Display device and method of inspecting display device

Abstract

The invention relates to a display device and a method of inspecting the same. The display device includes: a display panel including a plurality of pixels connected to m data lines (where m is a positive integer greater than or equal to 3); and a data driver configured to supply a plurality of data signals to the m data lines. The data driver includes an output assembly and a switch assembly. The output component includes m source amplifiers connected to the m data lines, respectively, and a first dummy source amplifier connected to a first dummy data line. The switch assembly includes m switches formed on the m data lines, respectively, (m-1) forward switches formed between adjacent data lines among the m data lines, (m-1) reverse switches formed between the adjacent data lines, and a first dummy switch formed on the first dummy data line.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the priority of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0116546 filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on September 1, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a display device and a method of inspecting the display device. Background Art

[0004] The use of various types of display devices, such as liquid crystal display devices and organic light emitting display devices, has increased.

[0005] During the process of manufacturing the display device, various defect inspection operations may be performed. For example, the defect inspection operation may be performed to inspect electrical defects in a driving chip due to electrostatic discharge or to inspect bonding defects in components such as a driving chip and a flexible circuit board.

[0006] Here, an electrical defect in the driving chip due to electrostatic discharge may occur. Summary of the invention

[0007] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a display device capable of accurately inspecting electrical defects in a data driver (or driving chip) and a method of inspecting the display device.

[0008] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a display device includes: a display panel including a plurality of pixels connected to m data lines, wherein m is a positive integer greater than or equal to 3; and a data driver configured to supply a plurality of data signals to the m data lines. The data driver includes an output component, the output component including m source amplifiers respectively connected to the m data lines and a first dummy source amplifier connected to a first dummy data line. The data driver also includes a switch component, the switch component including m switches respectively formed on the m data lines, m-1 forward switches formed between adjacent data lines among the m data lines, m-1 reverse switches formed between the adjacent data lines, and a first dummy switch formed on the first dummy data line.

[0009] In an embodiment, the first dummy source amplifier is adjacent to a first source amplifier among the m source amplifiers configured to output a data signal among the plurality of data signals to a first data line among the m data lines.

[0010] In an embodiment, the first dummy data line is connected to the first data line.

[0011] In an embodiment, the first dummy switch controls whether a first dummy data signal output from the first dummy source amplifier is supplied to the first data line.

[0012] In an embodiment, the kth switch among the m switches controls whether a data signal output from the kth source amplifier among the m source amplifiers among the multiple data signals is supplied to the kth data line among the m data lines, where k is a positive integer less than or equal to m.

[0013] In an embodiment, the pth forward switch among the m-1 forward switches controls whether a data signal output from the pth source amplifier among the m source amplifiers among the multiple data signals is supplied to the p+1th data line among the m data lines, where p is a positive integer less than or equal to m-1.

[0014] In an embodiment, the qth reverse switch among the m-1 reverse switches controls whether a data signal output from the qth source amplifier among the m source amplifiers among the multiple data signals is supplied to the q-1th data line among the m data lines, where q is a positive integer less than or equal to m-1.

[0015] In an embodiment, when a defect occurs in a pixel among the multiple pixels connected to any one of the m data lines except the mth data line among the m data lines, the m-1 forward switches and the first dummy switch are turned on, and the m switches are turned off.

[0016] In an embodiment, the output component further includes a second dummy source amplifier connected to a second dummy data line, and the switch component further includes a second dummy switch formed on the second dummy data line.

[0017] In an embodiment, the second dummy source amplifier is adjacent to an mth source amplifier among the m source amplifiers configured to output a data signal among the plurality of data signals to an mth data line among the m data lines.

[0018] In an embodiment, the second dummy data line is connected to the mth data line.

[0019] In an embodiment, the second dummy switch controls whether the second dummy data signal output from the second dummy source amplifier is supplied to the mth data line.

[0020] In an embodiment, when a defect occurs in a pixel connected to an mth data line among the m data lines among the plurality of pixels, the m-1 reverse switches and the second dummy switch are turned on, and the m switches and the first dummy switch are turned off.

[0021] In an embodiment, when a defect occurs in a pixel among the multiple pixels connected to a first data line among the m data lines and any one of the m data lines except the mth data line and the first data line, the m-1 forward switches and the first dummy switch are turned on, and the m switches, the m-1 reverse switches and the second dummy switch are turned off.

[0022] In an embodiment, when a defect occurs in a pixel among the multiple pixels connected to the mth data line among the m data lines and any one of the m data lines except the first data line and the mth data line, the m-1 reverse switches and the second dummy switch are turned on, and the m switches, the m-1 forward switches and the first dummy switch are turned off.

[0023] In an embodiment, when m is a positive integer greater than or equal to 4, when a defect occurs in a pixel among the multiple pixels connected to any two data lines among the m data lines except a first data line among the m data lines and an mth data line among the m data lines, the m-1 forward switches and the first dummy switch are turned on, and the m switches, the m-1 reverse switches, and the second dummy switch are turned off, or the m-1 reverse switch and the second dummy switch are turned on, and the m switches, the m-1 forward switch, and the first dummy switch are turned off.

[0024] In an embodiment, when m is a positive integer greater than or equal to 4, when a defect occurs in a pixel among the multiple pixels connected to a first data line among the m data lines and an m-th data line among the m data lines, the first dummy switch, the first forward switch among the m-1 forward switches, the second dummy switch, and the m-1th reverse switch among the m-1 reverse switches are turned on, and the m switches, the remaining m-2 forward switches among the m-1 forward switches except the first forward switch, and the remaining m-2 reverse switches among the m-1 reverse switches except the m-1th reverse switch are turned off.

[0025] In an embodiment, when a defect occurs in any one of the m source amplifiers, the first dummy data signal output from the first dummy source amplifier is supplied to a first data line among the m data lines.

[0026] In an embodiment, when a defect occurs in any two source amplifiers among the m source amplifiers, a first dummy data signal output from the first dummy source amplifier is supplied to a first data line among the m data lines, and a second dummy data signal output from the second dummy source amplifier is supplied to an mth data line among the m data lines.

[0027] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for inspecting a display device includes: supplying a plurality of data signals output from a plurality of source amplifiers to a plurality of data lines; verifying defects in pixels among a plurality of pixels connected to at least one data line among the plurality of data lines; supplying a data signal among the plurality of data signals output from at least one source amplifier among the plurality of source amplifiers connected to the at least one data line to an adjacent data line among the plurality of data lines; and determining the defect in the at least one source amplifier based on whether the pixel among the plurality of pixels connected to the adjacent data line is defective.

[0028] In an embodiment, determining the defect includes: when the defect has occurred in the pixel connected to the adjacent data line, determining that the defect has occurred in the at least one source amplifier. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] The above and other features of the present disclosure will become more apparent by describing in detail embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to the attached drawings.

[0030] Figure 1 is a diagram showing a display device according to an embodiment.

[0031] Figure 2 is a diagram showing a display panel according to an embodiment.

[0032] Figure 3 is a diagram showing a display panel and a data driver according to an embodiment.

[0033] Figures 4 to 12 is a diagram for schematically describing a method of inspecting defects in a single source amplifier.

[0034] Figures 13 to 24 is a diagram for schematically describing a method of inspecting defects in two source amplifiers. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.Throughout the drawings, like reference numerals may refer to like elements.

[0036] The terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the embodiments. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, in this specification, terms in the singular may include plural forms. It will be further understood that the terms "include" and / or "comprise" when used in this specification indicate the presence of stated features, steps, operations and / or components, and do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more additional features, steps, operations and / or components.

[0037] In addition, the term "coupled" or "connected" can comprehensively refer to physical coupling and / or electrical coupling or physical connection and / or electrical connection. In addition, the term "coupled" or "connected" can comprehensively refer to direct coupling or indirect coupling or direct connection and indirect connection as well as integral coupling or non-integral coupling or integral connection or non-integral connection.

[0038] It will be understood that although the terms "first", "second", etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms may only be used to distinguish one element from another element. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure, the first element discussed below may be referred to as the second element.

[0039] Figure 1 is a diagram showing a display device 1000 according to an embodiment.

[0040] Reference Figure 1 , the display device 1000 may include a display panel 100, a timing controller 200 (also referred to as a timing controller circuit), a scan driver 300 (also referred to as a scan driver circuit), and a data driver 400 (also referred to as a data driver circuit).

[0041] The display device 1000 may be implemented as a self-emitting display device including a plurality of self-emitting elements. For example, the display device 1000 may be an organic emission display device including an organic light-emitting element, an inorganic emission display device including an inorganic light-emitting element, or a display device including a light-emitting element formed by a combination of an inorganic material and an organic material. However, the foregoing is illustrative, and the display device 1000 is not limited thereto. For example, according to an embodiment, the display device 1000 may be implemented as a liquid crystal display device, a plasma display device, a quantum dot display device, or the like.

[0042] For example, the display device 1000 may be a flat display device, a flexible display device (such as a curved display device, a foldable display device, or a bendable display device), a slidable display device, or a three-dimensional display device (e.g., a display device that can display images not only on the front surface of the display device but also on the side surfaces and / or rear surfaces of the display device).

[0043] The display panel 100 may include a plurality of scan lines S1 to Sn (where n is a positive integer greater than or equal to 3), a plurality of data lines D1 to Dm (where m is a positive integer greater than or equal to 3), and a plurality of pixels PX. The pixel PX may be electrically connected to the data lines D1 to Dm and the scan lines S1 to Sn. The pixel PX connected to a single scan line may be understood as a single pixel row. For example, the pixel PX connected to the first scan line S1 may be understood as a first pixel row. The pixel PX connected to a single data line may be understood as a single pixel column. For example, the pixel PX connected to the first data line D1 may be understood as a first pixel column. According to an embodiment, the pixel PX may also be electrically connected to an additional emission control line.

[0044] The pixels PX may emit light of grayscale and brightness corresponding to the data signals supplied from the data lines D1 to Dm. Each of the pixels PX may include a driving transistor and at least one switching transistor. For example, the pixels PX may include an organic light emitting element, an inorganic light emitting element, or a light emitting element composed of a combination of organic and inorganic materials.

[0045] The timing controller 200 may generate a scan control signal SCS and a data control signal DCS based on a clock signal and a control signal supplied from an external device. The scan control signal SCS may be supplied to the scan driver 300. The data control signal DCS may be supplied to the data driver 400. The timing controller 200 may rearrange the input image data DATA0 supplied from the external device and supply the rearranged input image data DATA0 to the data driver 400.

[0046] The scan control signal SCS may include a scan start pulse and a scan clock signal. The scan start pulse may control a first timing of the scan signal. The scan clock signal may be used to shift the scan start pulse.

[0047] The data control signal DCS may include a source start pulse and a data clock signal. The source start pulse may control a sampling start time point of the rearranged image data DATA1. The data clock signal may be used to control a sampling operation.

[0048] The timing controller 200 may rearrange the input image data DATA0 in response to the arrangement of the pixels PX in the display panel 100 to generate the image data DATA1. For example, the timing controller 200 may rearrange the input image data DATA0 in response to the arrangement of the pixels PX (eg, Figure 2 The input image data DATA0 is rearranged according to the pixel arrangement in the image data to generate image data DATA1 of a red-green-blue repetition type.

[0049] The scan driver 300 may supply scan signals to the scan lines S1 to Sn corresponding to the pixel rows based on the scan control signal SCS. For example, the scan driver 300 may sequentially supply scan signals to the scan lines S1 to Sn. If the scan signals are sequentially supplied, the pixels PX may be activated by horizontal lines (or by pixel rows).

[0050] The data driver 400 may receive a data control signal DCS and image data DATA1. The data driver 400 may supply an analog data signal formed by converting the image data DATA1 to the data lines D1 to Dm in response to the data control signal DCS. The data signal supplied to the data lines D1 to Dm may be supplied to the pixels PX activated by the scan signal. To this end, the data driver 400 may supply the data signal to the data lines D1 to Dm in synchronization with the scan signal.

[0051] In an embodiment, the display device 1000 may further include a demultiplexer component connected between the data driver 400 and the data lines D1 to Dm. The demultiplexer component may operate in response to a control signal supplied from the timing controller 200, and may be configured with various forms of demultiplexers (such as 1:2, 1:3, 1:4, etc.).

[0052] Figure 2 is a diagram showing a display panel 100 according to an embodiment.

[0053] Reference Figure 2 , the display panel 100 may include a plurality of pixels PX and scan lines S1 , S2 , and S3 and data lines D1 , D2 , and D3 connected to the pixels PX.

[0054] Figure 2 A portion of the display panel 100 is shown. The first scan line S1 and the first data line D1 are not limited to the first signal line among all scan lines and the first signal line among all data lines, respectively. For example, the first scan line S1 to the third scan line S3 can be understood as scan lines corresponding to continuous pixel rows. The first data line D1 to the third data line D3 can be understood as data lines corresponding to continuous pixel columns.

[0055] The pixel PX may include a first pixel PX1 (or a first color pixel), a second pixel PX2 (or a second color pixel), and a third pixel PX3 (or a third color pixel). The first pixel PX1, the second pixel PX2, and the third pixel PX3 may emit light of a first color, light of a second color, and light of a third color, respectively. In an embodiment, the first color, the second color, and the third color may be different colors, and each may be one of red, green, and blue. For example, in a first pixel row controlled by a first scan line S1, the pixels PX may be arranged in the order of a first pixel PX1 configured to emit red light, a second pixel PX2 configured to emit green light, and a third pixel PX3 configured to emit blue light. The pixel arrangement of the first pixel row may be repeated in a second pixel row, a third pixel row, and the like. For example, a first pixel column may include a first pixel PX1 configured to emit red light, a second pixel column may include a second pixel PX2 configured to emit green light, and a third pixel column may include a third pixel PX3 configured to emit blue light. However, this is only for illustrative purposes, and the arrangement of pixels is not limited thereto.

[0056] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating a display panel 100 and a data driver 400 according to an embodiment.

[0057] Reference Figure 3 , the display panel 100 may include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA. The display area DA may be an area in which an image is displayed, and includes pixels PX1, PX2, and PX3. The arrangement of the pixels PX1, PX2, and PX3 is assumed to be the same as Figure 2 The arrangement of the pixels PX1, PX2, and PX3 described in the figure is the same. The non-display area NDA may be an area in which an image is not displayed, and may surround the display area DA. The non-display area NDA may include a pad assembly PAD. The pad assembly PAD may include pads P1, P2, P3, P4, ..., Pm-1, and Pm, where m is a positive integer greater than or equal to 3. The pads P1 to Pm may provide data signals transmitted from the data driver 400 to the pixels PX1, PX2, and PX3.

[0058] In an embodiment, the data driver 400 may include an output component 410 (also referred to as an output circuit) and a switch component 420 (also referred to as a switch circuit).

[0059] The output component 410 may transmit data signals to the data lines D1 to Dm. The output component 410 may include m source amplifiers SA1 to SAm respectively connected to the data lines D1 to Dm. The source amplifiers SA1 to SAm may output data signals to the data lines D1 to Dm connected to the source amplifiers SA1 to SAm.

[0060] In an embodiment, the output component 410 may include dummy source amplifiers DSA1 and DSA2 connected to the dummy data lines DD1 and DD2, respectively. The dummy source amplifiers DSA1 and DSA2 may compensate for the deficiency of the data signal caused by a defect occurring in one or two source amplifiers among the source amplifiers SA1 to SAm. Therefore, the display panel 100 may operate normally without replacing the data driver 400, which may reduce production costs.

[0061] The first dummy source amplifier DSA1 may be adjacent to the first source amplifier SA1 configured to output a data signal to the first data line D1. In other words, the first dummy source amplifier DSA1 may be positioned at the outermost portion of the output component 410. The first dummy source amplifier DSA1 may be connected to the first dummy data line DD1, and may output a dummy data signal to the first dummy data line DD1.

[0062] The second dummy source amplifier DSA2 may be adjacent to the m-th source amplifier SAm configured to output the data signal to the m-th data line Dm. In other words, the second dummy source amplifier DSA2 may be positioned at the outermost portion of the output component 410. The second dummy source amplifier DSA2 may be positioned on the opposite side of the first dummy source amplifier DSA1. The second dummy source amplifier DSA2 may be connected to the second dummy data line DD2, and may output the dummy data signal to the second dummy data line DD2.

[0063] The switch component 420 may transmit the data signal output from the output component 410 to the display panel 100. The switch component 420 may control (or select) the data lines D1 to Dm to which the data signal output from the output component 410 is to be transmitted. Through the switch component 420, electrical defects in the data driver 400 (e.g., defects in the source amplifiers SA1 to SAm to be described below) may be accurately detected.

[0064] In an embodiment, the switch component 420 may control the transmission of data signals output from the source amplifiers SA1 to SAm to the data lines D1 to Dm respectively connected to the source amplifiers SA1 to SAm. For example, the switch component 420 may transmit the data signal output from a non-defective source amplifier to the data line connected to the non-defective source amplifier.

[0065] In an embodiment, the switch component 420 may control the transmission of data signals output from the source amplifiers SA1 to SAm to data lines adjacent to the data lines D1 to Dm respectively connected to the source amplifiers SA1 to SAm. For example, when checking for electrical defects in the data driver 400, the switch component 420 may transmit data signals output from a defective source amplifier to data lines adjacent to the data lines connected to the defective source amplifier. In addition, when checking for electrical defects in the data driver 400, the switch component 420 may transmit data signals output from a non-defective source amplifier to data lines adjacent to the data lines connected to the non-defective source amplifier.

[0066] In an embodiment, the switch component 420 may control the transmission of the dummy data signals output from the dummy source amplifiers DSA1 and DSA2 to the data lines D1 and Dm. For example, the switch component 420 may transmit the dummy data signal output from the first dummy source amplifier DSA1 to the first data line D1. In addition, the switch component 420 may transmit the dummy data signal output from the second dummy source amplifier DSA2 to the mth data line Dm.

[0067] In an embodiment, the switch component 420 may include m switches SW1, SW2, SW3, ..., SWm-1, and SWm formed on the data lines D1 to Dm, respectively. For example, the first switch SW1 may be formed on the first data line D1. The switches SW1 to SWm may control whether the data signals output from the source amplifiers SA1 to SAm are supplied to the data lines D1 to Dm. For example, the first switch SW1 may control whether the data signals output from the first source amplifier SA1 are supplied to the first data line D1. If the first switch SW1 is turned on, the data signal output from the first source amplifier SA1 may be output to the first data line D1. On the other hand, if the first switch SW1 is turned off, the data signal output from the first source amplifier SA1 may not be supplied to the first data line D1.

[0068] In an embodiment, the switch component 420 may include m-1 forward switches FSW1 to FSWm-1, which are formed between the data lines D1 to Dm adjacent to each other. For example, the first forward switch FSW1 may be formed between the first data line D1 and the second data line D2 adjacent to the first data line D1. The forward switches FSW1 to FSWm-1 may control whether the data signal output from the source amplifier SA1 to SAm-1 is supplied to the adjacent data lines D2 to Dm. For example, the first forward switch FSW1 may control whether the data signal output from the first source amplifier SA1 is supplied to the second data line D2. If the first forward switch FSW1 is turned on, the data signal output from the first source amplifier SA1 may be supplied to the second data line D2. On the other hand, if the first forward switch FSW1 is turned off, the data signal output from the first source amplifier SA1 may not be supplied to the second data line D2.

[0069] In an embodiment, the switch component 420 may include m-1 reverse switches RSW1 to RSWm-1, which are formed between data lines D1 to Dm adjacent to each other. For example, the first reverse switch RSW1 may be formed between the first data line D1 and the second data line D2 adjacent to the first data line D1. The reverse switches RSW1 to RSWm-1 may control whether the data signal output from the source amplifier SA2 to SAm is supplied to the adjacent data lines D1 to Dm-1. For example, the first reverse switch RSW1 may control whether the data signal output from the second source amplifier SA2 is supplied to the first data line D1. If the first reverse switch RSW1 is turned on, the data signal output from the second source amplifier SA2 may be output to the first data line D1. On the other hand, if the first reverse switch RSW1 is turned off, the data signal output from the second source amplifier SA2 may not be supplied to the first data line D1. As such, the reverse switches RSW1 to RSWm- 1 may supply the data signal in a direction opposite to that of the forward switches FSW1 to FSWm- 1 .

[0070] In an embodiment, the switch assembly 420 may include dummy switches DSW1 and DSW2 formed on the dummy data lines DD1 and DD2 , respectively.

[0071] A first dummy switch DSW1 may be formed on a first dummy data line DD1. The first dummy switch DSW1 may control whether a dummy data signal output from the first dummy source amplifier DSA1 is supplied to the first data line D1. If the first dummy switch DSW1 is turned on, the dummy data signal output from the first dummy source amplifier DSA1 may be supplied to the first data line D1 via the first dummy data line DD1. On the other hand, if the first dummy switch DSW1 is turned off, the dummy data signal output from the first dummy source amplifier DSA1 may not be supplied to the first data line D1.

[0072] A second dummy switch DSW2 may be formed on the second dummy data line DD2. The second dummy switch DSW2 may control whether a dummy data signal output from the second dummy source amplifier DSA2 is supplied to the mth data line Dm. If the second dummy switch DSW2 is turned on, the dummy data signal output from the second dummy source amplifier DSA2 may be supplied to the mth data line Dm via the second dummy data line DD2. On the other hand, if the second dummy switch DSW2 is turned off, the dummy data signal output from the second dummy source amplifier DSA2 may not be supplied to the mth data line Dm.

[0073] Figures 4 to 12 is a diagram for schematically describing a method for inspecting defects in a single source amplifier. For ease of explanation, it is assumed that Figures 4 to 12 In this case, m is 3 (refer to Figure 3 ).

[0074] Figures 4 to 9 Schematically shows the connection to the m-th data line Dm (refer to Figure 3 A method for inspecting defects in a source amplifier when a defect occurs in a source amplifier of any data line other than ).

[0075] Reference Figure 4 , switches SW1, SW2, and SW3 may be turned on to supply data signals to data lines D1, D2, and D3. Forward switches FSW1 and FSW2, reverse switches RSW1 and RSW2, and dummy switches DSW1 and DSW2 may be turned off. For example, the second switch SW2 is turned on so that the second data signal DS2 output from the second source amplifier SA2 is supplied to the second data line D2. The second data signal DS2 may be a green data signal GDS supplied to the second pixel PX2 connected to the second data line D2. In addition, the third switch SW3 is turned on so that the third data signal DS3 output from the third source amplifier SA3 is supplied to the third data line D3. The third data signal DS3 may be a blue data signal BDS supplied to the third pixel PX3 connected to the third data line D3.

[0076] As a result, the second pixel PX2 connected to the second data line D2 and the third pixel PX3 connected to the third data line D3 can emit light normally. On the contrary, even if the first switch SW1 is turned on, the first pixel PX1 connected to the first data line D1 may not emit light normally. However, it is not clear at this time whether the aforementioned abnormal operation is caused by a defect in the first source amplifier SA1 or other defects (such as a bonding defect in the data driver 400 and the flexible circuit board, for example).

[0077] Reference Figure 5 , the forward switches FSW1 and FSW2 and the first dummy switch DSW1 may be turned on to supply the data signal to the data lines D1, D2 and D3. The switches SW1, SW2 and SW3, the reverse switches RSW1 and RSW2 and the second dummy switch DSW2 may be turned off. For example, the first dummy switch DSW1 is turned on so that the first dummy data signal DDS1 output from the first dummy source amplifier DSA1 is supplied to the first data line D1 via the first dummy data line DD1. The first dummy data signal DDS1 may be a red data signal RDS supplied to the first pixel PX1 connected to the first data line D1. In addition, the second forward switch FSW2 is turned on so that the second data signal DS2 output from the second source amplifier SA2 is supplied to the third data line D3. The second data signal DS2 may be changed to a blue data signal BDS supplied to the third pixel PX3 connected to the third data line D3. Here, even when the first forward switch FSW1 is turned on, the data signal may not be supplied to the second data line D2 due to a defect in the first source amplifier SA1.

[0078] As a result, the second pixel PX2 connected to the second data line D2 may not emit light normally, while the first pixel PX1 connected to the first data line D1 and the third pixel PX3 connected to the third data line D3 may emit light normally. Here, since the first pixel PX1 connected to the first data line D1 emits light normally, it can be determined that there are no other defects (such as a bonding defect of the data driver 400 and the flexible circuit board as an example). In addition, although the second pixel PX2 connected to the second data line D2 is in the previous stage (refer to Figure 4 ) has been emitting light normally, but the second pixel PX2 cannot emit light normally due to the turning on of the first forward switch FSW1 and the turning off of the second switch SW2. Therefore, it can be determined that a defect has occurred in the first source amplifier SA1.

[0079] Reference Figure 6, the first dummy switch DSW1 and the switches SW2 and SW3 may be turned on to supply the data signal to the data lines D1, D2 and D3. The first switch SW1, the forward switches FSW1 and FSW2, the reverse switches RSW1 and RSW2 and the second dummy switch DSW2 may be turned off. For example, the first dummy switch DSW1 is turned on so that the first dummy data signal DDS1 output from the first dummy source amplifier DSA1 is supplied to the first data line D1 via the first dummy data line DD1. In addition, the second switch SW2 is turned on so that the second data signal DS2 output from the second source amplifier SA2 is supplied to the second data line D2. The second data signal DS2 may be changed into a green data signal GDS supplied to the second pixel PX2 connected to the second data line D2. In addition, the third switch SW3 is turned on so that the third data signal DS3 output from the third source amplifier SA3 is supplied to the third data line D3.

[0080] As a result, the first pixel PX1 connected to the first data line D1, the second pixel PX2 connected to the second data line D2, and the third pixel PX3 connected to the third data line D3 all emit light normally. In other words, even if a defect occurs in one source amplifier (e.g., the first source amplifier SA1), the display panel 100 can be driven normally without replacing the module.

[0081] Reference Figure 7 , the switches SW1, SW2, and SW3 may be turned on to supply data signals to the data lines D1, D2, and D3. The forward switches FSW1 and FSW2, the reverse switches RSW1 and RSW2, and the dummy switches DSW1 and DSW2 may be turned off. For example, the first switch SW1 is turned on so that the first data signal DS1 output from the first source amplifier SA1 is supplied to the first data line D1. The first data signal DS1 may be a red data signal RDS supplied to the first pixel PX1 connected to the first data line D1. In addition, the third switch SW3 is turned on so that the third data signal DS3 output from the third source amplifier SA3 is supplied to the third data line D3. The third data signal DS3 may be a blue data signal BDS supplied to the third pixel PX3 connected to the third data line D3.

[0082] As a result, the first pixel PX1 connected to the first data line D1 and the third pixel PX3 connected to the third data line D3 can emit light normally. On the contrary, even if the second switch SW2 is turned on, the second pixel PX2 connected to the second data line D2 may not emit light normally. However, it is not clear at this time whether the aforementioned abnormal operation is caused by a defect in the second source amplifier SA2 or other defects (such as a bonding defect in the data driver 400 and the flexible circuit board, for example).

[0083] Reference Figure 8 , the forward switches FSW1 and FSW2 and the first dummy switch DSW1 may be turned on to supply the data signal to the data lines D1, D2 and D3. The switches SW1, SW2 and SW3, the reverse switches RSW1 and RSW2 and the second dummy switch DSW2 may be turned off. For example, the first dummy switch DSW1 is turned on so that the first dummy data signal DDS1 output from the first dummy source amplifier DSA1 is supplied to the first data line D1 via the first dummy data line DD1. The first dummy data signal DDS1 may be a red data signal RDS supplied to the first pixel PX1 connected to the first data line D1. In addition, the first forward switch FSW1 is turned on so that the first data signal DS1 output from the first source amplifier SA1 is supplied to the second data line D2. The first data signal DS1 may be changed into a green data signal GDS supplied to the second pixel PX2 connected to the second data line D2. Here, even when the second forward switch FSW2 is turned on, the data signal may not be supplied to the third data line D3 due to a defect in the second source amplifier SA2.

[0084] As a result, the third pixel PX3 connected to the third data line D3 may not emit light normally, while the first pixel PX1 connected to the first data line D1 and the second pixel PX2 connected to the second data line D2 may emit light normally. Here, since the second pixel PX2 connected to the second data line D2 emits light normally, it can be determined that there are no other defects (such as a bonding defect of the data driver 400 and the flexible circuit board as an example). In addition, although the third pixel PX3 connected to the third data line D3 was not properly connected in the previous stage (see Figure 7 ) has been emitting light normally, but the third pixel PX3 cannot emit light normally due to the turning on of the second forward switch FSW2 and the turning off of the third switch SW3. Therefore, it can be determined that a defect has occurred in the second source amplifier SA2.

[0085] Reference Fig. 9, the first dummy switch DSW1, the forward switch FSW1, and the third switch SW3 may be turned on to supply the data signal to the data lines D1, D2, and D3. The first switch SW1, the second switch SW2, the second forward switch FSW2, the reverse switches RSW1 and RSW2, and the second dummy switch DSW2 may be turned off. For example, the first dummy switch DSW1 is turned on so that the first dummy data signal DDS1 output from the first dummy source amplifier DSA1 is supplied to the first data line D1 via the first dummy data line DD1. In addition, the first forward switch FSW1 is turned on so that the first data signal DS1 output from the first source amplifier SA1 is supplied to the second data line D2. In addition, the third switch SW3 is turned on so that the third data signal DS3 output from the third source amplifier SA3 is supplied to the third data line D3.

[0086] As a result, the first pixel PX1 connected to the first data line D1, the second pixel PX2 connected to the second data line D2, and the third pixel PX3 connected to the third data line D3 all emit light normally. In other words, even if a defect occurs in one source amplifier (e.g., the second source amplifier SA2), the display panel 100 can be driven normally without replacing the module.

[0087] Figures 10 to 12 Schematically shows the connection to the mth data line Dm (refer to Figure 3 ) when a defect occurs in a source amplifier.

[0088] Reference Fig.10 , switches SW1, SW2, and SW3 may be turned on to supply data signals to data lines D1, D2, and D3. Forward switches FSW1 and FSW2, reverse switches RSW1 and RSW2, and dummy switches DSW1 and DSW2 may be turned off. For example, the first switch SW1 is turned on so that the first data signal DS1 output from the first source amplifier SA1 is supplied to the first data line D1. The first data signal DS1 may be a red data signal RDS supplied to the first pixel PX1 connected to the first data line D1. In addition, the second switch SW2 is turned on so that the second data signal DS2 output from the second source amplifier SA2 is supplied to the second data line D2. The second data signal DS2 may be a green data signal GDS supplied to the second pixel PX2 connected to the second data line D2.

[0089] As a result, the first pixel PX1 connected to the first data line D1 and the second pixel PX2 connected to the second data line D2 can emit light normally. On the contrary, even if the third switch SW3 is turned on, the third pixel PX3 connected to the third data line D3 may not emit light normally. However, it is not clear at this time whether the aforementioned abnormal operation is caused by a defect in the third source amplifier SA3 or other defects (such as a bonding defect in the data driver 400 and the flexible circuit board, for example).

[0090] Reference Fig.11 , the reverse switches RSW1 and RSW2 and the second dummy switch DSW2 may be turned on to supply the data signal to the data lines D1, D2 and D3. The switches SW1, SW2 and SW3, the forward switches FSW1 and FSW2 and the first dummy switch DSW1 may be turned off. For example, the first reverse switch RSW1 is turned on so that the second data signal DS2 output from the second source amplifier SA2 is supplied to the first data line D1. The second data signal DS2 may be changed to a red data signal RDS supplied to the first pixel PX1 connected to the first data line D1. In addition, the second dummy switch DSW2 is turned on so that the second dummy data signal DDS2 output from the second dummy source amplifier DSA2 is supplied to the third data line D3 via the second dummy data line DD2. The second dummy data signal DDS2 may be a blue data signal BDS supplied to the third pixel PX3 connected to the third data line D3. Here, even when the second reverse switch RSW2 is turned on, the data signal may not be supplied to the second data line D2 due to a defect in the third source amplifier SA3.

[0091] As a result, the second pixel PX2 connected to the second data line D2 may not emit light normally, while the first pixel PX1 connected to the first data line D1 and the third pixel PX3 connected to the third data line D3 may emit light normally. Here, since the third pixel PX3 connected to the third data line D3 emits light normally, it can be determined that there are no other defects (such as a bonding defect of the data driver 400 and the flexible circuit board as an example). In addition, although the second pixel PX2 connected to the second data line D2 is in the previous stage (refer to Fig.10 ) has been emitting light normally, but the second pixel PX2 cannot emit light normally due to the turning on of the second reverse switch RSW2 and the turning off of the second switch SW2. Therefore, it can be determined that a defect has occurred in the third source amplifier SA3.

[0092] Reference Fig.12, the first dummy switch DSW1 and the forward switches FSW1 and FSW2 may be turned on to supply the data signal to the data lines D1, D2 and D3. The switches SW1, SW2 and SW3, the reverse switches RSW1 and RSW2 and the second dummy switch DSW2 may be turned off. For example, the first dummy switch DSW1 is turned on so that the first dummy data signal DDS1 output from the first dummy source amplifier DSA1 is supplied to the first data line D1 via the first dummy data line DD1. In addition, the first forward switch FSW1 is turned on so that the first data signal DS1 output from the first source amplifier SA1 is supplied to the second data line D2. The first data signal DS1 may be changed into a green data signal GDS supplied to the second pixel PX2 connected to the second data line D2. In addition, the second forward switch FSW2 is turned on so that the second data signal DS2 output from the second source amplifier SA2 may be supplied to the third data line D3. The second data signal DS2 may be changed into a blue data signal BDS supplied to the third pixel PX3 connected to the third data line D3 .

[0093] As a result, the first pixel PX1 connected to the first data line D1, the second pixel PX2 connected to the second data line D2, and the third pixel PX3 connected to the third data line D3 all emit light normally. In other words, even if a defect occurs in one source amplifier (e.g., the third source amplifier SA3), the display panel 100 can be driven normally without replacing the module.

[0094] Figures 13 to 24 is a diagram for schematically describing a method for inspecting defects in two source amplifiers. For ease of explanation, it is assumed that Figures 13 to 24 In this case, m is 4 (refer to Figure 3 ).

[0095] Figures 13 to 15 Schematically shows a source amplifier connected to the first data line D1 and a source amplifier connected to the mth data line Dm (refer to Figure 3 ) and a method for inspecting defects in a source amplifier when a defect occurs in a source amplifier of any one of the data lines other than the first data line D1.

[0096] Reference Fig.13, switches SW1, SW2, SW3, and SW4 may be turned on to supply data signals to data lines D1, D2, D3, and D4. Forward switches FSW1, FSW2, and FSW3, reverse switches RSW1, RSW2, and RSW3, and dummy switches DSW1 and DSW2 may be turned off. For example, the third switch SW3 is turned on so that the third data signal DS3 output from the third source amplifier SA3 is supplied to the third data line D3. The third data signal DS3 may be a blue data signal BDS supplied to the third pixel PX3 connected to the third data line D3. In addition, the fourth switch SW4 is turned on so that the fourth data signal DS4 output from the fourth source amplifier SA4 is supplied to the fourth data line D4. The fourth data signal DS4 may be a red data signal RDS supplied to the first pixel PX1 connected to the fourth data line D4.

[0097] As a result, the third pixel PX3 connected to the third data line D3 and the first pixel PX1 connected to the fourth data line D4 can emit light normally. On the contrary, even if the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 are turned on, the first pixel PX1 connected to the first data line D1 and the second pixel PX2 connected to the second data line D2 may not emit light normally. However, it is not clear at this time whether the aforementioned abnormal operation is caused by defects in the first source amplifier SA1 and the second source amplifier SA2 or other defects (such as bonding defects in the data driver 400 and the flexible circuit board, for example).

[0098] Reference Fig.14 , the forward switches FSW1, FSW2 and FSW3 and the first dummy switch DSW1 may be turned on to supply the data signal to the data lines D1, D2, D3 and D4. The switches SW1, SW2, SW3 and SW4, the reverse switches RSW1, RSW2 and RSW3 and the second dummy switch DSW2 may be turned off. For example, the first dummy switch DSW1 is turned on so that the first dummy data signal DDS1 output from the first dummy source amplifier DSA1 is supplied to the first data line D1 via the first dummy data line DD1. The first dummy data signal DDS1 may be a red data signal RDS supplied to the first pixel PX1 connected to the first data line D1. In addition, the third forward switch FSW3 is turned on so that the third data signal DS3 output from the third source amplifier SA3 is supplied to the fourth data line D4. The third data signal DS3 may be changed to a red data signal RDS supplied to the first pixel PX1 connected to the fourth data line D4. Here, even if the first and second forward switches FSW1 and FSW2 are turned on, the data signal is not supplied to the second and third data lines D2 and D3 due to defects in the first and second source amplifiers SA1 and SA2 .

[0099] As a result, the second pixel PX2 connected to the second data line D2 and the third pixel PX3 connected to the third data line D3 may not emit light normally, while the first pixel PX1 connected to each of the first data line D1 and the fourth data line D4 may emit light normally. Here, since the first pixel PX1 connected to the first data line D1 emits light normally, it can be determined that there are no other defects (such as a bonding defect between the data driver 400 and the flexible circuit board as an example). In addition, since the second pixel PX2 connected to the second data line D2 does not emit light normally due to the turning on of the first forward switch FSW1 even when the second switch SW2 is disconnected, it can be determined that a defect has occurred in the first source amplifier SA1. In addition, although the third pixel PX3 connected to the third data line D3 was not normally emitted in the previous stage (refer to Fig.13 ) has normally emitted light, but the third pixel PX3 cannot normally emit light due to the turning on of the second forward switch FSW2 and the turning off of the third switch SW3, and it can be determined that a defect has occurred in the second source amplifier SA2.

[0100] Reference Fig.15 , dummy switches DSW1 and DSW2 and reverse switches RSW2 and RSW3 may be turned on to supply data signals to data lines D1, D2, D3 and D4. Switches SW1, SW2, SW3 and SW4, forward switches FSW1, FSW2 and FSW3 and the first reverse switch RSW1 may be turned off. For example, the first dummy switch DSW1 is turned on so that the first dummy data signal DDS1 output from the first dummy source amplifier DSA1 is supplied to the first data line D1 via the first dummy data line DD1. In addition, the second reverse switch RSW2 is turned on so that the third data signal DS3 output from the third source amplifier SA3 is supplied to the second data line D2. The third data signal DS3 may be changed to a green data signal GDS supplied to the second pixel PX2 connected to the second data line D2. In addition, the third reverse switch RSW3 is turned on so that the fourth data signal DS4 output from the fourth source amplifier SA4 is supplied to the third data line D3. The fourth data signal DS4 may be changed into a blue data signal BDS supplied to the third pixel PX3 connected to the third data line D3. In addition, the second dummy switch DSW2 is turned on so that the second dummy data signal DDS2 output from the second dummy source amplifier DSA2 is supplied to the fourth data line D4 via the second dummy data line DD2. The second dummy data signal DDS2 may be a red data signal RDS supplied to the first pixel PX1 connected to the fourth data line D4.

[0101] As a result, the first pixel PX1 connected to each of the first data line D1 and the fourth data line D4, the second pixel PX2 connected to the second data line D2, and the third pixel PX3 connected to the third data line D3 all emit light normally. In other words, even if a defect occurs in the two source amplifiers SA1 and SA2, the display panel 100 can be driven normally without replacing the module.

[0102] Figures 16 to 18 Schematically shows the connection to the mth data line Dm (refer to Figure 3 ) and a method for inspecting defects in a source amplifier when defects occur in a source amplifier connected to any one data line other than a first data line D1 and an m-th data line Dm.

[0103] Reference Fig.16 , switches SW1, SW2, SW3, and SW4 may be turned on to supply data signals to data lines D1, D2, D3, and D4. Forward switches FSW1, FSW2, and FSW3, reverse switches RSW1, RSW2, and RSW3, and dummy switches DSW1 and DSW2 may be turned off. For example, the first switch SW1 is turned on so that the first data signal DS1 output from the first source amplifier SA1 is supplied to the first data line D1. The first data signal DS1 may be a red data signal RDS supplied to the first pixel PX1 connected to the first data line D1. In addition, the second switch SW2 is turned on so that the second data signal DS2 output from the second source amplifier SA2 is supplied to the second data line D2. The second data signal DS2 may be a green data signal GDS supplied to the second pixel PX2 connected to the second data line D2.

[0104] As a result, the first pixel PX1 connected to the first data line D1 and the second pixel PX2 connected to the second data line D2 can emit light normally. On the contrary, even if the third switch SW3 and the fourth switch SW4 are turned on, the third pixel PX3 connected to the third data line D3 and the first pixel PX1 connected to the fourth data line D4 may not emit light normally. However, it is not clear at this time whether the aforementioned abnormal operation is caused by a defect in the third source amplifier SA3 or the fourth source amplifier SA4 or other defects (such as a bonding defect in the data driver 400 and the flexible circuit board, for example).

[0105] Reference Fig.17, the reverse switches RSW1, RSW2 and RSW3 and the second dummy switch DSW2 may be turned on to supply the data signal to the data lines D1, D2, D3 and D4. The switches SW1, SW2, SW3 and SW4, the forward switches FSW1, FSW2 and FSW3 and the first dummy switch DSW1 may be turned off. For example, the first reverse switch RSW1 is turned on so that the second data signal DS2 output from the second source amplifier SA2 is supplied to the first data line D1. The second data signal DS2 may be changed to a red data signal RDS supplied to the first pixel PX1 connected to the first data line D1. In addition, the second dummy switch DSW2 is turned on so that the second dummy data signal DDS2 output from the second dummy source amplifier DSA2 is supplied to the fourth data line D4 via the second dummy data line DD2. The second dummy data signal DDS2 may be a red data signal RDS supplied to the first pixel PX1 connected to the fourth data line D4. Here, even if the second and third reverse switches RSW2 and RSW3 are turned on, the data signal is not supplied to the second and third data lines D2 and D3 due to defects in the third and fourth source amplifiers SA3 and SA4 .

[0106] As a result, the second pixel PX2 connected to the second data line D2 and the third pixel PX3 connected to the third data line D3 may not emit light normally, while the first pixel PX1 connected to each of the first data line D1 and the fourth data line D4 may emit light normally. Here, since the first pixel PX1 connected to the fourth data line D4 emits light normally, it can be determined that there are no other defects (such as a bonding defect of the data driver 400 and the flexible circuit board as an example). In addition, although the second pixel PX2 connected to the second data line D2 was not properly connected in the previous stage (see Fig.16 ), but the second pixel PX2 cannot emit light normally due to the turning on of the second reverse switch RSW2 and the turning off of the second switch SW2. Therefore, it can be determined that a defect has occurred in the third source amplifier SA3. In addition, since the third pixel PX3 connected to the third data line D3 does not emit light normally due to the turning on of the third reverse switch RSW3 even when the third switch SW3 is turned off, it can be determined that a defect has occurred in the fourth source amplifier SA4.

[0107] Reference Fig.18, dummy switches DSW1 and DSW2 and forward switches FSW1 and FSW2 may be turned on to supply data signals to data lines D1, D2, D3, and D4. Switches SW1, SW2, SW3, and SW4, reverse switches RSW1, RSW2, and RSW3, and the third forward switch FSW3 may be turned off. For example, the first dummy switch DSW1 is turned on so that the first dummy data signal DDS1 output from the first dummy source amplifier DSA1 is supplied to the first data line D1 via the first dummy data line DD1. In addition, the first forward switch FSW1 is turned on so that the first data signal DS1 output from the first source amplifier SA1 is supplied to the second data line D2. The first data signal DS1 may be changed into a green data signal GDS supplied to the second pixel PX2 connected to the second data line D2. In addition, the second forward switch FSW2 is turned on so that the second data signal DS2 output from the second source amplifier SA2 may be supplied to the third data line D3. The second data signal DS2 may be changed into a blue data signal BDS supplied to the third pixel PX3 connected to the third data line D3. In addition, the second dummy switch DSW2 is turned on so that the second dummy data signal DDS2 output from the second dummy source amplifier DSA2 is supplied to the fourth data line D4 via the second dummy data line DD2.

[0108] As a result, the first pixel PX1 connected to each of the first data line D1 and the fourth data line D4, the second pixel PX2 connected to the second data line D2, and the third pixel PX3 connected to the third data line D3 all emit light normally. In other words, even if a defect occurs in the two source amplifiers SA3 and SA4, the display panel 100 can be driven normally without replacing the module.

[0109] Figures 19 to 21 Schematically shows the connection of the first data line D1 and the mth data line Dm (refer to Figure 3 A method for inspecting defects in a source amplifier when a defect occurs in the source amplifiers of any two data lines other than ).

[0110] Reference Fig.19, switches SW1, SW2, SW3, and SW4 may be turned on to supply data signals to data lines D1, D2, D3, and D4. Forward switches FSW1, FSW2, and FSW3, reverse switches RSW1, RSW2, and RSW3, and dummy switches DSW1 and DSW2 may be turned off. For example, the first switch SW1 is turned on so that the first data signal DS1 output from the first source amplifier SA1 is supplied to the first data line D1. The first data signal DS1 may be a red data signal RDS supplied to the first pixel PX1 connected to the first data line D1. In addition, the fourth switch SW4 is turned on so that the fourth data signal DS4 output from the fourth source amplifier SA4 is supplied to the fourth data line D4. The fourth data signal DS4 may be a red data signal RDS supplied to the first pixel PX1 connected to the fourth data line D4.

[0111] As a result, the first pixel PX1 connected to each of the first data line D1 and the fourth data line D4 can emit light normally. On the contrary, even if the second switch SW2 and the third switch SW3 are turned on, the second pixel PX2 connected to the second data line D2 and the third pixel PX3 connected to the third data line D3 may not emit light normally. However, it is not clear at this time whether the aforementioned abnormal operation is caused by a defect in the second source amplifier SA2 or the third source amplifier SA3 or other defects (such as a bonding defect in the data driver 400 and the flexible circuit board, for example).

[0112] Reference Fig. 20, the forward switches FSW1, FSW2 and FSW3 and the first dummy switch DSW1 may be turned on to supply the data signal to the data lines D1, D2, D3 and D4. The switches SW1, SW2, SW3 and SW4, the reverse switches RSW1, RSW2 and RSW3 and the second dummy switch DSW2 may be turned off. For example, the first dummy switch DSW1 is turned on so that the first dummy data signal DDS1 output from the first dummy source amplifier DSA1 is supplied to the first data line D1 via the first dummy data line DD1. In addition, the first forward switch FSW1 is turned on so that the first data signal DS1 output from the first source amplifier SA1 is supplied to the second data line D2. The first data signal DS1 may be changed into a green data signal GDS supplied to the second pixel PX2 connected to the second data line D2. Here, even if the second forward switch FSW2 and the third forward switch FSW3 are turned on, the data signal is not supplied to the third data line D3 and the fourth data line D4 due to defects in the second source amplifier SA2 and the third source amplifier SA3. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the aforementioned examples. The reverse switches RSW1, RSW2 and RSW3 and the second dummy switch DSW2 may be turned on to supply the data signal to the data lines D1, D2, D3 and D4. The switches SW1, SW2, SW3 and SW4, the forward switches FSW1, FSW2 and FSW3 and the first dummy switch DSW1 may be turned on.

[0113] As a result, the third pixel PX3 connected to the third data line D3 and the first pixel PX1 connected to the fourth data line D4 may not emit light normally, while the first pixel PX1 connected to the first data line D1 and the second pixel PX2 connected to the second data line D2 may emit light normally. Here, since the second pixel PX2 connected to the second data line D2 emits light normally, it can be determined that there are no other defects (such as a bonding defect between the data driver 400 and the flexible circuit board as an example). In addition, since the third pixel PX3 connected to the third data line D3 does not emit light normally due to the turning on of the second forward switch FSW2 even when the third switch SW3 is disconnected, it can be determined that a defect has occurred in the second source amplifier SA2. In addition, although the first pixel PX1 connected to the fourth data line D4 was in the previous stage (refer to Fig.19 ) has been emitting light normally, but the first pixel PX1 cannot emit light normally due to the turning on of the third forward switch FSW3 and the turning off of the fourth switch SW4, it can be determined that a defect has occurred in the third source amplifier SA3.

[0114] Reference Fig.21, dummy switches DSW1 and DSW2, the first forward switch FSW1, and the third reverse switch RSW3 may be turned on to supply data signals to the data lines D1, D2, D3, and D4. Switches SW1, SW2, SW3, and SW4, forward switches FSW2 and FSW3, and reverse switches RSW1 and RSW2 may be turned off. For example, the first dummy switch DSW1 is turned on so that the first dummy data signal DDS1 output from the first dummy source amplifier DSA1 is supplied to the first data line D1 via the first dummy data line DD1. In addition, the first forward switch FSW1 is turned on so that the first data signal DS1 output from the first source amplifier SA1 is supplied to the second data line D2. In addition, the third reverse switch RSW3 is turned on so that the fourth data signal DS4 output from the fourth source amplifier SA4 is supplied to the third data line D3. The fourth data signal DS4 may be changed into a blue data signal BDS supplied to the third pixel PX3 connected to the third data line D3. In addition, the second dummy switch DSW2 is turned on, so that the second dummy data signal DDS2 output from the second dummy source amplifier DSA2 is supplied to the fourth data line D4 via the second dummy data line DD2.

[0115] As a result, the first pixel PX1 connected to each of the first data line D1 and the fourth data line D4, the second pixel PX2 connected to the second data line D2, and the third pixel PX3 connected to the third data line D3 all emit light normally. In other words, even if a defect occurs in the two source amplifiers SA2 and SA3, the display panel 100 can be driven normally without replacing the module.

[0116] Figure 22 to Figure 24 Schematically shows the connection between the first data line D1 and the mth data line Dm (refer to Figure 3 ) when a defect occurs in a source amplifier.

[0117] Reference Fig. 22, switches SW1, SW2, SW3, and SW4 may be turned on to supply data signals to data lines D1, D2, D3, and D4. Forward switches FSW1, FSW2, and FSW3, reverse switches RSW1, RSW2, and RSW3, and dummy switches DSW1 and DSW2 may be turned off. For example, the second switch SW2 is turned on so that the second data signal DS2 output from the second source amplifier SA2 may be supplied to the second data line D2. The second data signal DS2 may be a green data signal GDS supplied to the second pixel PX2 connected to the second data line D2. In addition, the third switch SW3 is turned on so that the third data signal DS3 output from the third source amplifier SA3 is supplied to the third data line D3. The third data signal DS3 may be a blue data signal BDS supplied to the third pixel PX3 connected to the third data line D3.

[0118] As a result, the second pixel PX2 connected to the second data line D2 and the third pixel PX3 connected to the third data line D3 can emit light normally. On the contrary, even if the first switch SW1 and the fourth switch SW4 are turned on, the first pixel PX1 connected to each of the first data line D1 and the fourth data line D4 may not emit light normally. However, it is not clear at this time whether the aforementioned abnormal operation is caused by defects in the first source amplifier SA1 and the fourth source amplifier SA4 or other defects (such as bonding defects in the data driver 400 and the flexible circuit board, for example).

[0119] Reference Fig.23 , dummy switches DSW1 and DSW2, the first forward switch FSW1, and the third reverse switch RSW3 may be turned on to supply data signals to the data lines D1, D2, D3, and D4. The switches SW1, SW2, SW3, and SW4, the forward switches FSW2 and FSW3, and the reverse switches RSW1 and RSW2 may be turned off. For example, the first dummy switch DSW1 is turned on so that the first dummy data signal DDS1 output from the first dummy source amplifier DSA1 is supplied to the first data line D1 via the first dummy data line DD1. The first dummy data signal DDS1 may be a red data signal RDS supplied to the first pixel PX1 connected to the first data line D1. In addition, the second dummy switch DSW2 is turned on so that the second dummy data signal DDS2 output from the second dummy source amplifier DSA2 is supplied to the fourth data line D4 via the second dummy data line DD2. The second dummy data signal DDS2 may be a red data signal RDS supplied to the first pixel PX1 connected to the fourth data line D4. Here, even if the first forward switch FSW1 and the third reverse switch RSW3 are turned on, the data signal is not supplied to the second data line D2 and the third data line D3 due to defects in the first source amplifier SA1 and the fourth source amplifier SA4 .

[0120] As a result, the second pixel PX2 connected to the second data line D2 and the third pixel PX3 connected to the third data line D3 may not emit light normally, while the first pixel PX1 connected to each of the first data line D1 and the fourth data line D4 may emit light normally. Here, since the first pixel PX1 connected to each of the first data line D1 and the fourth data line D4 emits light normally, it can be determined that there are no other defects (such as a bonding defect of the data driver 400 and the flexible circuit board as an example). In addition, although the second pixel PX2 connected to the second data line D2 is in the previous stage (refer to Fig. 22 ) has been emitting light normally, but the second pixel PX2 cannot emit light normally due to the turning on of the first forward switch FSW1 and the turning off of the second switch SW2, and it can be determined that a defect has occurred in the first source amplifier SA1. In addition, although the third pixel PX3 connected to the third data line D3 is Fig. 22 ) has been emitting light normally, but the third pixel PX3 cannot emit light normally due to the turning on of the third reverse switch RSW3 and the turning off of the third switch SW3. Therefore, it can be determined that a defect has occurred in the fourth source amplifier SA4.

[0121] Reference Fig.24 , dummy switches DSW1 and DSW2 and switches SW2 and SW3 may be turned on to supply data signals to data lines D1, D2, D3, and D4. Switches SW1 and SW4, forward switches FSW1, FSW2, and FSW3, and reverse switches RSW1, RSW2, and RSW3 may be turned off. For example, the first dummy switch DSW1 is turned on so that the first dummy data signal DDS1 output from the first dummy source amplifier DSA1 is supplied to the first data line D1 via the first dummy data line DD1. In addition, the second switch SW2 is turned on so that the second data signal DS2 output from the second source amplifier SA2 is supplied to the second data line D2. In addition, the third switch SW3 is turned on so that the third data signal DS3 output from the third source amplifier SA3 is supplied to the third data line D3. In addition, the second dummy switch DSW2 is turned on so that the second dummy data signal DDS2 output from the second dummy source amplifier DSA2 is supplied to the fourth data line D4 via the second dummy data line DD2.

[0122] As a result, the first pixel PX1 connected to each of the first data line D1 and the fourth data line D4, the second pixel PX2 connected to the second data line D2, and the third pixel PX3 connected to the third data line D3 all emit light normally. In other words, even if a defect occurs in the two source amplifiers SA1 and SA4, the display panel 100 can be driven normally without replacing the module.

[0123] As is customary in the field of the present disclosure, embodiments are described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings in terms of functional blocks, units and / or modules. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that these blocks, units and / or modules are physically implemented by electronic (or optical) circuits (such as logic circuits, discrete components, microprocessors, hard-wired circuits, memory elements, wiring connections, etc.) that can be formed using semiconductor-based manufacturing techniques or other manufacturing techniques. In the case where blocks, units and / or modules are implemented by microprocessors or other similar elements, they can be programmed using software (e.g., microcode) to perform the various functions discussed herein, and can be selectively driven by firmware and / or software. Alternatively, each block, unit and / or module can be implemented by dedicated hardware, or can be implemented as a combination of dedicated hardware for performing some functions and processors (e.g., one or more programmed microprocessors and associated circuits) for performing other functions.

[0124] According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, electrical defects in a data driver can be accurately detected, and a display device can be driven normally without replacing the data driver in which the electrical defect has been detected. Therefore, the reliability and accuracy of defect detection can be improved, and the cost associated with module replacement can be reduced.

[0125] While the present disclosure has been particularly shown and described with reference to embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A display device, wherein: The display device comprises: A display panel comprising a plurality of pixels connected to m data lines, wherein m is a positive integer greater than or equal to 3; and a data driver configured to supply a plurality of data signals to the m data lines, Wherein, the data driver comprises: an output component, comprising m source amplifiers respectively connected to the m data lines and a first dummy source amplifier connected to a first dummy data line; and The switch component includes m switches respectively formed on the m data lines, m-1 forward switches formed between adjacent data lines among the m data lines, m-1 reverse switches formed between the adjacent data lines, and a first dummy switch formed on the first dummy data line.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The first dummy source amplifier is adjacent to a first source amplifier among the m source amplifiers configured to output a data signal among the plurality of data signals to a first data line among the m data lines.

3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein: The first dummy data line is connected to the first data line.

4. The display device according to claim 2, wherein: The first dummy switch controls whether a first dummy data signal output from the first dummy source amplifier is supplied to the first data line.

5. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The kth switch among the m switches controls whether to supply a data signal output from the kth source amplifier among the m source amplifiers among the plurality of data signals to the kth data line among the m data lines, Here, k is a positive integer less than or equal to m.

6. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The p-th forward switch among the m-1 forward switches controls whether to supply a data signal output from the p-th source amplifier among the m source amplifiers among the plurality of data signals to the p+1-th data line among the m data lines, Here, p is a positive integer less than or equal to m-1.

7. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The qth reverse switch among the m-1 reverse switches controls whether to supply a data signal output from the qth source amplifier among the m source amplifiers among the plurality of data signals to the q-1th data line among the m data lines, Here, q is a positive integer less than or equal to m-1.

8. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: When a defect occurs in a pixel among the plurality of pixels connected to any one of the m data lines except an mth data line among the m data lines, the m-1 forward switches and the first dummy switch are turned on, and the m switches are turned off.

9. The display device according to claim 1, in, The output component also includes a second dummy source amplifier connected to a second dummy data line, and Wherein, the switch component further includes a second dummy switch formed on the second dummy data line.

10. The display device according to claim 9, wherein: The second dummy source amplifier is adjacent to an mth source amplifier among the m source amplifiers configured to output a data signal among the plurality of data signals to an mth data line among the m data lines.

11. The display device according to claim 10, wherein: The second dummy data line is connected to the mth data line.

12. The display device according to claim 10, wherein: The second dummy switch controls whether a second dummy data signal output from the second dummy source amplifier is supplied to the mth data line.

13. The display device according to claim 9, wherein: When a defect occurs in a pixel connected to an mth data line among the m data lines among the plurality of pixels, the m-1 reverse switches and the second dummy switch are turned on, and the m switches and the first dummy switch are turned off.

14. The display device according to claim 9, wherein: When a defect occurs in a pixel among the multiple pixels connected to the first data line among the m data lines and any one of the m data lines except the mth data line and the first data line, the m-1 forward switches and the first dummy switch are turned on, and the m switches, the m-1 reverse switches and the second dummy switch are turned off.

15. The display device according to claim 9, wherein: When a defect occurs in a pixel among the multiple pixels connected to the mth data line among the m data lines and any one of the m data lines except the first data line and the mth data line, the m-1 reverse switches and the second dummy switch are turned on, and the m switches, the m-1 forward switches and the first dummy switch are turned off.

16. The display device according to claim 9, in, When m is a positive integer greater than or equal to 4, When a defect occurs in pixels among the plurality of pixels connected to any two data lines among the m data lines except a first data line among the m data lines and an mth data line among the m data lines, The m-1 forward switches and the first dummy switch are turned on, and the m switches, the m-1 reverse switches, and the second dummy switch are turned off, or The m-1 reverse switches and the second dummy switch are turned on, and the m switches, the m-1 forward switches, and the first dummy switch are turned off.

17. The display device according to claim 9, in, When m is a positive integer greater than or equal to 4, When a defect occurs in a pixel connected to a first data line among the m data lines and an mth data line among the m data lines among the plurality of pixels, The first dummy switch, the first forward switch among the m-1 forward switches, the second dummy switch, and the m-1th reverse switch among the m-1 reverse switches are turned on, and The m switches, the remaining m-2 forward switches except the first forward switch among the m-1 forward switches, and the remaining m-2 reverse switches except the m-1th reverse switch among the m-1 reverse switches are opened.

18. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: When a defect occurs in any one of the m source amplifiers, a first dummy data signal output from the first dummy source amplifier is supplied to a first data line among the m data lines.

19. The display device according to claim 9, wherein: When defects occur in any two source amplifiers among the m source amplifiers, a first dummy data signal output from the first dummy source amplifier is supplied to a first data line among the m data lines, and a second dummy data signal output from the second dummy source amplifier is supplied to an mth data line among the m data lines.

20. A method for inspecting a display device, wherein: The method comprises: supplying a plurality of data signals output from a plurality of source amplifiers to a plurality of data lines; verifying defects in pixels among the plurality of pixels connected to at least one data line among the plurality of data lines; supplying a data signal among the plurality of data signals output from at least one source amplifier among the plurality of source amplifiers connected to the at least one data line to an adjacent data line among the plurality of data lines; and The defect in the at least one source amplifier is determined based on whether a pixel connected to the adjacent data line among the plurality of pixels is defective.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein: Determining the defect includes determining that the defect has occurred in the at least one source amplifier when the defect has occurred in the pixel connected to the adjacent data line.

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