Electronic device

Abstract

The invention relates to an electronic device. The electronic device includes a sensor layer and a sensor driver configured to operate in one of a first mode for sensing input of a touch and a second mode for sensing input of a pen. The sensor layer includes a plurality of first electrodes, a plurality of second electrodes, a third electrode having a plurality of first auxiliary electrodes overlapping the plurality of first electrodes, and a fourth electrode having a plurality of second auxiliary electrodes overlapping the plurality of second electrodes. In the second mode, the sensor driver is configured to receive a signal from at least one of the plurality of first electrodes, the plurality of second electrodes, the third electrode, and the fourth electrode.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0149005, filed on November 1, 2023, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] Herein, the present disclosure relates to an electronic device capable of sensing a pen input and a pen proximity input. Background Art

[0004] Multimedia electronic devices such as televisions, mobile phones, tablet computers, laptop computers, navigation systems, and game consoles include display devices for providing images. The electronic devices may include a touch-based input system that enables users to intuitively and conveniently input information or commands, unlike general input systems such as buttons, keyboards, and mice.

[0005] The sensor layer of a touch-based input system can sense the touch, pressure, or proximity of an object (e.g., a finger, pen / stylus). For example, a pen can be used for mapping or drawing. However, it may be difficult to recognize the proximity of the pen. Therefore, a sensor layer with an enhanced ability to recognize the proximity of the pen is needed. Summary of the invention

[0006] The present disclosure provides an electronic device capable of sensing a pen input and a pen proximity input.

[0007] Embodiments of the present inventive concept provide an electronic device including a sensor layer and a sensor driver. The sensor driver is configured to operate in one of a first mode and a second mode, the first mode being used to sense touch input and the second mode being used to sense pen input. The sensor layer includes: a plurality of first electrodes arranged along a first direction and extending along a second direction intersecting the first direction; a plurality of second electrodes arranged along a second direction and extending along the first direction; a third electrode having a plurality of first auxiliary electrodes arranged along the first direction, extending along the second direction and overlapping with the plurality of first electrodes; and a fourth electrode having a plurality of second auxiliary electrodes arranged along the second direction, extending along the first direction and overlapping with the plurality of second electrodes. The sensor driver is configured to receive a signal from at least one of the plurality of first electrodes, the plurality of second electrodes, the third electrode, and the fourth electrode in the second mode.

[0008] In an embodiment, the sensor driver may include an analog front end circuit, and in the second mode, the analog front end circuit may be selectively connected to the at least one electrode.

[0009] In an embodiment, the second mode may include a pen proximity sensing drive mode, and in the pen proximity sensing drive mode, the sensor driver may be configured to calculate first data based on signals received from multiple first electrodes, multiple second electrodes, third electrodes, and fourth electrodes, calculate second data based on signals received from multiple first electrodes, multiple second electrodes, and fourth electrodes, and calculate third data based on signals received from multiple first electrodes and multiple second electrodes.

[0010] In an embodiment, the sensor driver may be configured to determine a distance portion between the sensor layer and the pen by comparing the first data with a first threshold, comparing the second data with a second threshold, and comparing the third data with a third threshold.

[0011] In an embodiment, the sensor driver may be configured to determine a portion of the distance between the sensor layer and the pen by comparing a sum of the first data, the second data, and the third data with a plurality of thresholds.

[0012] In an embodiment, the distance portion between the sensor layer and the pen may include a contact portion adjacent to the sensor layer, a proximity portion above the contact portion, and a distance portion above the proximity portion, and the sensor driver may be configured to deactivate the third electrode and the fourth electrode when it is determined that the pen is located in the contact portion and the proximity portion, and to deactivate any one of the third electrode and the fourth electrode when it is determined that the pen is located in the distance portion.

[0013] In an embodiment, a first electrode among a plurality of first electrodes may overlap with a first auxiliary electrode among a plurality of first auxiliary electrodes, and a second electrode among a plurality of second electrodes may overlap with a second auxiliary electrode among a plurality of second auxiliary electrodes, and a first coupling capacitor may be defined between a first electrode and a first auxiliary electrode, and a second coupling capacitor may be defined between a second electrode and a second auxiliary electrode.

[0014] In an embodiment, the second mode may include a pen sensing drive mode, and in the pen sensing drive mode, the sensor driver may be configured to operate in a normal operating mode, in which a first induced current flowing from a first auxiliary electrode through a first coupling capacitor toward a first electrode is received, and a second induced current flowing from a second auxiliary electrode through a second coupling capacitor toward a second electrode is received.

[0015] In an embodiment, in the pen sensing drive mode, the sensor driver can operate in any one of the first operating mode, the second operating mode and the third operating mode and in the normal operating mode in a time-division manner, receiving signals from multiple first electrodes, multiple second electrodes, multiple first auxiliary electrodes and multiple second auxiliary electrodes in the first operating mode, receiving signals from multiple first electrodes, multiple second electrodes and multiple second auxiliary electrodes in the second operating mode, and receiving signals from multiple first electrodes, multiple second electrodes and multiple first auxiliary electrodes in the third operating mode.

[0016] In an embodiment, the sensor layer may further include: a plurality of first traces electrically connected to the plurality of first electrodes in a one-to-one correspondence; a plurality of second traces electrically connected to the plurality of second electrodes in a one-to-one correspondence; a third trace electrically connected to the plurality of first auxiliary electrodes; and a fourth trace electrically connected to at least one second auxiliary electrode among the plurality of second auxiliary electrodes.

[0017] In an implementation, all of the plurality of second auxiliary electrodes may be electrically connected to the fourth trace line.

[0018] In an implementation, the fourth trace may be connected to one end portion of each of the plurality of second auxiliary electrodes.

[0019] In an implementation, the fourth trace may be connected to each of the plurality of second auxiliary electrodes in a region where the fourth trace overlaps each of the plurality of second auxiliary electrodes.

[0020] In an embodiment, the fourth trace may be provided in plurality, one fourth trace may be electrically connected to some of the plurality of second auxiliary electrodes, another fourth trace may be electrically connected to other of the plurality of second auxiliary electrodes, and one fourth trace may be spaced apart from another fourth trace in the first direction.

[0021] In an embodiment, the third trace may be connected to first ends of the plurality of first auxiliary electrodes to electrically connect the first ends to each other, and second ends of the plurality of first auxiliary electrodes may be spaced apart from the first ends in the second direction and spaced apart from each other.

[0022] In an embodiment, the third trace may include a first line portion extending along the first direction and electrically connected to the first ends of the plurality of first auxiliary electrodes, a second line portion extending from one end of the first line portion along the second direction, and a third line portion extending from the other end of the first line portion along the second direction.

[0023] In an implementation, the sensor layer may further include a plurality of fifth traces electrically connected to the plurality of first auxiliary electrodes.

[0024] In an embodiment, the sensor driver may include an analog front end circuit, and in the second mode, the analog front end circuit may be selectively connected to at least one of the second line portion, the third line portion, and the plurality of fifth traces.

[0025] In an embodiment of the present invention, an electronic device includes a sensor layer and a sensor driver. The sensor driver is configured to operate in one of a first mode and a second mode, the first mode is used to sense the input of a touch, and the second mode is used to sense the input of a pen. The sensor driver includes an analog front-end circuit. The sensor layer includes a first electrode, a second electrode intersecting the first electrode, a first auxiliary electrode overlapping the first electrode, and a second auxiliary electrode overlapping the second electrode. In the second mode, the analog front-end circuit is electrically connected to the first electrode and the second electrode, and selectively electrically connected to the first auxiliary electrode and the second auxiliary electrode.

[0026] In an embodiment, the second mode may include a pen proximity sensing driving mode, in which the sensor driver may be configured to calculate first data based on signals received from the first electrode, the second electrode, the first auxiliary electrode, and the second auxiliary electrode, calculate second data based on signals received from the first electrode, the second electrode, and the second auxiliary electrode, and calculate third data based on signals received from the first electrode and the second electrode. The sensor driver may be configured to determine a distance portion between the sensor layer and the pen by comparing the first data, the second data, and the third data with a threshold value, the distance portion may include a contact portion of the sensor layer that is most adjacent, a proximity portion above the contact portion, and a long-distance portion above the proximity portion, and the sensor driver may be configured to deactivate the first auxiliary electrode and the second auxiliary electrode when it is determined that the pen is located in the contact portion and the proximity portion, and deactivate any one of the first auxiliary electrode and the second auxiliary electrode when it is determined that the pen is located in the long-distance portion.

[0027] In an embodiment, the second mode may include a pen sensing drive mode, and in the pen sensing drive mode, the sensor driver may be configured to operate in a normal operating mode, in which a first induced current flowing from the first auxiliary electrode through a first coupling capacitor between the first electrode and the first auxiliary electrode toward the first electrode is received, and a second induced current flowing from the second auxiliary electrode through a second coupling capacitor between the second electrode and the second auxiliary electrode toward the second electrode is received.

[0028] In an embodiment, in the pen sensing drive mode, the sensor driver can operate in a time-division manner in any one of the first operating mode, the second operating mode and the third operating mode and in the normal operating mode, receiving signals from the first electrode, the second electrode, the first auxiliary electrode and the second auxiliary electrode in the first operating mode, receiving signals from the first electrode, the second electrode and the second auxiliary electrode in the second operating mode, and receiving signals from the first electrode, the second electrode and the first auxiliary electrode in the third operating mode.

[0029] In an embodiment of the present invention, an electronic device includes a sensor layer and a sensor driver. The sensor driver is configured to operate in one of a first mode and a second mode, the first mode being used to sense the input of a touch, and the second mode being used to sense the input of a pen. The sensor layer includes: a first electrode to which a first drive signal is applied in a first mode; a second electrode configured to output a first sensing signal in the first mode; a third electrode overlapping the first electrode and configured to output the first signal in the second mode; and a fourth electrode overlapping the second electrode and configured to output the second signal in the second mode. In the second mode, the sensor driver is configured to calculate a plurality of data based on the first signal and the second signal, and to determine a distance portion between the sensor layer and the pen based on the plurality of data.

[0030] In an embodiment, in the second mode, the sensor driver may be configured to further receive a third signal from the first electrode and further receive a fourth signal from the second electrode.

[0031] In an embodiment, in the second mode, the sensor driver can be configured to calculate first data based on signals received from the first electrode, the second electrode, the third electrode and the fourth electrode, calculate second data based on signals received from the first electrode, the second electrode and the fourth electrode, and calculate third data based on signals received from the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0032] In an embodiment, the sensor driver may be configured to determine a distance portion between the sensor layer and the pen by comparing the first data with a first threshold, comparing the second data with a second threshold, and comparing the third data with a third threshold.

[0033] In an embodiment, the sensor driver may be configured to determine a portion of the distance between the sensor layer and the pen by comparing a sum of the first data, the second data, and the third data with a plurality of thresholds. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the inventive concept and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. The accompanying drawings illustrate embodiments of the inventive concept and together with the description are used to explain the principles of the inventive concept. In the accompanying drawings:

[0035] Figure 1A is a perspective view of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the inventive concept;

[0036] Figure 1B is a rear perspective view of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the inventive concept;

[0037] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the inventive concept;

[0038] Figure 3 is a perspective view of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the inventive concept;

[0039] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating an operation of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the inventive concept;

[0040] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a display panel according to an embodiment of the inventive concept;

[0041] Figure 6 is a plan view of a sensor layer according to an embodiment of the present inventive concept;

[0042] Figure 7 is an enlarged plan view showing one sensing unit according to an embodiment of the inventive concept;

[0043] Fig. 8A is a plan view showing a first conductive layer of a sensing unit according to an embodiment of the inventive concept;

[0044] Figure 8B is a plan view showing a second conductive layer of a sensing unit according to an embodiment of the inventive concept;

[0045] Fig. 9 According to the embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 8A and Figure 8B A cross-sectional view of the sensor layer taken along line II' of each of the embodiments;

[0046] Fig. 10A yes Fig. 8A An enlarged plan view of the area AA' shown in FIG.

[0047] Fig. 10B yes Figure 8B An enlarged plan view of the area BB' shown in;

[0048] Fig.11 is a diagram illustrating an operation of a sensor driver according to an embodiment of the present inventive concept;

[0049] Fig.12 is a diagram illustrating an operation of a sensor driver according to an embodiment of the present inventive concept;

[0050] Fig.13 is a diagram illustrating an operation of a sensor driver according to an embodiment of the present inventive concept;

[0051] Fig.14A is a diagram showing a first mode of embodiment according to the inventive concept;

[0052] Fig. 14B is a diagram showing a first mode of embodiment according to the inventive concept;

[0053] Fig.15 is a diagram showing a first mode of embodiment according to the inventive concept;

[0054] Fig.16 is a diagram showing a second mode of embodiment according to the inventive concept;

[0055] Fig.17A shows a diagram showing waveforms of a first signal and a second signal according to an embodiment of the inventive concept;

[0056] Fig. 17B shows a diagram showing waveforms of a first signal and a second signal according to an embodiment of the inventive concept;

[0057] Fig. 17C shows a diagram showing waveforms of a first signal and a second signal according to an embodiment of the inventive concept;

[0058] Fig.18 is a diagram illustrating a pen proximity sensing driving mode according to an embodiment of the inventive concept;

[0059] Fig.19A is a diagram illustrating a pen proximity sensing driving mode according to an embodiment of the inventive concept;

[0060] Fig.19B is a diagram illustrating a pen proximity sensing driving mode based on a sensing unit according to an embodiment of the inventive concept;

[0061] Fig. 20 is a diagram illustrating a pen proximity sensing driving mode according to an embodiment of the inventive concept;

[0062] Fig.21A is a diagram illustrating a pen proximity sensing driving mode according to an embodiment of the inventive concept;

[0063] Fig.21B is a diagram illustrating a pen proximity sensing driving mode according to an embodiment of the inventive concept;

[0064] Fig. 22 is a diagram illustrating a pen proximity sensing driving mode according to an embodiment of the inventive concept;

[0065] Fig.23A is a diagram showing a second mode of embodiment according to the inventive concept;

[0066] Fig. 23B is a diagram illustrating a second mode based on a sensing unit according to an embodiment of the inventive concept;

[0067] Fig.24 is a diagram showing a second mode of embodiment according to the inventive concept;

[0068] Fig.25A is a diagram illustrating a high-sensitivity driving mode based on a sensing unit according to an embodiment of the inventive concept;

[0069] Fig.25B is a diagram illustrating a high-sensitivity driving mode based on a sensing unit according to an embodiment of the inventive concept;

[0070] Fig.25C is a diagram illustrating a high-sensitivity driving mode based on a sensing unit according to an embodiment of the inventive concept;

[0071] Fig.26 is a diagram illustrating a partial configuration of a sensor layer and a sensor driver according to an embodiment of the present inventive concept;

[0072] Fig. 27 is a diagram showing a partial configuration of a sensor layer according to an embodiment of the present inventive concept;

[0073] Fig.28 is a diagram showing a partial configuration of a sensor layer according to an embodiment of the present inventive concept;

[0074] Fig.29 is a diagram illustrating a partial configuration of a sensor layer according to an embodiment of the present inventive concept; and

[0075] Fig.30 is a diagram illustrating a partial configuration of a sensor layer according to an embodiment of the inventive concept. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0076] In this specification, it will be understood that when an element (or region, layer, portion, etc.) is referred to as being "on," "connected to," or "coupled to" another element, it can be directly disposed on, directly connected to, or directly coupled to the other element, or intervening elements may be disposed between them.

[0077] The same reference numerals or symbols represent the same elements throughout. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0078] The term "part" or "unit" herein may mean a software component or a hardware component that performs a specific function. A hardware component may include, for example, a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). A software component may refer to executable code within an addressable storage medium and / or data used by the executable code. Thus, a software component may be, for example, an object-oriented software component, a class component, and a task component, and may include a process, a function, a property, a procedure, a subroutine, a program code segment, a driver, firmware, microcode, a circuit, data, a database, a data structure, a table, an arrangement, or a variable.

[0079] Hereinafter, embodiments of the inventive concept will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0080] Figure 1A is a perspective view of an electronic device 1000 according to an embodiment of the inventive concept. Figure 1B is a rear perspective view of an electronic device 1000 according to an embodiment of the inventive concept.

[0081] refer to Figure 1A and Figure 1B , the electronic device 1000 may be activated in response to an electrical signal. For example, the electronic device 1000 may display an image and sense an input applied from the outside. The external input may be an input from a user. The user's input may include various types of external inputs, such as a part of the user's body (e.g., a finger), a pen PN or a stylus, light, heat, or pressure. The pen PN or the stylus may also be referred to as an object.

[0082] The electronic device 1000 may include a first display panel DP1 and a second display panel DP2. The first display panel DP1 and the second display panel DP2 may be different panels separated from each other. The first display panel DP1 may be referred to as a main display panel, and the second display panel DP2 may be referred to as an auxiliary display panel or an external display panel.

[0083] The first display panel DP1 may include a first display portion DA1-F, and the second display panel DP2 may include a second display portion DA2-F. The area of ​​the second display panel DP2 may be smaller than that of the first display panel DP1. Corresponding to the sizes of the first display panel DP1 and the second display panel DP2, the area of ​​the first display portion DA1-F may be larger than that of the second display portion DA2-F.

[0084] When the electronic device 1000 is unfolded, the first display portion DA1-F may have a flat surface substantially parallel to the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. The thickness direction of the electronic device 1000 may be parallel to a third direction DR3 intersecting the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. Therefore, the front surface (or upper surface) and the rear surface (or lower surface) of each of the components constituting the electronic device 1000 may be defined based on the third direction DR3.

[0085] The first display panel DP1 or the first display portion DA1-F may include a folding area FA that can be folded and unfolded and a plurality of non-folding areas NFA1 and NFA2 spaced apart from each other, and the folding area FA is between the plurality of non-folding areas NFA1 and NFA2 spaced apart from each other. The second display panel DP2 may overlap any one of the plurality of non-folding areas NFA1 and NFA2. For example, the second display panel DP2 may overlap the first non-folding area NFA1.

[0086] The display direction in which the first image IM1a is displayed in a portion of the first display panel DP1 (e.g., in the second non-folding area NFA2) may be a direction completely opposite to the display direction in which the second image IM2a is displayed in the second display panel DP2. For example, the first image IM1a may be displayed in a third direction DR3, and the second image IM2a may be displayed in a fourth direction DR4, which is a direction completely opposite to the third direction DR3.

[0087] According to an embodiment of the inventive concept, the folding area FA may be bent relative to a folding axis extending in a direction parallel to a long side of the electronic device 1000 (e.g., in a direction parallel to the second direction DR2). When the electronic device 1000 is folded, the folding area FA has a predetermined curvature and a radius of curvature. The first non-folding area NFA1 and the second non-folding area NFA2 may face each other, and the electronic device 1000 may be folded inwardly so that the first display portion DA1-F is not exposed to the outside.

[0088] According to an embodiment of the inventive concept, the electronic device 1000 may be folded outwardly so that the first display portion DA1-F is exposed to the outside. According to an embodiment of the inventive concept, the electronic device 1000 may be able to perform both operations of unfolding to the inner folding and unfolding to the outer folding, but the inventive concept is not limited thereto.

[0089] Figure 1A It is exemplarily shown that one folding area FA is defined in the electronic device 1000, but the embodiments of the inventive concept are not limited thereto. For example, a plurality of folding axes and a plurality of folding areas corresponding thereto may be defined in the electronic device 1000, and the electronic device 1000 may be able to perform operations of unfolding to the inner folding and unfolding to the outer folding in each of the plurality of folding areas.

[0090] According to an embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the first display panel DP1 and the second display panel DP2 may sense the input of an object (e.g., a pen PN) without including a digitizer. Therefore, since the digitizer for sensing the pen PN is omitted, an increase in thickness and weight or a decrease in flexibility due to the addition of a digitizer may not occur in the electronic device 1000. The digitizer may be a component that captures a physical touch input and converts it into a digital signal. Therefore, not only the first display panel DP1 but also the second display panel DP2 may be designed to sense the pen PN.

[0091] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an electronic device 1000 - 1 according to an embodiment of the inventive concept. Figure 3 is a perspective view of an electronic device 1000 - 2 according to an embodiment of the inventive concept.

[0092] exist Figure 2 In FIG. 1 , the electronic device 1000-1 is exemplarily shown as a mobile phone, and the electronic device 1000-1 may include a display panel DP. Figure 3 In the embodiment, the electronic device 1000-2 is exemplarily shown as a laptop computer, and the electronic device 1000-2 may include a display panel DP. Figure 3 is a perspective view of electronic device 1000-2, but Figure 3 The coordinate axes included in are displayed based on the display panel DP in the electronic device 1000-2.

[0093] According to an embodiment of the inventive concept, the display panel DP may sense an input applied from the outside. The external input may be an input of a user. The input of the user may include various types of external inputs, such as a part of the user's body, a pen PN (see Figure 1A ) or stylus, light, heat, or pressure.

[0094] According to an embodiment of the inventive concept, the display panel DP can sense the input of the pen PN without including a digitizer. Therefore, since the digitizer for sensing the pen PN is omitted, an increase in thickness and weight due to adding a digitizer may not occur in the electronic device 1000-1 or 1000-2.

[0095] Figure 1A A foldable electronic device 1000 is shown as an example. Figure 2 A bar-shaped electronic device 1000 - 1 is exemplarily shown, and embodiments of the inventive concept to be described below are not limited thereto. For example, the following description may be applied to various electronic devices such as a rollable electronic device, a slidable electronic device, and a stretchable electronic device.

[0096] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating an operation of the electronic device 1000 according to an embodiment of the inventive concept.

[0097] refer to Figure 4 , the electronic device 1000 may include a display layer 100, a sensor layer 200, a display driver 100C (e.g., a first driver circuit), a sensor driver 200C (e.g., a second driver circuit), a main driver 1000C (e.g., a main driver circuit), and a power circuit 1000P.

[0098] The sensor layer 200 may sense a first input 2000 or a second input 3000 applied from the outside. The first input 2000 and the second input 3000 may each be an input by an input method capable of providing a capacitance change of the sensor layer 200, or an input by an input method capable of inducing a current in the sensor layer 200. For example, the first input 2000 may be an input by a passive input method such as a user's body. The second input 3000 may be an input by a pen PN or an input by a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. For example, the pen PN may be a passive pen or an active pen.

[0099] According to an embodiment of the inventive concept, the pen PN is a device that generates a magnetic field having a predetermined resonant frequency. The pen PN may be provided to transmit an output signal based on electromagnetic resonance. The pen PN may be referred to as an input device, an input pen, a magnetic pen, a stylus pen, or an electromagnetic resonance type pen.

[0100] The pen PN may include an RLC resonant circuit, and the RLC resonant circuit may include an inductor L and a capacitor C. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the RLC resonant circuit is a variable resonant circuit that changes the resonant frequency. In this case, the inductor L may be a variable inductor, and / or the capacitor C may be a variable capacitor, but the embodiment of the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0101] The inductor L generates a current due to the magnetic field formed in the sensor layer 200. However, the embodiments of the present inventive concept are not limited thereto. For example, when the pen PN operates as an active type, the pen PN can generate a current even if no magnetic field is provided from the outside. The generated current is transferred to the capacitor C. The capacitor C charges the current input by the inductor L and discharges the charged current to the inductor L. Thereafter, the inductor L can emit a magnetic field of a specific resonant frequency. Due to the magnetic field emitted by the pen PN, the induced current can flow through the sensor layer 200, and the induced current can be transferred to the sensor driver 200C as a received signal (or a sensed signal).

[0102] The main driver 1000C may control the overall operation of the electronic device 1000. For example, the main driver 1000C may control the operation of the display driver 100C and the sensor driver 200C. The main driver 1000C may include at least one microprocessor and may also include a graphics controller. The main driver 1000C may be referred to as an application processor, a central processing unit, or a main processor.

[0103] The display driver 100C may drive the display layer 100. The display driver 100C may receive image data and control signals from the main driver 1000C. The control signals may include various signals. For example, the control signals may include at least one of an input vertical synchronization signal, an input horizontal synchronization signal, a main clock signal, and a data enable signal.

[0104] The sensor driver 200C may drive the sensor layer 200. The sensor driver 200C may receive a control signal from the main driver 1000C. The control signal may include a clock signal of the sensor driver 200C. In addition, the control signal may also include a mode determination signal that determines an operation mode of the sensor driver 200C and the sensor layer 200.

[0105] The sensor driver 200C may be provided as an integrated circuit (IC) and thus may be electrically connected to the sensor layer 200. For example, the sensor driver 200C may be directly mounted on a predetermined area of ​​the display panel or mounted on a separate printed circuit board in a chip on film (COF) method, thereby being electrically connected to the sensor layer 200.

[0106] The sensor driver 200C and the sensor layer 200 may selectively operate in one of the first mode and the second mode. For example, the first mode may be a mode for sensing a touch input (e.g., the first input 2000). The second mode may be a mode for sensing a pen PN input (e.g., the second input 3000). The first mode may be referred to as a touch sensing mode, and the second mode may be referred to as a pen sensing mode.

[0107] The conversion between the first mode and the second mode may be performed in various ways. For example, the sensor driver 200C and the sensor layer 200 may operate in the first mode and the second mode in a time-division manner to sense the first input 2000 and the second input 3000. The time-division manner may mean that the sensor driver 200C and the sensor layer 200 operate in the first mode in a first period, and when the first period ends, the sensor driver 200C and the sensor layer 200 operate in the second mode in a second period, and then the operation is repeated a certain number of times. Alternatively, the conversion between the first mode and the second mode may occur due to a user's decision or a specific action, or any one of the first mode and the second mode may be activated or deactivated, or one mode may be switched to another mode due to the activation or deactivation of a specific application. In addition, when the sensor driver 200C and the sensor layer 200 operate alternately in the first mode and the second mode, the first mode may be maintained when the first input 2000 is sensed, or the second mode may be maintained when the second input 3000 is sensed.

[0108] The sensor driver 200C may calculate the input coordinate information based on the signal received from the sensor layer 200, and provide the coordinate signal having the coordinate information to the main driver 1000C. The main driver 1000C performs an operation corresponding to the user's input based on the coordinate information. For example, the main driver 1000C may drive the display driver 100C so that a new application image is displayed on the display layer 100 based on the coordinate information.

[0109] The power circuit 1000P may include a power management integrated circuit (PMIC). The power circuit 1000P may generate a plurality of driving voltages for driving the display layer 100, the sensor layer 200, the display driver 100C, and the sensor driver 200C. For example, the plurality of driving voltages may include a high gate voltage, a low gate voltage, a first driving voltage, a second driving voltage, an initialization voltage, etc., but embodiments of the inventive concept are not limited thereto.

[0110] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a display panel DP according to an embodiment of the inventive concept.

[0111] refer to Figure 5 , the display panel DP may include a display layer 100 and a sensor layer 200 .

[0112] The display layer 100 may be a component that basically generates an image. The display layer 100 may be an emissive display layer, and for example, the display layer 100 may be an organic light-emitting display layer, an inorganic light-emitting display layer, an organic-inorganic light-emitting display layer, a quantum dot display layer, a micro-LED display layer, or a nano-LED display layer. The display layer 100 may include a base layer 110, a circuit layer 120, a light-emitting element layer 130, and an encapsulation layer 140.

[0113] The base layer 110 may be a member providing a base surface on which the circuit layer 120 is disposed. The base layer 110 may have a multilayer structure or a single layer structure. The base layer 110 may be a glass substrate, a metal substrate, a silicon substrate, or a polymer substrate, but the embodiments of the present inventive concept are not limited thereto. The circuit layer 120 may be disposed on the base layer 110. The circuit layer 120 may include at least one of an insulating layer, a semiconductor pattern, a conductive pattern, and a signal line. The insulating layer, the semiconductor layer, and the conductive layer may be formed on the base layer 110 by coating or deposition, and the insulating layer, the semiconductor layer, and the conductive layer may be selectively patterned by multiple cycles of a photolithography process.

[0114] The light emitting element layer 130 may be disposed on the circuit layer 120. The light emitting element layer 130 may include a light emitting element. For example, the light emitting element layer 130 may include an organic light emitting material, an inorganic light emitting material, an organic-inorganic light emitting material, a quantum dot, a quantum rod, a micro-LED, or a nano-LED. The encapsulation layer 140 may be disposed on the light emitting element layer 130. The encapsulation layer 140 may protect the light emitting element layer 130 from moisture, oxygen, and impurities such as dust particles.

[0115] At least one buffer layer BFL is formed on the upper surface of the base layer 110. The buffer layer BFL may increase the bonding force between the base layer 110 and the semiconductor pattern. The buffer layer BFL may be formed as a multilayer. Alternatively, the display layer 100 may also include a barrier layer. The buffer layer BFL may include at least one of silicon oxide, silicon nitride, and silicon oxynitride. For example, the buffer layer BFL may include a structure in which silicon oxide layers and silicon nitride layers are alternately stacked.

[0116] The semiconductor patterns SC, AL, DR, and SCL may be disposed on the buffer layer BFL. The semiconductor patterns SC, AL, DR, and SCL may include polycrystalline silicon. However, embodiments of the inventive concept are not limited thereto, and the semiconductor patterns SC, AL, DR, and SCL may also include amorphous silicon, low temperature polycrystalline silicon, or oxide semiconductor.

[0117] Figure 5Only a portion of the semiconductor patterns SC, AL, DR and SCL is shown, and the semiconductor patterns SC, AL, DR and SCL may also be arranged in another region. The semiconductor patterns SC, AL, DR and SCL may be arranged across pixels according to a specific rule. The semiconductor patterns SC, AL, DR and SCL may change electrical characteristics depending on whether they are doped. The semiconductor patterns SC, AL, DR and SCL may include a first region SC, DR and SCL having high conductivity and a second region AL having low conductivity. The first region SC, DR and SCL may be doped with an N-type dopant or a P-type dopant. The P-type transistor may include a doped region doped with a P-type dopant, and the N-type transistor may include a doped region doped with an N-type dopant. The second region AL may be an undoped region, or a region doped with a concentration lower than that of the first region SC, DR and SCL.

[0118] The first regions SC, DR, and SCL may have a higher conductivity than that of the second region AL and may be substantially used as electrodes or signal lines. The second region AL may substantially correspond to the active region AL (or channel) of the transistor 100PC. In other words, a portion AL of the semiconductor patterns SC, AL, DR, and SCL may be the active region AL of the transistor 100PC, another portion SC or DR may be the source region SC or drain region DR of the transistor 100PC, and another portion SCL may be a connection electrode or a connection signal line SCL.

[0119] Figure 5 One transistor 100PC and one light emitting element 100PE included in a pixel are exemplarily shown.

[0120] The source region SC, the active region AL, and the drain region DR of the transistor 100PC may be formed of semiconductor patterns SC, AL, DR, and SCL. The source region SC and the drain region DR may extend from the active region AL in opposite directions in a cross section. Figure 5 A portion of a connection signal line SCL formed of the semiconductor patterns SC, AL, DR, and SCL is shown Although not separately shown in the drawing, the connection signal line SCL may be connected to the drain region DR of the transistor 100PC on a plane.

[0121] The first insulating layer 10 may be disposed on the buffer layer BFL. The first insulating layer 10 may overlap with a plurality of pixels in common and cover the semiconductor patterns SC, AL, DR, and SCL. The first insulating layer 10 may be an inorganic layer and / or an organic layer, and may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure. The first insulating layer 10 may include at least one of aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, zirconium oxide, and hafnium oxide. In this embodiment, the first insulating layer 10 is a single-layer silicon oxide layer. The first insulating layer 10 and other insulating layers of the circuit layer 120 to be described later may be inorganic layers and / or organic layers, and may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure. The inorganic layer may include at least one of the above materials, but the embodiments of the present inventive concept are not limited thereto.

[0122] The gate GT of the transistor 100PC is disposed on the first insulating layer 10. The gate GT may be a portion of the metal pattern. The gate GT overlaps the active area AL. The gate GT may be used as a mask in a process of doping or reducing the semiconductor patterns SC, AL, DR, and SCL.

[0123] The second insulating layer 20 may be disposed on the first insulating layer 10 and cover the gate electrode GT. The second insulating layer 20 may overlap with the pixel in common. The second insulating layer 20 may be an inorganic layer and / or an organic layer, and may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure. The second insulating layer 20 may include at least one of silicon oxide, silicon nitride, and silicon oxynitride. In this embodiment, the second insulating layer 20 has a multi-layer structure including a silicon oxide layer and a silicon nitride layer.

[0124] The third insulating layer 30 may be disposed on the second insulating layer 20. The third insulating layer 30 may have a single layer structure or a multi-layer structure. For example, the third insulating layer 30 may have a multi-layer structure including a silicon oxide layer and a silicon nitride layer.

[0125] The first connection electrode CNE1 may be disposed on the third insulating layer 30. The first connection electrode CNE1 may be connected to the connection signal line SCL through a contact hole CNT-1 passing through the first insulating layer 10, the second insulating layer 20, and the third insulating layer 30.

[0126] The fourth insulating layer 40 may be disposed on the third insulating layer 30. The fourth insulating layer 40 may be a single silicon oxide layer. The fifth insulating layer 50 may be disposed on the fourth insulating layer 40. The fifth insulating layer 50 may be an organic layer.

[0127] The second connection electrode CNE2 may be disposed on the fifth insulating layer 50. The second connection electrode CNE2 may be connected to the first connection electrode CNE1 through a contact hole CNT-2 passing through the fourth insulating layer 40 and the fifth insulating layer 50.

[0128] The sixth insulating layer 60 may be disposed on the fifth insulating layer 50 and cover the second connection electrode CNE2. The sixth insulating layer 60 may be an organic layer.

[0129] The light emitting element layer 130 may be disposed on the circuit layer 120. The light emitting element layer 130 may include a light emitting element 100PE. For example, the light emitting element layer 130 may include an organic light emitting material, an inorganic light emitting material, an organic-inorganic light emitting material, a quantum dot, a quantum rod, a micro-LED, or a nano-LED. Hereinafter, the light emitting element 100PE is illustrated as an example of an organic light emitting element, but embodiments of the inventive concept are not particularly limited thereto.

[0130] The light emitting element 100PE may include a first electrode AE, a light emitting layer EL, and a second electrode CE.

[0131] The first electrode AE ​​may be disposed on the sixth insulating layer 60. The first electrode AE ​​may be connected to the second connection electrode CNE2 through a contact hole CNT-3 passing through the sixth insulating layer 60.

[0132] The pixel defining film 70 may be disposed on the sixth insulating layer 60 and cover a portion of the first electrode AE. An opening 70-OP is defined in the pixel defining film 70. The opening 70-OP of the pixel defining film 70 exposes at least a portion of the first electrode AE.

[0133] The first display part DA1-F (see Figure 1A ) may include a light emitting region PXA and a non-light emitting region NPXA adjacent to the light emitting region PXA. The non-light emitting region NPXA may surround the light emitting region PXA. In this embodiment, the light emitting region PXA is defined as a partial region corresponding to the first electrode AE ​​exposed by the opening 70-OP.

[0134] The light-emitting layer EL may be disposed on the first electrode AE. The light-emitting layer EL may be disposed in a region corresponding to the opening 70-OP. That is, the light-emitting layer EL may be formed separately for each pixel. In the case where the light-emitting layer EL is formed separately for each pixel, the light-emitting layer EL may each emit light of at least one color of blue, red, and green. However, the embodiments of the present inventive concept are not limited thereto. The light-emitting layer EL may also be commonly connected to the included pixels. In this case, the light-emitting layer EL may provide blue light or white light.

[0135] The second electrode CE may be disposed on the light emitting layer EL. The second electrode CE may have an integrated form and may be commonly included in a plurality of pixels.

[0136] According to an embodiment of the present inventive concept, a hole control layer is disposed between the first electrode AE ​​and the light emitting layer EL. The hole control layer may be commonly disposed in the light emitting region PXA and the non-light emitting region NPXA. The hole control layer may include a hole transport layer and may further include a hole injection layer. The electron control layer may be disposed between the light emitting layer EL and the second electrode CE. The electron control layer may include an electron transport layer and may further include an electron injection layer. The hole control layer and the electron control layer may be commonly formed across a plurality of pixels by an open mask or an inkjet process.

[0137] The encapsulation layer 140 may be disposed on the light emitting element layer 130. The encapsulation layer 140 may include an inorganic layer, an organic layer, and an inorganic layer stacked in sequence, but the layers constituting the encapsulation layer 140 are not limited thereto. The inorganic layer may protect the light emitting element layer 130 from moisture and oxygen, and the organic layer may protect the light emitting element layer 130 from impurities such as dust particles. The inorganic layer may include a silicon nitride layer, a silicon oxynitride layer, a silicon oxide layer, a titanium oxide layer, an aluminum oxide layer, and the like. The organic layer may include an acrylate-based organic layer, but embodiments of the inventive concept are not limited thereto.

[0138] The sensor layer 200 may include a base layer 201 , a first conductive layer 202 , an intermediate insulating layer 203 , a second conductive layer 204 , and a cover insulating layer 205 .

[0139] The base layer 201 may be an inorganic layer including at least any one of silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, and silicon oxide. Alternatively, the base layer 201 may be an organic layer including epoxy resin, acrylate resin, or imide-based resin. The base layer 201 may have a single-layer structure, or may have a structure of multiple layers stacked along the third direction DR3.

[0140] The first conductive layer 202 and the second conductive layer 204 may each have a single layer structure, or may have a structure of a plurality of layers stacked along the third direction DR3.

[0141] The first conductive layer 202 and the second conductive layer 204, each having a single-layer structure, may each include a metal layer or a transparent conductive layer. The metal layer may include molybdenum, silver, titanium, copper, aluminum, or an alloy thereof. The transparent conductive layer may include a transparent conductive oxide such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), or indium zinc tin oxide (IZTO). In addition, the transparent conductive layer may include a conductive polymer such as poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), a metal nanowire, or graphene.

[0142] The first conductive layer 202 and the second conductive layer 204, each having a multi-layer structure, may each include a metal layer. The metal layer may have a three-layer structure of, for example, titanium / aluminum / titanium. The multi-layer conductive layer may include at least one metal layer and at least one transparent conductive layer.

[0143] According to an embodiment of the inventive concept, the thickness of the first conductive layer 202 is greater than or equal to the thickness of the second conductive layer 204. When the thickness of the first conductive layer 202 is greater than the thickness of the second conductive layer 204, the resistance of the components included in the first conductive layer 202 can be reduced. In addition, since the first conductive layer 202 is disposed below the second conductive layer 204, although the thickness of the first conductive layer 202 increases, the possibility that the pattern of the first conductive layer 202 is visible due to external reflection is lower than the possibility that the pattern of the second conductive layer 204 is visible.

[0144] According to an embodiment of the inventive concept, the width of the first mesh line included in the first conductive layer 202 is less than or equal to the width of the second mesh line included in the second conductive layer 204. Figure 1A ), when the width of the first mesh line is less than the width of the second mesh line, the possibility of the first mesh line being visible to the user can be reduced.

[0145] At least any one of the intermediate insulating layer 203 and the cap insulating layer 205 may include an inorganic film. The inorganic film may include at least one of aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, zirconium oxide, and hafnium oxide.

[0146] At least any one of the intermediate insulating layer 203 and the cover insulating layer 205 may include an organic film. The organic film may include at least any one of an acrylate-based resin, a methacrylate-based resin, polyisoprene, an ethylene-based resin, an epoxy-based resin, a urethane-based resin, a cellulose-based resin, a siloxane-based resin, a polyimide-based resin, a polyamide-based resin, and a perylene-based resin.

[0147] The sensor layer 200 is exemplarily shown above to include the first conductive layer 202 and the second conductive layer 204, ie, two conductive layers in total, but embodiments of the inventive concept are not limited thereto. For example, the sensor layer 200 may include at least three conductive layers.

[0148] Figure 6 is a plan view of a sensor layer 200 according to an embodiment of the inventive concept. Figure 7 is an enlarged plan view illustrating one sensing unit SU according to an embodiment of the inventive concept. Fig. 8A is a plan view illustrating a first conductive layer 202SU of a sensing unit SU according to an embodiment of the inventive concept. Figure 8B is a plan view illustrating a second conductive layer 204SU of a sensing unit SU according to an embodiment of the inventive concept. Fig. 9 According to the embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 8A and Figure 8B A cross-sectional view of the sensor layer 200 taken along line II′ of each of FIG.

[0149] refer to Figure 6 In the sensor layer 200 , there is a sensing region 200A and a peripheral region 200NA adjacent to the sensing region 200A.

[0150] In an embodiment, the sensor layer 200 includes a plurality of first electrodes 210 , a plurality of second electrodes 220 , a plurality of third electrodes 230 , and a plurality of fourth electrodes 240 disposed in the sensing region 200A.

[0151] The first electrodes 210 may cross the second electrodes 220, respectively. The first electrodes 210 may each extend along the second direction DR2, and the first electrodes 210 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the first direction DR1. The second electrodes 220 may each extend along the first direction DR1, and the second electrodes 220 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the second direction DR2. The sensing unit SU of the sensor layer 200 may be a region where one first electrode 210 and one second electrode 220 cross each other.

[0152] Figure 6 Six first electrodes 210 and ten second electrodes 220 are exemplarily shown, and sixty sensing units SU are exemplarily shown, but the number of the first electrodes 210 and the number of the second electrodes 220 are not limited thereto.

[0153] refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 In an embodiment, each of the first electrodes 210 includes first partition electrodes 210dv1 and 210dv2 (e.g., two first partition electrodes). The first partition electrodes 210dv1 and 210dv2 may extend along the second direction DR2 and may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction DR1. The first partition electrodes 210dv1 and 210dv2 may have a symmetrical form with respect to a line extending along the second direction DR2.

[0154] In an embodiment, the second electrodes 220 each include second separation electrodes 220dv1 and 220dv2 (e.g., two second separation electrodes). The second separation electrodes 220dv1 and 220dv2 may extend along the first direction DR1 and may be spaced apart from each other in the second direction DR2. The second separation electrodes 220dv1 and 220dv2 may have a symmetrical form with respect to a line extending along the first direction DR1.

[0155] refer to Figure 7 , Fig. 8A , Figure 8B and Fig. 9 The second separation electrodes 220dv1 and 220dv2 may each include a sensing pattern 221 and a bridge pattern 222. In an embodiment, the sensing pattern 221 and the bridge pattern 222 are disposed on different layers. The sensing pattern 221 and the bridge pattern 222 may be electrically connected to each other through the first contact portion CNa. For example, Fig. 8A As shown in FIG. 2 , the bridge pattern 222 may be included in the first conductive layer 202SU, and as shown in FIG. Figure 8B As shown in FIG. 2 , the sensing pattern 221 and the first separation electrodes 210dv1 and 210dv2 may be included in the second conductive layer 204SU. The first conductive layer 202SU may be included in Figure 5 The first conductive layer 202 in the embodiment of the present invention, and the second conductive layer 204SU may include Figure 5 In the second conductive layer 204.

[0156] The third electrodes 230 may each extend along the second direction DR2, and the third electrodes 230 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the first direction DR1. According to an embodiment of the present inventive concept, the third electrodes 230 each include a plurality of first auxiliary electrodes 230s connected in parallel. The number of the first auxiliary electrodes 230s included in each of the third electrodes 230 may be changed differently. For example, as the number of the first auxiliary electrodes 230s included in each of the third electrodes 230 becomes larger, the resistance of each of the third electrodes 230 becomes smaller, thereby improving power efficiency and sensing sensitivity. On the contrary, as the number of the first auxiliary electrodes 230s included in each of the third electrodes 230 decreases, the annular loop pattern formed by using the third electrode 230 may be provided in more forms.

[0157] Figure 6 It is exemplarily shown that a single third electrode 230 includes two first auxiliary electrodes 230s, but embodiments of the inventive concept are not limited thereto. The first auxiliary electrodes 230s may be disposed in a one-to-one correspondence with the first electrode 210. Therefore, one sensing unit SU may include a portion of one first auxiliary electrode 230s.

[0158] A coupling capacitor may exist between one first electrode 210 and one first auxiliary electrode 230s. In this case, the induced current generated during pen sensing may be transferred from the first auxiliary electrode 230s to the first electrode 210 through the coupling capacitor. That is, the first auxiliary electrode 230s may be used to supplement the signal transmitted from the first electrode 210 to the sensor driver 200C. Therefore, this may be most effective when the phase of the signal sensed to the first auxiliary electrode 230s is consistent with the phase of the signal sensed to the first electrode 210. Therefore, the center of each of the first electrodes 210 in the second direction DR2 and the center of each of the first auxiliary electrodes 230s in the second direction DR2 may overlap with each other. In addition, the center of each of the first electrodes 210 in the first direction DR1 and the center of each of the first auxiliary electrodes 230s in the first direction DR1 may also overlap with each other.

[0159] According to an embodiment of the inventive concept, when a single third electrode 230 includes two first auxiliary electrodes 230s, one third electrode 230 corresponds to (or overlaps with) two first electrodes 210. Therefore, the number of first electrodes 210 included in the sensor layer 200 may be greater than the number of third electrodes 230. For example, the number of first electrodes 210 may be equal to the product of the number of third electrodes 230 included in the sensor layer 200 and the number of first auxiliary electrodes 230s included in each of the third electrodes 230. Figure 6 In the embodiment of the present invention, the number of the first electrodes 210 may be six, the number of the third electrodes 230 may be three, and the number of the first auxiliary electrodes 230s included in each of the third electrodes 230 may be two. According to an embodiment of the inventive concept, one end of the third electrode 230 may be electrically connected to each other. In this case, the third electrode 230 may serve as one auxiliary electrode.

[0160] The fourth electrode 240 may be arranged along the second direction DR2, and the fourth electrode 240 may extend along the first direction DR1. According to an embodiment of the inventive concept, the fourth electrodes 240 each include a second auxiliary electrode 240s1 or 240s2 connected in parallel. The second auxiliary electrode 240s1 or 240s2 may be referred to as a (2-1)th auxiliary electrode 240s1 or a (2-2)th auxiliary electrode 240s2.

[0161] Wiring directions of the second auxiliary electrode 240s1 and the second auxiliary electrode 240s2 may be different from each other. Figure 6 Two fourth electrodes 240 and five second auxiliary electrodes 240 s 1 or 240 s 2 included in each of the fourth electrodes 240 are exemplarily shown.

[0162] In this specification, different wiring directions mean different connection positions of electrodes and traces. For example, a first connection position of a fourth trace 240t-1 electrically connected to a second auxiliary electrode 240s1 and a second connection position of a fourth trace 240t-2 electrically connected to a second auxiliary electrode 240s2 may be different from each other. The first connection position may be the left end of the second auxiliary electrode 240s1, and the second connection position may be the right end of the second auxiliary electrode 240s2.

[0163] According to an embodiment of the inventive concept, the sensor layer 200 further includes a single fourth electrode 240. In this embodiment, the fourth electrode 240 may include ten second auxiliary electrodes connected in parallel. The number of the second auxiliary electrodes is only for illustration. Figure 6 , and the number of the second auxiliary electrodes included in the fourth electrode 240 is not limited to the above example.

[0164] Figure 6 Five second auxiliary electrodes 240s1 electrically connected to each other and five second auxiliary electrodes 240s2 electrically connected to each other are exemplarily shown. That is, the area ratio of the two fourth electrodes 240 or the number ratio of the second auxiliary electrodes included in each of the two fourth electrodes 240 may be 1:1. However, embodiments of the inventive concept are not limited thereto. For example, the number of the second auxiliary electrodes 240s1 and the number of the second auxiliary electrodes 240s2 may also be different from each other.

[0165] According to an embodiment of the inventive concept, when each of the fourth electrodes 240 includes the second auxiliary electrodes 240s1 or 240s2 connected in parallel, this can have the effect of increasing the area of ​​a single fourth electrode 240. In addition, the resistance of each of the fourth electrodes 240 is reduced, so that the second input 3000 (see Figure 7 )’s sensing sensitivity.

[0166] In an embodiment, a coupling capacitor exists between one second electrode 220 and one second auxiliary electrode 240s1 or 240s2. In this embodiment, the induced current generated during pen sensing can be transferred from the second auxiliary electrode 240s1 or 240s2 to the second electrode 220 through the coupling capacitor. That is, the second auxiliary electrode 240s1 or 240s2 can be used to supplement the signal transmitted from the second electrode 220 to the sensor driver 200C. Therefore, this may be most effective when the phase of the signal induced in the second auxiliary electrode 240s1 or 240s2 is consistent with the phase of the signal induced in the second electrode 220. Therefore, the center of each of the second electrodes 220 in the first direction DR1 and the center of each of the second auxiliary electrodes 240s1 or 240s2 in the first direction DR1 can overlap with each other. In addition, the center of each of the second electrodes 220 in the second direction DR2 and the center of each of the second auxiliary electrodes 240s1 or 240s2 in the second direction DR2 can also overlap with each other.

[0167] refer to Figure 6 , Fig. 8A and Figure 8B , the first auxiliary electrodes 230s included in the third electrode 230 may each include a (3-1)th pattern 231 and a (3-2)th pattern 232. In an embodiment, the (3-1)th pattern 231 and the (3-2)th pattern 232 are disposed in different layers, and the (3-1)th pattern 231 and the (3-2)th pattern 232 may be electrically connected to each other through the second contact portion CNb. The (3-1)th pattern 231 may be included in the first conductive layer 202SU, and the (3-2)th pattern 232 may be included in the second conductive layer 204SU.

[0168] According to an embodiment of the inventive concept, a portion of the (3-1)th pattern 231 overlaps a portion of each of the first separation electrodes 210dv1 and 210dv2 . Therefore, a coupling capacitor may exist (or be formed) between the first electrode 210 and the third electrode 230 .

[0169] refer to Figure 6 , Fig. 8A and Figure 8B, the second auxiliary electrode 240s1 or 240s2 included in the fourth electrode 240 may each include a (4-1)th pattern 241, a (4-2)th pattern 242, and a (4-3)th pattern 243. In an embodiment, the (4-2)th pattern 242 and the (4-3)th pattern 243 are disposed in the same layer, and the (4-1)th pattern 241 is disposed in a layer different from the layer in which the (4-2)th pattern 242 and the (4-3)th pattern 243 are disposed. The (4-1)th pattern 241 and the (4-2)th pattern 242 may be electrically connected to each other through the third contact portion CNc, and the (4-1)th pattern 241 and the (4-3)th pattern 243 may be electrically connected to each other through the fourth contact portion CNd. The (4-2)th pattern 242 and the (4-3)th pattern 243 may be included in the first conductive layer 202SU, and the (4-1)th pattern 241 may be included in the second conductive layer 204SU.

[0170] According to an embodiment of the inventive concept, a portion of the (4-2)th pattern 242 overlaps the sensing pattern 221 of each of the second separation electrodes 220dv1 and 220dv2. Therefore, a coupling capacitor may exist (or be provided, formed) between the second electrode 220 and the fourth electrode 240.

[0171] According to an embodiment of the present inventive concept, the first conductive layer 202SU further includes a dummy pattern DMP. The dummy patterns DMP may be electrically floating or electrically grounded. According to an embodiment of the present inventive concept, the dummy pattern DMP may be omitted. Alternatively, according to an embodiment of the present inventive concept, the dummy pattern DMP is electrically connected to the overlapping pattern.

[0172] like Figure 6 As shown in , the sensor layer 200 may also include a plurality of first traces 210t arranged in the peripheral area 200NA, a plurality of first pads PD1 connected to the first traces 210t in a one-to-one correspondence, a plurality of second traces 220t, and a plurality of second pads PD2 connected to the second traces 220t in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0173] The first trace 210t may be electrically connected to the first electrode 210 in a one-to-one correspondence. Two first separation electrodes 210dv1 and 210dv2 included in a single first electrode 210 may be connected to one first trace 210t of the first traces 210t. The first traces 210t may each include a plurality of branch portions to be connected to the two first separation electrodes 210dv1 and 210dv2. According to an embodiment of the inventive concept, the two first separation electrodes 210dv1 and 210dv2 are connected to each other in the sensing area 200A.

[0174] The second trace 220t may be electrically connected to the second electrode 220 in a one-to-one correspondence. Two second separation electrodes 220dv1 and 220dv2 included in a single second electrode 220 may be connected to one second trace 220t in the second trace 220t. The second traces 220t may each include a plurality of branch portions to be connected to the two second separation electrodes 220dv1 and 220dv2. According to an embodiment of the inventive concept, the two second separation electrodes 220dv1 and 220dv2 are connected to each other in the sensing area 200A.

[0175] The sensor layer 200 may further include a third trace 230rt1 disposed in the peripheral area 200NA, a plurality of third pads PD3 connected to one end and the other end of the third trace 230rt1, fourth traces 240t-1 and 240t-2, a fourth pad PD4 connected to the fourth traces 240t-1 and 240t-2 in a one-to-one correspondence, a fifth trace 230rt2, and a fifth pad PD5 connected to the fifth trace 230rt2 in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0176] The third trace 230rt1 may be electrically connected to at least one of the first auxiliary electrodes 230s. According to an embodiment of the inventive concept, the third trace 230rt1 is electrically connected to all of the first auxiliary electrodes 230s. That is, the third trace 230rt1 may be electrically connected to all of the third electrodes 230. The third trace 230rt1 may include a first line portion 231t extending along the first direction DR1 and electrically connected to the third electrode 230, a second line portion 232t extending from a first end of the first line portion 231t along the second direction DR2, and a third line portion 233t extending from a second end of the first line portion 231t along the second direction DR2. The third electrodes 230 may be connected to each other through the third trace 230rt1, and thus may be used as a single electrode.

[0177] According to an embodiment of the inventive concept, the resistance of the second line portion 232t and the resistance of the third line portion 233t are the same or substantially the same as the resistance of one of the third electrodes 230. Therefore, the second line portion 232t and the third line portion 233t may be used as the third electrode 230, and the same effect as the third electrode 230 also being provided in the peripheral area 200NA may be achieved. For example, any one of the second line portion 232t and the third line portion 233t and any one of the third electrodes 230 may form a loop. Therefore, a pen located in an area adjacent to the peripheral area 200NA may also be sufficiently charged through the loop including the second line portion 232t or the third line portion 233t.

[0178] According to an embodiment of the inventive concept, in order to control the resistance of the second line portion 232t and the resistance of the third line portion 233t, the width of each of the second line portion 232t and the third line portion 233t in the first direction DR1 may be adjusted. However, this is merely an example, and the first line portion 231t, the second line portion 232t, and the third line portion 233t may also have the same or substantially the same width.

[0179] The fifth trace lines 230rt2 may be connected to the third electrodes 230 in a one-to-one correspondence. That is, the number of the fifth trace lines 230rt2 may correspond to the number of the third electrodes 230. Figure 6 Three fifth traces 230rt2 are shown by way of example.

[0180] According to an embodiment of the present inventive concept, the fifth trace 230rt2 and the fifth pad PD5 may be omitted, and the charging driving mode for charging the pen may be omitted. In this case, the sensor layer 200 may sense the input of the active pen, which is capable of emitting a magnetic field even if the sensor layer 200 does not provide a magnetic field.

[0181] In an embodiment, the fourth traces 240t-1 and 240t-2 are spaced apart from each other, and the sensing area 200A is therebetween. For example, one fourth trace 240t-1 may be spaced apart from another fourth trace 240t-2 in the first direction DR1. The fourth trace 240t-1 may be electrically connected to at least one second auxiliary electrode 240s1 of the second auxiliary electrodes 240s1. For example, one end of each of the second auxiliary electrodes 240s1 may be connected to the fourth trace 240t-1. The fourth trace 240t-2 may be electrically connected to at least one second auxiliary electrode 240s2 of the second auxiliary electrodes 240s2. For example, one end of each of the second auxiliary electrodes 240s2 may be connected to the fourth trace 240t-2.

[0182] refer to Fig. 8A and Figure 8B , in the second conductive layer 204SU in one sensing unit SU, the area occupied by the components included in the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 220 may be larger than the area occupied by the components included in the third electrode 230 and the fourth electrode 240. Figure 4 ) can increase the capacitance change caused by the distance. Therefore, the capacitance change caused by the first input 2000 (see Figure 4 ) can be relatively arranged adjacent to the electronic device 1000 (see Figure 1A ) in a larger area on the surface layer of the ). Therefore, the touch performance can be improved.

[0183] although Figures 6 to 9 The structure in which the first electrode 210, the second electrode 220, the third electrode 230, and the fourth electrode 240 are divided into two conductive layers 202SU and 204SU to be disposed therein is exemplarily shown, but the embodiments of the present inventive concept are not limited thereto. For example, the first electrode 210, the second electrode 220, the third electrode 230, and the fourth electrode 240 may be divided into three conductive layers or four conductive layers.

[0184] According to an embodiment of the inventive concept, the third electrode 230 to which a signal is applied in the charge driving mode may be included in a third conductive layer disposed below the first conductive layer 202SU and the second conductive layer 204SU. For example, the third conductive layer may be disposed below the base layer 201. The third conductive layer may also be disposed between the base layer 201 and the display layer 100, disposed below the display layer 100, or included in the display layer 100.

[0185] The first electrode 210, the second electrode 220, and the fourth electrode 240 may be included in the first conductive layer 202SU and the second conductive layer 204SU. For example, in an embodiment in which the third electrode 230 is provided in a separate conductive layer such as the third conductive layer, the shape of the third electrode 230 may be more freely designed. For example, the third electrode 230 may be provided in a form including a plurality of loops. In addition, using the third conductive layer, the third electrode 230 may be more densely configured, and in this case, the pen sensing sensitivity may be increased. According to another embodiment of the inventive concept, the third conductive layer includes the fourth electrode 240 instead of the third electrode 230.

[0186] Fig. 10A yes Fig. 8A An enlarged plan view of the area AA' shown in FIG. Fig. 10B yes Figure 8B An enlarged plan view of the area BB' shown in FIG.

[0187] refer to Fig. 8A , Figure 8B , Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B , the first electrode 210, the second electrode 220, the third electrode 230, the fourth electrode 240 and the dummy pattern DMP may each have a mesh structure. The mesh structures may each include a plurality of mesh lines. The plurality of mesh lines may each have a straight line shape extending in a predetermined direction and may be connected to each other. An opening in which a mesh structure is not provided may exist (provide or form) in each of the first electrode 210, the second electrode 220, the third electrode 230, the fourth electrode 240 and the dummy pattern DMP.

[0188] Fig. 10A and Fig. 10BThe mesh structure is exemplarily shown to include mesh lines extending along a first crossing direction CDR1 crossing the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2, and mesh lines extending along a second crossing direction CDR2 crossing the first crossing direction CDR1. However, the extending directions of the mesh lines constituting the mesh structure are not limited to Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B For example, the mesh structure may include only mesh lines extending in the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2, or include mesh lines extending in the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 and in the first crossing direction CDR1 and the second crossing direction CDR2. That is, the mesh structure may be variously changed.

[0189] Fig.11 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a sensor driver 200C according to an embodiment of the present inventive concept (see FIG. Figure 4 ) operation.

[0190] refer to Figure 4 and Fig.11 , the sensor driver 200C may selectively operate in any one of the first operation mode DMD1 , the second operation mode DMD2 , and the third operation mode DMD3 .

[0191] The first operation mode DMD1 may be referred to as a touch and pen standby mode, the second operation mode DMD2 may be referred to as a touch activated and pen standby mode, and the third operation mode DMD3 may be referred to as a pen activated mode. The first operation mode DMD1 may be a standby mode for the first input 2000 and the second input 3000. The second operation mode DMD2 may be a mode for sensing the first input 2000 and being in a standby state for the second input 3000. The third operation mode DMD3 may be a mode for sensing the second input 3000.

[0192] According to an embodiment of the present inventive concept, the sensor driver 200C is first operated in the first operation mode DMD1. In the first operation mode DMD1, when the first input 2000 is sensed, the sensor driver 200C may be switched (or changed) to the second operation mode DMD2. Alternatively, in the first operation mode DMD1, when the second input 3000 is sensed, the sensor driver 200C may be switched (or changed) to the third operation mode DMD3.

[0193] According to an embodiment of the inventive concept, in the second operation mode DMD2, when the second input 3000 is sensed, the sensor driver 200C may be switched to the third operation mode DMD3. In the second operation mode DMD2, when the first input 2000 is cleared (or not sensed), the sensor driver 200C may be switched to the first operation mode DMD1. In the third operation mode DMD3, when the second input 3000 is cleared (or not sensed), the sensor driver 200C may be switched to the first operation mode DMD1.

[0194] Fig.12 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a sensor driver 200C according to an embodiment of the present inventive concept (see FIG. Figure 4 ) operation.

[0195] refer to Figure 4 , Fig.11 and Fig.12 , the operations in the first operation mode DMD1 , the second operation mode DMD2 , and the third operation mode DMD3 are exemplarily shown in the order of time t.

[0196] In the first operation mode DMD1, the sensor driver 200C may repeatedly operate in the second mode MD2-d and the first mode MD1-d. During the second mode MD2-d, the sensor layer 200 may be scan-driven to detect the second input 3000. During the first mode MD1-d, the sensor layer 200 may be scan-driven to detect the first input 2000. Fig.12 It is exemplarily shown that the sensor driver 200C operates in the first mode MD1 - d successively after the second mode MD2 - d , but the order is not limited thereto.

[0197] In the second operation mode DMD2, the sensor driver 200C may repeatedly operate in the second mode MD2-d and the first mode MD1. During the second mode MD2-d, the sensor layer 200 may be scan-driven to detect the second input 3000. During the first mode MD1, the sensor layer 200 may be scan-driven to detect the coordinates of the first input 2000.

[0198] In the third operation mode DMD3, the sensor driver 200C may operate in the second mode MD2. During the second mode MD2, the sensor layer 200 may be scan-driven to detect the coordinates of the second input 3000. In an embodiment of the third operation mode DMD3, the sensor driver 200C does not operate in the first mode MD1-d or MD1 until the second input 3000 is cleared (or not sensed). For example, the sensor driver 200C may operate in the first mode MD1-d or MD1 after the second input 3000 is not sensed for a certain period of time.

[0199] Reference together Figure 6 In the first mode MD1 - d and the first mode MD1 , all the third electrodes 230 and the fourth electrodes 240 may be grounded. Therefore, it may be possible to prevent touch noise from entering through the third electrodes 230 and the fourth electrodes 240 .

[0200] In the second mode MD2-d of the first operation mode DMD1 or the second operation mode DMD2, and in the second mode MD2 of the third operation mode DMD3, one end of each of the third electrode 230 and the fourth electrode 240 may be floated. In addition, in the second mode MD2-d and the second mode MD2, the other end of each of the third electrode 230 and the fourth electrode 240 may be grounded or floated. Therefore, by coupling between the first electrode 210 and the third electrode 230 and coupling between the second electrode 220 and the fourth electrode 240, compensation of the sensing signal may be maximized.

[0201] Fig.13 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a sensor driver 200C according to an embodiment of the present inventive concept (see FIG. Figure 4 ) operation.

[0202] refer to Figure 4 and Fig.13 , the second mode MD2 includes the charging driving mode PCD, the pen proximity sensing driving mode PHS and the pen sensing driving mode PPS.

[0203] In the charging drive mode PCD, a current path may be formed (provided or defined) in the sensor layer 200. The current path may have a loop form, and in the charging drive mode PCD, the RLC resonant circuit of the pen PN may be charged through the current path. According to an embodiment of the present inventive concept, the charging drive mode PCD for charging the pen PN may be omitted. In this embodiment, the sensor layer 200 senses the input of an active pen capable of emitting a magnetic field even if a magnetic field is not provided from the sensor layer 200.

[0204] In the pen proximity sensing driving mode PHS, the sensor driver 200C may sense input of the pen PN that is not in contact with the electronic device 1000 (hereinafter referred to as a hovering state). For example, in the pen proximity sensing driving mode PHS, the pen PN in the hovering state and the sensor layer 200 may be inductively coupled.

[0205] According to an embodiment of the inventive concept, in the pen proximity sensing driving mode PHS, the sensor driver 200C is configured to include the first electrode 210 (see Figure 6 ) or the second electrode 220 (see Figure 6 ) also receives signals from the third electrode 230 (see Figure 6 ) and the fourth electrode 240 (see Figure 6 ) in the pen proximity sensing driving mode PHS. For example, in the pen proximity sensing driving mode PHS, the sensor driver 200C may be configured to merge the signal received from the third electrode 230 with the signal received from the first electrode 210. In this case, the recognition sensitivity of the sensing method of the pen PN may be improved.

[0206] After sensing the input of the pen PN in the hovering state, the sensor driver 200C may enter the full driving mode for pen sensing. Since the pen sensing driving mode PPS starts after the approach of the pen PN has been sensed, the electronic device 1000 (see Figure 1A ) total current consumption. In the case where the pen PN in the hovering state is first identified, the reaction speed to the input of the pen PN can be improved. In addition, the pen PN in the hovering state can be sensed so that various functions such as a pointer can be applied to the electronic device 1000.

[0207] Fig.14A is a diagram showing a first mode of embodiment according to the inventive concept. Fig. 14B is a diagram showing a first mode of embodiment according to the inventive concept.

[0208] refer to Fig.12 , Fig.14A and Fig. 14B In an embodiment, the first mode MD1-d and the first mode MD1 include a self-capacitance detection mode. The self-capacitance detection mode may include a first sub-section and a second sub-section. Fig.14A is a diagram showing the operations occurring in the first subsection, and Fig. 14B is a diagram illustrating the operations occurring in the second subsection.

[0209] In the embodiment of the self-capacitance detection mode, the sensor driver 200C is configured to output driving signals Txs1 and Txs2 to the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 220 to sense the capacitance change of each of the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 220 and calculate the input coordinates based on the sensed change. Fig.14A , in the first sub-section, the sensor driver 200C may output the driving signal Txs1 to the first trace 210t. Fig. 14B, in the second subsection, the sensor driver 200C may output the drive signal Txs2 to the second trace 220t. The first subsection and the second subsection may operate separately at different timings. However, embodiments of the inventive concept are not limited thereto. For example, the timings of the first subsection and the second subsection may overlap with each other. That is, in the same timing, the sensor driver 200C may output the drive signal Txs1 to the first trace 210t, and output the drive signal Txs2 to the second trace 220t.

[0210] The third electrode 230 may be electrically connected to the third trace 230rt1 and the fifth trace 230rt2, and the fourth electrode 240 may be electrically connected to the fourth traces 240t-1 and 240t-2. In an embodiment of the self-capacitance detection mode, all the third electrodes 230 and the fourth electrodes 240 are grounded. For example, there may be a switching circuit that connects all the third electrodes 230 and the fourth electrodes 240 to the ground voltage during the self-capacitance detection mode. There may be a controller that controls the switching circuit. Therefore, noise may not be generated from the current flowing through the third electrode 230 and the fourth electrode 240. According to another embodiment of the present invention, all the third electrodes 230 and the fourth electrodes 240 are floating. For example, there may be a switching circuit that disconnects all the third electrodes 230 and the fourth electrodes 240 from the power supply or the ground voltage. According to another embodiment of the present invention, during the self-capacitance detection mode, a reference potential is applied to the third electrode 230 and the fourth electrode 240. According to another embodiment of the inventive concept, during the self-capacitance detection mode, a signal in phase with the transmission signal is applied to the third electrode 230 and the fourth electrode 240. In this embodiment, since current flows through the third electrode 230 and the fourth electrode 240, noise may not be generated.

[0211] Fig.15 is a diagram showing a first mode of embodiment according to the inventive concept.

[0212] refer to Figure 4 , Fig.12 and Fig.15 , the first mode MD1-d and the first mode MD1 may further include a mutual capacitance detection mode. Fig.15 is a diagram showing the mutual capacitance detection mode in the first mode MD1 - d and the first mode MD1 .

[0213] In the embodiment of the mutual capacitance detection mode, the sensor driver 200C sequentially provides the transmission signal TX to the first electrode 210, and detects the coordinates of the first input 2000 using the reception signal RX detected by the second electrode 220. For example, the sensor driver 200C can sense the change of the mutual capacitance between the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 220 to calculate the input coordinates. The transmission signal TX can be referred to as a first driving signal, and the reception signal RX can be referred to as a first sensing signal.

[0214] Fig.15 It is exemplarily shown that a transmission signal TX is provided to one first electrode 210, and a reception signal RX is output from the second electrode 220. Fig.15 , in order to clearly represent the signal, hatching is applied only to one first electrode 210 to which the transmission signal TX is provided. However, the sensor driver 200C may detect the input coordinates of the first input 2000 by sensing a capacitance change between each of the second electrodes 220 and the first electrode 210.

[0215] In the embodiment of the mutual capacitance detection mode, all the third electrodes 230 and the fourth electrodes 240 are grounded. Therefore, since the current flows through the third electrodes 230 and the fourth electrodes 240, noise may not be generated. According to another embodiment of the present invention, in the mutual capacitance detection mode, a reference potential may be applied to the third electrodes 230 and the fourth electrodes 240. According to another embodiment of the present invention, in the mutual capacitance detection mode, a signal in phase with the transmission signal TX is applied to the third electrodes 230 and the fourth electrodes 240. In this case, when the current flows through the third electrodes 230 and the fourth electrodes 240, noise may not be generated.

[0216] The sensor layer 200 may alternately repeat the reference mode in each of the first mode MD1-d of the first operation mode DMD1 and the first mode MD1 of the second operation mode DMD2. Fig.14A , Fig. 14B and Fig.15 However, this is merely an example, and embodiments of the inventive concept are not limited thereto. For example, the sensor layer 200 may repeat the reference operation only in each of the first mode MD1-d and the first mode MD1-d. Fig.15 Alternatively, in the first mode MD1-d, the sensor layer 200 may simply repeat the operation described in reference Fig.14A , Fig. 14B and Fig.15 At least one of the operations described above, and in the first mode MD1, the sensor layer 200 may alternately repeat the reference Fig.14A , Fig. 14B and Fig.15 Describes the operation.

[0217] Fig.16 is a diagram illustrating a second mode of embodiment according to the inventive concept. Fig.17A A diagram showing waveforms of a first signal and a second signal according to an embodiment of the inventive concept is shown. Fig. 17B A diagram showing waveforms of a first signal and a second signal according to an embodiment of the inventive concept is shown. Fig. 17C A diagram showing waveforms of a first signal and a second signal according to an embodiment of the inventive concept is shown.

[0218] Fig.16 is a diagram showing a charging drive mode PCD. Fig.13 , Fig.16 and Fig.17A In the charging driving mode PCD, the sensor driver 200C may apply the first signal SG1 to at least one of the third pad PD3 and the fifth pad PD5, and apply the second signal SG2 to at least one other of the third pad PD3 and the fifth pad PD5. In an embodiment, the second signal SG2 is a signal having a phase opposite to that of the first signal SG1. For example, the first signal SG1 may be a sine wave signal.

[0219] Fig.16 It is exemplarily shown that the first signal SG1 is applied to one pad and the second signal SG2 is applied to another pad, but embodiments of the inventive concept are not limited thereto. For example, the first signal SG1 may be applied to at least two pads and the second signal SG2 may be applied to at least two other pads.

[0220] Since the first signal SG1 and the second signal SG2 are applied to at least two pads, current can flow along a current path through at least one pad to at least one other pad. In addition, when the first signal SG1 and the second signal SG2 are sinusoidal wave signals having an opposite phase relationship to each other (for example, see Fig.17A ), the direction of the current can change periodically.

[0221] refer to Fig.16 and Fig. 17B , the first signal SG1a and the second signal SG2a may each be a square wave signal. In an embodiment, the phase of the second signal SG2a is opposite to the phase of the first signal SG1a. When the first signal SG1a and the second signal SG2a are applied to at least two pads, the current may flow along a current path through at least one pad to at least one other pad. In addition, when the first signal SG1a and the second signal SG2a are square wave signals with opposite phase relationships, the direction of the current may change periodically.

[0222] Fig.17A and Fig. 17B The first signal SG1 or SG1a shown in FIG. 1 has an opposite phase relationship with the second signal SG2 or SG2a. Therefore, the first signal SG1 or SG1a affects the display layer 100 (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 4 ) can cancel the noise caused by the second signal SG2 or SG2a. Therefore, flickering may not occur on the display layer 100, and the display layer 100 may have improved display quality.

[0223] refer to Fig.16 and Fig. 17C , the first signal SG1 may be a sine wave signal. However, embodiments of the present inventive concept are not limited thereto. For example, the first signal SG1 may be a square wave signal. In an embodiment when the first signal SG1 is a sine wave signal or a square wave signal, the second signal SG2b has a predetermined constant voltage V. For example, the second signal SG2b may be a ground voltage or a direct current (DC) voltage. That is, the pad to which the second signal SG2b is applied may be regarded as being grounded. In addition, in this case, current may flow from at least one pad to at least one other pad. In addition, since the first signal SG1 is a sine wave signal or a square wave signal, the direction of the current may change periodically even if at least one other pad is grounded.

[0224] Reference again Fig.16 , showing that the second signal SG2 is provided to a third pad PD3 connected to a third trace 230rt1, and the first signal SG1 is provided to a fifth pad PD5 connected to the third electrode 230. The current can flow along the current path defined by the fifth pad PD5, the fifth trace 230rt2 connected to the fifth pad PD5, the third electrode 230, a portion of the third trace 230rt1 connected to the third pad PD3, and the third pad PD3. The current path can have a loop form or a ring loop form. Therefore, in the charging drive mode PCD of the second mode MD2, the RLC resonant circuit of the pen PN can be charged through the current path.

[0225] According to an embodiment of the inventive concept, the current path in the annular loop pattern may be provided by components included in the sensor layer 200. Figure 1A ) The pen PN can be charged using the sensor layer 200. Therefore, since there is no need to add a separate component having a loop for charging the pen PN, the electronic device 1000 may not increase in thickness and weight, nor reduce flexibility.

[0226] In the embodiment of the charging drive mode PCD, the first electrode 210, the second electrode 220 and the fourth electrode 240 are grounded, have a constant voltage applied thereto, or are electrically floating. Specifically, the first electrode 210, the second electrode 220 and the fourth electrode 240 may be floating. In this case, the current may not flow to the first electrode 210, the second electrode 220 and the fourth electrode 240.

[0227] Fig.18 is a diagram illustrating a pen proximity sensing driving mode according to an embodiment of the inventive concept.

[0228] refer to Figure 4 and Fig.18 , in the pen proximity sensing drive mode PHS (see Fig.13 ), the sensor driver 200C may sense an input of the pen PN which is not in contact with the electronic device 1000 (hereinafter referred to as a hovering state). For example, the sensor driver 200C may sense when the pen PN has approached the sensor layer 200 without contacting the sensor layer 200.

[0229] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the sensor driver 200C receives a signal from the sensor layer 200, and determines the approximate height at which the pen PN is located or the portion at which the pen PN is located by using the sensed signal. A first height H1, a second height H2, and a third height H3 may be defined sequentially from the sensor layer 200. For example, the first height H1 may be about 10 millimeters (mm), the second height H2 may be about 20 mm, and the third height H3 may be about 30 mm, but embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto. The first height H1, the second height H2, and the third height H3 (which are references for distinguishing the portions to be described below) may be changed differently.

[0230] According to an embodiment of the inventive concept, the distance portion between the sensor layer 200 and the pen PN may be divided into a contact portion ST1 that is closest to the sensor layer 200, a proximity portion ST2 above the contact portion ST1, a distance portion ST3 above the proximity portion ST2, and a non-recognition portion ST4 above the distance portion ST3. The contact portion ST1 and the proximity portion ST2 may be distinguished based on a first height H1, the proximity portion ST2 and the distance portion ST3 may be distinguished based on a second height H2, and the distance portion ST3 and the non-recognition portion ST4 may be distinguished based on a third height H3. For example, when the sensor driver 200C determines that the height is greater than the third height H3, the sensor driver 200C may determine that it does not recognize the hovering state.

[0231] Fig.19A is a diagram illustrating a pen proximity sensing driving mode according to an embodiment of the inventive concept. Fig.19Bis a diagram illustrating a pen proximity sensing driving mode based on a sensing unit SU according to an embodiment of the inventive concept.

[0232] refer to Fig.13 , Fig.19A and Fig.19B In the pen proximity sensing driving mode PHS, the sensor driver 200C may receive a first reception signal PRX1 from the first electrode 210 , receive a second reception signal PRX2 from the second electrode 220 , receive a third reception signal PRX3 from the third electrode 230 , and receive a fourth reception signal PRX4 from the fourth electrode 240 .

[0233] The third electrodes 230 may be connected to each other through the third trace 230rt1 to serve as one electrode, and the fourth electrodes 240 may each overlap at least two second electrodes 220. Therefore, the third reception signal PRX3 and the fourth reception signal PRX4 may be used to determine whether the pen PN is approaching, rather than identifying detailed coordinates. For example, in a simulation comparing the second reception signal PRX2 and the fourth reception signal PRX4, it can be seen that when the pen PN approaches, the voltage (or current) change of the fourth reception signal PRX4 has a degree similar to that of the voltage (or current) change of the second reception signal PRX2.

[0234] In an embodiment, the sensor driver 200C includes an analog front end circuit AFE-C. In an embodiment of the second mode, the analog front end circuit AFE-C is electrically connected to the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 220, and is selectively electrically connected to the third electrode 230 and the fourth electrode 240. For example, the analog front end circuit AFE-C may be electrically connected to all of the first electrode 210, the second electrode 220, the third electrode 230, and the fourth electrode 240 in the second mode. Alternatively, depending on the position of the pen PN sensed, the analog front end circuit AFE-C may not be electrically connected to at least one of the third electrode 230 and the fourth electrode 240.

[0235] refer to Fig.19B , when the pen proximity sensing driving mode starts, the analog front end circuit AFE-C of the sensor driver 200C may be electrically connected to the first electrode 210, the second electrode 220, the third electrode 230, and the fourth electrode 240. The analog front end circuit AFE-C may receive the first reception signal PRX1, the second reception signal PRX2, the third reception signal PRX3, and the fourth reception signal PRX4, and output the first signal HSG1, the second signal HSG2, the third signal HSG3, and the fourth signal HSG4 corresponding thereto.

[0236] Fig. 20 is a diagram illustrating a pen proximity sensing driving mode according to an embodiment of the inventive concept.

[0237] refer to Fig.13 , Fig.19B and Fig. 20 In the implementation of the pen proximity sensing driving mode PHS, the sensor driver 200C calculates first data DATA1 , second data DATA2 , and third data DATA3 based on signals received from the first electrode 210 , the second electrode 220 , the third electrode 230 , and the fourth electrode 240 .

[0238] The first data DATA1 may be data in which the first signal HSG1, the second signal HSG2, the third signal HSG3, and the fourth signal HSG4 are merged (or combined). The second data DATA2 may be data in which the first signal HSG1, the second signal HSG2, and the fourth signal HSG4 are merged. The third data DATA3 may be data in which the first signal HSG1 and the second signal HSG2 are merged. However, this is only an example, and the second data DATA2 may also be data in which the first signal HSG1, the second signal HSG2, and the third signal HSG3 are merged.

[0239] Fig.21A is a diagram illustrating a pen proximity sensing driving mode according to an embodiment of the inventive concept.

[0240] refer to Fig.19B , Fig. 20 and Fig.21A The sensor driver 200C is configured to compare the first data DATA1 with the first threshold TH1, the second data DATA2 with the second threshold TH2, and the third data DATA3 with the third threshold TH3. The first threshold TH1, the second threshold TH2, and the third threshold TH3 may be the same as each other, or different from each other.

[0241] According to an embodiment of the inventive concept, when the first data DATA1, the second data DATA2, and the third data DATA3 are respectively greater than the corresponding first threshold TH1, the second threshold TH2, and the third threshold TH3, the sensor driver 200C may determine the pen PN (see Figure 4 ) is located in the contact portion ST1. When the first data DATA1 and the second data DATA2 are respectively greater than the corresponding first threshold value TH1 and the second threshold value TH2, the sensor driver 200C can determine that the pen PN is located in the proximity portion ST2. When only the first data DATA1 is greater than the first threshold value TH1, the sensor driver 200C can determine that the pen PN is located in the distance portion ST3.

[0242] Fig.21B is a diagram illustrating a pen proximity sensing driving mode according to an embodiment of the inventive concept.

[0243] refer to Fig.19B , Fig. 20 and Fig.21B The sensor driver 200C is configured to compare the total data SDATA of the first data DATA1, the second data DATA2 and the third data DATA3 (i.e., the sum of the first data DATA1, the second data DATA2 and the third data DATA3) with a plurality of threshold values ​​THa, THb and THc, and determine the sensor layer 200 and the pen PN (see Figure 4 ) is the distance between the two.

[0244] According to an embodiment of the inventive concept, when the total data SDATA is greater than the first threshold THa, the sensor driver 200C may determine the pen PN (see Figure 4 ) is located in the contact portion ST1. When the total data SDATA is greater than the second threshold value THb and less than or equal to the first threshold value THa, the sensor driver 200C may determine that the pen PN is located in the proximity portion ST2. When the total data SDATA is greater than the third threshold value THc and less than or equal to the second threshold value THb, the sensor driver 200C may determine that the pen PN is located in the distance portion ST3. When the total data SDATA is less than or equal to the third threshold value THc, the sensor driver 200C may determine that the pen PN is not recognized.

[0245] Fig. 22 is a diagram illustrating a pen proximity sensing driving mode according to an embodiment of the inventive concept.

[0246] refer to Fig.19B , Fig.21A and Fig. 22 In the pen proximity sensing drive mode, once the pen PN is determined (see Figure 4 ), the sensor driver 200C can activate or deactivate the electrodes for determining the proximity position of the pen PN based on the position. For example, the electrodes for sensing the input of the pen PN located above the identified pen PN can be deactivated.

[0247] According to an embodiment of the inventive concept, when it is determined that the pen PN is located in the contact portion ST1 or the proximity portion ST2, the sensor driver 200C deactivates (indicated by DIS in the figure) the third electrode 230 and the fourth electrode 240. Deactivation may mean electrically disconnecting the analog front end circuit AFE-C from the third electrode 230 and the fourth electrode 240. In this case, the sensor driver 200C may sense the proximity and coordinates of the pen PN by using the activated (indicated by EN in the figure) first electrode 210 and second electrode 220.

[0248] In an embodiment, when it is determined that the pen PN is located in the long distance portion ST3 , the sensor driver 200C deactivates any one of the third electrode 230 and the fourth electrode 240 . Fig. 22 It is exemplarily shown that the third electrode 230 is deactivated. In this case, the sensor driver 200C may sense the approach and coordinates of the pen PN by using the activated first electrode 210 , second electrode 220 , and fourth electrode 240 .

[0249] When the pen PN is not sensed, the sensor driver 200C may determine that the pen PN is located in the non-recognition portion ST4 and may activate all of the first, second, third, and fourth electrodes 210 , 220 , 230 , and 240 to sense the approach of the pen PN.

[0250] According to an embodiment of the inventive concept, the sensor driver 200C deactivates a predetermined electrode after determining the position of the pen PN. In this case, the electronic device 1000 (see Figure 1A ) current consumption.

[0251] Fig.23A is a diagram illustrating a second mode of embodiment according to the inventive concept. Fig. 23B is a diagram illustrating a second mode based on the sensing unit SU according to an embodiment of the inventive concept.

[0252] refer to Fig.13 , Fig.23A and Fig. 23B , Fig.23A and Fig. 23B is a diagram showing the pen sensing driving mode PPS. Fig. 23B One sensing unit SU in which the first sensing current Ia, the second sensing current Ib, the third sensing current Ic, and the fourth sensing current Id generated by the pen PN flow is shown.

[0253] The RLC resonant circuit of the pen PN may emit a magnetic field of a resonant frequency while discharging the charged electric charge. Due to the magnetic field provided from the pen PN, a first induced current Ia may be generated in the first electrode 210, and a second induced current Ib may be generated in the second electrode 220. In addition, a third induced current Ic may be generated in the first auxiliary electrode 230s of the third electrode 230, and a fourth induced current Id may be generated in the second auxiliary electrode 240s of the fourth electrode 240.

[0254] A first coupling capacitor Ccp1 may be formed between the first auxiliary electrode 230s and the first electrode 210, and a second coupling capacitor Ccp2 may be formed between the second auxiliary electrode 240s and the second electrode 220. The third sense current Ic may be transferred to the first electrode 210 through the first coupling capacitor Ccp1, and the fourth sense current Id may be transferred to the second electrode 220 through the second coupling capacitor Ccp2.

[0255] The sensor driver 200C may receive a first reception signal PRX1a based on the first sensing current Ia and the third sensing current Ic from the first electrode 210, and receive a second reception signal PRX2a based on the second sensing current Ib and the fourth sensing current Id from the second electrode 220. The sensor driver 200C may detect input coordinates of the pen PN based on the first reception signal PRX1a and the second reception signal PRX2a.

[0256] The sensor driver 200C may receive a first reception signal PRX1a from the first electrode 210 and a second reception signal PRX2a from the second electrode 220. In an embodiment, one end of the fourth electrode 240 and the third electrode 230 are both floating. Therefore, by coupling between the first electrode 210 and the third electrode 230 and coupling between the second electrode 220 and the fourth electrode 240, compensation of the sensing signal may be maximized. In addition, the other ends of the fourth electrode 240 and the third electrode 230 may be grounded or floating. Therefore, due to the coupling between the first electrode 210 and the third electrode 230 and the coupling between the second electrode 220 and the fourth electrode 240, the third induced current Ic and the fourth induced current Id may be fully transferred to the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 220.

[0257] According to an embodiment of the inventive concept, the wiring directions of the electrodes and auxiliary electrodes overlapping each other of the sensor layer 200 may be different from each other. For example, the wiring direction of the first electrode 210 and the wiring direction of the first auxiliary electrode 230s may be different from each other. In addition, the wiring direction of the second electrode 220 and the wiring direction of the second auxiliary electrode 240s may be different from each other. For example, in Fig. 23B , the first electrode 210 and the first trace 210t may be connected to each other on the lower portion of the sensing unit SU, and the first auxiliary electrode 230s and the third trace 230rt1 may be connected to each other on the upper portion of the sensing unit SU. The second electrode 220 and the second trace 220t may be connected to each other on the right side of the sensing unit SU, and the second auxiliary electrode 240s and the fourth trace 240t may be connected to each other on the left side of the sensing unit SU.

[0258] Fig.24 is a diagram illustrating a second mode MD2 according to an embodiment of the inventive concept.

[0259] refer to Figure 4 and Fig.24 The second mode MD2 includes a charging driving mode PCD and a pen sensing driving mode. The pen sensing driving mode includes a normal operation mode PPS-N and a high sensitivity driving mode PPS-H.

[0260] According to an embodiment of the inventive concept, the high-sensitivity driving mode PPS-H can be operated according to a specific environment or a user's choice. Fig.24 It is exemplarily shown that the high-sensitivity driving mode PPS-H operates continuously after the normal operating mode PPS-N, but the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to this. For example, in the second mode MD2, the high-sensitivity driving mode PPS-H may operate continuously after the charging driving mode PCD, and the normal operating mode PPS-N may also be omitted. Alternatively, in the second mode MD2, the normal operating mode PPS-N may operate after the charging driving mode PCD, and the high-sensitivity driving mode PPS-H may be omitted. In addition, according to the embodiments of the present invention, the second mode MD2 may also include the aforementioned pen proximity sensing driving mode PHS (see Fig.13 ).

[0261] The high sensitivity driving mode PPS-H may include a normal operation mode PPS-Na and an additional operation mode PPS-AD. In the high sensitivity driving mode PPS-H, the sensor driver 200C and the sensor layer 200 may operate in the normal operation mode PPS-Na and the additional operation mode PPS-AD in a time division manner.

[0262] Normal operation modes PPS-N and PPS-Na can correspond to reference Fig.23A and Fig. 23B Describes the pen sensing drive mode PPS. Fig. 23B , in the normal operation modes PPS-N and PPS-Na, the sensor driver 200C may receive a first reception signal PRX1a based on the first sensing current Ia and the third sensing current Ic from the first electrode 210, and receive a second reception signal PRX2a based on the second sensing current Ib and the fourth sensing current Id from the second electrode 220. The sensor driver 200C may detect the input coordinates of the pen PN based on the first reception signal PRX1a and the second reception signal PRX2a.

[0263] The additional operation mode PPS-AD may be an operation mode that additionally uses at least one of the first auxiliary electrode 230s of the third electrode 230 and the second auxiliary electrode 240s of the fourth electrode 240 of the sensor layer 200 for high-sensitivity sensing. For example, the analog front-end circuit AFE-C of the sensor driver 200C may be selectively connected to at least one of the first auxiliary electrode 230s and the second auxiliary electrode 240s. This will refer to FIG. 25A to FIG. 25C The detailed description is as follows.

[0264] Fig.25A is a diagram illustrating a high-sensitivity driving mode PPS-H based on a sensing unit SU according to an embodiment of the inventive concept. Fig.25B is a diagram illustrating a high-sensitivity driving mode PPS-H based on a sensing unit SU according to an embodiment of the inventive concept. Fig.25C is a diagram illustrating a high-sensitivity driving mode PPS-H based on a sensing unit SU according to an embodiment of the inventive concept.

[0265] refer to Fig.25A , the sensor driver 200C may receive a first reception signal PRX1, a second reception signal PRX2, a third reception signal PRX3, and a fourth reception signal PRX4 from the first electrode 210, the second electrode 220, the first auxiliary electrode 230s, and the second auxiliary electrode 240s, and this operation mode may be referred to as a first operation mode.

[0266] The sensor driver 200C may include an analog front end circuit AFE-C. In an embodiment of the first operation mode, the analog front end circuit AFE-C is electrically connected to the first electrode 210, the second electrode 220, the first auxiliary electrode 230s, and the second auxiliary electrode 240s. The analog front end circuit AFE-C may receive a first reception signal PRX1, a second reception signal PRX2, a third reception signal PRX3, and a fourth reception signal PRX4, and output a first signal SG1-ad, a second signal SG2-ad, a third signal SG3-ad, and a fourth signal SG4-ad corresponding thereto. In an embodiment, a first switch is present between a first node of the analog front-end circuit AFE-C that receives a first reception signal PRX1 and the first electrode 210; a second switch is present between a second node of the analog front-end circuit AFE-C that receives a second reception signal PRX2 and the second electrode 220; a third switch is present between a third node of the analog front-end circuit AFE-C that receives a third reception signal PRX3 and the first auxiliary electrode 230s; a fourth switch is present between a fourth node of the analog front-end circuit AFE-C that receives a fourth reception signal PRX4 and the second auxiliary electrode 240s; and all switches are closed in the first operating mode.

[0267] refer to Fig.25B , the sensor driver 200C may receive a first reception signal PRX1, a second reception signal PRX2, and a fourth reception signal PRX4 from the first electrode 210, the second electrode 220, and the second auxiliary electrode 240s, and this operation mode may be referred to as a second operation mode. The analog front end circuit AFE-C may receive the first reception signal PRX1, the second reception signal PRX2, and the fourth reception signal PRX4, and output a first signal SG1-ad, a second signal SG2-ad, and a fourth signal SG4-ad corresponding thereto. In an embodiment, during the second operation mode, the third switch is turned on to prevent the sensor driver 200C from receiving the third reception signal PRX3. When the third switch is implemented by a transistor, there may be a controller that outputs a control signal to the gate of the transistor to turn on the third switch during the second operation mode.

[0268] refer to Fig.25C , the sensor driver 200C receives a first reception signal PRX1, a second reception signal PRX2, and a third reception signal PRX3 from the first electrode 210, the second electrode 220, and the first auxiliary electrode 230s, and this operation mode may be referred to as a third operation mode. The analog front end circuit AFE-C may receive the first reception signal PRX1, the second reception signal PRX2, and the third reception signal PRX3, and output a first signal SG1-ad, a second signal SG2-ad, and a third signal SG3-ad corresponding thereto. In an embodiment, during the third operation mode, the fourth switch is turned on to prevent the sensor driver 200C from receiving the fourth reception signal PRX4. When the fourth switch is implemented by a transistor, there may be a controller that outputs a control signal to the gate of the transistor to turn on the fourth switch during the third operation mode.

[0269] The sensor driver 200C can operate in a time-division manner in at least one of the first to third operating modes for high-sensitivity sensing and a normal operating mode. In the normal operating mode, the sensor driver 200C can detect the input coordinates of the pen PN based on the first reception signal PRX1a and the second reception signal PRX2a received from the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 220. In addition, in each of the first to third operating modes, the sensor driver 200C can also use data based on at least one of the third reception signal PRX3 and the fourth reception signal PRX4 transmitted to the first auxiliary electrode 230s and the second auxiliary electrode 240s. In this case, even in the electronic device 1000 (see Figure 1A ) is mounted with a film or cover attachment, it is also possible to sense the approach of the pen PN and the coordinates of the pen PN through a high-sensitivity sensing mode.

[0270] Fig.26is a diagram illustrating a partial configuration of a sensor layer 200 and a sensor driver 200C according to an embodiment of the inventive concept.

[0271] refer to Figure 6 and Fig.26 , Fig.26 The third electrode 230 , the third trace 230rt1 and the fifth trace 230rt2 , and the analog front end circuit AFE-C included in the sensor driver 200C are schematically illustrated.

[0272] According to an embodiment of the inventive concept, in the second mode, the analog front end circuit AFE-C is selectively connected to at least one of the second line portion 232t, the third line portion 233t, and the fifth trace 230rt2. For example, the analog front end circuit AFE-C may include at least one amplifier. Fig.26 Three amplifiers are exemplarily shown, but embodiments of the inventive concept are not limited thereto.

[0273] In the second mode, one amplifier may be selectively connected to one of the second line portion 232t, the third line portion 233t, and the fifth trace 230rt2. However, embodiments of the inventive concept are not limited thereto. For example, a plurality of amplifiers may be electrically connected to a plurality of portions selected from the second line portion 232t, the third line portion 233t, and the fifth trace 230rt2, respectively. Alternatively, one amplifier may be electrically connected to a plurality of portions selected from the second line portion 232t, the third line portion 233t, and the fifth trace 230rt2. For example, a switch may be used to selectively connect the amplifier to a plurality of portions.

[0274] According to an embodiment of the inventive concept, since the third electrodes 230 are electrically connected to each other through the third trace 230rt1, the analog front end circuit AFE-C may be connected to one terminal among the second line portion 232t, the third line portion 233t, and the fifth trace 230rt2. For example, in a high-sensitivity sensing mode, in a case where the sensor driver 200C operates to receive a signal from the third electrode 230, the analog front end circuit AFE-C may be selectively connected to one terminal among the second line portion 232t, the third line portion 233t, and the fifth trace 230rt2 during the sensing time, and the terminal to which the analog front end circuit AFE-C is connected may vary.

[0275] According to an embodiment of the inventive concept, the analog front end circuit AFE-C is connected to at least two terminals among the second line portion 232 t , the third line portion 233 t , and the fifth trace 230 rt2 .

[0276] According to an embodiment of the inventive concept, in the pen proximity sensing driving mode or the high sensitivity driving mode PPS-H, the sensor driver 200C may additionally receive a signal from the third electrode 230. The sensitivity may be improved by combining the received signal with the signal received from the first electrode 210 or the second electrode 220. Therefore, the recognition sensitivity for the pen approach may be further improved.

[0277] Fig. 27 is a diagram illustrating a partial configuration of a sensor layer according to an embodiment of the inventive concept.

[0278] refer to Figure 6 and Fig. 27 , exemplarily showing a plurality of first auxiliary electrodes 230s, a connecting electrode 230ct, and a plurality of fifth traces 230rt2a. The connecting electrode 230ct may be connected to one end of the first auxiliary electrode 230s to electrically connect the first auxiliary electrodes 230s to each other. The connecting electrode 230ct may be referred to as a shorting bar.

[0279] According to an embodiment of the present inventive concept, the first auxiliary electrode 230s and the fifth trace 230rt2a may be electrically connected to each other in a one-to-one correspondence. Therefore, the number of the first auxiliary electrodes 230s and the number of the fifth trace 230rt2a may be the same. However, this is only an example. For example, in an embodiment, at least two first auxiliary electrodes 230s are electrically connected to a single fifth trace 230rt2a.

[0280] According to an embodiment of the inventive concept, in the pen proximity sensing driving mode or the high sensitivity driving mode PPS-H, the sensor driver 200C may additionally receive a signal from the first auxiliary electrodes 230s electrically connected to each other. By combining the received signal with the signal received from the first electrode 210 or the second electrode 220, the sensitivity may be improved. Therefore, the recognition sensitivity for the pen method may be further improved.

[0281] Fig.28 is a diagram illustrating a partial configuration of a sensor layer according to an embodiment of the inventive concept. Fig.28 Schematically shows Figure 6 The second auxiliary electrodes 240s1 and 240s2 and the fourth traces 240t-1 and 240t-2 are shown in FIG.

[0282] refer to Figure 6 and Fig.28, some of the second auxiliary electrodes 240s1 may be electrically connected to a single fourth trace 240t-1. Other second auxiliary electrodes 240s2 may be electrically connected to another fourth trace 240t-2. One fourth trace 240t-1 and another fourth trace 240t-2 may be spaced apart from each other in an extension direction of each of the second auxiliary electrodes 240s1 and 240s2.

[0283] Since some of the second auxiliary electrodes 240s1 are electrically connected to one fourth trace 240t-1 and other second auxiliary electrodes 240s2 are electrically connected to another fourth trace 240t-2, the fourth electrode 240 may not be used for detailed coordinate recognition. However, according to an embodiment of the inventive concept, in the pen proximity sensing driving mode or the high sensitivity driving mode PPS-H, the sensor driver 200C (see Figure 4 ) can additionally receive signals from the second auxiliary electrodes 240s1 and 240s2. By combining the received signals with the signals received from the first electrode 210 or the second electrode 220, the sensitivity can be improved. Therefore, the recognition sensitivity for the pen method can be further improved.

[0284] Fig.29 is a diagram illustrating a partial configuration of a sensor layer according to an embodiment of the inventive concept. Fig.30 is a diagram illustrating a partial configuration of a sensor layer according to an embodiment of the inventive concept.

[0285] refer to Fig.29 , the fourth electrode 240-a may include a plurality of second auxiliary electrodes 240s. In an embodiment, all of the second auxiliary electrodes 240s are electrically connected to a single fourth trace 240ta. The fourth trace 240ta may also be referred to as a connecting electrode. The fourth trace 240ta may be connected to the second auxiliary electrodes 240s in regions respectively overlapping with the second auxiliary electrodes 240s.

[0286] refer to Fig.30 , the fourth electrode 240 - a may include a plurality of second auxiliary electrodes 240 s. In an embodiment, all of the second auxiliary electrodes 240 s are electrically connected to a single fourth trace 240 tb. The fourth trace 240 tb may be connected to one end of each of the second auxiliary electrodes 240 s.

[0287] refer to Figure 6 , Fig.29 and Fig.30 In the pen proximity sensing driving mode or in the high sensitivity driving mode PPS-H, the sensor driver 200C (see Figure 4) can additionally receive a signal from the fourth electrode 240-a. By combining the received signal with the signal received from the first electrode 210 or the second electrode 220, the sensitivity can be improved. Therefore, the recognition sensitivity of the method for the pen can be further improved.

[0288] According to at least one of the above-mentioned embodiments, by using the sensor layer, not only the input of the touch but also the input of the pen can be sensed. Therefore, since there is no need to add a separate component (e.g., a digitizer) for pen sensing to the electronic device, the increase in thickness and weight and the reduction in flexibility caused by the addition of the digitizer may not occur. In addition, in the pen proximity sensing drive mode or in the high-sensitivity drive mode, the sensor driver may be configured to receive a signal from at least one of the third electrode and the fourth electrode in addition to the first electrode or the second electrode. In this case, the recognition sensitivity for the proximity of the pen can be further improved.

[0289] Although the embodiments of the present inventive concept have been described, it is to be understood that the present inventive concept is not limited to these embodiments, but a person skilled in the art may make various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the claimed inventive concept.

Claims

1. An electronic device, comprising: Sensor layer; as well as a sensor driver configured to operate in one of a first mode for driving the sensor layer to sense a touch input and a second mode for driving the sensor layer to sense a pen input, Wherein, the sensor layer comprises: A plurality of first electrodes are arranged along a first direction and extend along a second direction intersecting the first direction; a plurality of second electrodes arranged along the second direction and extending along the first direction; The third electrode has a plurality of first auxiliary electrodes, the plurality of first auxiliary electrodes are arranged along the first direction and extend along the second direction, and overlapping the plurality of first electrodes; and a fourth electrode having a plurality of second auxiliary electrodes, the plurality of second auxiliary electrodes being arranged along the second direction and extending along the first direction, and overlaps with the plurality of second electrodes, and The sensor driver is configured to receive a signal from at least one of the plurality of first electrodes, the plurality of second electrodes, the third electrode, and the fourth electrode in the second mode.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The sensor driver includes an analog front end circuit, and the analog front end circuit is selectively connected to the at least one electrode in the second mode.

3. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: In the second mode, the sensor driver being configured to calculate first data based on signals received from the plurality of first electrodes, the plurality of second electrodes, the third electrode, and the fourth electrode, The sensor driver is configured to calculate second data based on signals received from the plurality of first electrodes, the plurality of second electrodes, and the fourth electrode, and The sensor driver is configured to calculate third data based on signals received from the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes.

4. The electronic device according to claim 3, wherein: The sensor driver is configured to determine a portion of a distance between the sensor layer and the pen by comparing the first data with a first threshold, comparing the second data with a second threshold, and comparing the third data with a third threshold.

5. The electronic device according to claim 3, wherein: The sensor driver is configured to determine a portion of a distance between the sensor layer and the pen by comparing a sum of the first data, the second data, and the third data to a plurality of thresholds.

6. The electronic device according to claim 3, wherein: The distance portion between the sensor layer and the pen includes a contact portion most adjacent to the sensor layer, a proximity portion above the contact portion, and a distance portion above the proximity portion, and The sensor driver is configured to deactivate the third electrode and the fourth electrode when it is determined that the pen is located in the contact portion or the proximity portion, and deactivate any one of the third electrode and the fourth electrode when it is determined that the pen is located in the distance portion.

7. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: One of the plurality of first electrodes overlaps with one of the plurality of first auxiliary electrodes, and one of the plurality of second electrodes overlaps with one of the plurality of second auxiliary electrodes, and A first coupling capacitor is between the one first electrode and the one first auxiliary electrode, and a second coupling capacitor is between the one second electrode and the one second auxiliary electrode.

8. The electronic device according to claim 7, wherein: In the second mode, The sensor driver is configured to operate in a normal operation mode, in which it receives a first induced current flowing from the one first auxiliary electrode through the first coupling capacitor toward the one first electrode, and receives a second induced current flowing from the one second auxiliary electrode through the second coupling capacitor toward the one second electrode.

9. The electronic device according to claim 8, wherein: In the second mode, the sensor driver operates in the normal operation mode and one of the first operation mode, the second operation mode, and the third operation mode in a time-division manner, receiving signals from the plurality of first electrodes, the plurality of second electrodes, the plurality of first auxiliary electrodes, and the plurality of second auxiliary electrodes in the first operation mode, receiving signals from the plurality of first electrodes, the plurality of second electrodes, and the plurality of second auxiliary electrodes in the second operation mode, and In the third operation mode, signals are received from the plurality of first electrodes, the plurality of second electrodes, and the plurality of first auxiliary electrodes.

10. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The sensor layer further comprises: a plurality of first traces electrically connected to the plurality of first electrodes in a one-to-one correspondence; a plurality of second traces electrically connected to the plurality of second electrodes in a one-to-one correspondence; a third trace electrically connected to the plurality of first auxiliary electrodes; and A fourth trace is electrically connected to at least one second auxiliary electrode of the plurality of second auxiliary electrodes.

11. The electronic device according to claim 10, wherein: All of the plurality of second auxiliary electrodes are electrically connected to the fourth trace line.

12. The electronic device according to claim 11, wherein: The fourth trace is connected to one end portion of each of the plurality of second auxiliary electrodes.

13. The electronic device according to claim 11, wherein: The fourth trace is connected to each of the plurality of second auxiliary electrodes in a region where the fourth trace overlaps each of the plurality of second auxiliary electrodes.

14. The electronic device according to claim 10, wherein: The fourth trace is provided in plurality, one fourth trace is electrically connected to some of the plurality of second auxiliary electrodes, and another fourth trace is electrically connected to other second auxiliary electrodes of the plurality of second auxiliary electrodes, and The one fourth trace is spaced apart from the another fourth trace in the first direction.

15. The electronic device according to claim 10, wherein: The third trace is connected to first ends of the plurality of first auxiliary electrodes to electrically connect the first ends to each other, second ends of the plurality of first auxiliary electrodes are spaced apart from the first ends in the second direction, and the second ends are spaced apart from each other.

16. The electronic device according to claim 15, wherein: The third trace includes a first line portion extending along the first direction and electrically connected to the first end portions of the plurality of first auxiliary electrodes, a second line portion extending from one end of the first line portion along the second direction, and a third line portion extending from the other end of the first line portion along the second direction.

17. The electronic device according to claim 16, wherein: The sensor layer also includes a plurality of fifth traces electrically connected to the plurality of first auxiliary electrodes.

18. The electronic device according to claim 17, wherein: The sensor driver includes an analog front end circuit, and the analog front end circuit is selectively connected to at least one of the second line portion, the third line portion, and the plurality of fifth traces in the second mode.

19. An electronic device comprising: Sensor layer; as well as a sensor driver configured to operate in one of a first mode and a second mode, the first mode being for driving the sensor layer to sense a touch input, the second mode being for driving the sensor layer to sense a pen input, and the sensor driver comprising an analog front end circuit, Wherein, the sensor layer comprises: a first electrode; a second electrode, crossing the first electrode; a first auxiliary electrode overlapping the first electrode; and a second auxiliary electrode, overlapping the second electrode, Wherein, in the second mode, the analog front end circuit is electrically connected to the first electrode and the second electrode, and selectively electrically connected to the first auxiliary electrode and the second auxiliary electrode.

20. The electronic device according to claim 19, wherein: In the second mode, the sensor driver being configured to calculate first data based on signals received from the first electrode, the second electrode, the first auxiliary electrode, and the second auxiliary electrode, the sensor driver being configured to calculate second data based on signals received from the first electrode, the second electrode, and the second auxiliary electrode, the sensor driver being configured to calculate third data based on signals received from the first electrode and the second electrode, The sensor driver is configured to determine a distance component between the sensor layer and the pen by comparing the first data, the second data, and the third data with a threshold value, The distance portion includes a contact portion that is most adjacent to the sensor layer, a proximity portion above the contact portion, and a distance portion above the proximity portion, and The sensor driver is configured to deactivate the first auxiliary electrode and the second auxiliary electrode when it is determined that the pen is located in the contact portion and the proximity portion, and deactivate any one of the first auxiliary electrode and the second auxiliary electrode when it is determined that the pen is located in the distance portion.

21. The electronic device according to claim 19, wherein: In the second mode, the sensor driver is configured to operate in a normal operation mode, in which a first induced current flowing from the first auxiliary electrode toward the first electrode through a first coupling capacitor between the first electrode and the first auxiliary electrode is received, and a second induced current flowing from the second auxiliary electrode toward the second electrode through a second coupling capacitor between the second electrode and the second auxiliary electrode is received.

22. The electronic device according to claim 21, wherein: In the second mode, the sensor driver operates in the normal operation mode and one of the first operation mode, the second operation mode, and the third operation mode in a time-division manner, receiving signals from the first electrode, the second electrode, the first auxiliary electrode, and the second auxiliary electrode in the first operation mode, receiving signals from the first electrode, the second electrode and the second auxiliary electrode in the second operation mode, and In the third operation mode, signals are received from the first electrode, the second electrode, and the first auxiliary electrode.

23. An electronic device comprising: Sensor layer; as well as a sensor driver configured to operate in one of a first mode for driving the sensor layer to sense a touch input and a second mode for driving the sensor layer to sense a pen input, Wherein, the sensor layer comprises: a first electrode, applying a first driving signal to the first electrode in the first mode; a second electrode configured to output a first sensing signal in the first mode; a third electrode overlapping the first electrode and configured to output a first signal in the second mode; and a fourth electrode overlapping the second electrode and configured to output a second signal in the second mode, and In the second mode, the sensor driver is configured to calculate a plurality of pieces of data based on the first signal and the second signal, and determine a portion of a distance between the sensor layer and the pen based on the plurality of pieces of data.

24. The electronic device according to claim 23, wherein: In the second mode, the sensor driver is configured to also receive a third signal from the first electrode and also receive a fourth signal from the second electrode.

25. The electronic device according to claim 24, wherein: In the second mode, the sensor driver being configured to calculate first data based on signals received from the first electrode, the second electrode, the third electrode, and the fourth electrode, The sensor driver is configured to calculate second data based on signals received from the first electrode, the second electrode, and the fourth electrode, and The sensor driver is configured to calculate third data based on signals received from the first electrode and the second electrode.

26. The electronic device according to claim 25, wherein: The sensor driver is configured to determine the distance portion between the sensor layer and the pen by comparing the first data with a first threshold, comparing the second data with a second threshold, and comparing the third data with a third threshold.

27. The electronic device according to claim 25, wherein: The sensor driver is configured to determine the distance portion between the sensor layer and the pen by comparing a sum of the first data, the second data, and the third data with a plurality of thresholds.

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