Power supply voltage generator

Abstract

A power supply voltage generator includes a first sensor, a second sensor, a comparator, and a shutdown controller. The first sensor is configured to sense a first power supply voltage output node outputting a first power supply voltage. The second sensor is configured to sense a second power supply voltage output node outputting a second power supply voltage. The comparator is configured to compare a first sensing signal from the first sensor with a second sensing signal from the second sensor. The shutdown controller is configured to shut down the power supply voltage generator based on the comparison signal from the comparator.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Exemplary embodiments of the present inventive concept relate to a power supply voltage generator, a method of controlling the power supply voltage generator, and a display device including the power supply voltage generator. More particularly, exemplary embodiments of the present inventive concept relate to a power supply voltage generator having high safety and reliability, a method of controlling the power supply voltage generator, and a display device including the power supply voltage generator. Background Art

[0002] Typically, a display device includes a display panel and a display panel driver. The display panel includes multiple gate lines, multiple data lines, multiple emission lines, and multiple pixels. The display panel driver includes a gate driver, a data driver, a drive controller, and a power supply voltage generator. The gate driver outputs gate signals to the gate lines. The data driver outputs data voltages to the data lines. The drive controller controls the gate driver and data driver. The power supply voltage generator provides a power supply voltage to the display panel.

[0003] The supply voltage generator may include a protection circuit to shut down the supply voltage generator when a load suddenly increases due to a short circuit condition at the output terminals caused by damage, debris, or the like.

[0004] The protection circuit may not sense an open circuit condition at the output terminal. Therefore, when an open circuit condition occurs at the pin connecting the display panel and the power supply voltage generator, the display panel and the data driver may not operate normally, and overcurrent, overheating, and / or fire may occur. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Exemplary embodiments of the present inventive concept provide a power voltage generator that senses an open circuit condition (hereinafter referred to as "open circuit") of an output portion of the power voltage generator and shuts down the power voltage generator to improve safety and / or reliability.

[0006] Exemplary embodiments of the present inventive concept also provide a method of controlling a power supply voltage generator.

[0007] Exemplary embodiments of the present inventive concept also provide a display device including a power supply voltage generator.

[0008] An exemplary embodiment of a power supply voltage generator includes: a first sensor connected to a first power supply voltage output node; a second sensor connected to a second power supply voltage output node; a comparator having a non-inverting input connected to the first sensor and an inverting input connected to the second sensor; and a shutdown controller connected to an output of the comparator.

[0009] In an exemplary embodiment of a power supply voltage generator according to the present invention, the power supply voltage generator includes a first sensor, a second sensor, a comparator, and a shutdown controller. The first sensor is configured to sense a first power supply voltage output node configured to output a first power supply voltage. The second sensor is configured to sense a second power supply voltage output node configured to output a second power supply voltage. The comparator is configured to compare a first sensing signal of the first sensor with a second sensing signal of the second sensor. The shutdown controller is configured to shut down the power supply voltage generator based on the comparison signal from the comparator.

[0010] In an exemplary embodiment, the first sensor may include a first sensing resistor. The current flowing through the first power supply voltage output node may be converted into the first sensing voltage through the first sensing resistor.

[0011] In an exemplary embodiment, the second sensor may include a second sensing resistor. The current flowing through the second power supply voltage output node may be converted into a second sensing voltage through the second sensing resistor.

[0012] In an exemplary embodiment, the comparator may be configured to receive the first sensing voltage, the second sensing voltage, and a reference voltage, and to output a comparison signal.

[0013] In an exemplary embodiment, the comparator may be configured to compare an absolute value of a difference between the first sensing voltage and the second sensing voltage with a reference voltage.

[0014] In an exemplary embodiment, the power voltage generator may further include a counter configured to count a period of time during which an absolute value of a difference between the first sensing voltage and the second sensing voltage is greater than a reference voltage.

[0015] In an exemplary embodiment, when an absolute value of a difference between the first sensing voltage and the second sensing voltage is greater than a reference voltage for a period greater than a reference period, the shutdown controller may be configured to shut down the power voltage generator.

[0016] In an exemplary embodiment, the power supply voltage generator may further include an output open detection enable determiner configured to set activation of a power-off function. When an absolute value of a difference between the first sensing voltage and the second sensing voltage is greater than a reference voltage for a period of time greater than a reference period and the power-off function is activated, the shutdown controller may be configured to shut down the power supply voltage generator.

[0017] In an exemplary embodiment, a plurality of reference voltages including the reference voltage are stored in a register.

[0018] In an exemplary embodiment, the power supply voltage generator may further include: a boost converter connected to the first power supply voltage output node and configured to generate the first power supply voltage based on the input voltage; and an inverting buck-boost converter connected to the second power supply voltage output node and configured to generate the second power supply voltage based on the input voltage.

[0019] In an exemplary embodiment of a method of controlling a power supply voltage generator according to the present invention, the method includes: sensing a first power supply voltage output node configured to output a first power supply voltage; sensing a second power supply voltage output node configured to output a second power supply voltage; comparing a first sensing signal sensed at the first power supply voltage output node with a second sensing signal sensed at the second power supply voltage output node; and shutting down the power supply voltage generator based on a comparison signal generated by comparing the first sensing signal and the second sensing signal.

[0020] In an exemplary embodiment, sensing the first power supply voltage output node may include converting a current flowing through the first power supply voltage output node into a first sensing voltage through a first sensing resistor.

[0021] In an exemplary embodiment, sensing the second power supply voltage output node may include converting a current flowing through the second power supply voltage output node into a second sensing voltage through a second sensing resistor.

[0022] In an exemplary embodiment, comparing the first sensing signal and the second sensing signal may include receiving a first sensing voltage, a second sensing voltage, and a reference voltage, and outputting a comparison signal.

[0023] In an exemplary embodiment, an absolute value of a difference between the first sensing voltage and the second sensing voltage may be compared with a reference voltage.

[0024] In an exemplary embodiment, the method of controlling the power voltage generator may further include counting a period of time during which an absolute value of a difference between the first sensing voltage and the second sensing voltage is greater than a reference voltage.

[0025] In an exemplary embodiment, when the absolute value of the difference between the first sensing voltage and the second sensing voltage is greater than the reference voltage for a period greater than a reference period, the power voltage generator may be turned off.

[0026] In an exemplary embodiment, the method of controlling the power supply voltage generator may further include setting activation of a power-off function. When an absolute value of a difference between the first sensing voltage and the second sensing voltage is greater than a reference voltage for a period greater than a reference period and the power-off function is activated, the power supply voltage generator may be turned off.

[0027] A display device of an exemplary embodiment includes: a display panel including a plurality of pixels; and a power supply voltage generator configured to provide a first power supply voltage and a second power supply voltage smaller than the first power supply voltage to the display panel, wherein the power supply voltage generator includes: a first sensor configured to sense a first power supply voltage output node having the first power supply voltage; a second sensor configured to sense a second power supply voltage output node having the second power supply voltage; a comparator configured to compare a first sensing signal from the first sensor and a second sensing signal from the second sensor; and a shutdown controller configured to shut down the power supply voltage generator based on a comparison signal from the comparator.

[0028] In an exemplary embodiment of a display device according to the present invention, the display device includes: a display panel, a gate driver, a data driver, and a power supply voltage generator. The display panel includes a plurality of gate lines, a plurality of data lines, and a plurality of pixels connected to the gate lines and the data lines. The gate driver is configured to output a gate signal to the gate lines. The data driver is configured to output a data voltage to the data lines. The power supply voltage generator is configured to provide a first power supply voltage and a second power supply voltage less than the first power supply voltage to the display panel. The power supply voltage generator includes: a first sensor configured to sense a first power supply voltage output node configured to output the first power supply voltage; a second sensor configured to sense a second power supply voltage output node configured to output the second power supply voltage; a comparator configured to compare a first sensing signal of the first sensor with a second sensing signal of the second sensor; and a shutdown controller configured to shut down the power supply voltage generator based on a comparison signal of the comparator.

[0029] In an exemplary embodiment, the comparator may be configured to receive a first sensing voltage, a second sensing voltage, and a reference voltage, and to output a comparison signal. The comparator may be configured to compare an absolute value of a difference between the first sensing signal and the second sensing signal with the reference voltage.

[0030] According to exemplary embodiments of a power supply voltage generator, an exemplary embodiment of a method for controlling a power supply voltage generator, and an exemplary embodiment of a display device including the power supply voltage generator, when an open circuit occurs at an output terminal of the power supply voltage generator or at a pin connecting a display panel to the power supply voltage generator, the difference between a first sensing voltage and a second sensing voltage can be used to sense the open circuit at the output terminal of the power supply voltage generator or at the pin connecting the display panel to the power supply voltage generator, thereby shutting down the power supply voltage generator. Consequently, the safety and reliability of the power supply voltage generator and the display device including the power supply voltage generator can be controlled. Furthermore, damage to the power supply voltage generator and the display device can be prevented during the manufacturing process, thereby controlling the productivity of the power supply voltage generator and the display device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] The above and other features of the present inventive concept will become more apparent by describing in detail exemplary embodiments of the present inventive concept with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0032] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concept;

[0033] Figure 2 It is an icon Figure 1 A circuit diagram of a pixel structure of a display panel;

[0034] Figure 3 It is an icon Figure 1 A block diagram of a power supply voltage generator;

[0035] Figure 4 It is an icon Figure 1 A block diagram of the connection between the power supply voltage generator and the display panel;

[0036] Figure 5 It is an icon Figure 1 A circuit diagram of a power supply voltage generator;

[0037] Figure 6 It is an icon Figure 1 A timing diagram of input signals and output signals of a power supply voltage generator;

[0038] Figure 7 It is a graphic control Figure 1 A flow chart of a method for generating a power supply voltage;

[0039] Figure 8 The diagram is applied to Figure 5 Tabular diagram of the reference voltage of the comparator;

[0040] Figure 9 is a block diagram illustrating connections between a power voltage generator and a display panel of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept; and

[0041] Figure 10 It is a graphic control Figure 9 Flowchart of a method for a power supply voltage generator. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be more fully described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which various embodiments are shown. However, the present invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. On the contrary, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. The same reference numerals may refer to the same elements throughout.

[0043] 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 sections, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another element, component, region, layer, or section. Thus, the "first element," "first component," "first region," "first layer," or "first section" discussed below may be referred to as a second element, second component, second region, second layer, or second section without departing from the teachings herein.

[0044] The terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms of "a" and "the" are intended to include plural forms including "at least one", unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. "Or" means "and / or". As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the relevant listed items. It will be further understood that when used in this specification, the terms "include" and / or "comprising" specify the presence of stated features, regions, wholes, steps, operations, elements and / or parts, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, regions, wholes, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or groups thereof.

[0045] 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 in the art to which the present disclosure belongs. It will also 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 relevant art and the context of the present disclosure, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless specifically defined as such herein.

[0046] Hereinafter, the present inventive concept will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0047] Figure 1 A display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept is illustrated.

[0048] refer to Figure 1The display device includes a display panel 100 and a display panel driver. The display panel driver includes a driving controller 200, a gate driver 300, a gamma reference voltage generator 400, and a data driver 500. The display panel driver further includes a power supply voltage generator 600.

[0049] For example, the driving controller 200 and the data driver 500 may be integrally formed. For example, the driving controller 200, the gamma reference voltage generator 400, and the data driver 500 may be integrally formed. A driving module including at least the integrally formed driving controller 200 and the data driver 500 may be referred to as a timing controller embedded data driver (TED).

[0050] The display panel 100 has a display area on which an image is displayed and a peripheral area adjacent to the display area.

[0051] The display panel 100 includes a plurality of gate lines GL, a plurality of data lines DL, and a plurality of pixels P connected to the gate lines GL and the data lines DL. The gate lines GL extend in a first direction D1, and the data lines DL extend in a second direction D2 crossing the first direction D1.

[0052] In an exemplary embodiment, the display panel 100 may be an organic light-emitting display panel including organic light-emitting elements. Alternatively, the display panel 100 may be a liquid crystal display panel including liquid crystal molecules. Alternatively, the display panel 100 may be an inorganic light-emitting display panel. Alternatively, the display panel 100 may be a light-emitting diode display panel.

[0053] The drive controller 200 receives input image data IMG and an input control signal CONT from an external device. The input image data IMG may include red image data, green image data, and blue image data. The input image data IMG may include white image data. The input image data IMG may include magenta image data, yellow image data, and cyan image data. The input control signal CONT may include a main clock signal and a data enable signal. The input control signal CONT may further include a vertical synchronization signal and a horizontal synchronization signal.

[0054] The driving controller 200 generates a first control signal CONT1 , a second control signal CONT2 , a third control signal CONT3 , and a data signal DATA based on input image data IMG and an input control signal CONT.

[0055] 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 further include a vertical start signal and a gate clock signal.

[0056] 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 horizontal start signal and a load signal.

[0057] 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 .

[0058] 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 .

[0059] The gate driver 300 generates a gate signal in response to the first control signal CONT1 received from the drive controller 200. The gate driver 300 outputs the gate signal to the gate line GL. For example, the gate driver 300 may sequentially output the gate signal to the gate line GL. For example, the gate driver 300 may be integrated in the peripheral area of ​​the display panel 100. For example, the gate driver 300 may be mounted in the peripheral area of ​​the display panel 100.

[0060] 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 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.

[0061] In exemplary embodiments, the gamma reference voltage generator 400 may be provided in the driving controller 200 or in the data driver 500 .

[0062] 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.

[0063] The power voltage generator 600 may generate a power voltage for driving at least one of the display panel 100 , the driving controller 200 , the gate driver 300 , the gamma reference voltage generator 400 , and the data driver 500 .

[0064] For example, the power voltage generator 600 may generate first and second power voltages ELVDD and ELVSS applied to the pixels P of the display panel 100 and output the first and second power voltages ELVDD and ELVSS to the display panel 100. The second power voltage ELVSS may be a lower potential than the first power voltage ELVDD.

[0065] Figure 2 Pictured Figure 1 Pixel structure of the display panel 100.

[0066] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the display panel 100 displays an image. The display panel 100 includes gate lines GL, data lines DL, and pixels P connected to the gate lines GL and the data lines DL. For example, the pixels P may be arranged in a matrix arrangement with other pixels.

[0067] In an exemplary embodiment, the number of gate lines may be N, the number of data lines may be M, and the number of pixels P may be N×M. Here, N and M are natural numbers.

[0068] The display panel 100 is connected to the gate driver 300 through the gate lines GL and to the data driver 500 through the data lines DL. For example, the pixel P is connected to the gate driver 300 through the gate line GL1 and to the data driver 500 through the data line DL1.

[0069] The display panel 100 receives a first power voltage ELVDD and a second power voltage ELVSS from the power voltage generator 600. The first power voltage ELVDD may be applied to a first electrode of a light emitting element of a pixel P. The second power voltage ELVSS may be applied to a second electrode of the light emitting element of the pixel P.

[0070] The pixel P includes a first pixel switching element T1, a second pixel switching element T2, a storage capacitor CS, and a light emitting element EE.

[0071] The first pixel switching element T1 may be a thin film transistor and includes a control electrode connected to the gate line GL1 , an input electrode connected to the data line DL1 , and an output electrode connected to the control electrode of the second pixel switching element T2 .

[0072] The control electrode of the first pixel switching element T1 may be a gate electrode, the input electrode of the first pixel switching element T1 may be a source electrode, and the output electrode of the first pixel switching element T1 may be a drain electrode.

[0073] The second pixel switching element T2 includes a control electrode connected to the output electrode of the first pixel switching element T1 , an input electrode to which the first power voltage ELVDD is applied, and an output electrode connected to the first electrode of the light emitting element EE.

[0074] The second pixel switch element T2 may be a thin film transistor. The control electrode of the second pixel switch element T2 may be a gate electrode. The input electrode of the second pixel switch element T2 may be a source electrode. The output electrode of the second pixel switch element T2 may be a drain electrode.

[0075] A first terminal of the storage capacitor CS is connected to the input electrode of the second pixel switching element T2 , and a second terminal of the storage capacitor CS is connected to the output electrode of the first pixel switching element T1 .

[0076] A first electrode of the light emitting element EE is connected to an output electrode of the second pixel switching element T2. A second power supply voltage ELVSS is applied to a second electrode of the light emitting element EE.

[0077] The first electrode of the light emitting element EE may be an anode electrode, and the second electrode of the light emitting element EE may be a cathode electrode.

[0078] The pixel P receives a gate signal, a data signal, a first power voltage ELVDD, and a second power voltage ELVSS, and the light emitting element EE emits light at a brightness corresponding to the data signal to display an image.

[0079] Figure 3 Pictured Figure 1 The power supply voltage generator 600 is configured as follows.

[0080] refer to Figures 1 to 3 , the power voltage generator 600 may include a first DC-DC converter 610 and a second DC-DC converter 620 .

[0081] The power voltage generator 600 may include a first DC-DC converter 610 that generates a first power voltage ELVDD based on an input voltage VIN and a second DC-DC converter 620 that generates a second power voltage ELVSS based on the input voltage VIN.

[0082] For example, the first DC-DC converter 610 may be a boost converter.For example, the second DC-DC converter 620 may be an inverting buck-boost converter.

[0083] Figure 4 Pictured Figure 1 The connection between the power supply voltage generator 600 and the display panel 100 is shown. Figure 5 Pictured Figure 1 part of the power supply voltage generator 600 . Figure 6 Pictured Figure 1 The input signal and output signal of the power supply voltage generator 600 are shown in FIG.

[0084] refer to Figures 1 to 6 , the power voltage generator 600 further includes a first sensor 630 connected to the first DC-DC converter 610 , a second sensor 640 connected to the second DC-DC converter 620 , a comparator 650 , and a shutdown controller 670 .

[0085] The first sensor 630 senses a first power supply voltage output node that outputs a first power supply voltage ELVDD. For example, the first sensor 630 may include a first sensing resistor RS1. A current IPEL flowing through the first power supply voltage output node may be converted to a first sensing voltage VPEL via the first sensing resistor RS1. The first sensor 630 may be referred to as an ELVDD current sensor. In alternative embodiments, the first sensor 630 may be an inductive sensor.

[0086] The second sensor 640 senses the second power supply voltage output node that outputs the second power supply voltage ELVSS. For example, the second sensor 640 may include a second sensing resistor RS2. The current INEL flowing through the second power supply voltage output node may be converted to the second sensing voltage VNEL via the second sensing resistor RS2. The second sensor 640 may be referred to as an ELVSS current sensor. In alternative embodiments, the second sensor 640 may be an inductive sensor.

[0087] A first power supply voltage ELVDD and a second power supply voltage ELVSS are applied to the terminal portion of the light-emitting element EE. The light-emitting element EE is a diode, so that when the power supply voltage generator 600 and the display panel 100 are normally connected to each other during normal operation, the current IPEL flowing through the first power supply voltage output node can be substantially the same as the current INEL flowing through the second power supply voltage output node (IPANEL=IPEL=INEL). The comparator 650 compares the first sensing signal (e.g., the first sensing voltage VPEL) from the first sensor 630 and the second sensing signal (e.g., the second sensing voltage VNEL) from the second sensor 640. Here, IPANEL is the current flowing through the light-emitting element EE of the display panel 100.

[0088] The comparator 650 may receive the first sensing voltage VPEL, the second sensing voltage VNEL, and an output open detection reference voltage OOD_REF (hereinafter referred to as reference voltage OOD_REF), and may output a comparison signal.

[0089] The comparator 650 may compare the difference between the first sensing voltage VPEL and the second sensing voltage VNEL, or the absolute value of the difference, with a reference voltage OOD_REF. The reference voltage OOD_REF may be a value indicating whether the power voltage generator 600 and the display panel 100 are properly connected to each other during normal operation. For example, when the absolute value of the difference between the first sensing voltage VPEL and the second sensing voltage VNEL is greater than the reference voltage OOD_REF, this means that the power voltage generator 600 and the display panel 100 are not properly connected. Conversely, when the absolute value of the difference between the first sensing voltage VPEL and the second sensing voltage VNEL is equal to or less than the reference voltage OOD_REF, this means that the power voltage generator 600 and the display panel 100 are properly connected. For example, when the absolute value of the difference between the first sensing voltage VPEL and the second sensing voltage VNEL is greater than the reference voltage OOD_REF, the comparator 650 may output a comparison signal having an active level. In contrast, when the absolute value of the difference between the first sensing voltage VPEL and the second sensing voltage VNEL is equal to or less than the reference voltage OOD_REF, the comparator 650 may output a comparison signal having an inactivated level.

[0090] The power voltage generator 600 may further include a counter 660 that counts a period during which the absolute value of the difference between the first sensing voltage VPEL and the second sensing voltage VNEL is greater than the reference voltage OOD_REF.

[0091] The shutdown controller 670 shuts down the power voltage generator 600 based on the comparison signal of the comparator 650. For example, when the absolute value of the difference between the first sensing voltage VPEL and the second sensing voltage VNEL is greater than the reference voltage OOD_REF or the excessive time period is greater than the reference time period TO, the shutdown controller 670 may shut down the power voltage generator 600.

[0092] When the excessive difference between the first sensing voltage VPEL and the second sensing voltage VNEL is generated or transiently changes within a time period less than the reference time period T0, the shutdown controller 670 does not need to shut down the power voltage generator 600. When the excessive difference between the first sensing voltage VPEL and the second sensing voltage VNEL is maintained for at least the reference time period T0, the shutdown controller 670 may shut down the power voltage generator 600.

[0093] exist Figure 6 In the embodiment, when the first power voltage ELVDD and the second power voltage ELVSS have normal levels, the power voltage generator 600 may operate normally.

[0094] At a first time point TM1, an open circuit may occur at the second power supply voltage output node or at the connection portion between the second power supply voltage output node and the display panel 100. Then, the level of current INEL flowing through the second power supply voltage output node decreases, so that a difference between current IPEL flowing through the first power supply voltage output node and current INEL flowing through the second power supply voltage output node may occur. When the difference between the first sensing signal (current IPEL or the first sensing voltage VPEL corresponding to current IPEL) and the second sensing signal (current INEL or the second sensing voltage VNEL corresponding to current INEL) is maintained until a second time point TM2, the period during which the absolute value of the difference between the first sensing signal and the second sensing signal is greater than the reference voltage OOD_REF may exceed the reference period TO. When the absolute value of the difference between the first sensing signal and the second sensing signal is greater than the reference voltage OOD_REF for a period exceeding the reference period TO, the shutdown controller 670 may enable an output open detection (OOD) operation of the shutdown power supply voltage generator 600.

[0095] exist Figure 6 In the embodiment of the present invention, the output open detection (OOD) signal may be a control signal output from the shutdown controller 670 to shut down the power supply voltage generator 600. When the OOD signal has a high level, the power supply voltage generator 600 may be shut down as part of the OOD operation. When the OOD signal has a low level, the power supply voltage generator 600 does not need to be shut down as part of normal operation.

[0096] Figure 7 Illustrated control Figure 1 Method of the power supply voltage generator 600.

[0097] refer to Figures 1 to 7 , the power supply voltage generator 600 may be turned on, and the current may be sensed.

[0098] The method of controlling the power voltage generator 600 may include step S100 of sensing a first power voltage output node outputting a first power voltage ELVDD and a second power voltage output node outputting a second power voltage ELVSS.

[0099] A first sensing voltage VPEL sensed at the first power voltage output node and a second sensing voltage VNEL sensed at the second power voltage output node may be compared within a time period T (step S200 ).

[0100] When the absolute value of the difference between the first sensing voltage VPEL and the second sensing voltage VNEL is greater than the reference voltage OOD_REF (=VD) for a period T greater than the reference period T0, the shutdown controller 670 may activate the OOD signal (step S300) and perform an OOD operation of shutting down the power voltage generator 600 (step S400). Here, VD refers to the reference voltage OOD_REF for the absolute value of the difference between the first sensing voltage VPEL and the second sensing voltage VNEL.

[0101] When the absolute value of the difference between the first sensing voltage VPEL and the second sensing voltage VNEL is equal to or less than the reference voltage OOD_REF (=VD), the first power supply voltage output node and the second power supply voltage output node are monitored (step S100). In addition, when the period during which the absolute value of the difference between the first sensing voltage VPEL and the second sensing voltage VNEL is greater than the reference voltage OOD_REF (=VD) does not remain for more than the reference period TO, the first power supply voltage output node and the second power supply voltage output node are monitored (step S100).

[0102] Figure 8 The diagram shows the Figure 5 A table showing the output open circuit detection reference voltage OOD_REF of the comparator 650 corresponding to the indicated current difference.

[0103] refer to Figures 1 to 8 The reference voltage OOD_REF may represent the difference between the first sensing voltage VPEL and the second sensing voltage VNEL that define an abnormal state. For example, when the reference voltage OOD_REF is a voltage corresponding to a current difference of 20 mA, the comparator 650 may output a comparison signal having an active level when the difference between the first sensing voltage VPEL and the second sensing voltage VNEL exceeds a voltage corresponding to a current of 20 mA, indicating that the actual current is less than 20 mA.

[0104] like Figure 8 As shown in , a plurality of reference voltages OOD_REF may be stored in a register. The register may be included in the power supply voltage generator 600. Alternatively, the register may be provided outside the power supply voltage generator 600. The register may be included in the driving controller 200.

[0105] For example, the first column of the register may include an identification code (CODE). The second column of the register may include a description (DESCRIPTION) corresponding to the identification code (CODE). Here, DESCRIPTION may represent the reference voltage OOD_REF. For example, when the identification code (CODE) is "00000", the reference voltage OOD_REF (DESCRIPTION) may be a voltage corresponding to 20mA. For example, when the identification code (CODE) is "00001", the reference voltage OOD_REF (DESCRIPTION) may be a voltage corresponding to 40mA. For example, when the identification code (CODE) is "00010", the reference voltage OOD_REF (DESCRIPTION) may be a voltage corresponding to 60mA. In this way, Figure 8 The register in can store the voltage corresponding to 20mA to 700mA as the reference voltage OOD_REF(DESCRIPTION).

[0106] The plurality of reference voltages OOD_REF (e.g., voltages corresponding to 20 mA to 700 mA) stored in the register may be determined according to a state (e.g., size, pixel structure, or driving method) of the display panel 100 connected to the power supply voltage generator 600. An appropriate one of the plurality of reference voltages OOD_REF (e.g., voltages corresponding to 20 mA to 700 mA) stored in the register may be selected according to a state (e.g., size, pixel structure, or driving method) of the display panel 100 connected to the power supply voltage generator 600.

[0107] According to this exemplary embodiment, when an open circuit occurs at the output terminal of the power supply voltage generator 600 or at a pin connecting the display panel 100 and the power supply voltage generator 600, the difference between the first sensing voltage VPEL and the second sensing voltage VNEL can be used to sense the open circuit at the output terminal of the power supply voltage generator 600 or at the pin connecting the display panel 100 and the power supply voltage generator 600, thereby shutting down the power supply voltage generator 600. Therefore, the safety and reliability of the power supply voltage generator 600 and the display device including the power supply voltage generator 600 can be controlled. Furthermore, damage to the power supply voltage generator 600 and the display device can be prevented during the manufacturing process, and the manufacturing productivity of the power supply voltage generator 600 and the display device can be controlled.

[0108] Figure 9 Connection between the power voltage generator 600A and the display panel 100 of the display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept is illustrated. Figure 10 Illustrated control Figure 9Method of the power supply voltage generator 600A.

[0109] Except for Figure 4 and / or Figure 7 In addition to the structure of the power supply voltage generator shown or described in FIG, the display device according to the present exemplary embodiment is different from the display device according to the reference Figures 1 to 8 The display devices of the previously described exemplary embodiments are substantially the same. Therefore, the same reference numerals may be used to refer to the same display devices as those of the previously described exemplary embodiments. Figures 1 to 8 The same or similar parts as those described in the previous exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described, and any repeated explanation on the above elements may be omitted.

[0110] refer to Figures 1 to 3 、 Figure 9 and Figure 10 The display device includes a display panel 100 and a display panel driver. The display panel driver includes a driving controller 200, a gate driver 300, a gamma reference voltage generator 400, and a data driver 500. The display panel driver further includes a power supply voltage generator 600A.

[0111] like Figure 9 As shown in FIG, the power supply voltage generator 600A includes a first DC-DC converter 610, a first sensor 630, a second DC-DC converter 620, a second sensor 640, a comparator 650, a counter 660, a shutdown controller 670, and an output open detection (OOD) enable determiner 680.

[0112] The comparator 650 may receive the first sensing voltage VPEL, the second sensing voltage VNEL, and the reference voltage OOD_REF, and may output a comparison signal.

[0113] The counter 660 may count a period during which the absolute value of the difference between the first sensing voltage VPEL and the second sensing voltage VNEL is greater than the reference voltage OOD_REF.

[0114] In addition, the power voltage generator 600A may further include an output open detection (OOD) enable determiner 680 that sets activation of the power-off function.

[0115] In this exemplary embodiment, when the absolute value of the difference between the first sensing voltage VPEL and the second sensing voltage VNEL is greater than the reference voltage OOD_REF for a time period T greater than the reference time period TO and the power-off function is activated, the shutdown controller 670 can shut down the power voltage generator 600A.

[0116] like Figure 10 As shown in the control Figure 9The method of the power supply voltage generator 600A may include step S100 of sensing a first power supply voltage output node outputting a first power supply voltage ELVDD and a second power supply voltage output node outputting a second power supply voltage ELVSS.

[0117] A first sensing voltage VPEL sensed at the first power voltage output node and a second sensing voltage VNEL sensed at the second power voltage output node may be compared within a time period T (step S200 ).

[0118] Additionally, activation of the power-off function may be determined (step S250 ).

[0119] When the absolute value of the difference between the first sensing voltage VPEL and the second sensing voltage VNEL is greater than the reference voltage OOD_REF (=VD) for a time period T greater than the reference time period TO and the power-off function is activated, the shutdown controller 670 can activate the OOD signal (step S300) and can perform the OOD operation of shutting down the power voltage generator 600A.

[0120] When the absolute value of the difference between the first sensing voltage VPEL and the second sensing voltage VNEL is equal to or less than the reference voltage OOD_REF (=VD), the first and second power supply voltage output nodes are monitored (step S100). Alternatively, if the absolute value of the difference between the first sensing voltage VPEL and the second sensing voltage VNEL is greater than the reference voltage OOD_REF (=VD) for a period T that does not last longer than the reference period TO, the first and second power supply voltage output nodes are monitored (step S100). Alternatively, if the power-off function is disabled, the first and second power supply voltage output nodes may be monitored (step S100).

[0121] According to this exemplary embodiment, when an open circuit occurs at the output terminal of the power supply voltage generator 600A or at a pin connecting the display panel 100 and the power supply voltage generator 600A, the difference between the first sensing voltage VPEL and the second sensing voltage VNEL can be used to sense the open circuit at the output terminal of the power supply voltage generator 600A or at the pin connecting the display panel 100 and the power supply voltage generator 600A, thereby enabling the power supply voltage generator 600A to be shut down. Therefore, the safety and reliability of the power supply voltage generator 600A and the display device including the power supply voltage generator 600A can be controlled. Furthermore, damage to the power supply voltage generator 600A and / or the display device can be prevented during the manufacturing process, thereby enabling the manufacturing productivity of the power supply voltage generator 600A and / or the display device to be controlled.

[0122] According to the inventive concept as described above, the safety and reliability of a display device can be controlled, and the productivity of the display device can be controlled.

[0123] The foregoing is illustrative of the inventive concept and should not be construed as limiting the inventive concept. Although some exemplary embodiments of the inventive concept have been described, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications in the exemplary embodiments are possible without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the inventive concept. Therefore, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the inventive concept as defined in the claims. In the claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover structures described herein as performing the recited functions, and not just structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures. Therefore, it should be understood that the foregoing is illustrative of the inventive concept and should not be construed 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. The inventive concept is defined by the appended claims, and equivalents of the claims are included in the inventive concept.

Claims

1. A power supply voltage generator, comprising: a first sensor connected to a first power supply voltage output node; a second sensor connected to the second power supply voltage output node; a comparator having a non-inverting input connected to the first sensor, an inverting input connected to the second sensor, an inverting input receiving a reference voltage, and an output; as well as Shutdown controller, connected to the output of the comparator.

2. The power supply voltage generator according to claim 1, in, The first sensor includes a first sensing resistor, and The current flowing through the first power supply voltage output node is converted into a first sensing voltage through the first sensing resistor.

3. The power supply voltage generator according to claim 2, in, The second sensor includes a second sensing resistor, and The current flowing through the second power supply voltage output node is converted into a second sensing voltage through the second sensing resistor.

4. The power supply voltage generator according to claim 3, wherein: The comparator is configured to receive the first sensing voltage from the first sensor, the second sensing voltage from the second sensor, and the reference voltage, and is configured to output a comparison signal.

5. The power supply voltage generator according to claim 4, wherein: The comparator is configured to compare an absolute value of a difference between the first sensing voltage and the second sensing voltage with the reference voltage.

6. The power supply voltage generator according to claim 5, further comprising: A counter is configured to count a time period during which the absolute value of the difference between the first sensing voltage and the second sensing voltage is greater than the reference voltage.

7. The power supply voltage generator according to claim 6, wherein: When the time period is greater than a reference time period, the shutdown controller is configured to shut down the power voltage generator.

8. The power supply voltage generator according to claim 7, further comprising: Output open detection enable determiner, configured to set activation of the power shut-down function, Wherein, when the time period is greater than the reference time period and the power-off function is activated, the shutdown controller is configured to shut down the power voltage generator.

9. The power supply voltage generator according to claim 4, wherein: The reference voltage is a selected one of a plurality of reference voltages stored in a register.

10. The power supply voltage generator according to claim 1, further comprising: a boost converter connected to the first supply voltage output node and configured to generate a first supply voltage based on an input voltage; as well as An inverting buck-boost converter is connected to the second supply voltage output node and is configured to generate a second supply voltage based on the input voltage.

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