Electronic device

Abstract

An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a display panel configured to display an image, an input sensor including a transmission electrode located on the display panel and a reception electrode crossing the transmission electrode insulatively, and a sensor controller configured to operate in a first mode or a second mode different from the first mode, wherein, in the first mode, the sensor controller is configured to transmit an uplink signal to an input device through the input sensor and receive a downlink signal from the input device through the input sensor, wherein an input sensing frame in which the sensor controller operates in the first mode includes an uplink period within which the uplink signal is provided to the input sensor, and the sensor controller is configured not to apply the uplink signal to at least a part of the transmission electrode during the uplink period.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Aspects of some embodiments of the disclosure herein relate to an electronic device. BACKGROUND

[0002] Multimedia electronic devices such as televisions, mobile phones, tablet computers, navigators, game consoles, etc. include a display device for displaying images. In addition to a common input mechanism such as a button, a keyboard, a mouse, etc., such an electronic device can include an input sensor capable of providing a touch-based input mechanism that allows a user to input information or commands relatively easily, intuitively, and conveniently.

[0003] An input sensor can sense a touch or a pressure with a user's body. For a user familiar with inputting information using a writing tool or a specific application (e.g., an application for sketching or drawing), the need for fine touch input using an electronic pen is increasing.

[0004] Accordingly, an input sensor employed by an electronic device can be used to sense various inputs such as electronic pen input and input through a touch or a pressure of a user's body.

[0005] The above-described information disclosed in this BACKGROUND section is only for enhancing the understanding of the background and therefore it can not necessarily constitute prior art. SUMMARY

[0006] Aspects of some embodiments of the disclosure herein relate to an electronic device, for example, to an electronic device having a relatively improved display quality.

[0007] Aspects of some embodiments of the disclosure provide an electronic device capable of preventing or reducing degradation of display quality when sensing an input.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the inventive concept, an electronic device includes a display panel configured to display an image, an input sensor including a transmission electrode located on the display panel and a reception electrode crossing the transmission electrode insulatively, and a sensor controller configured to operate in a first mode or a second mode different from the first mode. In the first mode, the sensor controller transmits an uplink signal to an input device through the input sensor and receives a downlink signal from the input device through the input sensor.

[0009] According to some embodiments, an input sensing frame in which the sensor controller operates in the first mode includes an uplink period in which the uplink signal is provided to the input sensor, and the sensor controller does not apply the uplink signal to at least a portion of the transmission electrode during the uplink period.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the inventive concept, an electronic device includes a display panel configured to display an image during a display frame; an input sensor including a transmission electrode located on the display panel and a reception electrode crossing the transmission electrode insulatively; and a sensor controller configured to operate in a first mode or a second mode different from the first mode. In the first mode, the sensor controller transmits an uplink signal to an input device through the input sensor and receives a downlink signal from the input device through the input sensor.

[0011] According to some embodiments, an input sensing frame in which the sensor controller operates in the first mode includes an uplink period within which the uplink signal is provided to the input sensor. A starting time point of the uplink period during k input sensing frames is shifted or delayed from a starting time point of the display frame in units of one input sensing frame.

[0012] According to some embodiments, during the uplink period, the sensor controller does not apply the uplink signal to at least a portion of the transmission electrodes. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0013] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the inventive concept and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate aspects of some example embodiments of the inventive concept and together with the description serve to explain aspects of some embodiments of the inventive concept. In the drawings:

[0014] Figure 1 and Figure 2 are perspective views of an electronic device and an input device according to some embodiments of the inventive concept;

[0015] Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an electronic device and an input device according to some embodiments of the inventive concept;

[0016] Figure 4A and Figure 4B are cross-sectional views of an electronic device according to some embodiments of the inventive concept;

[0017] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a display module according to some embodiments of the inventive concept;

[0018] Figure 6 is a block diagram of a display panel and a panel driver according to some embodiments of the inventive concept;

[0019] Figure 7A is a conceptual diagram illustrating operations of a first mode and a second mode according to some embodiments of the inventive concept;

[0020] Figure 7Bis a block diagram of an input sensor and a sensor controller according to some embodiments of the inventive concept;

[0021] Figure 8 is a plan view of an input sensor according to some embodiments of the inventive concept;

[0022] Figure 9A and Figure 9B is a waveform diagram for illustrating an operation in a first mode of a sensor controller according to some embodiments of the inventive concept;

[0023] Figure 10A and Figure 10B is a waveform diagram of an uplink signal applied to a transmission electrode in an uplink portion of an input sensing frame according to some embodiments of the inventive concept;

[0024] Figures 11A-11D is a plan view for illustrating a shift operation of a sensor controller according to some embodiments of the inventive concept;

[0025] Figure 12 is a waveform diagram of an uplink signal applied to a transmission electrode in an uplink portion of an input sensing frame according to some embodiments of the inventive concept; and

[0026] Figures 13A-13D is a plan view for illustrating a shift operation of a sensor controller according to some embodiments of the inventive concept. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] In this specification, it will also be understood that when an element (or components) is referred to as being "on" another element, "connected to" another element, or "coupled to" another element, it can be directly on, connected, or coupled to the other element, or intervening third elements can also be present.

[0028] The same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to represent the same elements. In addition, the thickness, ratio, and size of components in the drawings are exaggerated for clarity.

[0029] The term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0030] It will be understood that, although the terms "first" and "second" are used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. The terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element in another embodiment without departing from the scope of the claims. The singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0031] Also, "under", "below", "above", "on" and the like are used to illustrate the relative positioning of components shown in the drawings. The terms can be relative concepts and described based on the directions expressed in the drawings.

[0032] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this inventive concept belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0033] The meaning of "include" or "comprise" indicates the existence of a property, a fixed number, a step, an operation, an element, a component, or a combination thereof, but does not exclude other properties, fixed numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof.

[0034] Hereinafter, aspects of some embodiments of the inventive concept will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0035] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an electronic device and an input device according to some embodiments of the inventive concept.

[0036] Referring to Figure 1 The electronic device 1000 can be a device activated according to an electrical signal. For example, the electronic device 1000 can be a mobile phone, a tablet PC, a car navigation system, a game console, or a wearable device, but is not particularly limited thereto according to embodiments of the disclosure, and can include any other suitable type of electronic device. Figure 1 An example in which the electronic device 1000 is provided as a mobile phone is shown.

[0037] An active area AA1 and a non-active area NAA1 can be defined on the electronic device 1000. The electronic device 1000 can display an image at the active area AA1. The active area AA1 can include a surface (e.g., a display surface or a main display surface) defined by or parallel to a plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. The non-active area NAA1 can surround the active area AA1. Thus, the non-active area NAA1 can be in a periphery of the active area AA1 or outside a footprint of the active area AA1.

[0038] A thickness direction of the electronic device 1000 can be parallel to a third direction DR3 that crosses the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. Accordingly, a front surface (or a top surface) and a rear surface (or a bottom surface) of each component constituting the electronic device 1000 can be defined based on the third direction DR3.

[0039] Figure 1 The electronic device 1000 illustrated in FIG. 1 can sense an input through a user's touch and an input through an input device 2000. The input device 2000 can refer to a device other than a user's body. The input through the input device 2000 can be referred to as a first input. For example, the input device 2000 can be an active pen, a handwriting pen, a touch pen, or an electronic pen. The input through the user can be referred to as a second input. The second input can include various types of external inputs such as a part of a user's body, light, heat, or pressure.

[0040] The electronic device 1000 and the input device 2000 can perform bidirectional communication. The electronic device 1000 can provide an uplink signal to the input device 2000. For example, the uplink signal can include a synchronization signal or information of the electronic device 1000, but is not particularly limited thereto according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The input device 2000 can provide a downlink signal to the electronic device 1000. The downlink signal can include a synchronization signal or state information of the input device 2000. For example, the downlink signal can include position information of the input device 2000, battery information of the input device 2000, inclination information of the input device 2000, and / or various information stored in the input device 2000, but is not particularly limited thereto according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The uplink signal and the downlink signal will be described in greater detail later.

[0041] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an electronic device and an input device according to some embodiments of the inventive concept. In describing Figure 2 the same reference numerals are used to refer to the same components through Figure 1 the components described, and a description thereof will be omitted.

[0042] Referring to Figure 2 , the electronic device 1001 can display an image at the active area AA2. Figure 2 A state in which the electronic device 1001 is folded at an angle (e.g., a set or predetermined angle) is illustrated. In a state in which the electronic device 1001 is unfolded, the active area AA2 can include a plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2.

[0043] The active area AA2 can include a first area AA2_1, a second area AA2_2, and a third area AA2_3. The first area AA2_1, the second area AA2_2, and the third area AA2_3 can be sequentially defined in the first direction DR1. The second area AA2_2 can be bent with respect to a folding axis FX extending in the second direction DR2. Accordingly, the first area AA2_1 and the third area AA2_3 can be referred to as non-folding areas, and the second area AA2_2 can be referred to as a folding area.

[0044] When the electronic device 1001 is folded, the first area AA2_1 and the third area AA2_3 can face each other. Accordingly, in a fully folded state, the active area AA2 can not be exposed to the outside, which can be referred to as inward folding. However, this is merely an example, and the folding operation of the electronic device 1001 is not limited thereto.

[0045] For example, according to some embodiments of the inventive concept, the electronic device 1001 can be folded such that the first area AA2_1 and the third area AA2_3 face each other. In this case, the active area AA2 can be exposed to the outside, which can be referred to as outward folding.

[0046] The electronic device 1001 can perform only one operation of inward folding and outward folding. Alternatively, the electronic device 1001 can perform all operations of inward folding and outward folding. In this case, the second area AA2_2 of the electronic device 1001 can be inward folded and outward folded.

[0047] Figure 2 One folding area and two non-folding areas are shown as an example, but the number of folding areas and non-folding areas is not limited thereto. For example, the electronic device 1001 can include two or more folding areas, i.e., a plurality of non-folding areas and a plurality of folding areas located between the non-folding areas adjacent to each other.

[0048] As an example, Figure 2 The folding axis FX is shown as extending in the second direction DR2, but embodiments according to the inventive concept are not limited thereto. For example, the folding axis FX can extend in a direction parallel to the first direction DR1. In this case, the first area AA2_1, the second area AA2_2, and the third area AA2_3 can be sequentially arranged along the second direction DR2.

[0049] The effective area AA2 can be overlaid with at least one electronic module. For example, the electronic module can include a camera module and a proximity illuminance sensor. The electronic module can receive an external input transmitted through the effective area AA2, or can provide an output through the effective area AA2. A portion of the effective area AA2 overlaid with the camera module and the proximity illuminance sensor can have a transmittance greater than that of other portions of the effective area AA2. Accordingly, an area on which the electronic module is positioned can not be disposed to a peripheral area NAA2 around the effective area AA2. As a result, an area ratio of the effective area AA2 to a front surface of the electronic device 1001 can be increased.

[0050] The electronic device 1001 and the input device 2000 can bi-directionally communicate with each other. The electronic device 1001 can provide an uplink signal to the input device 2000. The input device 2000 can provide a downlink signal to the electronic device 1001. The electronic device 1001 can sense a position of the input device 2000 by using a signal provided from the input device 2000.

[0051] Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an electronic device and an input device according to some embodiments of the inventive concept.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 1, Figure 3 The electronic device 1000 can include a display panel 100, an input sensor 200, a panel driver 100C, a sensor controller 200C, and a main controller 1000C.

[0053] The display panel 100 can be configured to substantially produce an image. The display panel 100 can be an emissive display layer. For example, the display panel 100 can be an organic light emitting display panel, a quantum dot display panel, a micro LED display panel, or a nano LED display panel.

[0054] The input sensor 200 can be located on the display panel 100. The input sensor 200 can sense an external input applied from the outside. The input sensor 200 can sense a first input through the input device 2000 and a second input through the user's body 3000.

[0055] The main controller 1000C can control overall operations of the electronic device 1000. For example, the main controller 1000C can control operations of the panel driver 100C and the sensor controller 200C. The main controller 1000C can include at least one microprocessor, and the main controller 1000C can be referred to as a host.

[0056] The panel driver 100C can control the operation of the display panel 100. The main controller 1000C can further include a graphic controller. The panel driver 100C can receive image data RGB and a control signal D-CS from the main controller 1000C. The control signal D-CS can include various signals. For example, the control signal D-CS can include a vertical synchronization signal, a horizontal synchronization signal, a main clock, and a data enable signal. The panel driver 100C can generate a vertical start signal and a horizontal start signal for controlling the timing of providing a signal to the display panel 100 based on the control signal D-CS.

[0057] The sensor controller 200C can control the input sensor 200. The sensor controller 200C can receive a sensing control signal I-CS from the main controller 1000C. The sensing control signal I-CS can include a mode determination signal for determining a driving mode of the sensor controller 200C and a clock signal. The sensor controller 200C can operate in a first mode in which a first input through the input device 2000 is sensed and / or a second mode in which a second input through the user's body 3000 is sensed based on the sensing control signal I-CS. The sensor controller 200C can control the input sensor 200 in the first mode or the second mode which will be described later based on the mode determination signal.

[0058] The sensor controller 200C can calculate coordinate information of the first input or the second input based on a signal received from the input sensor 200, and provide a coordinate signal I-SS having the coordinate information to the main controller 1000C. The main controller 1000C performs an operation corresponding to a user input based on the coordinate signal I-SS. For example, the main controller 1000C can allow the panel driver 100C to operate so that a new application image is displayed on the display panel 100 based on the coordinate signal I-SS.

[0059] The input device 2000 can include a housing 2100, a power supply 2200, a pen controller 2300, a communication module 2400, and a pen electrode 2500. However, components constituting the input device 2000 are not limited to the above-listed components. For example, the input device 2000 can further include an electrode switch for switching to a signal transmission mode or a signal reception mode, a pressure sensor for sensing a pressure, a memory for storing information (e.g., setting or predetermined information), a rotation sensor for sensing a rotation, etc.

[0060] The housing 2100 can have a pen shape, and can define an accommodation space in the housing 2100. The power supply 2200, the pen controller 2300, the communication module 2400, and the pen electrode 2500 can be accommodated in the accommodation space defined inside the housing 2100.

[0061] The power supply 2200 can supply power to the pen controller 2300 and the communication module 2400 inside the input device 2000. The power supply 2200 can include a battery or a high-capacity capacitor.

[0062] The pen controller 2300 can control the operation of the input device 2000. The pen controller 2300 can be an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The pen controller 2300 can be configured to operate according to a designed program.

[0063] The communication module 2400 can include a transmission circuit 2410 and a reception circuit 2420. The transmission circuit 2410 can output a downlink signal DLS to the input sensor 200. The reception circuit 2420 can receive an uplink signal ULS provided from the input sensor 200. The transmission circuit 2410 can receive a signal provided from the pen controller 2300 to modulate the signal as a signal that can be sensed by the input sensor 200, and the reception circuit 2420 can modulate a signal provided from the input sensor 200 as a signal that can be processed by the pen controller 2300.

[0064] The pen electrode 2500 can be electrically connected to the communication module 2400. A portion of the pen electrode 2500 can protrude from the housing 2100. Alternatively, the input device 2000 can further include a cover housing that covers the pen electrode 2500 exposed from the housing 2100. Alternatively, the pen electrode 2500 can be embedded in the housing 2100.

[0065] Figure 4A is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device according to some embodiments of the inventive concept.

[0066] Referring to Figure 4A , the electronic device 1000 can include a display panel 100 and an input sensor 200. The display panel 100 can include a base layer 110, a circuit layer 120, a light emitting element layer 130, and an encapsulation layer 140.

[0067] The base layer 110 can be a member that provides a base surface on which the circuit layer 120 is positioned. The base layer 110 can be a glass substrate, a metal substrate, or a polymer substrate. However, embodiments of the inventive concept are not limited thereto. For example, the base layer 110 can be an inorganic layer, an organic layer, or a composite layer.

[0068] The base layer 110 can have a multi-layer structure. For example, the base layer 110 includes a first synthetic resin layer, a silicon oxide (SiO x ) layer positioned on the first synthetic resin layer, an amorphous silicon (a-Si) layer positioned on the silicon oxide layer, and a second synthetic resin layer positioned on the amorphous silicon layer. The silicon oxide layer and the amorphous silicon layer can be referred to as a base barrier layer.

[0069] Each of the first synthetic resin layer and the second synthetic resin layer can include a polyimide-based resin. In addition, each of the first synthetic resin layer and the second synthetic resin layer can include at least one of an acrylate-based resin, a methacrylate-based resin, a polyisoprene-based resin, a vinyl-based resin, an epoxy-based resin, a urethane-based resin, a cellulose-based resin, a siloxane-based resin, a polyamide-based resin, and a perylene-based resin.

[0070] The circuit layer 120 can be located on the base layer 110. The circuit layer 120 can include an insulating layer, a semiconductor pattern, a conductive pattern, and a signal line. The insulating layer, the semiconductor layer, and the conductive layer can be formed on the base layer 110 in a manner such as coating or vapor deposition, and then can be selectively patterned through a plurality of photolithography processes. Thereafter, the semiconductor pattern, the conductive pattern, and the signal line included in the circuit layer 120 can be provided.

[0071] The light emitting element layer 130 can be located on the circuit layer 120. The light emitting element layer 130 can include a light emitting element. For example, the light emitting element layer 130 can include an organic light emitting material, a quantum dot, a quantum rod, a micro-LED, or a nano-LED.

[0072] The encapsulation layer 140 can be located on the light emitting element layer 130. The encapsulation layer 140 can protect the display element layer 130 from foreign substances such as moisture, oxygen, and dust particles.

[0073] The input sensor 200 can be located on the display panel 100 through a continuous process. In this case, the input sensor 200 can be denoted as being directly disposed on the display panel 100. Directly disposed can mean that a third component is not located between the input sensor 200 and the display panel 100. That is, a separate adhesive member can not be located between the input sensor 200 and the display panel 100. Alternatively, the input sensor 200 can be bonded to the display panel 100 through an adhesive member. The adhesive member can include a general adhesive or an adhesive agent.

[0074] Figure 4B is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device according to some embodiments of the inventive concept.

[0075] Referring to Figure 4B , the electronic device 1002 can include a display panel 101 and an input sensor 201. The display panel 101 can include a base substrate 111, a circuit layer 121, a light emitting element layer 131, an encapsulation substrate 141, and a bonding member 151.

[0076] Each of the base substrate 111 and the encapsulation substrate 141 can be a glass substrate, a metal substrate, or a polymer substrate, but is not particularly limited thereto.

[0077] The bonding member 151 can be located between the base substrate 111 and the encapsulation substrate 141. The bonding member 151 can bond the encapsulation substrate 141 to the base substrate 111 or the circuit layer 121. The bonding member 151 can include an inorganic material or an organic material. For example, the inorganic material can include a glass frit seal, and the organic material can include a photocurable resin or a photoplastic resin. However, the material forming the bonding member 151 is not limited to the above-described examples.

[0078] The input sensor 201 can be directly disposed on the encapsulation substrate 141. Directly disposed can mean that a third component is not located between the input sensor 201 and the encapsulation substrate 141. That is, a separate adhesive member can not be located between the input sensor 201 and the display panel 101. However, embodiments of the inventive concept are not limited thereto. For example, an adhesive layer can be further located between the input sensor 201 and the encapsulation substrate 141.

[0079] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a display module according to some embodiments of the inventive concept; in Figure 5 In the description in Figure 4A , the same reference numerals are used for components described in , and a description thereof is omitted.

[0080] Figure 5 Referring to Figure 5 , at least one inorganic layer can be located on a top surface of the base layer 110. The inorganic layer can include at least one of aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, silicon oxide, silicon oxynitride, zirconium oxide, and hafnium oxide. The inorganic layer can be provided as a plurality of layers. The inorganic layer of the plurality of layers can constitute a barrier layer and / or a buffer layer. In , the display panel 100 is illustrated as including a buffer layer BFL, but embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0081] The buffer layer BFL can improve a bonding force between the base layer 110 and the semiconductor pattern. The buffer layer BFL can include a silicon oxide layer and a silicon nitride layer, and the silicon oxide layer and the silicon nitride layer can be alternately laminated.

[0082] The semiconductor pattern can be located on the buffer layer BFL. The semiconductor pattern can include polysilicon. However, embodiments of the inventive concept are not limited thereto. For example, according to some embodiments, the semiconductor pattern can include amorphous silicon, low-temperature polysilicon, or an oxide semiconductor.

[0083] Figure 5Only a portion of the semiconductor pattern is shown. For example, the semiconductor pattern can also be located in other regions. The semiconductor pattern can be spread throughout the pixel arrangement in a certain rule. The semiconductor pattern has different electrical properties depending on whether it is doped or not. The semiconductor pattern can include a first region having high conductivity and a second region having low conductivity. The first region can be doped with an N-type dopant or a P-type dopant. A P-type transistor can include a doped region doped with a P-type dopant, and an N-type transistor can include a doped region doped with an N-type dopant. The second region can be an undoped region, or can be doped at a lower concentration than that of the first region.

[0084] The first region can have greater conductivity than that of the second region, and can substantially function as an electrode or a signal line. The second region can substantially correspond to an active region (or a channel) of a transistor. That is, a portion of the semiconductor pattern can be an active region of a transistor, another portion can be a source region or a drain region of a transistor, and still another portion can be a connection electrode or a connection signal line.

[0085] Each pixel can have an equivalent circuit including seven transistors, one capacitor, and a light emitting element, and the equivalent circuit diagram of the pixel can be modified in various forms. In Figure 5 In the embodiment, one transistor 100PC and a light emitting element 100PE provided in the pixel are shown as an example, but the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0086] The transistor 100PC can include a source region SC1, an active region A1, a drain region D1, and a gate G1. The source region SC1, the active region A1, and the drain region D1 can be formed of a semiconductor pattern. On a cross section, the source region SC1 and the drain region D1 can extend in opposite directions from the active region A1. Figure 5 A portion of a connection signal line SCL formed of a semiconductor pattern is shown. Although not specifically shown, the connection signal line SCL can be connected to the drain region D1 of the transistor 100PC on a plane.

[0087] A first insulating layer 10 can be located on a buffer layer BFL. The first insulating layer 10 is collectively laminated with a plurality of pixels PX (see Figure 6 ) to cover the semiconductor pattern. The first insulating layer 10 can include an inorganic layer and / or an organic layer, and have a single layer structure or a multi-layer structure. The first insulating layer 10 can include at least one of aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, zirconium oxide, and hafnium oxide. In Figure 5In the embodiment, the first insulating layer 10 can include a single layer of a silicon oxide layer, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. The insulating layer of the circuit layer 120, which will be described in more detail later, can be an inorganic layer and / or an organic layer, and can have a single layer structure or a multi-layer structure, in addition to the first insulating layer 10. The inorganic layer can include at least one of the above-described materials, but the embodiment according to the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0088] The gate G1 is located on the first insulating layer 10. The gate G1 can be a part of a metal pattern. The gate G1 is superposed with the active area A1. In a process in which a semiconductor pattern is doped, the gate G1 can be used as a mask.

[0089] The second insulating layer 20 can be located on the first insulating layer 10 to cover the gate G1. The second insulating layer 20 can be collectively superposed with the pixel. The second insulating layer 20 can be an inorganic layer and / or an organic layer, and have a single layer structure or a multi-layer structure. The second insulating layer 20 can include at least one of a silicon oxide, a silicon nitride, and a silicon oxynitride. According to some embodiments, the second insulating layer 20 can have a multi-layer structure including a silicon oxide layer and a silicon nitride layer.

[0090] The third insulating layer 30 can be located on the second insulating layer 20. The third insulating layer 30 can have a single layer structure or a multi-layer structure. For example, the third insulating layer 30 can have a multi-layer structure including a silicon oxide layer and a silicon nitride layer.

[0091] The first connection electrode CNE1 can be located on the third insulating layer 30. The first connection electrode CNE1 can be connected to the connection signal line SCL through a contact hole CNT1 passing through the first insulating layer 10 to the third insulating layer 30.

[0092] The fourth insulating layer 40 can be located on the third insulating layer 30. The fourth insulating layer 40 can be a single layer of a silicon oxide layer. The fifth insulating layer 50 can be located on the fourth insulating layer 40. The fifth insulating layer 50 can be an organic layer.

[0093] The second connection electrode CNE2 can be located on the fifth insulating layer 50. The second connection electrode CNE2 can be connected to the first connection electrode CNE1 through a contact hole CNT2 passing through the fourth insulating layer 40 and the fifth insulating layer 50.

[0094] The sixth insulating layer 60 can be located on the fifth insulating layer 50 to cover the second connection electrode CNE2. The sixth insulating layer 60 can be an organic layer.

[0095] The light emitting element layer 130 can be located on the circuit layer 120. The light emitting element layer 130 can include light emitting elements 100PE. For example, the light emitting element layer 130 can include an organic light emitting material, a quantum dot, a quantum rod, a micro-LED, or a nano-LED. Hereinafter, the light emitting element 100PE will be described as an example of an organic light emitting element, but is not specifically limited thereto.

[0096] The light emitting element 100PE can include a first electrode AE, an emission layer EL, and a second electrode CE. The first electrode AE can be located on the sixth insulating layer 60. The first electrode AE can be connected to the second connection electrode CNE2 through a contact hole CNT3 passing through the sixth insulating layer 60.

[0097] The pixel defining layer 70 can be located on the sixth insulating layer 60 to cover a portion of the first electrode AE. An opening 70-OP is defined in the pixel defining layer 70. The opening 70-OP of the pixel defining layer 70 exposes at least a portion of the first electrode AE.

[0098] The active area AA1 (see Figure 1 ) can include an emission area PXA and a non-emission area NPXA adjacent to the emission area PXA. The non-emission area NPXA can surround the emission area PXA. According to some embodiments, the emission area PXA can be defined as a portion of an area corresponding to the first electrode AE exposed by the opening 70-OP.

[0099] The emission layer EL can be located on the first electrode AE. The emission layer EL can be located in an area corresponding to the opening 70-OP. That is, the emission layer EL can be arranged to be separate for each pixel. When the emission layer EL is arranged to be separate for each pixel, each emission layer EL can emit light having at least one of blue, red, and green. However, embodiments of the inventive concept are not limited thereto. For example, the emission layer EL can be collectively provided to be connected to a pixel. In this case, the emission layer EL can provide blue light or white light.

[0100] The second electrode CE can be located on the emission layer EL. The second electrode CE can have an integral shape and be collectively arranged on a plurality of pixels.

[0101] According to some embodiments, a hole control layer can be located between the first electrode AE and the emission layer EL. The hole control layer can be collectively arranged in the emission area PXA and the non-emission area NPXA. The hole control layer can include a hole transport layer, and can further include a hole injection layer. An electron control layer can be located between the emission layer EL and the second electrode CE. The electron control layer can include an electron transport layer, and can further include an electron injection layer. The hole control layer and the electron control layer can be collectively formed in a plurality of pixels by using an opening mask.

[0102] The encapsulation layer 140 can be located on the light emitting element layer 130. The encapsulation layer 140 can include inorganic layers, organic layers, and inorganic layers which are sequentially stacked, but the layers constituting the encapsulation layer 140 are not limited thereto.

[0103] The inorganic layer can protect the light emitting element layer 130 from moisture and oxygen, and the organic layer can protect the light emitting element layer 130 from foreign substances such as dust particles. The inorganic layer can include a silicon nitride layer, a silicon oxynitride layer, a silicon oxide layer, a titanium oxide layer, or an aluminum oxide layer. The organic layer can include an acrylic organic layer, but embodiments of the inventive concept are not limited thereto.

[0104] The input sensor 200 can be located on the display panel 100 through a continuous process. In this case, the input sensor 200 can be denoted as being directly located on the display panel 100. Alternatively, the input sensor 200 can be combined to the display panel 100 through an adhesive member. The adhesive member can include a general adhesive or an adhesive agent.

[0105] The input sensor 200 can include a base insulating layer 210, a first conductive layer 220, a sensing insulating layer 230, a second conductive layer 240, and a cover insulating layer 250.

[0106] The base insulating layer 210 can be an inorganic layer including at least one of silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, and silicon oxide. Alternatively, the base insulating layer 210 can be an organic layer including an epoxy resin, an acrylic resin, or an imide resin. The base insulating layer 210 can have a single layer structure or a multi-layer structure in which a plurality of layers are stacked in a third direction DR3.

[0107] Each of the first conductive layer 220 and the second conductive layer 240 can have a single layer structure or a multi-layer structure in which a plurality of layers are stacked in the third direction DR3.

[0108] The conductive layer having the single layer structure can include a metal layer or a transparent conductive layer. The metal layer can include molybdenum, silver, titanium, copper, aluminum, or an alloy thereof. The transparent conductive layer can include a transparent conductive oxide such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), indium zinc tin oxide (IZTO), or the like. In addition, the transparent conductive layer can include a conductive polymer such as PEDOT, a metal nanowire, graphene, or the like.

[0109] The conductive layer having the multi-layer structure can include a metal layer. The metal layer can have a three-layer structure of titanium / aluminum / titanium. The conductive layer having the multi-layer structure can include at least one metal layer and at least one transparent conductive layer.

[0110] At least one of the sensing insulating layer 230 and the cover insulating layer 250 can include an inorganic layer. The inorganic layer can include at least one of aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, zirconium oxide, and hafnium oxide.

[0111] At least one of the sensing insulating layer 230 and the cover insulating layer 250 can include an organic layer. The organic layer can include at least one of an acrylic resin, a methacrylic resin, a polyisoprene resin, a vinyl resin, an epoxy resin, a urethane resin, a cellulose resin, a siloxane resin, a polyimide resin, a polyamide resin, and a perylene resin.

[0112] A parasitic capacitance Cb can occur between the input sensor 200 and the display panel 100. As the distance between the input sensor 200 and the display panel 100 decreases, the value of the parasitic capacitance Cb increases. When the parasitic capacitance Cb increases, flicker can be visually recognized on an image displayed on the display panel 100 at the time of sensing an input. Specifically, when an uplink signal ULS (see Figure 3 ) is transmitted to the input device 2000 (see Figure 3 ) through the input sensor 200, flicker can be visually recognized in an area in which the timing in which the uplink signal ULS is applied and the timing in which a scan signal is applied to the display panel 100 match each other.

[0113] Figure 6 is a block diagram of a display panel and a panel driver according to some embodiments of the inventive concept.

[0114] Referring to Figure 6 , the display panel 100 can include a plurality of scan lines SL1 to SLn, a plurality of data lines DL1 to DLm, and a plurality of pixels PX. Each of the plurality of pixels PX can be connected to a corresponding data line among the plurality of data lines DL1 to DLm, and can be connected to a corresponding scan line among the plurality of scan lines SL1 to SLn. According to some embodiments of the inventive concept, the display panel 100 can further include a light emission control line, but the constitution of the display panel 100 is not particularly limited.

[0115] The panel driver 100C can include a signal control circuit 100C1, a scan driving circuit 100C2, and a data driving circuit 100C3. The panel driver 100C can further include a light emission driving circuit that provides a control signal to the light emission control line.

[0116] The signal control circuit 100C1 can receive image data RGB and a control signal D-CS from a main controller 1000C (see Figure 3 ). The control signal D-CS can include various signals. For example, the control signal D-CS can include a vertical synchronization signal, a horizontal synchronization signal, a main clock, and a data enable signal.

[0117] The signal control circuit 100C1 can generate a first control signal CONT1 based on the control signal D-CS, and output the first control signal CONT1 to the scan driving circuit 100C2. The first control signal CONT1 can include a vertical start signal and a clock signal.

[0118] The signal control circuit 100C1 can generate a second control signal CONT2 based on the control signal D-CS, and output the second control signal CONT2 to the data driving circuit 100C3. The second control signal CONT2 can include a horizontal start signal and an output enable signal.

[0119] Further, the signal control circuit 100C1 can output a data signal DS obtained by processing image data RGB according to an operating condition of the display panel 100 to the data driving circuit 100C3. The first control signal CONT1 and the second control signal CONT2 can be signals required for the operation of the scan driving circuit 100C2 and the data driving circuit 100C3, respectively, and are not particularly limited.

[0120] The scan driving circuit 100C2 can drive the plurality of scan lines SL1 to SLn in response to the first control signal CONT1. The scan driving circuit 100C2 can sequentially apply a scan signal to the plurality of scan lines SL1 to SLn. According to some embodiments of the inventive concept, the scan driving circuit 100C2 can be formed by the same process as the circuit layer 120 (see Figure 5 ) in the display panel 100, but is not limited thereto. For example, the scan driving circuit 100C2 can be implemented as an integrated circuit (IC), and thus be directly mounted in a region (e.g., a set or predetermined region) of the display panel 100, or mounted on a separate printed circuit board in a chip on film (COF) manner to be electrically connected to the display panel 100.

[0121] The data driving circuit 100C3 can output a gray voltage for driving the plurality of data lines DL1 to DLm in response to the second control signal CONT2 and the data signal DS from the signal control circuit 100C1. The data driving circuit 100C3 can be implemented as an integrated circuit, and thus be directly mounted in a region (e.g., a set or predetermined region) of the display panel 100, or mounted on a separate printed circuit board in a chip on film (COF) manner to be electrically connected to the display panel 100, but is not particularly limited thereto. For example, the data driving circuit 100C3 can be formed by the same process as the circuit layer 120 (see Figure 5 ) in the display panel 100.

[0122] Figure 7A is a conceptual diagram illustrating operations of the first mode and the second mode according to some embodiments of the inventive concept.

[0123] Referring to Figure 3 and Figure 7A , the sensor controller 200C can operate in a first mode MD1 in which a first input through the input device 2000 is sensed or a second mode MD2 in which a second input through the user's body 3000 is sensed.

[0124] The first mode MD1 can include a first period PU1 and a second period PS1. The second period PS1 can follow the first period PU1. During the first period PU1, the sensor controller 200C can transmit an uplink signal ULS to the input sensor 200. The first period PU1 can be referred to as an uplink period. During the second period PS1, the sensor controller 200C can receive a downlink signal DLS provided from the input device 2000 through the input sensor 200. The second period PS1 can include a downlink period in which the downlink signal DLS is received. The input sensor 200 can sense the first input of the input device 2000 based on the downlink signal DLS.

[0125] The sensor controller 200C can operate in the second mode MD2 after the first mode MD1 ends. The first mode MD1 and the second mode MD2 can be repeated to each other.

[0126] The second mode MD2 can include a first period PU2 and a second period PS2. The second period PS2 can follow the first period PU2. During the first period PU2, the sensor controller 200C can transmit an uplink signal ULS to the input sensor 200. During the second period PS2, the sensor controller 200C can detect the second input through the user's body 3000.

[0127] The input device 2000 can provide a response signal for the uplink signal ULS to the input sensor 200. When the sensor controller 200C receives the response signal sensed by the input sensor 200 within the first period PU1, the sensor controller 200C can operate within the second period PS1 of the first mode MD1. When the sensor controller 200C does not receive the response signal from the input device 2000 within the first period PU2, the sensor controller 200C can operate within the second period PS2 of the second mode MD2. Accordingly, the sensor controller 200C can periodically monitor whether the input device 2000 exists to easily sense the first input through the input device 2000. However, this is merely an example, and thus, the operation of the sensor controller 200C is not particularly limited.

[0128] Figure 7B is a block diagram of an input sensor and a sensor controller according to some embodiments of the inventive concept.

[0129] Referring to Figure 7B , a sensing area 200A and a non-sensing area 200N can be defined in the input sensor 200. The sensing area 200A can be an area activated according to an electrical signal. For example, the sensing area 200A can be an area that senses an input. The sensing area 200A can be superimposed with an active area AA1 (see Figure 1 ) of the electronic device 1000 (see Figure 1 ). The non-sensing area 200N can surround the sensing area 200A. The non-sensing area 200N can be superimposed with a peripheral area NAA1 (see Figure 1 ) of the electronic device 1000 (see Figure 1 ).

[0130] The input sensor 200 can include a plurality of transmission electrodes TE and a plurality of reception electrodes RE. Each of the plurality of transmission electrodes TE can extend in a first direction DR1, and the plurality of transmission electrodes TE can be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in a second direction DR2. Each of the plurality of reception electrodes RE can extend in the second direction DR2, and the plurality of reception electrodes RE can be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the first direction DR1.

[0131] The plurality of reception electrodes RE can cross the plurality of transmission electrodes TE insulatively. In the disclosure, the term "insulatively cross" refers to elements being superimposed or crossed with each other without being electrically connected to each other when viewed in a certain view or direction (e.g., a plan view or a view perpendicular or normal to a plane (e.g., a display surface or a main display surface)), such that the elements crossed or superimposed with each other are insulated from each other. Each of the plurality of transmission electrodes TE and the plurality of reception electrodes RE can have a bar shape or a stripe shape. When each of the plurality of transmission electrodes TE and the plurality of reception electrodes RE has a bar or stripe shape, the sensing characteristics of a continuous linear input provided by the input device 2000 can be improved. However, the shape of each of the plurality of transmission electrodes TE and the plurality of reception electrodes RE is not limited to a bar or stripe shape.

[0132] The sensor controller 200C can receive a control signal I-CS from the main controller 1000C (see Figure 3 ) and provide a coordinate signal I-SS to the main controller 1000C (see Figure 3 ).

[0133] The sensor controller 200C can include a sensor control circuit 200C1, a signal generation circuit 200C2, an input detection circuit 200C3, and a switching circuit 200C4. The sensor control circuit 200C1, the signal generation circuit 200C2, and the input detection circuit 200C3 can be implemented in a single chip, or some of the sensor control circuit 200C1, the signal generation circuit 200C2, and the input detection circuit 200C3 can be implemented in different chips from the others.

[0134] The sensor control circuit 200C1 can control the operation of the signal generation circuit 200C2 and the switching circuit 200C4, calculate the coordinates of an external input according to a driving signal received from the input detection circuit 200C3, or analyze information transmitted from the input device 2000 (see FIG. 1) according to a modulation signal received from the input detection circuit 200C3. The sensor control circuit 200C1 can define the sensing area 200A of the input sensor 200 as a plurality of areas. Figure 3 ) transmit. The sensor control circuit 200C1 can define the sensing area 200A of the input sensor 200 as a plurality of areas.

[0135] The signal generation circuit 200C2 can provide a transmission signal or an uplink signal ULS to the input sensor 200. The signal generation circuit 200C2 can output the uplink signal ULS to the input sensor 200 in the first mode MD1, and can output the transmission signal to the input sensor 200 in the second mode MD2.

[0136] The input detection circuit 200C3 can receive a reception signal or a downlink signal DLS from the input sensor 200. The input detection circuit 200C3 can filter the received signal or the downlink signal DLS, or convert the signal into a signal that can be processed by the sensor control circuit 200C1, to provide the converted signal to the sensor control circuit 200C1.

[0137] The switching circuit 200C4 can selectively control an electrical connection relationship between the input sensor 200 and the signal generation circuit 200C2 and / or the input detection circuit 200C3 under the control of the sensor control circuit 200C1. The switching circuit 200C4 can connect any one group of the plurality of transmission electrodes TE and the plurality of reception electrodes RE to the signal generation circuit 200C2, or connect each of the plurality of transmission electrodes TE and the plurality of reception electrodes RE to the signal generation circuit 200C2, according to the control of the sensor control circuit 200C1. Alternatively, the switching circuit 200C4 can connect one or all of the plurality of transmission electrodes TE and the plurality of reception electrodes RE to the input detection circuit 200C3.

[0138] Figure 8 is a plan view of an input sensor according to some embodiments of the inventive concept.

[0139] Reference Figure 8 The input sensor 200 includes a substrate insulating layer 210, multiple transmission electrodes TE1 to TE20, multiple receiving electrodes RE1 to RE12, multiple transmission lines TL1 to TL20, and multiple receiving lines RL1 to RL12.

[0140] Multiple transmission electrodes TE1 to TE20 and multiple receiving electrodes RE1 to RE12 can be located in the sensing area 200A. The multiple transmission electrodes TE1 to TE20 extend in a first direction DR1 and are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in a second direction DR2. The multiple transmission electrodes TE1 to TE20 can be along... Figure 6 The scan lines SL1 to SLn shown extend. Each of the plurality of transmit electrodes TE1 to TE20 may have a rod or stripe shape. A plurality of receive electrodes RE1 to RE12 extend in the second direction DR2 and are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the first direction DR1. Each of the plurality of receive electrodes RE1 to RE12 may have a rod or stripe shape. Figure 8 In some embodiments of the inventive concept, a structure is shown in which 20 transmission electrodes TE1 to TE20 and 12 receiving electrodes RE1 to RE12 are located in a sensing region 200A, but the number of transmission electrodes TE1 to TE20 and the number of receiving electrodes RE1 to RE12 are not specifically limited.

[0141] Multiple transmission lines TL1 to TL20 and multiple receiver lines RL1 to RL12 can be located in a non-sensing region 200N. Each of the multiple transmission electrodes TE1 to TE20 can be electrically connected to a corresponding line in the multiple transmission lines TL1 to TL20. Each of the multiple receiver electrodes RE1 to RE12 can be electrically connected to a corresponding line in the multiple receiver lines RL1 to RL12. For example, Figure 8 A single-line structure is shown in which one transmission line is connected to a corresponding one of the transmission electrodes TE1 to TE20 and one receiving line is connected to a corresponding one of the receiving electrodes RE1 to RE12, but the embodiment is not specifically limited to this. For example, a pair of receiving lines can be connected to both ends of a corresponding one of the multiple receiving electrodes RE1 to RE12. Optionally, a pair of transmission lines can be connected to both ends of a corresponding one of the multiple transmission electrodes TE1 to TE20, or a pair of receiving lines can be connected to both ends of a corresponding one of the multiple receiving electrodes RE1 to RE12.

[0142] The plurality of transmission lines TL1 to TL20 and the plurality of reception lines RL1 to RL12 can be electrically connected to the sensor controller 200C. The plurality of transmission electrodes TE1 to TE20 can be electrically connected to the sensor controller 200C through the plurality of transmission lines TL1 to TL20, and the plurality of reception electrodes RE1 to RE12 can be electrically connected to the sensor controller 200C through the plurality of reception lines RL1 to RL12.

[0143] The sensor controller 200C can provide the uplink signal ULS to the plurality of transmission electrodes TE1 to TE20. When the input device 2000 is located at the first position of the input sensor 200, the sensor controller 200C can receive the downlink signal DLS (see Figure 3 ) from the input device 2000 to sense the input device 2000.

[0144] Figure 9A and Figure 9B are waveform diagrams for explaining the operation in the first mode of the sensor controller according to some embodiments of the inventive concept.

[0145] Referring to Figure 3 and Figure 9A , the electronic device 1000 displays an image through the display panel 100. The unit of time in which the display panel 100 displays an image can be referred to as a display frame. When the operation frequency of the display panel 100 is about 60 Hz, 60 display frames DF1 to DFk can be provided within one second, and the time corresponding to each of the display frames DF1 to DFk can be about 16.67 milliseconds (ms). When the operation frequency of the display panel 100 is about 120 Hz, 120 display frames DF1 to DFk can be provided within one second, and the time corresponding to each of the display frames DF1 to DFk can be about 8.3 ms. The operation frequency of the display panel 100 can be determined by a vertical synchronization signal Vsync.

[0146] The sensor controller 200C can sense the first input in the first mode MD1 during a plurality of input sensing frames IF1 to IFk. Each of the input sensing frames IF1 to IFk can include an uplink period ULP in which the uplink signal ULS is transmitted to the input sensor 200 and a downlink period DLP in which the downlink signal DLS is received from the input device 2000. At least a portion IFk of the plurality of input sensing frames IF1 to IFk can not include the downlink period DLP.

[0147] At least a part of the input sensing frames IF1 to IFk can further include a response period AP between the uplink period ULP and the downlink period DLP. During the response period AP, the sensor controller 200C can receive a response signal from the input device 2000 through the input sensor 200. A delay period DEP can further be located between the uplink period ULP and the response period AP.

[0148] The kth input sensing frame IFk can include only the uplink period ULP and the response period AP. Alternatively, the kth input sensing frame IFk can include the uplink period ULP, the response period AP, and the downlink period DLP. The time width of the downlink period DLP of the kth input sensing frame IFk can be smaller than the time width of the downlink period DLP of each of the other input sensing frames IF1 to IF3.

[0149] At least a part of the input sensing frames IF1 to IFk (e.g., the input sensing frames IF1 to IF3) can further include a pause period PP after the downlink period DLP. During the pause period PP, the sensor controller 200C and the input device 2000 can not perform data communication with each other. The pause period PP can be omitted in a part of the input sensing frames IF1 to IFk (e.g., the kth input sensing frame IFk), and the time width of the pause period PP can be different for each of the input sensing frames IF1 to IF3.

[0150] Figure 9A A structure in which one downlink period DLP is provided in the input sensing frames IF1 to IF3 is illustrated, but embodiments of the inventive concept are not limited thereto. For example, each of the input sensing frames IF1 to IF3 can include one or more (e.g., two or three) downlink periods DLP.

[0151] The start time point of the input sensing frames IF2 to IFk among the plurality of input sensing frames IF1 to IFk can be different from the start time point of the corresponding display frames DF2 to DFk. The start time point of the input sensing frames IF2 to IFk can be shifted or delayed from the start time point of the corresponding display frames DF2 to DFk. The time width between the start time point of each of the input sensing frames IF1 to IFk and the start time point of the corresponding one of the display frames DF1 to DFk can vary in units of one input sensing frame.

[0152] The jth input sensing frame among the k input sensing frames IF1 to IFk can be shifted or delayed from the start time point of the corresponding display frame by j-1 times a preset shift period (i.e., a first shift period SP1). Here, j is an integer equal to or smaller than k.

[0153] For example, the start point of the first input sensing frame IF1 can be identical to the start point of the corresponding first display frame DF1. On the other hand, the start point of the second input sensing frame IF2 can be shifted or delayed from the start point of the corresponding second display frame DF2 by a first shift period SP1. Further, the start point of the third input sensing frame IF3 can be shifted or delayed from the start point of the corresponding third display frame DF3 by a second shift period SP2. Here, the time width of the second shift period SP2 can be greater than the time width of the first shift period SP1. As an example of the inventive concept, the second shift period SP2 can have a time width corresponding to twice the time width of the first shift period SP1. The start point of the k-th input sensing frame IFk can be shifted or delayed from the start point of the corresponding k-th display frame DFk by a (k-1)-th shift period SPk-1. Here, the (k-1)-th shift period SPk-1 can have a time width corresponding to k-1 times the time width of the first shift period SP1.

[0154] As an example of the inventive concept, the sensor controller 200C can repeatedly perform the above-described shift operation in units of k input sensing frames. That is, the start point of the (k+1)-th input sensing frame can be identical to the start point of the corresponding (k+1)-th display frame, and the start point of the (k+2)-th input sensing frame can be shifted or delayed from the start point of the corresponding (k+2)-th display frame by the first shift period SP1. As an example of the inventive concept, the first shift period SP1 can have a time width less than or equal to the time width of the uplink period ULP. Here, k can be an integer equal to or greater than 2.

[0155] As an example of the inventive concept, the display panel 100 can be operated at a driving frequency of about 60 Hz, the uplink period ULP can have a time width of about 1 ms, and the shift operation can be repeatedly performed in units of 16 input sensing frames. In this case, the first shift period SP1 can have a time width of about 1 ms, similar to the uplink period ULP.

[0156] Each of the input sensing frames IF1 to IFk can not be superposed with the next display frame. For example, the first input sensing frame IF1 can not be superposed with the second display frame DF2, and the second input sensing frame IF2 can not be superposed with the third display frame DF3. Alternatively, each of the input sensing frames IF1 to IFk can be superposed with the next display frame.

[0157] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 9B, some of the input sensing frames IF1 to IFk (e.g., the input sensing frames IF1 to IF3 and IFk-1) can include an uplink period ULP and a downlink period DLP. Here, the downlink period DLP of some of the input sensing frames IF1 to IFk (e.g., the input sensing frames IF2, IF3, and IFk-1) can be overlapped with the next display frame. For example, the downlink period DLP of the second input sensing frame IF2 is overlapped with the third display frame DF3, and the downlink period DLP of the third input sensing frame IF3 can be overlapped with the fourth display frame. Also, the downlink period DLP of the k-1th input sensing frame IFk-1 can be overlapped with the kth display frame DFk.

[0158] As shown in Figure 9B , although the time width of the downlink period DLP is increased compared to the time width of the downlink period DLP of Figure 9A , when the downlink period DLP is overlapped with the next display frame, the downlink period DLP can be sufficiently secured even if the downlink period DLP is shifted or delayed. Figure 9B In , the time width of the input sensing frames IF1 to IFk-1 can be the same.

[0159] Figure 10A and Figure 10B is a waveform diagram of an uplink signal applied to a transmission electrode in an uplink period of an input sensing frame. Figures 11A-11D is a plan view for explaining a shifting operation of a sensor controller according to some embodiments of the inventive concept.

[0160] Referring to Figure 8 , Figure 9A and Figure 10A , in which the sensing area 200A in which the transmission electrodes TE1 to TE20 are positioned can be divided into k areas. Each area can be overlapped with at least one transmission electrode. During each of the input sensing frames IF1 to IFk, an uplink signal ULS can not be supplied to the transmission electrode corresponding to at least one of the k areas.

[0161] According to some embodiments of the inventive concept, in the sensing area 200A, 20 transmission electrodes TE1 to TE20 can be arranged along the second direction DR2, and the sensing area 200A can be divided into 16 areas SA1 to SA16. Each of the areas SA1 to SA16 can be overlapped with at least two transmission electrodes.

[0162] During the first input sensing frame IF1, the sensor controller 200C may not supply the uplink signal ULS to the transmission electrodes TE1 and TE2 corresponding to the first region SA1 out of the 16 regions SA1 to SA16, but instead supply the uplink signal ULS to the transmission electrodes TE3 to TE20 corresponding to the second region SA2 to the sixteenth region SA16. That is, during the uplink period ULP of the first input sensing frame IF1, the first transmission electrode TE1 and the second transmission electrode TE2, which are superimposed on the first region SA1, may remain blank and not receive the uplink signal ULS. Here, the uplink period ULP of the first input sensing frame IF1 may be related to the scan lines SL1 to SLn located on the display panel 100 (see...). Figure 6 The scan lines corresponding to the first region SA1 in the first input sensing frame IF1 do not receive scan signals during the uplink period ULP. Although the uplink signal ULS is applied to the third transmission electrode TE3 to the twentieth transmission electrode TE20 during the uplink period ULP, the scan lines on the display panel 100 corresponding to the second region SA2 to the sixteenth region SA16 do not receive scan signals during the uplink period ULP. Therefore, the uplink signal ULS applied to the third transmission electrode TE3 to the twentieth transmission electrode TE20 in the first input sensing frame IF1 does not overlap with the scan signals applied to the scan lines spatially corresponding to the third transmission electrode TE3 to the twentieth transmission electrode TE20. Therefore, there is no region in the sensing area 200A where the uplink signal ULS and the scan signal overlap with each other. As a result, the flickering phenomenon that the viewer can visually recognize or perceive due to the interference of the uplink signal ULS can be eliminated or reduced in the electronic device 1000.

[0163] During the second input sensing frame IF2, the sensor controller 200C can not supply the uplink signal ULS to the second transmission electrode TE2 and the third transmission electrode TE3 corresponding to the second area SA2 among the 16 areas SA1 to SA16, but supply the uplink signal ULS to the transmission electrodes TE1 and TE4 to TE20 corresponding to the first area SA1 and the third area SA3 to the sixteenth area SA16. That is, the second transmission electrode TE2 and the third transmission electrode TE3 overlaid with the second area SA2 can remain in a blank state without receiving the uplink signal ULS. Here, the uplink period ULP of the second input sensing frame IF2 can be overlaid with a period in which a scan line located on the display panel 100 corresponding to the second area SA2 receives a scan signal. Although the uplink signal ULS is applied to the first transmission electrode TE1 and the fourth transmission electrode TE4 to the twentieth transmission electrode TE20 during the uplink period ULP, the scan line located on the display panel 100 corresponding to the first area SA1 and the third area SA3 to the sixteenth area SA16 can not receive a scan signal during the uplink period ULP. Accordingly, in the second input sensing frame IF2, the scan signal applied to the scan line spatially corresponding to the first transmission electrode TE1 and the fourth transmission electrode TE4 to the twentieth transmission electrode TE20 can be overlaid without the uplink signal ULS.

[0164] During the third input sensing frame IF3, the third transmission electrode TE3 and the fourth transmission electrode TE4 corresponding to the third area SA3 can remain in a blank state without receiving the uplink signal ULS. Here, the uplink period ULP of the third input sensing frame IF3 can be overlaid with a period in which a scan line located on the display panel 100 corresponding to the third area SA3 receives a scan signal.

[0165] In a case where k is 16, for the k-th input sensing frame IFk, the nineteenth transmission electrode TE19 and the twentieth transmission electrode TE20 corresponding to the sixteenth area SA16 can remain in a blank state without receiving the uplink signal ULS. Here, the uplink period ULP of the k-th input sensing frame IFk can be overlaid with a period in which a scan line located on the display panel 100 corresponding to the sixteenth area SA16 receives a scan signal.

[0166] As described above, in each of the input sensing frames IF1 to IFk, the uplink signal ULS can be removed by superimposing the scan signal. Thus, the area in which the uplink signal ULS is superimposed with the scan signal can be removed from the sensing area 200A to eliminate or reduce the phenomenon in which flicker is visually recognized on the image of the electronic device 1000. Further, in each of the input sensing frames IF1 to IFk, for each of the input sensing frames IF1 to IFk, the transmission electrode that remains in a blank state is shifted in the scan direction (i.e., the second direction DR2). Thus, some embodiments can prevent or reduce the occurrence of the phenomenon in which the uplink signal ULS is not applied to a specific transmission electrode among the transmission electrodes TE1 to TE20 for several frames. Thus, the case in which the input device 2000 cannot be sensed at a specific location of the sensing area 200A can be addressed.

[0167] Referring to Figure 10B and Figures 11A-11D In the sensing area 200A, 20 transmission electrodes TE1 to TE20 can be arranged along the second direction DR2, and the sensing area 200A can be divided into 10 areas SA1 to SA10. Each of the areas SA1 to SA10 can be superimposed with two transmission electrodes.

[0168] As an example, according to some embodiments of the inventive concept, the first area SA1 can be superimposed with the first transmission electrode TE1 and the second transmission electrode TE2, the second area SA2 can be superimposed with the third transmission electrode TE3 and the fourth transmission electrode TE4, and the third area SA3 can be superimposed with the fifth transmission electrode TE5 and the sixth transmission electrode TE6. The tenth area SA10 can be superimposed with the nineteenth transmission electrode TE19 and the twentieth transmission electrode TE20.

[0169] During the first input sensing frame IF1, the first and second transmission electrodes TE1 and TE2 corresponding to the first area SA1 can remain in a blank state without receiving the uplink signal ULS from the sensor controller 200C. Here, the uplink period ULP of the first input sensing frame IF1 can overlap with a period in which scan lines located on the display panel 100 corresponding to the first area SA1 receive a scan signal. Although the uplink signal ULS is applied to the third to twentieth transmission electrodes TE3 to TE20 during the uplink period ULP, the scan lines located on the display panel 100 corresponding to the second to tenth areas SA2 to SA10 can not receive a scan signal during the uplink period ULP. Thus, in the first input sensing frame IF1, the scan signals can be overlapped without the uplink signal ULS being present. Accordingly, there can be no area in which the uplink signal ULS and the scan signal in the sensing area 200A overlap with each other. As a result, a phenomenon in which flicker is visually recognized on the image of the electronic device 1000 due to interference of the uplink signal ULS can be eliminated or reduced.

[0170] During the second input sensing frame IF2, the third and fourth transmission electrodes TE3 and TE4 corresponding to the second area SA2 can remain in a blank state without receiving the uplink signal ULS from the sensor controller 200C. Here, the uplink period ULP of the second input sensing frame IF2 can overlap with a period in which scan lines located on the display panel 100 corresponding to the second area SA2 receive a scan signal. Although the uplink signal ULS is applied to the first, second, and fifth to twentieth transmission electrodes TE1, TE2, and TE5 to TE20 during the uplink period ULP, the scan lines located on the display panel 100 corresponding to the first and third to tenth areas SA1 and SA3 to SA10 can not receive a scan signal during the uplink period ULP. Thus, in the second input sensing frame IF2, the scan signals can be overlapped without the uplink signal ULS being present.

[0171] During the third input sensing frame IF3, the fifth and sixth transmission electrodes TE5 and TE6 corresponding to the third area SA3 can remain in a blank state without receiving the uplink signal ULS from the sensor controller 200C. Here, the uplink period ULP of the third input sensing frame IF3 can overlap with a period in which scan lines located on the display panel 100 corresponding to the third area SA3 receive a scan signal.

[0172] In a case where k is 10, for the k-th input sensing frame IFk, the nineteenth transmission electrode TE19 and the twentieth transmission electrode TE20 corresponding to the tenth area SA10 can remain in a blank state without receiving the uplink signal ULS. Here, the uplink period ULP of the k-th input sensing frame IFk can overlap with a period in which a scan line corresponding to the tenth area SA10 located on the display panel 100 receives a scan signal.

[0173] As described above, in each of the input sensing frames IF1 to IFk, by overlapping the scan signal, the uplink signal ULS can not occur. Thus, a region in which the uplink signal ULS overlaps with the scan signal can be removed from the sensing area 200A to eliminate or reduce a phenomenon in which flicker is visually recognized on an image of the electronic device 1000. Further, since the transmission electrodes remaining in a blank state within each of the input sensing frames IF1 to IFk are shifted in the scan direction (i.e., the second direction DR2) for each of the input sensing frames IF1 to IFk, it is possible to prevent occurrence of a phenomenon in which the uplink signal ULS is not applied to a specific transmission electrode among the transmission electrodes TE1 to TE20 for several frames. Thus, a limitation in which the input device 2000 cannot be sensed at a specific position of the sensing area 200A can be resolved.

[0174] In the inventive concept, k can be an integer greater than or equal to 2, and k can have different values according to a size of the display panel 100, a number of the scan lines SL1 to SLn (see Figure 6 ), a number of the transmission electrodes TE1 to TE20, a driving frequency of the display panel 100.

[0175] Figure 12 is a waveform diagram of an uplink signal applied to a transmission electrode in an uplink period of an input sensing frame. Figures 13A-13D is a plan view for explaining a shift operation of a sensor controller according to some embodiments of the inventive concept.

[0176] Referring to Figure 12 , Figures 13A-13DAccording to some embodiments of the inventive concept, the 14 transmission electrodes TE1-TE14 are arranged in the second direction DR2 in the sensing area 200A of the input sensor 202. The sensing area 200A can be divided into k regions SA1-SA14. As an example of the inventive concept, k can be equal to the number of transmission electrodes TE1-TE14 located in the sensing area 200A. That is, when 14 transmission electrodes TE1-TE14 are located in the sensing area 200A, the sensing area 200A can be divided into 14 regions SA1-SA14. When the number of transmission electrodes TE1-TE14 is the same as k, each of the regions SA1-SA14 can be overlaid with one transmission electrode.

[0177] As an example of the inventive concept, the first region SA1 can be overlaid with the first transmission electrode TE1, the second region SA2 can be overlaid with the second transmission electrode TE2, and the third region SA3 can be overlaid with the third transmission electrode TE3. The fourteenth region SA14 can be overlaid with the fourteenth transmission electrode TE14.

[0178] During the first input sensing frame IF1, the first transmission electrode TE1 corresponding to the first region SA1 can remain in a blank state without receiving the uplink signal ULS from the sensor controller 200C. Here, the uplink period ULP of the first input sensing frame IF1 can be overlaid with a period in which scan lines located on the display panel 100 corresponding to the first region SA1 receive a scan signal. Although the uplink signal ULS is applied to the second transmission electrode TE2 through the fourteenth transmission electrode TE14 during the uplink period ULP, scan lines located on the display panel 100 corresponding to the second region SA2 through the fourteenth region SA14 can not receive a scan signal during the uplink period ULP. Thus, in the first input sensing frame IF1, the scan signal can be overlaid without the uplink signal ULS. Thus, there can be no region in which the uplink signal ULS and the scan signal in the sensing area 200A are overlaid with each other. As a result, a phenomenon in which flicker is visually recognized on an image of the electronic device 1000 (see FIG. 1) due to interference of the uplink signal ULS can be eliminated or reduced. Figure 3 ) of the inventive concept.

[0179] During the second input sensing frame IF2, the second transmission electrode TE2 corresponding to the second area SA2 can remain in a blank state without receiving the uplink signal ULS from the sensor controller 200C. Here, the uplink period ULP of the second input sensing frame IF2 can overlap with a period in which scan lines located on the display panel 100 corresponding to the second area SA2 receive a scan signal. Although the uplink signal ULS is applied to the first transmission electrode TE1 and the third to fourteenth transmission electrodes TE3 to TE14 during the uplink period ULP, scan lines located on the display panel 100 corresponding to the first area SA1 and the third to fourteenth areas SA3 to SA14 can not receive a scan signal during the uplink period ULP. Accordingly, in the second input sensing frame IF2, it is possible to overlap the scan signals without the uplink signal ULS.

[0180] During the third input sensing frame IF3, the third transmission electrode TE3 corresponding to the third area SA3 can remain in a blank state without receiving the uplink signal ULS from the sensor controller 200C. Here, the uplink period ULP of the third input sensing frame IF3 can overlap with a period in which scan lines located on the display panel 100 corresponding to the third area SA3 receive a scan signal.

[0181] In a case in which k is 14, for the k-th input sensing frame IFk, the fourteenth transmission electrode TE14 corresponding to the fourteenth area SA14 can remain in a blank state without receiving the uplink signal ULS. Here, the uplink period ULP of the k-th input sensing frame IFk can overlap with a period in which scan lines located on the display panel 100 corresponding to the fourteenth area SA14 receive a scan signal.

[0182] As described above, in each of the input sensing frames IF1 to IFk, it is possible to overlap the scan signals without the uplink signal ULS. Accordingly, it is possible to remove an area in which the uplink signal ULS overlaps the scan signal from the sensing area 200A to eliminate or reduce a phenomenon in which flicker is visually recognized on an image of the electronic device 1000. Further, since the transmission electrode remaining in a blank state within each of the input sensing frames IF1 to IFk is shifted in the scan direction (i.e., the second direction DR2) for each of the input sensing frames IF1 to IFk, it is possible to prevent a phenomenon in which the uplink signal ULS is not applied to a specific transmission electrode among the transmission electrodes TE1 to TE14 for several frames from occurring. Accordingly, it is possible to address a limitation in which an input device 2000 cannot be sensed at a specific location of the sensing area 200A.

[0183] As an example of the inventive concept, each of the transmission electrodes TE1 to TE14 and the reception electrodes RE1 to RE10 can include a sensor unit, each of which has a diamond shape. The sensor units of each of the transmission electrodes TE1 to TE14 are arranged in the first direction DR1 and are electrically connected to each other. The sensor units of each of the reception electrodes RE1 to RE10 are arranged in the second direction DR2 and are electrically connected to each other.

[0184] Figures 13A-13D An example of the sensor units is shown according to some embodiments, each of which has a diamond shape, but the shape of each sensor unit is not particularly limited and can have a different polygonal shape.

[0185] Each sensor unit can have a mesh shape. Since each sensor unit has a mesh shape, parasitic capacitance with respect to the electrodes of the display panel 100 (see Figure 3 ) can be reduced.

[0186] In an electronic device according to some embodiments of the inventive concept, some transmission electrodes of an input sensor can not receive an uplink signal from a sensor controller for an uplink period in which an uplink signal is supplied to the input sensor. The uplink period can overlap with a scan period of a scan line corresponding to some of the transmission electrodes for which the uplink signal is not received. Accordingly, when an input is sensed, an area in which flicker is visually recognized on an image of the electronic device due to the uplink signal can be eliminated or reduced.

[0187] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes can be made in the present application. Therefore, the present disclosure is intended to cover the modifications and changes as long as they fall within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Accordingly, the technical scope of the present application should not be limited to what is described in the specific embodiments described in the specification, but should be determined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An electronic device comprising: a display panel configured to display an image during a display frame, the display panel including a plurality of scan lines configured to sequentially receive a scan signal during the display frame; an input sensor including a plurality of transmission electrodes located on the display panel and a plurality of reception electrodes cross-insulated with the plurality of transmission electrodes; and a sensor controller configured to operate in a first mode or a second mode different from the first mode, wherein, in the first mode, the sensor controller is configured to transmit an uplink signal to an input device through the input sensor and receive a downlink signal from the input device through the input sensor, wherein an input sensing frame in which the sensor controller operates in the first mode includes an uplink period within which the uplink signal is provided to the input sensor, and the sensor controller is configured not to apply the uplink signal to transmission electrodes of the plurality of transmission electrodes that spatially correspond to scan lines of the plurality of scan lines that receive the scan signal during the uplink period, and configured to apply the uplink signal to transmission electrodes of the plurality of transmission electrodes that spatially do not correspond to scan lines of the plurality of scan lines that receive the scan signal during the uplink period. 2.The electronic device of claim 1, wherein, The uplink period is shifted or delayed by one input sensing frame. 3.The electronic device of claim 2, wherein, for k input sensing frames, a starting time point of the uplink period is shifted or delayed from a starting time point of a corresponding display frame by one input sensing frame, and k is an integer equal to or greater than 2. 4.The electronic device of claim 3, wherein, a j-th input sensing frame of the k input sensing frames is shifted or delayed from the starting time point of the corresponding display frame by a shift period that is j-1 times, and j is an integer equal to or less than k. 5.The electronic device of claim 4, wherein, the shift period has a width equal to or different from a width of the uplink period. 6.The electronic device of claim 3, wherein, the input sensor is divided into k regions based on the transmission electrodes, and each of the k regions is superposed with one or more transmission electrodes. 7.The electronic device of claim 6, wherein, during a j-th input sensing frame of the k input sensing frames, the sensor controller is configured not to supply the uplink signal to transmission electrodes superposed with a j-th region of the k regions. 8.The electronic device of claim 7, wherein, the display panel includes: data lines configured to receive data signals; and a plurality of pixels connected to the scan lines and the data lines. 9.The electronic device of claim 8, wherein, The transmission electrodes extend along the scan lines. 10.The electronic device of claim 9, wherein, The uplink period of the j-th input sensing frame is superposed with a scan period of a scan line of the scan lines corresponding to the j-th region. 11.The electronic device of claim 9, wherein, The uplink period of the j-th input sensing frame is not superposed with a scan period of a scan line of the scan lines corresponding to a region other than the j-th region. 12.The electronic device of claim 3, wherein, At least a portion of the k input sensing frames further comprises a downlink period during which the downlink signal is transmitted from the input device by the input sensor. 13.The electronic device of claim 12, wherein, The downlink period follows the uplink period. 14.The electronic device of claim 12, wherein, The downlink period of a jth input sensing frame of the k input sensing frames is superimposed with a display frame portion superimposed with a j+1th input sensing frame. 15.The electronic device of claim 12, wherein, At least a portion of the k input sensing frames further comprises a response period between the uplink period and the downlink period.

16. The electronic device of claim 15, wherein, A kth input sensing frame of the k input sensing frames comprises only the uplink period and the response period.

17. The electronic device of claim 12, wherein, The downlink period of a jth input sensing frame of the k input sensing frames is not superimposed with a display frame superimposed with a j+1th input sensing frame.

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