatic discharge protection circuit determining a first voltage and a second voltage applied to a first electrostatic discharge diode and a second electrostatic discharge diode, respectively. Figure 5 is a diagram showing that when no sensing operation is performed on the pixel circuit, Figure 1 A diagram of an example of an electrostatic discharge protection circuit determining a first voltage and a second voltage applied to a first electrostatic discharge diode and a second electrostatic discharge diode, respectively.

[0071] refer to Figures 3 to 5 , the electrostatic discharge protection circuit 100 can monitor the operation of the pixel circuit 10 (S110) and can check whether the operation of the pixel circuit 10 is a sensing operation (S120). For example, the electrostatic discharge protection circuit 100 can monitor whether the sensing control transistor CT in the pixel circuit 10 is turned on to check whether the operation of the pixel circuit 10 is a sensing operation. However, the above configuration is described for illustrative purposes, and the electrostatic discharge protection circuit 100 can check whether the operation of the pixel circuit 10 is a sensing operation based on an appropriate signal (e.g., a predetermined signal) provided from a timing controller of the organic light emitting display device, etc.

[0072] When the operation of the pixel circuit 10 is a sensing operation (eg, “Yes” at S120 ), so that the sensing operation is performed on the pixel circuit 10 , as shown in FIG. Figure 4 As shown in , the electrostatic discharge protection circuit 100 can control the first switching element FSE to connect the cathode of the first electrostatic discharge diode FDD to the terminal configured to provide the precharge voltage VPRE, so that the first voltage V1 applied to the first electrostatic discharge diode FDD is determined as the precharge voltage VPRE (S130), and can control the second switching element SSE to connect the anode of the second electrostatic discharge diode SDD to the terminal configured to provide the precharge voltage VPRE, so that the second voltage V2 applied to the second electrostatic discharge diode SDD is determined as the precharge voltage VPRE (S140).

[0073] On the other hand, when the operation of the pixel circuit 10 is not a sensing operation (eg, “No” at S120 ) so that the sensing operation is not performed on the pixel circuit 10 , as shown in FIG. Figure 5 As shown in , the electrostatic discharge protection circuit 100 can control the first switching element FSE to connect the cathode of the first electrostatic discharge diode FDD to the terminal configured to provide the maximum voltage VGH used in the display panel, so that the first voltage V1 applied to the first electrostatic discharge diode FDD is determined as the maximum voltage VGH used in the display panel (S150), and can control the second switching element SSE to connect the anode of the second electrostatic discharge diode SDD to the terminal configured to provide the minimum voltage VGL used in the display panel, so that the second voltage V2 applied to the second electrostatic discharge diode SDD is determined as the minimum voltage VGL used in the display panel (S160).

[0074] In some embodiments, when the operation of the pixel circuit 10 is not a sensing operation (e.g., so that the sensing operation is not performed on the pixel circuit 10), the ESD protection circuit 100 may apply a voltage other than the maximum voltage VGH and the minimum voltage VGL used in the display panel to the first ESD diode FDD and the second ESD diode SDD. For example, when the operation of the pixel circuit 10 is not a sensing operation, the ESD protection circuit 100 may determine the first voltage V1 applied to the first ESD diode FDD to be an appropriate high voltage (e.g., a predetermined high voltage) used in the display panel driving circuit (e.g., the high voltage is equal to or greater than the maximum voltage VGH used in the display panel), and may determine the second voltage V2 applied to the second ESD diode SDD to be an appropriate low voltage (e.g., a predetermined low voltage) used in the display panel driving circuit (e.g., the low voltage is less than or equal to the minimum voltage VGL used in the display panel).

[0075] Figure 6 is a block diagram illustrating an organic light emitting display device according to one or more example embodiments.

[0076] refer to Figure 6 The organic light emitting display device 500 may include a display panel 520, a display panel driving circuit 540, and an electrostatic discharge protection circuit 560. The display panel driving circuit 540 may include a gate driver 542, a data driver 544, an emission control driver 546, a sensing driver 548, and a timing controller 549.

[0077] The display panel 520 may include a plurality of pixel circuits PX (i.e., pixel circuits 10), each of which includes an organic light-emitting diode. The pixel circuits PX may be arranged in various suitable shapes (e.g., in a matrix) within the display panel 520. Each of the pixel circuits PX may include at least one of a red display pixel, a green display pixel, and a blue display pixel. In an embodiment, each of the pixel circuits PX may have a 4-transistor-1-capacitor (e.g., 4T-1C) structure, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, in the case of a 4T-1C structure, each of the pixel circuits PX may include: a switching transistor including a first terminal configured to receive a data signal DS, a second terminal connected to a first node, and a gate terminal configured to receive a gate signal GS; a storage capacitor including a first terminal connected to the first node and a second terminal connected to the second node; a driving transistor including a first terminal connected to a third node and corresponding to a drain terminal, a second terminal connected to the second node and corresponding to a source terminal, and a gate terminal connected to the first node; an emission control transistor including a first terminal connected to a high power supply voltage line, a second terminal connected to a third node, and a gate terminal configured to receive an emission control signal ES; a sensing control transistor including a first terminal connected to a second node, a second terminal connected to a sensing line, and a gate terminal configured to receive a sensing control signal SS; and an organic light emitting diode including an anode connected to the second node and a cathode connected to a low power supply voltage line. As has been referred to Figure 2A and Figure 2B The configuration of the pixel circuit PX is described, so a redundant description thereof may not be repeated.

[0078] The display panel driving circuit 540 may drive the display panel 520. In an embodiment, the display panel driving circuit 540 may include a gate driver 542, a data driver 544, an emission control driver 546, a sensing driver 548, and a timing controller 549. The gate driver 542 may be electrically connected to the display panel 520 via a gate line. Thus, the gate driver 542 may provide a gate signal GS to the pixel circuit PX included in the display panel 520 via the gate line. The data driver 544 may be electrically connected to the display panel 520 via a data line. Thus, the data driver 544 may provide a data signal DS to the pixel circuit PX included in the display panel 520 via the data line. The emission control driver 546 may be electrically connected to the display panel 520 via an emission control line. Thus, the emission control driver 546 may provide an emission control signal ES to the pixel circuit PX included in the display panel 520 via the emission control line.

[0079] The sense driver 548 can be electrically connected to the display panel 520 via a sense line. Thus, the sense driver 548 can receive a sense current SC from a pixel circuit PX included in the display panel 520 via the sense line to generate a sense voltage corresponding to the sense current SC. Furthermore, the sense driver 548 can generate compensation data for compensating the data signal DS based on the sense voltage. In some embodiments, the sense driver 548 can provide a sense control signal SS that is applied to the gate terminal of a sense control transistor in the pixel circuit PX. In some embodiments, the sense driver 548 can include: a precharge voltage application circuit configured to apply a precharge voltage to the source terminal of the drive transistor in the pixel circuit PX for a sensing operation for compensating for characteristic deviations of the drive transistor in the pixel circuit PX; a current-to-voltage conversion circuit configured to convert the sense current SC flowing through the sense line by passing through the drive transistor in the pixel circuit PX into a sense voltage; an analog-to-digital conversion circuit configured to convert the analog sense voltage into compensation data in a digital form; and / or the like.

[0080] The timing controller 549 may control the gate driver 542, the data driver 544, the emission control driver 546, and the sensing driver 548. In addition, the timing controller 549 may compensate the data signal DS based on compensation data generated by the sensing driver 548.

[0081] The electrostatic discharge protection circuit 560 may be located between the display panel 520 and the display panel driving circuit 540 . In more detail, the electrostatic discharge protection circuit 560 may include: a first electrostatic discharge diode including a cathode configured to receive a first voltage and an anode connected to a sensing line, and when a sensing operation for sensing a characteristic deviation of the driving transistor included in the pixel circuit PX is performed, a sensing current SC flows through the sensing line; a first switching element configured to determine the first voltage as a precharge voltage (for example, a voltage applied to the source terminal of the driving transistor included in the pixel circuit PX for the sensing operation) when a sensing operation for sensing a characteristic deviation of the driving transistor included in the pixel circuit PX is performed, and configured to determine the first voltage as a maximum voltage used in the display panel 520 when the sensing operation is not performed; a second electrostatic discharge diode including a cathode connected to the sensing line and an anode configured to receive a second voltage; and a second switching element configured to determine the second voltage as a precharge voltage when a sensing operation for sensing a characteristic deviation of the driving transistor included in the pixel circuit PX is performed, and configured to determine the second voltage as a minimum voltage used in the display panel 520 when the sensing operation is not performed. In this case, the maximum voltage used in the display panel 520 may be a first gate driving voltage corresponding to a high voltage level of the gate signal GS, and the minimum voltage used in the display panel 520 may be a second gate driving voltage corresponding to a low voltage level of the gate signal GS.

[0082] In some embodiments, the electrostatic discharge protection circuit 560 may further include: a third electrostatic discharge diode including a cathode configured to receive a simulated high voltage and an anode connected to the sensing line; and a fourth electrostatic discharge diode including a cathode connected to the sensing line and an anode configured to receive a simulated low voltage. In some embodiments, the first electrostatic discharge diode and the second electrostatic discharge diode may be located at (e.g., in or on) the display panel 520, and the third electrostatic discharge diode and the fourth electrostatic discharge diode may be located at (e.g., in or on) the display panel driving circuit 540.

[0083] When the organic light-emitting display device 500 performs a sensing operation for performing external compensation on the pixel circuit PX, the electrostatic discharge protection circuit 560 may determine the first voltage and the second voltage respectively applied to the first electrostatic discharge diode and the second electrostatic discharge diode connected to the sensing line as precharge voltages (for example, voltages applied to the source terminal of the driving transistor in the pixel circuit PX when the organic light-emitting display device 500 performs a sensing operation for performing external compensation on the pixel circuit PX). When the organic light-emitting display device 500 does not perform a sensing operation for performing external compensation on the pixel circuit PX, the electrostatic discharge protection circuit 560 may determine the first voltage and the second voltage respectively applied to the first electrostatic discharge diode and the second electrostatic discharge diode connected to the sensing line as the maximum voltage and the minimum voltage used in the display panel 520.

[0084] Thus, an electrostatic discharge current can be prevented or substantially prevented from being introduced into the pixel circuit PX (e.g., the display panel 520) through the sensing line (e.g., the pixel circuit PX and / or the display panel 520 can be prevented or substantially prevented from being damaged). Furthermore, when the organic light-emitting display device 500 performs a sensing operation for performing external compensation on the pixel circuit PX, noise caused by the first and second voltages respectively applied to the first and second electrostatic discharge diodes connected to the sensing line can be prevented or substantially prevented from being introduced into the sensing current SC. Consequently, the organic light-emitting display device 500 including the electrostatic discharge protection circuit 560 can prevent or substantially prevent the pixel circuit PX (e.g., the display panel 520) from being damaged by the introduction of the electrostatic discharge current. Furthermore, compensation data generated based on the sensing voltage corresponding to the sensing current SC can be prevented or substantially prevented from becoming inaccurate due to noise caused by the first and second voltages respectively applied to the first and second electrostatic discharge diodes connected to the sensing line, thereby enabling accurate external compensation. Consequently, a high-quality image can be provided to a user (or viewer).

[0085] Figure 7 is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device according to one or more example embodiments, and Figure 8 It shows that Figure 7 FIG2 is a diagram of an example in which the electronic device is implemented as a smart phone.

[0086] refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 , the electronic device 1000 may include a processor 1010, a memory device 1020, a storage device 1030, an input / output (I / O) device 1040, a power supply 1050, and an organic light emitting display (OLED) device 1060. Here, the organic light emitting display device 1060 may be Figure 6In addition, the electronic device 1000 may further include a plurality of ports for communicating with a video card, a sound card, a memory card, a universal serial bus (USB) device and / or other electronic devices. In an embodiment, as Figure 8 As shown in , the electronic device 1000 can be implemented as a smart phone. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the electronic device 1000 can be implemented as any suitable device that includes or uses a display device. For example, the electronic device 1000 can be implemented as a cellular phone, a video phone, a smart board, a smart watch, a tablet PC, a car navigation system, a computer monitor, a laptop computer, and / or a head-mounted display (HMD) device, etc.

[0087] The processor 1010 can perform various computing functions. The processor 1010 can be a microprocessor, a central processing unit (CPU), and / or an application processor (AP). The processor 1010 can be coupled to other components via an address bus, a control bus, and / or a data bus. In addition, the processor 1010 can be coupled to an expansion bus, such as a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) bus.

[0088] The memory device 1020 may store data used for the operation of the electronic device 1000. For example, the memory device 1020 may include at least one non-volatile memory device, such as an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) device, an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) device, a flash memory device, a phase change random access memory (PRAM) device, a resistive random access memory (RRAM) device, a nano-floating gate memory (NFGM) device, a polymer random access memory (PoRAM) device, a magnetic random access memory (MRAM) device, and / or a ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM) device, and / or may include at least one volatile memory device, such as a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) device, a static random access memory (SRAM) device, and / or a mobile DRAM device, and / or the like.

[0089] The storage device 1030 may be a solid-state drive (SSD), a hard disk drive (HDD), and / or a CD-ROM device. The I / O device 1040 may include input devices such as a keyboard, a keypad, a mouse, a touchpad, and / or a touch screen, and output devices such as a printer and / or a speaker. In some embodiments, the organic light-emitting display device 1060 may be included in the I / O device 1040. The power supply 1050 may provide power for various operations of the electronic device 1000.

[0090] The organic light-emitting display device 1060 can display an image corresponding to the visual information of the electronic device 1000. The organic light-emitting display device 1060 can be coupled to other components via a bus or other appropriate communication links. The organic light-emitting display device 1060 may include: a display panel including a pixel circuit having an organic light-emitting diode; a display panel driving circuit configured to drive the display panel (for example, including a gate driver that provides a gate signal to the pixel circuit, a data driver that provides a data signal to the pixel circuit, an emission control driver that provides an emission control signal to the pixel circuit, a sensing driver that receives a sensing current from the pixel circuit to generate a sensing voltage corresponding to the sensing current and generates compensation data for compensating the data signal based on the sensing voltage, and a timing controller that controls the gate driver, the data driver, the emission control driver, and the sensing driver); and an electrostatic discharge protection circuit configured to protect the display panel from the influence of electrostatic discharge current introduced from the outside.

[0091] The electrostatic discharge protection circuit may include: a first electrostatic discharge diode including a cathode configured to receive a first voltage and an anode connected to a sensing line, wherein a sensing current flows through the sensing line when a sensing operation is performed; a first switching element configured to determine the first voltage as a precharge voltage (e.g., a voltage applied to a source terminal of a driving transistor of a pixel circuit for the sensing operation) when a sensing operation is performed, and configured to determine the first voltage as a maximum voltage used in a display panel when a sensing operation is not performed; a second electrostatic discharge diode including a cathode connected to the sensing line and an anode configured to receive a second voltage; and a second switching element configured to determine the second voltage as a precharge voltage when a sensing operation is performed, and configured to determine the second voltage as a minimum voltage used in the display panel when a sensing operation is not performed. The first and second electrostatic discharge diodes may be located at (e.g., in or on) the display panel.

[0092] In some embodiments, the electrostatic discharge protection circuit may further include: a third electrostatic discharge diode including a cathode configured to receive a simulated high voltage and an anode connected to the sensing line; and a fourth electrostatic discharge diode including a cathode connected to the sensing line and an anode configured to receive a simulated low voltage. The third electrostatic discharge diode and the fourth electrostatic discharge diode may be located at (e.g., in or on) a display panel driving circuit for driving the display panel. Because the electrostatic discharge protection circuit is described above, its redundant description may not be repeated.

[0093] One or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied to an organic light-emitting display device and an electronic device including the organic light-emitting display device. For example, one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied to a smartphone, a cellular phone, a video phone, a smart tablet, a smart watch, a tablet PC, a car navigation system, a television, a computer monitor, a laptop computer, a head-mounted display device, and / or an MP3 player.

[0094] Although some example embodiments have been described, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications are possible in the example embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. It will be understood that, unless otherwise described, the description of the features or aspects in each embodiment should generally be considered to be applicable to other similar features or aspects in other embodiments. Therefore, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the features, characteristics and / or elements described in conjunction with a particular embodiment can be used alone or in combination with the features, characteristics and / or elements described in conjunction with other embodiments, unless otherwise expressly indicated. Therefore, it should be understood that the foregoing is an illustration of various example embodiments and should not be construed as being limited to the specific example embodiments disclosed herein, and that various modifications to the disclosed example embodiments and other example embodiments are intended to be included within the spirit and scope defined in the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An electrostatic discharge protection circuit, comprising: a first electrostatic discharge diode including a cathode configured to receive a first voltage and an anode connected to a sensing line through which a sensing current flows when a sensing operation for compensating for a characteristic deviation of a driving transistor of a pixel circuit is performed; a first switching element configured to determine the first voltage as a precharge voltage applied to the source terminal of the driving transistor for the sensing operation when the sensing operation is performed, and to determine the first voltage as a maximum voltage used in the display panel when the sensing operation is not performed; a second electrostatic discharge diode including a cathode connected to the sensing line and an anode configured to receive a second voltage; as well as The second switching element is configured to determine the second voltage as the precharge voltage when the sensing operation is performed, and to determine the second voltage as a minimum voltage used in the display panel when the sensing operation is not performed.

2. The electrostatic discharge protection circuit according to claim 1, wherein: The first electrostatic discharge diode and the second electrostatic discharge diode are located at the display panel.

3. The electrostatic discharge protection circuit according to claim 1, wherein: The maximum voltage is a first gate driving voltage corresponding to a high voltage level of a gate signal, and the minimum voltage is a second gate driving voltage corresponding to a low voltage level of the gate signal.

4. The electrostatic discharge protection circuit according to claim 1, wherein: When the sensing operation is not performed, in response to the voltage of the sensing line being greater than the first voltage as an electrostatic discharge current is introduced into the sensing line, the first electrostatic discharge diode is configured to discharge the electrostatic discharge current to a voltage line configured to supply the first voltage.

5. The electrostatic discharge protection circuit according to claim 1, wherein: When the sensing operation is not performed, in response to the voltage of the sensing line being less than the second voltage as the electrostatic discharge current is introduced into the sensing line, the second electrostatic discharge diode is configured to discharge the electrostatic discharge current to a voltage line configured to supply the second voltage.

6. The electrostatic discharge protection circuit according to claim 1, further comprising: a third electrostatic discharge diode comprising a cathode configured to receive a simulated high voltage and an anode connected to the sense line; as well as The fourth electrostatic discharge diode includes a cathode connected to the sensing line and an anode configured to receive a simulated low voltage.

7. The electrostatic discharge protection circuit according to claim 6, wherein: The third electrostatic discharge diode and the fourth electrostatic discharge diode are located at a display panel driving circuit configured to drive the display panel.

8. The electrostatic discharge protection circuit according to claim 6, wherein: When the sensing operation is not performed, in response to the voltage of the sensing line being greater than the first voltage as the electrostatic discharge current is introduced into the sensing line, the third electrostatic discharge diode is configured to discharge the electrostatic discharge current to a voltage line configured to supply the analog high voltage.

9. The electrostatic discharge protection circuit according to claim 6, wherein: When the sensing operation is not performed, in response to the voltage of the sensing line being less than the second voltage as the electrostatic discharge current is introduced into the sensing line, the fourth electrostatic discharge diode is configured to discharge the electrostatic discharge current to a voltage line configured to supply the analog low voltage.

10. An organic light-emitting display device, comprising: A display panel including a pixel circuit including an organic light emitting diode; A display panel driving circuit is configured to drive the display panel; as well as An electrostatic discharge protection circuit is configured to protect the display panel from externally introduced electrostatic discharge current, the electrostatic discharge protection circuit comprising: a first electrostatic discharge diode including a cathode configured to receive a first voltage and an anode connected to a sensing line through which a sensing current flows when a sensing operation for compensating for a characteristic deviation of a driving transistor of the pixel circuit is performed; a first switching element configured to determine the first voltage as a precharge voltage applied to the source terminal of the driving transistor for the sensing operation when the sensing operation is performed, and to determine the first voltage as a maximum voltage used in the display panel when the sensing operation is not performed; a second electrostatic discharge diode including a cathode connected to the sensing line and an anode configured to receive a second voltage; and The second switching element is configured to determine the second voltage as the precharge voltage when the sensing operation is performed, and to determine the second voltage as a minimum voltage used in the display panel when the sensing operation is not performed.

11. The organic light emitting display device according to claim 10, wherein: When the sensing operation is not performed, in response to the voltage of the sensing line being greater than the first voltage as the electrostatic discharge current is introduced into the sensing line, the first electrostatic discharge diode is configured to discharge the electrostatic discharge current to a voltage line configured to supply the first voltage.

12. The organic light emitting display device according to claim 10, wherein: When the sensing operation is not performed, in response to the voltage of the sensing line being less than the second voltage as the electrostatic discharge current is introduced into the sensing line, the second electrostatic discharge diode is configured to discharge the electrostatic discharge current to a voltage line configured to supply the second voltage.

13. The organic light emitting display device according to claim 10, wherein: The electrostatic discharge protection circuit further comprises: a third electrostatic discharge diode including a cathode configured to receive a simulated high voltage and an anode connected to the sensing line; and The fourth electrostatic discharge diode includes a cathode connected to the sensing line and an anode configured to receive a simulated low voltage.

14. The organic light emitting display device according to claim 13, wherein: When the sensing operation is not performed, in response to the voltage of the sensing line being greater than the first voltage as the electrostatic discharge current is introduced into the sensing line, the third electrostatic discharge diode is configured to discharge the electrostatic discharge current to a voltage line configured to supply the analog high voltage.

15. The organic light emitting display device according to claim 13, wherein: When the sensing operation is not performed, in response to the voltage of the sensing line being less than the second voltage as the electrostatic discharge current is introduced into the sensing line, the fourth electrostatic discharge diode is configured to discharge the electrostatic discharge current to a voltage line configured to supply the analog low voltage.

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