Display device and inspection method thereof

Abstract

The invention discloses a display device and an inspection method thereof. The inspection method includes: receiving an analog voltage from an external device; generating a first touch driving signal having a first potential based on the analog voltage; acquiring first raw data of each channel of the touch electrode by supplying a first touch driving signal to the touch electrode; generating a second touch driving signal having a second potential higher than the first potential by using the charge pump; acquiring second raw data of each channel of the touch electrode by supplying a second touch driving signal to the touch electrode; calculating a ratio between the first raw data and the second raw data; and determining that the charge pump is normal based on the calculated ratio being within a specified range.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Aspects of some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a display device and an inspection method thereof. Background Art

[0002] With the development of the information age, consumer demand for display devices for displaying images has increased in various forms. The display device may be a flat panel display device such as a liquid crystal display device, a field emission display device, and a light-emitting display device. The light-emitting display device may include an organic light-emitting display device including an organic light-emitting diode element as a light-emitting element, or a light-emitting diode display device including an inorganic light-emitting diode element such as a light-emitting diode (LED) as a light-emitting element.

[0003] The display device may include a touch panel (or touch unit) as an input device. A touch drive circuit for driving the touch panel may generate a touch drive signal for driving a touch electrode of the touch panel. The touch drive signal may be generated using a high potential power supply boosted from an analog voltage by a charge pump. When the charge pump embedded in the touch drive circuit operates abnormally, the potential of the high potential power supply may be abnormally set, which may cause defects in the touch panel.

[0004] The above information disclosed in this Background section is only for enhancement of background understanding and therefore, the information discussed in this Background section does not necessarily constitute prior art. Summary of the invention

[0005] Aspects of some embodiments of the present disclosure include a display device and a method for checking whether a charge pump embedded in a touch driving circuit is normal.

[0006] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a method for inspecting a display device may include: receiving an analog voltage from an external device; generating a first touch drive signal having a first electric potential based on the analog voltage; obtaining first original data of each channel of the touch electrode by supplying the first touch drive signal to the touch electrode; generating a second touch drive signal having a second electric potential higher than the first electric potential by using a charge pump; obtaining second original data of each channel of the touch electrode by supplying the second touch drive signal to the touch electrode; calculating a ratio between the first original data and the second original data; and determining whether the charge pump is normal based on whether the calculated ratio is within a specified range.

[0007] According to some embodiments, the inspection method may further include: calculating an average value of the first raw data and defining the calculated average value as a first sensing value; and calculating an average value of the second raw data and defining the calculated average value as a second sensing value. The calculation of the ratio between the first raw data and the second raw data may include: calculating the ratio between the first sensing value and the second sensing value as the ratio between the first raw data and the second raw data.

[0008] According to some embodiments, the inspection method may further include: calculating an intermediate value of the first raw data and defining the calculated intermediate value as a first sensing value; and calculating an intermediate value of the second raw data and defining the calculated intermediate value as a second sensing value. The calculation of the ratio between the first raw data and the second raw data may include: calculating the ratio between the first sensing value and the second sensing value as the ratio between the first raw data and the second raw data.

[0009] According to some embodiments, the touch electrode may include a plurality of first electrodes and a plurality of second electrodes crossing the plurality of first electrodes.

[0010] According to some embodiments, the first touch driving signal and the second touch driving signal may be signals applied to the plurality of first electrodes.

[0011] According to some embodiments, the first raw data and the second raw data may include analog data read through the plurality of second electrodes.

[0012] According to some embodiments, the inspection method may further include: converting the first original data from analog data to digital data; and converting the second original data from analog data to digital data.

[0013] According to some embodiments, the touch electrode may include a plurality of self-touch electrodes arranged in a matrix form.

[0014] According to some embodiments, a charge pump may be embedded in a touch driving circuit of a display device.

[0015] According to some embodiments, the first potential may be about 3V, and the second potential may be about 6V.

[0016] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a display device may include a touch drive circuit and a touch unit including a touch electrode. The touch drive circuit may include: a drive signal output unit configured to output a touch drive signal; a charge pump configured to boost an analog voltage having a first potential to a high potential power supply having a second potential; a sensing circuit unit configured to sense raw data corresponding to a charge change amount of a capacitance of a touch electrode; an analog-to-digital converter configured to convert raw data acquired by the sensing circuit unit into digital data; and a touch controller. The touch controller may be configured to: control the drive signal output unit to output a first touch drive signal having a first potential; control the sensing circuit unit to acquire first raw data of each channel of the touch electrode based on the output of the first touch drive signal; control the drive signal output unit to output a second touch drive signal having a second potential; control the sensing circuit unit to acquire second raw data of each channel of the touch electrode based on the output of the second touch drive signal; calculate the ratio between the first raw data and the second raw data; and determine whether the charge pump is normal based on whether the calculated ratio is within a specified range.

[0017] According to some embodiments, the touch controller may be further configured to: calculate an average value of the first raw data and define the calculated average value as a first sensing value; and calculate an average value of the second raw data and define the calculated average value as a second sensing value. The touch controller may be configured to: calculate a ratio between the first sensing value and the second sensing value as a ratio between the first raw data and the second raw data.

[0018] According to some embodiments, the touch controller may be further configured to: calculate an intermediate value of the first raw data and define the calculated intermediate value as a first sensing value; and calculate an intermediate value of the second raw data and define the calculated intermediate value as a second sensing value. The touch controller may be configured to: calculate a ratio between the first sensing value and the second sensing value as a ratio between the first raw data and the second raw data.

[0019] According to some embodiments, the touch electrode may include a plurality of first electrodes and a plurality of second electrodes crossing the plurality of first electrodes.

[0020] According to some embodiments, the first touch driving signal and the second touch driving signal may be signals applied to the plurality of first electrodes.

[0021] According to some embodiments, the first raw data and the second raw data may include analog data read through the plurality of second electrodes.

[0022] According to some embodiments, the touch controller may be further configured to control the analog-to-digital converter to convert the first raw data from analog data to digital data, and control the analog-to-digital converter to convert the second raw data from analog data to digital data.

[0023] According to some embodiments, the touch electrode may include a plurality of self-touch electrodes arranged in a matrix form.

[0024] According to some embodiments, the display device may further include a battery. The analog voltage may be input from the battery.

[0025] According to some embodiments, the first potential may be about 3V, and the second potential may be about 6V.

[0026] In the display device and the inspection method thereof according to some embodiments, it may be inspected whether a charge pump embedded in a touch driving circuit is normal.

[0027] However, the various aspects of the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to those described herein. By referring to the detailed description of some embodiments of the present disclosure given below, for ordinary technicians in the field to which the embodiments of the present disclosure belong, the above and other aspects of the embodiments of the present disclosure will become more obvious. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The above and other aspects and features according to the embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent by describing in more detail various aspects of some embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

[0029] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a display device according to some embodiments;

[0030] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a display device according to some embodiments;

[0031] Figure 3 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a display unit and a touch unit according to some embodiments;

[0032] Figure 4 is a schematic plan view illustrating a display unit of a display device according to some embodiments;

[0033] Figure 5 is a plan view illustrating a touch unit of a display device according to some embodiments;

[0034] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating a method according to some embodiments Figure 5 An enlarged view of area A1;

[0035] Figure 7is an enlarged view illustrating a portion of a display device according to some embodiments;

[0036] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating a display device according to some embodiments Figure 7 A cross-sectional view taken along line II';

[0037] Fig. 9 is a schematic block diagram illustrating elements of a touch unit and a touch driver according to some embodiments;

[0038] Fig.10 is a flow chart illustrating a method for inspecting a display device according to some embodiments;

[0039] Fig.11 is a flow chart illustrating a method of inspecting a defect in a charge pump by using an average value according to some embodiments;

[0040] Fig.12 is a flow chart illustrating a method of inspecting a defect in a charge pump by using an intermediate value according to some embodiments; and

[0041] Fig.13 is a schematic plan view illustrating a touch unit of a self-capacitive type according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] Various aspects of some embodiments of the present invention will now be more fully described below with reference to the accompanying drawings in which various aspects of some embodiments of the present invention are shown. However, the present invention may be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. On the contrary, these embodiments are provided to make this disclosure thorough and complete, and to fully convey the scope of the present invention to those skilled in the art.

[0043] It will also be understood that when a layer is referred to as being “on” another layer or substrate, it can be directly on the other layer or substrate, or intervening layers may also be present. Like reference numerals refer to like components throughout the specification.

[0044] 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 are only used to distinguish one element from another element. For example, the first element discussed below may be referred to as the second element without departing from the teachings of the present invention. Similarly, the second element may also be referred to as the first element.

[0045] The features of each of the various embodiments of the present disclosure may be partially or completely combined with each other and may be technically connected with each other in various ways, and the various embodiments may be implemented independently of each other or may be implemented together in association with each other.

[0046] Various aspects of some embodiments will be described in more detail hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0047] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a display device according to some embodiments. Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a display device according to some embodiments.

[0048] In the drawings, the first direction X is a direction parallel to one side of the display device 10 when viewed on a plane (or in a plan view, or in a direction perpendicular or orthogonal to a display surface of the display device, or from a third direction Z), and refers to the short side direction of the display device 10. The second direction Y is a direction parallel to the other side in contact with the one side of the display device 10 when viewed on a plane, and refers to the long side direction of the display device 10. The third direction Z refers to the thickness direction of the display device 10. However, it should be understood that the directions mentioned in the embodiments refer to relative directions, and the embodiments according to the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0049] Various electronic devices for providing a display screen may be included in the display device 10. For example, the display device 10 may be applied to or incorporated into portable electronic devices such as mobile phones, smart phones, tablet personal computers (PCs), mobile communication terminals, electronic diaries, electronic books, portable multimedia players (PMPs), navigators, and ultra-mobile PCs (UMPCs). In addition, the display device 10 may be applied to or incorporated into a display unit of a television, a laptop computer, a monitor, a billboard, or an Internet of Things (IoT) device. In addition, the display device 10 may be applied to wearable devices such as smart watches, watch phones, glasses-type displays, and head-mounted displays (HMDs).

[0050] refer to Figure 1 , the display device 10 may have a planar shape similar to a rectangular shape. For example, the display device 10 may have a planar shape similar to a rectangular shape having a short side in the first direction X and a long side in the second direction Y. The corner at which the short side in the first direction X and the long side in the second direction Y intersect may have a rounded shape to have a curvature (e.g., a set or predetermined curvature), or may have a right angle shape. The planar shape of the display device 10 may be other polygonal shapes or shapes similar to a circular shape or an elliptical shape, without being limited to a rectangular shape.

[0051] At least one of the front surface and the rear surface of the display device 10 may be a display surface. In this case, the “front surface” is a surface positioned on one side of one plane and refers to a surface positioned in the third direction Z in the drawings, and the “rear surface” is a surface positioned on the other side of the one plane and refers to a surface positioned in the direction opposite to the third direction Z in the drawings. The display device 10 may be a double-sided display device 10 in which display is performed on both the front surface and the rear surface, but the following description will be made based on an embodiment in which the display surface is positioned on the front surface of the display device 10.

[0052] The display device 10 includes a display panel 100 for providing a display screen, a display driving circuit 200, a circuit board 300, and a touch driving circuit 400. The touch driving circuit 400 is a component configured to sense a user's touch input and may be referred to as a "touch sensing device".

[0053] The display panel 100 may have a planar shape similar to a rectangular shape. For example, the display panel 100 may have a planar shape similar to a rectangular shape having a short side in the first direction X and a long side in the second direction Y. The corner at which the short side in the first direction X intersects with the long side in the second direction Y may have a rounded shape to have a curvature (e.g., a set or predetermined curvature), or may have a right angle shape. The planar shape of the display panel 100 may be other polygonal shapes or a shape similar to a circular shape or an elliptical shape, without being limited to a rectangular shape. In addition, the display panel 100 may be flexibly formed to be bent or curved.

[0054] The display panel 100 may include a main area MA and a sub-area SBA.

[0055] The main area MA may include a display area DA including pixels for displaying an image and a non-display area NDA located near the display area DA. The display area DA may emit light from a plurality of light-emitting areas or a plurality of opening areas. For example, the display panel 100 may include a pixel circuit including a switching element, a pixel defining layer for defining a light-emitting area or an opening area, and a self-luminous element.

[0056] The non-display area NDA may be an outer area of ​​the display area DA. The non-display area NDA may be defined as an edge area of ​​the main area MA of the display panel 100. The non-display area NDA may include a gate driver for supplying a gate signal to a gate line of the display panel 100.

[0057] The sub-area SBA may extend from one side of the main area MA. The sub-area SBA may be bent to overlap the main area MA in the third direction Z. The sub-area SBA may include the display driving circuit 200 and a pad connected to the circuit board 300 .

[0058] refer to Figure 2 , the display panel 100 includes a display unit DU and a touch unit TSU.

[0059] The display unit DU may include a plurality of pixels ( Figure 3 PX). A pixel PX is a basic unit for displaying a picture or displaying an image. One pixel PX may include first to third sub-pixels (e.g., red sub-pixels, green sub-pixels, and blue sub-pixels), but is not limited thereto according to embodiments of the present disclosure. On a plane (or in a plan view), a plurality of pixels PX may be arranged alternately. For example, the pixels PX may be arranged in a matrix form, but is not limited thereto according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0060] The touch unit TSU may be located on the display unit DU, but the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the touch unit TSU may be formed together with the display unit DU in an embedded touch manner. The touch unit TSU may include a plurality of touch electrodes ( Figure 5 SEN) and a plurality of touch driving lines ( Figure 5 TL in) and multiple touch sensing lines ( Figure 5 The touch unit TSU is a layer for sensing a touch input and can perform the function of a touch member. The touch driving circuit 400 can determine whether a touch is input and calculate a corresponding position as a touch input coordinate. Figures 4 to 7 A detailed description of the display unit DU and the touch unit TSU is provided.

[0061] The display unit DU and the touch unit TSU may be arranged to overlap each other. For example, the display area DA may be an area for displaying a screen, and may overlap an area for sensing a touch input.

[0062] The sub-area SBA of the display panel 100 may extend from one side of the main area MA. The sub-area SBA may include a flexible material that can withstand bending, folding, curling, etc. For example, a portion of the sub-area SBA may be bent at one side of the main area MA, and another portion of the sub-area SBA extending from the bent portion of the sub-area SBA may overlap the main area MA in the third direction Z. The sub-area SBA may include a display driving circuit 200 and a pad connected to the circuit board 300.

[0063] refer to Figure 1, the display driving circuit 200 may be located in the sub-area SBA of the display panel 100. In addition, the display driving circuit 200 may be formed of an integrated circuit (IC) and may be packaged on the display panel 100 in a chip on plastic (COP) manner or a chip on glass (COG) manner.

[0064] The display driving circuit 200 may output a data signal and a voltage for driving the display panel 100. The display driving circuit 200 may supply the data signal to the data line of the display panel 100. The display driving circuit 200 may supply a power supply voltage to the power supply line of the display panel 100, and may supply a gate control signal to a gate driver.

[0065] The circuit board 300 may be located in the sub area SBA of the display panel 100. Leads of the circuit board 300 may be electrically connected to pads of the display panel 100. The circuit board 300 may be a flexible printed circuit board, a rigid printed circuit board, or a flexible film such as a chip on film.

[0066] The circuit board 300 may include a plurality of first electrodes ( Figure 5 TE) and a plurality of second electrodes ( Figure 5 RE) is electrically connected to multiple conductive lines.

[0067] The first electrodes TE may be referred to herein as terms such as “touch drive electrodes.” The second electrodes RE may be referred to herein as terms such as “touch sensing electrodes.”

[0068] The touch driving circuit 400 may be packaged on the circuit board 300. Alternatively, the touch driving circuit 400 may be located in the sub-area SBA of the display panel 100.

[0069] The touch drive circuit 400 can calculate whether a touch is input and the touch coordinates based on the charge change amount of the capacitance sensed between the plurality of touch electrodes SEN. The touch drive circuit 400 can be formed by an integrated circuit (IC) and can be packaged on the circuit board 300 in a chip on plastic (COP) manner or a chip on glass (COG) manner.

[0070] Figure 3 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a display unit and a touch unit according to some embodiments. Figure 4 is a schematic plan view illustrating a display unit of a display device according to some embodiments.

[0071] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4, the display device 10 includes a display panel 100 (which includes a plurality of pixels PX), a display driving circuit 200, and a touch driving circuit 400. The display driving circuit 200 and the touch driving circuit 400 may operate based on a control signal or a command signal from a host. For example, the host may be a processor. According to some embodiments, the touch driving circuit 400 may be controlled by the display driving circuit 200.

[0072] The display driving circuit 200 may include a data driver 230 and a display controller 220 .

[0073] The display controller 220 may receive input data R, G and B and a timing control signal from the outside (e.g., a host). The timing control signal may include a vertical synchronization signal Vsync indicating a frame period, a horizontal synchronization signal Hsync indicating a horizontal period, and a master clock MCLK repeated in a cycle (e.g., a set or predetermined cycle). The input data R, G and B may be RGB data including red image data, green image data and blue image data. The display controller 220 may generate output data signals DR, DG and DB and internal control signals by using the received input data R, G and B and the timing control signal. The internal control signal includes a data control signal DCS and a gate control signal GCS.

[0074] The display controller 220 may control the operation of the data driver 230 by providing the data control signal DCS to the data driver 230. The display controller 220 may control the operation of the gate driver 210 by providing the gate control signal GCS to the gate driver 210.

[0075] The data driver 230 may receive the output data signals DR, DG, and DB and the data control signal DCS from the display controller 220. The data driver 230 may generate data signals by using the received output data signals DR, DG, and DB and the data control signal DCS. The data driver 230 may provide the generated data signals to the display panel 100. The data driver 230 may generate data signals by using the plurality of data lines DL1 to DLm (corresponding to the plurality of data lines DL2 to DL3) formed in the display panel 100. Figure 4 The DL) provides a data signal to a plurality of pixels PX. m is a natural number greater than 0.

[0076] The gate driver 210 may receive a gate control signal GCS from the display controller 220. The gate driver 210 may generate a gate signal by using the received gate control signal GCS. The gate driver 210 may provide the generated gate signal to the display panel 100. The gate driver 210 may generate a gate signal by using a plurality of gate lines SL1 to SLn (corresponding to the gate lines SL1 to SLn) formed in the display panel 100. Figure 4GL) provides a gate signal to a plurality of pixels PX. n is a natural number greater than 0. Figure 4 Provides multiple data lines ( Figure 4 DL) and multiple gate lines ( Figure 4 Detailed description of GL).

[0077] Figure 3 The display driving circuit 200 shown in the figure does not include the gate driver 210, but is not limited thereto according to the embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, the gate driver 210 may be included in the display driving circuit 200 for controlling the operation of the display panel 100. The gate driver 210, the data driver 230, and the display controller 220 may be formed by an integrated circuit (IC). The gate driver 210 may be formed together with the display panel 100 in the thin film transistor formation process of the display panel 100. The display controller 220 and the data driver 230 may be merged with each other to construct a timing controller embedded driver (TED) integrated circuit.

[0078] The display panel 100 may include a plurality of data lines ( Figure 4 DL) and multiple gate lines ( Figure 4 GL) of multiple pixels PX.

[0079] The frame frequency at which the display driving circuit 200 drives the display panel 100 can be changed. For example, the frame frequency can be changed within a range of 1 Hz to 240 Hz according to the selection of the host or the user. The display driving circuit 200 can be driven at 60 Hz during one period, and can change the frame frequency to 120 Hz during another period according to the needs of the user.

[0080] The touch sensing area TSA may include a plurality of first electrodes ( Figure 5 TE), multiple second electrodes ( Figure 5 RE), multiple touch drive lines ( Figure 5 TL) and multiple touch sensing lines ( Figure 5 RL). The touch sensing area TSA may sense a touch input by receiving an electrical signal Tx from a touch driving circuit 400 located on the circuit board 300 via a plurality of touch driving lines TL and by transmitting an electrical signal Rx sensed from a plurality of second electrodes RE to the touch driving circuit 400 via a plurality of touch sensing lines RL. In detail, the touch driving circuit 400 may sense a touch input by converting an analog type electrical signal sensed in the touch sensing area TSA into digital data. This will be referred to later. Figure 5 A detailed description of the touch driving circuit 400 is provided.

[0081] refer to Figure 4The display unit DU may include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA. The display unit DU may include a plurality of pixels PX and a plurality of gate lines GL and a plurality of data lines DL connected to the plurality of pixels PX.

[0082] The plurality of gate lines GL may supply gate signals received from the gate driver 210 to the plurality of pixels PX. The plurality of gate lines GL may extend in a first direction X, and may be spaced apart from each other in a second direction Y crossing the first direction X.

[0083] The plurality of data lines DL may supply data signals received from the display driving circuit 200 to the plurality of pixels PX. The plurality of data lines DL may extend in the second direction Y, and may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction X.

[0084] The non-display area NDA may surround the display area DA. For example, the non-display area NDA may include a gate driver 210 for applying gate signals to a plurality of gate lines GL, fan-out lines FOL for connecting a plurality of data lines DL to the display driving circuit 200, and display pads DP connected to the circuit board 300.

[0085] The display driving circuit 200 may supply the gate control signal GCS to the gate driver 210 through the gate control line GCL. The gate driver 210 may generate a plurality of gate signals based on the gate control signal GCS and sequentially supply the plurality of gate signals to the plurality of gate lines GL according to a set order.

[0086] The display driving circuit 200 may supply a first power supply voltage to the first power supply line VL and a second power supply voltage to the second power supply line through the data driver 230. Each of the plurality of pixels PX may be supplied with the first power supply voltage through the first power supply line VL, and may be supplied with the second power supply voltage through the second power supply line. The first power supply voltage may be a high level voltage (e.g., a set or predetermined high level voltage), and the second power supply voltage may be a voltage lower than the first power supply voltage.

[0087] The display pad area DPA and the touch pad area TPDA may be located at the edge of the display panel 100. The display pad area DPA may include a plurality of display pads DP. The plurality of display pads DP may be connected to the main processor through the circuit board 300. The plurality of display pads DP may be connected to the circuit board 300 to receive digital video data, and the digital video data may be supplied to the display driving circuit 200. The touch pad area TPDA may include a plurality of touch pads TP.

[0088] Figure 5 is a plan view illustrating a touch unit of a display device according to some embodiments.

[0089] refer to Figure 5 The touch unit TSU may include a touch sensing area TSA for sensing a user's touch and a touch peripheral area TPA located near the touch sensing area TSA. The touch sensing area TSA may overlap with the display area DA of the display panel 100, and the touch peripheral area TPA may overlap with the non-display area NDA of the display panel 100.

[0090] The touch unit TSU may include a plurality of first electrodes TE, a plurality of second electrodes RE, a plurality of touch driving lines TL, and a plurality of touch sensing lines RL.

[0091] The circuit board 300 may include a first circuit pad portion DCPD connected to the display pad DP of the display panel 100 , a second circuit pad portion TCPD connected to the touch pad TP of the display panel 100 , and a touch circuit line 212 for connecting the second circuit pad portion TCPD with the touch driving circuit 400 .

[0092] The touch sensing area TSA is an area in which the touch electrodes SEN including the plurality of first electrodes TE and the plurality of second electrodes RE may be arranged. The plurality of first electrodes TE and the plurality of second electrodes RE may be electrically connected to the touch driving circuit 400 of the circuit board 300. The touch sensing area TSA may receive an electrical signal from the touch driving circuit 400 located on the circuit board 300 through the plurality of touch driving lines TL and the plurality of touch sensing lines RL, or may transmit an electrical signal sensed from the plurality of first electrodes TE and the plurality of second electrodes RE to the touch driving circuit 400 through the plurality of touch driving lines TL and the plurality of touch sensing lines RL.

[0093] The plurality of first electrodes TE may be arranged in the first direction X and the second direction Y. The plurality of first electrodes TE may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction X and the second direction Y. The first electrodes TE adjacent to each other in the second direction Y may be electrically connected to each other through a bridge electrode CE.

[0094] The plurality of first electrodes TE may be connected to the touch pad TP through the touch drive line TL. A portion of the plurality of touch drive lines TL may extend to the touch pad TP after passing through the lower side of the touch peripheral area TPA. Another portion of the plurality of touch drive lines TL may extend to the touch pad TP via the upper side, the left side, and the lower side of the touch peripheral area TPA. The touch pad TP may be connected to the touch drive circuit 400 through the circuit board 300.

[0095] The display pads DP and the touch pads TP may be located at an edge of the sub-area SBA of the display panel 100. The display pads DP and the touch pads TP may be electrically connected to the circuit board 300 by using a low-resistance and high-reliability material such as an anisotropic conductive film.

[0096] The plurality of second electrodes RE may extend in the first direction X and may be spaced apart from each other in the second direction Y. The plurality of second electrodes RE may be arranged in the first direction X and the second direction Y, and the plurality of second electrodes RE adjacent to each other in the first direction X may be electrically connected to each other through the connection portion RCE.

[0097] The plurality of second electrodes RE may be connected to the touch pad TP through the plurality of touch sensing lines RL. For example, the plurality of second electrodes RE located on the right side of the touch sensing area TSA may be connected to the touch pad TP through the plurality of touch sensing lines RL. The plurality of touch sensing lines RL may extend to the touch pad TP via the right side and the lower side of the touch peripheral area TPA. The touch pad TP may be connected to the touch drive circuit 400 through the circuit board 300.

[0098] The plurality of first electrodes TE and the plurality of second electrodes RE may include a planar pattern made of a transparent conductive layer, or a mesh type pattern in which an opaque metal is applied along a region where no light emitting element is placed so as not to interfere with the travel of light emitted from the display area DA.

[0099] A touch drive signal may be applied from the touch drive circuit 400 to each of the plurality of first electrodes TE through a corresponding one of the plurality of touch drive lines TL. When a touch drive signal is applied to the plurality of first electrodes TE, mutual capacitance may be formed between the first electrodes TE and the second electrodes RE adjacent to each other. When a touch input is generated from the outside (e.g., from an external source), the mutual capacitance value between the first electrodes TE and the second electrodes RE adjacent to each other may change. The charge change amount of the capacitance between the first electrodes TE and the second electrodes RE adjacent to each other may be transmitted to the touch drive circuit 400 through the plurality of touch sensing lines RL. Therefore, the touch drive circuit 400 may determine whether a touch is input and calculate the corresponding position as the touch input coordinates. Touch sensing may be performed in a mutual capacitance manner, but is not limited thereto according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0100] Figure 5 Reference symbol GND shown in may be a ground line formed in the circuit board 300 .

[0101] Figure 5 Reference numeral DME shown in FIG. 5 may be a dummy electrode. The plurality of first electrodes TE, the plurality of second electrodes RE, and the plurality of dummy electrodes DME may be located at the same layer and may be spaced apart from each other.

[0102] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 An enlarged view of area A1. Figure 7 is an enlarged view illustrating a portion of a display device according to some embodiments.

[0103] refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 , a plurality of first electrodes TE may be arranged in the first direction X and the second direction Y. The plurality of first electrodes TE may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction X and the second direction Y. The first electrodes TE adjacent to each other in the second direction Y may be electrically connected to each other through a bridge electrode CE.

[0104] The plurality of second electrodes RE may extend in the first direction X and may be spaced apart from each other in the second direction Y. The plurality of second electrodes RE may be arranged in the first direction X and the second direction Y, and the second electrodes RE adjacent to each other in the first direction X may be electrically connected to each other through the connection portion RCE. For example, the connection portion RCE of the second electrode RE may be arranged to cross between the first electrodes TE adjacent to each other.

[0105] The plurality of bridging electrodes CE may be located at different layers from the first electrode TE and the second electrode RE. The bridging electrode CE may include a first portion CEa and a second portion CEb. For example, the second portion CEb of the bridging electrode CE may be connected to the first electrode TE located on one side through a first contact hole CNT1, and thus extend in another direction DR2. The first portion CEa of the bridging electrode CE may be bent from the second portion CEb in an area overlapping with the second electrode RE and thus extend in one direction DR1, and may be connected to the first electrode TE located on the other side through a first contact hole CNT1. One direction DR1 may be a direction between the first direction X and the second direction Y, and the other direction DR2 may be a direction intersecting with the one direction DR1. For example, each of the plurality of bridging electrodes CE may connect the first electrodes TE adjacent to each other in the second direction Y.

[0106] According to some embodiments, a plurality of first electrodes TE, a plurality of second electrodes RE, and a plurality of dummy electrodes ( Figure 5 The DME) can be formed in a grid structure such as a planar grid structure. The plurality of first electrodes TE, the plurality of second electrodes RE and the plurality of dummy electrodes ( Figure 5 The DME of the pixel PX may not overlap with the first to third light emitting areas EA1, EA2, and EA3. The plurality of bridge electrodes CE may not overlap with the first to third light emitting areas EA1, EA2, and EA3. Therefore, the display device 10 can prevent the brightness of light emitted from the first to third light emitting areas EA1, EA2, and EA3 from being reduced due to the touch unit TSU.

[0107] Each of the plurality of first electrodes TE may include a first portion TEa extending in one direction DR1 and a second portion TEb extending in another direction DR2. Each of the plurality of second electrodes RE may include a first portion REa extending in one direction DR1 and a second portion REb extending in another direction DR2.

[0108] According to some embodiments, a plurality of first electrodes TE, a plurality of second electrodes RE, and a plurality of dummy electrodes ( Figure 5 The DME) can be formed in an overall surface structure rather than a planar grid structure. In this case, the plurality of first electrodes TE, the plurality of second electrodes RE and the plurality of dummy electrodes ( Figure 5 The DME) may include a transparent conductive material with high light transmittance such as indium tin oxide (ITO) and indium zinc oxide (IZO).

[0109] The plurality of pixels PX may include first to third sub-pixels, and the first to third sub-pixels may include first to third light emitting regions EA1, EA2, and EA3, respectively. For example, the first light emitting region EA1 may emit light of a first color or red light, the second light emitting region EA2 may emit light of a second color or green light, and the third light emitting region EA3 may emit light of a third color or blue light, but the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0110] One pixel PX may include one first light emitting area EA1, two second light emitting areas EA2, and one third light emitting area EA3 to represent a white grayscale. Therefore, the white grayscale may be expressed by combining light emitted from one first light emitting area EA1, light emitted from two second light emitting areas EA2, and light emitted from one third light emitting area EA3.

[0111] Figure 8 is along Figure 7 A cross-sectional view taken along line II'.

[0112] refer to Figure 8 The display panel 100 may include a display unit DU and a touch unit TSU. The display unit DU may include a substrate SUB, a thin film transistor layer TFTL, a light emitting element layer EML, and an encapsulation layer TFEL.

[0113] The substrate SUB may support the display panel 100. The substrate SUB may be a base substrate or a base member and may be made of an insulating material such as a polymer resin. For example, the substrate SUB may be a flexible substrate that can be subjected to bending, folding, and curling, etc. As another example, the substrate SUB may include a flexible material and a rigid material.

[0114] The thin film transistor layer TFTL may include first and second buffer layers BF1 and BF2, a thin film transistor TFT, a gate insulating layer GI, a first interlayer insulating layer ILD1, a capacitor electrode CPE, a second interlayer insulating layer ILD2, a first connection electrode CNE1, a first passivation layer PAS1, a second connection electrode CNE2, and a second passivation layer PAS2.

[0115] The first buffer layer BF1 may be located on the substrate SUB. The first buffer layer BF1 may include an inorganic layer capable of preventing air or moisture from penetrating. For example, the first buffer layer BF1 may include a plurality of inorganic layers alternately stacked.

[0116] The light blocking layer BML may be located on the first buffer layer BF1. For example, the light blocking layer BML may be formed of a single layer or multiple layers made of at least one of molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), gold (Au), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), copper (Cu), and alloys thereof. As another example, the light blocking layer BML may be an organic layer including a black pigment.

[0117] The second buffer layer BF2 may cover the first buffer layer BF1 and the light blocking layer BML. The second buffer layer BF2 may include an inorganic layer capable of preventing air or moisture from penetrating. For example, the second buffer layer BF2 may include a plurality of inorganic layers alternately stacked.

[0118] The thin film transistor TFT may be located on the second buffer layer BF2 and may constitute a pixel circuit of each of the plurality of sub-pixels. For example, the thin film transistor TFT may be a driving transistor or a switching transistor of the pixel circuit. The thin film transistor TFT may include a semiconductor region ACT, a gate electrode GE, a source electrode SE, and a drain electrode DE.

[0119] The semiconductor region ACT, the source electrode SE, and the drain electrode DE may be located on the second buffer layer BF2. The semiconductor region ACT may overlap with the gate electrode GE in the third direction Z and may be insulated from the gate electrode GE by the gate insulating layer GI. The source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE may be formed by making the material of the semiconductor region ACT conductive.

[0120] The gate electrode GE may be located on the gate insulating layer GI. The gate electrode GE may overlap the semiconductor region ACT with the gate insulating layer GI interposed therebetween.

[0121] The gate insulating layer GI may be located on the semiconductor region ACT, the source electrode SE, and the drain electrode DE. For example, the gate insulating layer GI may cover the semiconductor region ACT, the source electrode SE, the drain electrode DE, and the second buffer layer BF2, and may insulate the semiconductor region ACT from the gate electrode GE. The gate insulating layer GI may include a contact hole through which the first connection electrode CNE1 passes.

[0122] The first interlayer insulating layer ILD1 may cover the gate electrode GE and the gate insulating layer GI. The first interlayer insulating layer ILD1 may include a contact hole through which the first connection electrode CNE1 passes. The contact hole of the first interlayer insulating layer ILD1 may be connected to the contact hole of the gate insulating layer GI and the contact hole of the second interlayer insulating layer ILD2.

[0123] The capacitor electrode CPE may be located on the first interlayer insulating layer ILD1 . The capacitor electrode CPE may overlap the gate electrode GE in the third direction Z.

[0124] The second interlayer insulating layer ILD2 may cover the capacitor electrode CPE and the first interlayer insulating layer ILD1. The second interlayer insulating layer ILD2 may include a contact hole through which the first connection electrode CNE1 passes. The contact hole of the second interlayer insulating layer ILD2 may be connected to the contact hole of the first interlayer insulating layer ILD1 and the contact hole of the gate insulating layer GI.

[0125] The first connection electrode CNE1 may be located on the second interlayer insulating layer ILD2. The first connection electrode CNE1 may connect the drain electrode DE of the thin film transistor TFT to the second connection electrode CNE2. The first connection electrode CNE1 may be inserted into a contact hole formed in the second interlayer insulating layer ILD2, the first interlayer insulating layer ILD1, and the gate insulating layer GI to contact the drain electrode DE of the thin film transistor TFT.

[0126] The first passivation layer PAS1 may cover the first connection electrode CNE1 and the second interlayer insulating layer ILD2. The first passivation layer PAS1 may protect the thin film transistor TFT. The first passivation layer PAS1 may include a contact hole through which the second connection electrode CNE2 passes.

[0127] The second connection electrode CNE2 may be located on the first passivation layer PAS1. The second connection electrode CNE2 may connect the first connection electrode CNE1 with the first electrode AND of the light emitting element ED. The second connection electrode CNE2 may be inserted into a contact hole provided in the first passivation layer PAS1 to contact the first connection electrode CNE1.

[0128] The second passivation layer PAS2 may cover the second connection electrode CNE2 and the first passivation layer PAS1. The second passivation layer PAS2 may include a contact hole through which the first electrode AND of the light emitting element ED passes.

[0129] The light emitting element layer EML may be located on the thin film transistor layer TFTL. The light emitting element layer EML may include a light emitting element ED and a pixel defining layer PDL. The light emitting element ED may include a first electrode AND, a light emitting layer EL, and a second electrode CAT.

[0130] The first electrode AND may be located on the second passivation layer PAS2. The first electrode AND may be arranged to overlap each of the first to third light emitting areas EA1, EA2, and EA3 defined by the pixel defining layer PDL. The first electrode AND may be connected to the drain electrode DE of the thin film transistor TFT through the first connection electrode CNE1 and the second connection electrode CNE2.

[0131] The light emitting layer EL may be located on the first electrode AND. For example, the light emitting layer EL may be an organic light emitting layer made of an organic material, but the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. When the light emitting layer EL corresponds to the organic light emitting layer, the thin film transistor TFT may apply a voltage (e.g., a set or predetermined voltage) to the first electrode AND of the light emitting element ED, and when the second electrode CAT of the light emitting element ED receives a common voltage or a cathode voltage, holes and electrons may move to the organic light emitting layer EL through the hole transport layer and the electron transport layer and may recombine with each other in the organic light emitting layer EL to emit light.

[0132] The second electrode CAT may be located on the light emitting layer EL. For example, the second electrode CAT may be implemented in the form of an electrode that is not distinguished for each of the plurality of sub-pixels but commonly covers the light emitting layer EL of all sub-pixels. For example, the second electrode CAT may be located on the light emitting layer EL in the first to third light emitting regions EA1, EA2, and EA3, and may be located on the pixel defining layer PDL in regions other than the first to third light emitting regions EA1, EA2, and EA3.

[0133] The pixel defining layer PDL may define first to third light emitting areas EA1, EA2, and EA3. The pixel defining layer PDL may separate and insulate first electrodes AND of the plurality of light emitting elements ED from each other.

[0134] The encapsulation layer TFEL may be located on the second electrode CAT to cover the plurality of light emitting elements ED. The encapsulation layer TFEL may include at least one inorganic layer to prevent oxygen or moisture from penetrating into the light emitting element layer EML. The encapsulation layer TFEL may include at least one organic layer to protect the light emitting element layer EML from particles such as dust.

[0135] The touch unit TSU may be located on the encapsulation layer TFEL. The touch unit TSU may include a third buffer layer BF3, a bridge electrode CE, a first insulating layer SIL1, a first electrode TE, a second electrode RE, and a second insulating layer SIL2.

[0136] The third buffer layer BF3 may be located on the encapsulation layer TFEL. The third buffer layer BF3 may have an insulating function and an optical function. The third buffer layer BF3 may include at least one inorganic layer. Optionally, the third buffer layer BF3 may be omitted.

[0137] The bridge electrode CE may be located on the third buffer layer BF3. The bridge electrode CE may be located at a different layer from the first electrode TE and the second electrode RE to connect the first electrode TE and the second electrode RE in the second direction (eg, Figure 7 The bridging electrode CE is connected to the first electrodes TE adjacent to each other in the second direction Y). For example, the bridging electrode CE can be formed by a single layer of molybdenum (Mo), titanium (Ti), copper (Cu) or aluminum (Al), a stacked structure of aluminum and titanium (Ti / Al / Ti), a stacked structure of aluminum and ITO (ITO / Al / ITO), an APC alloy, or a stacked structure of an APC alloy and ITO (ITO / APC / ITO). The APC alloy is an alloy of silver (Ag), palladium (Pd) and copper (Cu).

[0138] The first insulating layer SIL1 may cover the bridge electrode CE and the third buffer layer BF3. The first insulating layer SIL1 may have an insulating function and an optical function. For example, the first insulating layer SIL1 may be formed of an inorganic layer such as a silicon nitride layer, a silicon oxynitride layer, a silicon oxide layer, a titanium oxide layer, or an aluminum oxide layer.

[0139] The first electrode TE and the second electrode RE may be located on the first insulating layer SIL1. Each of the first electrode TE and the second electrode RE may not overlap with the first to third light emitting regions EA1, EA2, and EA3. Each of the first electrode TE and the second electrode RE may be formed of a single layer of molybdenum (Mo), titanium (Ti), copper (Cu), and aluminum (Al), or may be formed of a stacked structure of aluminum and titanium (Ti / Al / Ti), a stacked structure of aluminum and ITO (ITO / Al / ITO), an APC alloy, or a stacked structure of an APC alloy and ITO (ITO / APC / ITO).

[0140] The second insulating layer SIL2 may cover the first electrode TE, the second electrode RE, and the first insulating layer SIL1. The second insulating layer SIL2 may have an insulating function and an optical function. The second insulating layer SIL2 may be formed of the material of the first insulating layer SIL1.

[0141] exist Figure 8 In the embodiment, the bridge electrode CE is formed under the first electrode TE and the second electrode RE, but the embodiment according to the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the bridge electrode CE may be formed on the first electrode TE and the second electrode RE.

[0142] Fig. 9 is a schematic block diagram illustrating elements of a touch unit and a touch driver according to some embodiments.

[0143] refer to Fig. 9 , the display panel 10 may include a touch unit TSU and a touch driving circuit 400 . Fig. 9The touch unit TSU shown in FIG. Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figures 5 to 8 The touch units TSU described are substantially the same. Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figures 5 to 8 The description is replaced by Fig. 9 Description of the touch unit TSU.

[0144] The touch driving circuit 400 includes a driving signal output unit 410, a sensing circuit unit 420, an analog-to-digital converter 430, a touch controller 440, and a touch data compensator 450. In addition, the touch driving circuit 400 may further include a charge pump CP for receiving an analog voltage AVDD from the outside and boosting the input analog voltage AVDD.

[0145] The charge pump CP boosts the analog voltage AVDD having the first potential V1 to generate a high potential power source having a second potential V2 greater than the first potential V1. The high potential power source boosted from the charge pump CP is supplied to the driving signal output unit 410.

[0146] The driving signal output unit 410 outputs a touch driving signal to the first electrode TE through the touch driving line TL. The touch driving signal may be a plurality of pulse type signals.

[0147] The driving signal output unit 410 may output the touch driving signal to the touch driving line TL in sequence (e.g., a set or predetermined sequence). For example, the driving signal output unit 410 may sequentially output the touch driving signal from the first electrode TE of the first column C1 located at the leftmost side of the touch sensing area TSA to the first electrode TE of the fifth column C5 located at the rightmost side of the touch sensing area TSA.

[0148] The driving signal output unit 410 may output a first touch driving signal having a first potential V1, or output a second touch driving signal having a second potential V2. According to some embodiments, the touch driving circuit 400 may be controlled by the display driving circuit 200. The driving signal output unit 410 of the touch driving circuit 400 may output a first touch driving signal or a second touch driving signal based on the control of the display driving circuit 200. The first touch driving signal may be a pulse signal including a first potential V1. The second touch driving signal may be a pulse signal including a second potential V2 greater than the first potential V1.

[0149] According to some embodiments, the first potential V1 is substantially equal to the potential of the externally input analog voltage AVDD. The first potential V1 may be about 3V, but is not limited thereto according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The second potential V2 is a high potential power source boosted by the charge pump CP and may be about 6V, but is not limited thereto according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0150] The sensing circuit unit 420 may be connected to the second electrode RE via a touch sensing line RL. The sensing circuit unit 420 may sense the charge change amount of the capacitance of the touch node corresponding to the intersection of the first electrode TE and the second electrode RE through the touch sensing line RL. The sensing circuit unit 420 may acquire raw data corresponding to the charge change amount of the capacitance of the touch node. The raw data may include, for example, first raw data acquired when the drive signal output unit 410 outputs the first touch drive signal and second raw data acquired when the drive signal output unit 410 outputs the second touch drive signal.

[0151] The sensing circuit unit 420 may include an operational amplifier AFE for sensing a charge change amount of a capacitance of a touch node. The operational amplifier AFE may be connected to the touch sensing line RL in a one-to-one correspondence manner. The operational amplifier AFE may amplify raw data input in an analog form.

[0152] The analog-to-digital converter 430 converts each of the output voltages of the operational amplifier AFE of the sensing circuit unit 420 into touch sensing data TD which is digital data.

[0153] The touch controller 440 controls the driving timing of the driving signal output unit 410, the sensing circuit unit 420, and the analog-to-digital converter 430. The touch controller 440 may output a timing signal for synchronizing the driving signal output unit 410, the sensing circuit unit 420, and the analog-to-digital converter 430 to each of the driving signal output unit 410, the sensing circuit unit 420, and the analog-to-digital converter 430.

[0154] In addition, the touch controller 440 may control the driving signal output unit 410 to output a first touch driving signal having a first potential V1 or a second touch driving signal having a second potential V2 based on a control signal of the display driving circuit 200 .

[0155] The touch data compensator 450 receives the touch sensing data TD sensed from all touch nodes of the touch sensing area TSA from the analog-to-digital converter 430. The touch data compensator 450 calculates a touch area ratio by analyzing the touch sensing data TD and compensates the touch sensing data TD according to the touch area ratio.

[0156] According to some embodiments, the touch controller 440 compares the first raw data acquired when the first touch drive signal is output with the second raw data acquired when the second touch drive signal is output. The touch controller 440 determines whether the charge pump CP is normal based on the comparison result.

[0157] In the following, reference will be made to Figures 10 to 12 A method for checking and determining whether the charge pump CP is normal by the touch controller 440 according to some embodiments is described in detail.

[0158] Fig.10 is a flowchart illustrating an inspection method of a display device according to some embodiments.

[0159] Fig.10 The operations shown in the figure may be performed by the touch controller 440 or the display driving circuit 200 (e.g., a data driver IC (DDI)) of the display device 10. For example, the touch controller 440 may perform an operation for checking whether the charge pump CP is normal based on the execution of an instruction or an application program stored in the memory of the display device 10.

[0160] Fig.10 At least some of the operations shown in may be omitted. Fig.10 At least some of the operations mentioned in other figures of the present disclosure may be additionally inserted before or after each operation shown in FIG. Fig.10 The inspection method of the display device 10 according to some embodiments is described in more detail.

[0161] In operation 1010, the touch controller 440 may receive an analog voltage AVDD from an external device. The external device may be, for example, a battery included in a mobile electronic device to which the display device 10 according to some embodiments is applied. Alternatively, the external device may be a charger (e.g., a travel adapter) connected to the mobile electronic device by wiring. The analog voltage AVDD may have a potential of about 3V. The touch controller 440 may control the charge pump CP to receive the analog voltage AVDD from the external device.

[0162] In operation 1020, the touch controller 440 generates a first touch drive signal having a first potential V1 based on the analog voltage AVDD. The touch controller 440 controls the drive signal output unit 410 to generate the first touch drive signal based on the analog voltage AVDD having the first potential V1. The drive signal output unit 410 may generate a pulse-type first touch drive signal having the first potential V1.

[0163] In operation 1030, the touch controller 440 acquires the first raw data of each channel of the touch electrode SEN by supplying the first touch drive signal to the touch electrode SEN. The channel refers to the Rx channel connected to the corresponding touch sensing line RL. The touch controller 440 controls the drive signal output unit 410 to output the first touch drive signal. The drive signal output unit 410 outputs the first touch drive signal to the first electrode TE through the touch drive line TL. The touch controller 440 controls the sensing circuit unit 420 to sense the charge change amount of the capacitance of the touch node corresponding to the intersection of the first electrode TE and the second electrode RE through the touch sensing line RL. The touch controller 440 amplifies the first raw data sensed by the sensing circuit unit 420 by using the operational amplifier AFE, and converts the first raw data into digital data by using the analog-to-digital converter 430.

[0164] In operation 1040, the touch controller 440 generates a second touch driving signal having a second potential V2 higher than the first potential V1 by using a charge pump CP. The touch controller 440 controls the charge pump CP to generate a high potential power source having the second potential V2 by boosting the analog voltage AVDD. The touch controller 440 controls the charge pump CP to supply the boosted high potential power source to the driving signal output unit 410. The touch controller 440 controls the driving signal output unit 410 to generate a pulse-type second touch driving signal having the second potential V2 by using the high potential power source.

[0165] In operation 1050, the touch controller 440 acquires the second raw data of each channel of the touch electrode SEN by supplying the second touch drive signal to the touch electrode SEN. The touch controller 440 controls the drive signal output unit 410 to output the second touch drive signal. The drive signal output unit 410 outputs the second touch drive signal to the first electrode TE through the touch drive line TL. The touch controller 440 controls the sensing circuit unit 420 to sense the charge change amount of the capacitance of the touch node corresponding to the intersection of the first electrode TE and the second electrode RE through the touch sensing line RL. The touch controller 440 amplifies the second raw data sensed by the sensing circuit unit 420 by using the operational amplifier AFE, and converts the second raw data into digital data by using the analog-to-digital converter 430.

[0166] In operation 1060, the touch controller 440 calculates the ratio between the first raw data and the second raw data. For example, Table 1 is an example of the first raw data converted into digital data. The data included in Table 1 may be digital data corresponding to the amount of charge change of the capacitance for each channel of the touch electrode SEN sensed when the first touch drive signal having the first potential V1 is applied. For example, Table 2 is an example of the second raw data converted into digital data. The data included in Table 2 may be digital data corresponding to the amount of charge change of the capacitance for each channel of the touch electrode SEN sensed when the second touch drive signal having the second potential V2 is applied. TX0 to TX4 refer to Tx channels, and each of the Tx channels is connected to the corresponding touch drive line TL. RX0 to RX4 refer to Rx channels, and each of the Rx channels is connected to the corresponding touch sensing line RL.

[0167] Table 1

[0168]

[0169]

[0170] Table 2

[0171] TX0 TX1 TX2 TX3 TX4 RX0 688 835 827 836 844 RX1 687 715 721 727 732 RX2 677 707 714 721 727 RX3 678 708 715 722 728 RX4 689 717 726 734 739

[0172] The touch controller 440 may calculate a ratio between the first raw data and the second raw data of each channel of the touch electrode SEN. The embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the touch controller 440 comparing the first raw data of each channel with the second raw data. For example, the touch controller 440 may determine a first representative value from a plurality of first raw data, determine a second representative value from a plurality of second data, and compare the determined first representative value with the determined second representative value. The method for determining the first representative value and the second representative value by the touch controller 440 will be referred to in detail. Fig.11 and Fig.12 Describe in detail.

[0173] In operation 1070, the touch controller 440 determines whether the charge pump CP is normal based on whether the calculated ratio is within a specified range. For example, when the charge pump CP normally boosts the analog voltage AVDD, the first original data and the second original data generally have a specified ratio within a range (e.g., a set or predetermined range). On the other hand, when the charge pump CP is in an abnormal state where the analog voltage AVDD is not boosted, the first original data and the second original data may deviate from the range of the specified ratio. When the calculated ratio deviates from the specified range, the touch controller 440 determines that the charge pump CP is in an abnormal state. When the calculated ratio is within the specified range, the touch controller 440 determines that the charge pump CP is in a normal state.

[0174] Fig.11 is a flow chart illustrating a method of inspecting a defect in a charge pump by using an average value according to some embodiments.

[0175] Fig.11 The operations shown in the figure may be performed by the touch controller 440 or the display driving circuit 200 (eg, DDI) of the display device 10. For example, the touch controller 440 may perform an operation for checking whether the charge pump CP is normal based on the execution of an instruction or application program stored in the memory of the display device 10.

[0176] Fig.11 At least some of the operations shown in may be omitted. Fig.11 At least some of the operations mentioned in other figures of the present disclosure may be additionally inserted before or after each operation shown in FIG. Fig.11 A method of inspecting a defect in a charge pump CP by using an average value according to some embodiments will be described.

[0177] In operation 1110, the touch controller 440 calculates the average value of the first raw data and defines the calculated average value as the first sensing value (or the first representative value). The touch controller 440 may calculate the average value of the first raw data of each channel obtained. For example, the touch controller 440 may determine the average value of the first raw data listed in Table 1 as the first sensing value.

[0178] In operation 1120, the touch controller 440 calculates the average value of the second raw data and defines the calculated average value as the second sensing value (or the second representative value). The touch controller 440 may calculate the average value of the second raw data of each channel obtained. For example, the touch controller 440 may determine the average value of the second raw data listed in Table 2 as the second sensing value.

[0179] In operation 1130 , the touch controller 440 calculates a ratio between the first sensing value and the second sensing value.

[0180] In operation 1140, the touch controller 440 determines whether the charge pump CP is normal based on whether the calculated ratio is within the specified range. When the calculated ratio deviates from the specified range, the touch controller 440 determines that the charge pump CP is in an abnormal state. When the calculated ratio is within the specified range, the touch controller 440 determines that the charge pump CP is in a normal state.

[0181] Fig.12 is a flow chart illustrating a method of inspecting a defect in a charge pump by using intermediate values ​​according to some embodiments.

[0182] Fig.12 The operations shown in the figure may be performed by the touch controller 440 or the display driving circuit 200 (eg, DDI) of the display device 10. For example, the touch controller 440 may perform an operation for checking whether the charge pump CP is normal based on the execution of an instruction or application program stored in the memory of the display device 10.

[0183] Fig.12 At least some of the operations shown in may be omitted. Fig.12 At least some of the operations mentioned in other figures of the present disclosure may be additionally inserted before or after each operation shown in FIG. Fig.12 A method of inspecting a defect in a charge pump CP by using an intermediate value according to some embodiments will be described.

[0184] In operation 1210, the touch controller 440 calculates the intermediate value of the first raw data and defines the calculated intermediate value as the first sensing value (or the first representative value). The touch controller 440 may calculate the intermediate value of the first raw data of each channel obtained. For example, the touch controller 440 may determine the intermediate value of the first raw data listed in Table 1 as the first sensing value.

[0185] In operation 1220, the touch controller 440 calculates the intermediate value of the second raw data and defines the calculated intermediate value as the second sensing value (or the second representative value). The touch controller 440 may calculate the intermediate value of the second raw data of each channel obtained. For example, the touch controller 440 may determine the intermediate value of the second raw data listed in Table 2 as the second sensing value.

[0186] In operation 1230 , the touch controller 440 calculates a ratio between the first sensing value and the second sensing value.

[0187] In operation 1240, the touch controller 440 determines whether the charge pump CP is normal based on whether the calculated ratio is within the specified range. When the calculated ratio deviates from the specified range, the touch controller 440 determines that the charge pump CP is in an abnormal state. When the calculated ratio is within the specified range, the touch controller 440 determines that the charge pump CP is in a normal state.

[0188] According to various embodiments, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the touch unit TSU being a mutual capacitance type. Fig.13 As shown in , the touch unit TSU of the present disclosure can sense the user's touch input in a self-capacitance manner.

[0189] Fig.13 2 is a schematic plan view illustrating a touch unit of a self-capacitance method.

[0190] refer to Fig.13 , the touch unit TSU according to some embodiments may include a plurality of self-touch electrodes TE, and the plurality of self-touch electrodes TE may be arranged to overlap with a plurality of pixels PX of the display panel 100. For example, since the plurality of self-touch electrodes TE are arranged in a matrix form, a user touch generated on the surface of the display device 10 may be sensed. For example, the size of the self-touch electrode TE may be set in consideration of a contact area of ​​a finger, a contact area of ​​a pen, etc.

[0191] Each of the plurality of self-touch electrodes TE may be connected to the touch driving circuit 400 through a corresponding one of the plurality of touch electrode lines TEL. In detail, one end of each of the plurality of touch electrode lines TEL may be connected to the corresponding self-touch electrode TE, and the other end of each of the plurality of touch electrode lines TEL may be connected to a touch pad TP located in the touch pad area TPDA.

[0192] A touch drive signal may be supplied to each of the plurality of self-touch electrodes TE. Each of the plurality of self-touch electrodes TE may form a capacitance (e.g., a set or predetermined capacitance) with an electrode, a drive line, or a signal line of the display unit DU. At this time, when a user touch is generated on the plurality of self-touch electrodes TE, an additional capacitance is generated between the plurality of self-touch electrodes TE and the user, so that the capacitance of the plurality of self-touch electrodes TE may change. The touch drive circuit 400 senses the charge change amount of the capacitance formed in each of the plurality of self-touch electrodes TE, thereby sensing whether a user touch has occurred and the touch position.

[0193] According to some embodiments, the touch driving circuit 400 may be configured to perform a reference Figures 10 to 12 The touch driving circuit 400 can determine whether the charge pump CP is normal based on the calculation result of the ratio between the first raw data and the second raw data.

[0194] In the display device and the inspection method thereof according to some embodiments, it may be relatively easy to inspect whether a charge pump embedded in a touch driving circuit is normal.

[0195] At the end of the detailed description, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that many changes and modifications may be made to the disclosed embodiments without departing substantially from the principles of the embodiments according to the present invention. Therefore, the disclosed embodiments of the present invention are used only in a general and descriptive sense and not for the purpose of limitation, and are defined by the claims and their equivalents according to the embodiments of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A method for inspecting a display device, the method comprising: receiving an analog voltage from an external device; generating a first touch drive signal having a first potential based on the analog voltage; acquiring first raw data of each channel of the touch electrode by supplying the first touch driving signal to the touch electrode; generating a second touch driving signal having a second potential higher than the first potential by using a charge pump; acquiring second raw data of each channel of the touch electrode by supplying the second touch driving signal to the touch electrode; calculating a ratio between the first original data and the second original data; as well as The charge pump is determined to be normal based on the calculated ratio being within a specified range.

2. The inspection method according to claim 1, further comprising: Calculating an average value of the first raw data, and defining the calculated average value as a first sensing value; as well as Calculate an average value of the second raw data, and define the calculated average value as a second sensing value, and The calculation of the ratio between the first original data and the second original data includes: calculating the ratio between the first sensing value and the second sensing value as the ratio between the first original data and the second original data.

3. The inspection method according to claim 1, further comprising: Calculating an intermediate value of the first original data, and defining the calculated intermediate value as a first sensing value; as well as calculating an intermediate value of the second original data, and defining the calculated intermediate value as a second sensing value, and The calculation of the ratio between the first original data and the second original data includes: calculating the ratio between the first sensing value and the second sensing value as the ratio between the first original data and the second original data.

4. The inspection method according to claim 1, wherein: The touch electrodes include a plurality of first electrodes and a plurality of second electrodes crossing the plurality of first electrodes.

5. The inspection method according to claim 4, wherein: The first touch driving signal and the second touch driving signal are signals applied to the plurality of first electrodes.

6. The inspection method according to claim 4, wherein: The first raw data and the second raw data include analog data read through the plurality of second electrodes.

7. The inspection method according to claim 6, further comprising: converting the first raw data from the analog data into digital data; as well as The second raw data is converted from the analog data to digital data.

8. The inspection method according to claim 1, wherein: The touch electrode includes a plurality of self-touch electrodes arranged in a matrix form.

9. The inspection method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The charge pump is embedded in a touch driving circuit of the display device.

10. The inspection method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The first potential is 3V, and the second potential is 6V.

11. A display device, comprising: A touch unit including a touch electrode; as well as Touch drive circuit, Wherein, the touch driving circuit comprises: A driving signal output unit, configured to output a touch driving signal; a charge pump configured to boost an analog voltage having a first potential into a high potential power source having a second potential; a sensing circuit unit configured to sense raw data corresponding to a charge change amount of the capacitance of the touch electrode; an analog-to-digital converter configured to convert the raw data acquired by the sensing circuit unit into digital data; and Touch controller, Wherein, the touch controller is configured as follows: controlling the driving signal output unit to output a first touch driving signal having the first electric potential; controlling the sensing circuit unit to acquire first raw data of each channel of the touch electrode based on the output of the first touch driving signal; controlling the driving signal output unit to output a second touch driving signal having the second electric potential; controlling the sensing circuit unit to acquire second original data of each channel of the touch electrode based on the output of the second touch driving signal; calculating a ratio between the first raw data and the second raw data; and The charge pump is determined to be normal based on the calculated ratio being within a specified range.

12. The display device according to claim 11, wherein: The touch controller is further configured to: Calculating an average value of the first raw data, and defining the calculated average value as a first sensing value; and Calculate an average value of the second raw data, and define the calculated average value as a second sensing value, and The touch controller is configured to calculate a ratio between the first sensing value and the second sensing value as the ratio between the first original data and the second original data.

13. The display device according to claim 11, wherein: The touch controller is further configured to: calculating an intermediate value of the first original data, and defining the calculated intermediate value as a first sensing value; and calculating an intermediate value of the second original data, and defining the calculated intermediate value as a second sensing value, and The touch controller is configured to calculate a ratio between the first sensing value and the second sensing value as the ratio between the first original data and the second original data.

14. The display device according to claim 11, wherein: The touch electrodes include a plurality of first electrodes and a plurality of second electrodes crossing the plurality of first electrodes.

15. The display device according to claim 14, wherein: The first touch driving signal and the second touch driving signal are signals configured to be applied to the plurality of first electrodes.

16. The display device according to claim 14, wherein: The first raw data and the second raw data include analog data read through the plurality of second electrodes.

17. The display device according to claim 16, wherein: The touch controller is further configured to control the analog-to-digital converter to convert the first raw data from the analog data into digital data, and to control the analog-to-digital converter to convert the second raw data from the analog data into digital data.

18. The display device according to claim 11, wherein: The touch electrode includes a plurality of self-touch electrodes arranged in a matrix form.

19. The display device according to any one of claims 11 to 18, further comprising a battery, and in, The analog voltage is input from the battery.

20. The display device according to any one of claims 11 to 18, wherein: The first potential is 3V, and the second potential is 6V.

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