Display device

Abstract

A display device includes: a touch panel for sensing a touch; and a touch panel driver for driving the touch panel, the touch panel driver including: pins including a first pin and a second pin for receiving a signal corresponding to a touch from the touch panel; the signal receivers are respectively connected to the pins; and a first analog-to-digital converter connected to the signal receiver connected to the first pin among the signal receivers, the first analog-to-digital converter configured to output the first signal or the second signal according to a magnitude of an input signal of the first analog-to-digital converter.

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the priority and benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10 - 2024 - 0003514, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on January 9, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical field

[0003] Aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a display device, and more particularly, to a display device for identifying a touch. Background art

[0004] An electronic device having a touch panel installed therein to have a function of indicating a position by touch is widely used. With the use of mobile electronic devices such as smart phones and tablet computers, touch panels are widely used.

[0005] The touch panel is driven by a touch panel driver. In a production process, the touch panel driver may include a certain number of pins. When the number of touch electrodes of the touch panel is even one more than the number of pins of the touch panel driver to be used, a touch panel driver with a larger number of pins may be used. In addition, any pins for transmitting / receiving a synchronization signal may not be included in a specific touch panel driver.

[0006] The above information disclosed in this background art section is used to enhance the understanding of the background of the present disclosure, and thus, it may include information that does not constitute the prior art. Summary of the invention

[0007] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure may relate to a display device that uses pins for identifying a touch signal for another purpose.

[0008] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure may relate to a display device that uses pins connected to an interface circuit for another purpose.

[0009] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a display device includes: a touch panel configured to sense a touch; and a touch panel driver configured to drive the touch panel, the touch panel driver including: pins including a first pin and a second pin configured to receive a signal corresponding to the touch from the touch panel; signal receivers respectively connected to the pins; and a first analog - to - digital converter connected to the signal receiver connected to the first pin among the signal receivers, the first analog - to - digital converter being configured to output a first signal or a second signal according to the magnitude of an input signal of the first analog - to - digital converter.

[0010] In an embodiment, the display device may further include a second analog-to-digital converter connected to the signal receiver connected to the second pin among the signal receivers, the second analog-to-digital converter being configured to convert an input signal of the second analog-to-digital converter into a digital signal corresponding to a voltage level of the input signal of the second analog-to-digital converter.

[0011] In an embodiment, each of the signal receivers may include an analog front end including an operational amplifier.

[0012] In an embodiment, the first pin may be configured to receive a signal from the main processor.

[0013] In an embodiment, the first pin may be configured to receive a driving voltage of the touch panel driver.

[0014] In an embodiment, the first pin may be connected to a ground line.

[0015] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a display device includes: a touch panel configured to sense a touch; and a touch panel driver configured to drive the touch panel, the touch panel driver including: pins including a first pin and a second pin configured to receive a signal corresponding to the touch from the touch panel; a first signal receiver connected to the first pin in a first usage form, the first signal receiver being configured to output a first signal or a second signal according to a magnitude of an input signal of the first signal receiver; and a second signal receiver including a first part connected to the second pin and a second part connected to the first pin in a second usage form.

[0016] In an embodiment, the display device may further include an analog-to-digital converter connected to at least one of the second signal receivers, the analog-to-digital converter being configured to convert an input signal of the analog-to-digital converter into a digital signal corresponding to a voltage level of the input signal of the analog-to-digital converter.

[0017] In an embodiment, the first signal receiver may be configured as an open-drain circuit or a push-pull circuit.

[0018] In an embodiment, each of the second signal receivers may include an analog front end including an operational amplifier.

[0019] In an embodiment, in the first usage form, the first pin may be configured to receive a signal from the main processor.

[0020] In an embodiment, in the first usage form, the first pin may be configured to receive a driving voltage of the touch panel driver.

[0021] In an embodiment, in the first usage form, the first pin may be connected to a ground line.

[0022] In an embodiment, in a second usage form, the first pin may be configured to receive a signal corresponding to a touch from a touch panel.

[0023] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a display device includes: a touch panel configured to sense a touch; a touch panel driver configured to drive the touch panel; a display panel configured to display an image; and a display panel driver configured to drive the display panel. The touch panel driver includes: a first pin connected to the display panel driver in a first usage form; a first signal receiver connected to the first pin in the first usage form, and in the first usage form, the first signal receiver is configured to output a first signal or a second signal according to the magnitude of an input signal of the first signal receiver; and an interface circuit connected to the first pin in a second usage form.

[0024] In an embodiment, in the first usage form, the first pin may be configured to receive a synchronization signal from the display panel driver.

[0025] In an embodiment, in the second usage form, the first pin may be configured to receive a driving voltage of the touch panel driver.

[0026] In an embodiment, in the second usage form, the touch panel driver may be configured to be reset based on a signal of the first pin.

[0027] In an embodiment, the first signal receiver may be configured as an open-drain circuit or a push-pull circuit.

[0028] In an embodiment, the touch panel driver may be configured to be reset in a software manner in the first usage form and in a hardware manner in the second usage form. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] The above and other aspects and features of the present disclosure will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description of illustrative non-limiting embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0030] Figure 1 is a view showing a display device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 2 is a view showing Figure 1 an example of the touch panel driver shown in

[0032] Figure 3 is a view showing Figure 2 an example of the signal receiver shown in

[0033] Figure 4It is a block diagram showing a touch panel driver of a display device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure in a first usage form.

[0034] Figure 5 It is shown Figure 4 A block diagram showing the touch panel driver shown in in a second usage form.

[0035] Figure 6 It is a block diagram showing a touch panel driver of a display device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure in a first usage form.

[0036] Figure 7 It is shown Figure 6 A block diagram showing the touch panel driver shown in in a second usage form.

[0037] Figure 8 It is a block diagram showing an electronic device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 9 It is shown where Figure 8 A view showing an example in which the electronic device shown in is implemented as a smart phone. Detailed Description

[0039] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals always refer to the same elements. However, the present disclosure may be embodied in various different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments illustrated herein. Instead, these embodiments are provided as examples so that the present disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the aspects and features of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, processes, elements, and techniques that are not necessary for those of ordinary skill in the art to fully understand the aspects and features of the present disclosure may not be described. Unless otherwise stated, the same reference numerals represent the same elements throughout the drawings and the written description, and thus, redundant descriptions thereof may not be repeated.

[0040] When a certain embodiment can be implemented differently, a specific process order may be different from the described order. For example, two consecutively described processes may be performed simultaneously or substantially simultaneously, or may be performed in an order opposite to the described order.

[0041] Each feature of the embodiments of the present disclosure can be partially or wholly combined or combined with each other and can be technically combined and operated in various ways, and each embodiment can be implemented independently of or in combination with each other.

[0042] In the accompanying drawings, for clarity, the relative dimensions, thicknesses, and proportions of elements, layers, and regions may be exaggerated and / or simplified. For ease of explanation, spatially relative terms such as "below", "beneath", "under", "underneath", "above", and "on" may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another (other) element or feature as shown in the drawings. It will be understood that, in addition to the orientation depicted in the drawings, spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the drawing is flipped, then an element described as "below" or "beneath" or "underneath" other elements or features will then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the example terms "below" and "beneath" can encompass both an upper and a lower orientation. The device may be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0043] Additionally, embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein with reference to schematic illustrations of ideal embodiments (and intermediate structures) of the present disclosure, such that variations in shapes due to, for example, manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances are to be expected. Accordingly, the present disclosure should not be limited to the specific shapes of regions shown in the drawings, but may include shape deviations caused by, for example, manufacturing techniques. The regions shown in the drawings are schematic in nature and their shapes do not represent the actual shapes of regions of the device and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0044] It will be understood that although the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or portion from another element, component, region, layer, or portion. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or portion described below may be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer, or portion without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0045] It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "on", "connected to", or "coupled to" another element or layer, the element or layer can be directly on, directly connected to, or directly coupled to the other element or layer, or there can be one or more intervening elements or layers. Similarly, when a layer, region, or element is referred to as being "electrically connected to" another layer, region, or element, the layer, region, or element can be directly electrically connected to the other layer, region, or element, or can be indirectly electrically connected to the other layer, region, or element, with one or more intervening layers, regions, or elements therebetween. Additionally, it will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "between" two elements or layers, the element or layer can be the only element or layer between the two elements or layers, or there can also be one or more intervening elements or layers.

[0046] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and are not intended to limit the disclosure. As used herein, the singular form "a" is also intended to include the plural form, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that when used in this specification, the terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes", and "having" specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. For example, the expression "A and / or B" means A, B, or A and B. When a phrase such as "at least one of" is located after a list of elements, the phrase modifies the entire list of elements and not individual elements in the list. For example, the expressions "at least one of a, b, and c" and "at least one selected from the group consisting of a, b, and c" mean only a, only b, only c, both a and b, both a and c, both b and c, all of a, b, and c, or variations thereof.

[0047] As used herein, the terms "substantially", "about", and similar terms are used as approximate terms and not as terms of degree, and are intended to account for the inherent deviations of measured or calculated values that would be recognized by a person of ordinary skill in the art. Additionally, when describing embodiments of the disclosure, the use of "may" refers to "one or more embodiments of the disclosure". As used herein, the terms "use" and "is used" can be considered to be synonymous with the terms "utilize" and "is utilized", respectively.

[0048] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the relevant art and / or the context of this specification, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0049] Figure 1 is a view showing a display device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0050] Referring Figure 1 , the display device 100 may include a touch panel 110, a display panel 120, a touch panel driver 130, and a display panel driver 140.

[0051] In Figure 1 , the touch panel 110 and the display panel 120 are shown separated from each other. However, this is shown for the purpose of facilitating the illustration of the function of the touch panel 110, which is distinct from the function of the display panel 120, in the display device 100. For example, the touch panel 110 may be formed by a process separate from the process by which the display panel 120 is formed, such that the touch panel 110 and the display panel 120 are connected (e.g., coupled or attached) to each other (e.g., the touch panel 110 is attached and connected to one surface of the display panel 120). In other words, the touch panel 110 may be formed as an attached touch panel. In other embodiments, the touch panel 110 may be formed together with the display panel 120 by one process (e.g., the process of manufacturing the display panel 120). In other words, the touch panel 110 may be formed as an in-cell touch panel.

[0052] The touch panel 110 may be provided on one surface of the display panel 120. For example, the touch panel 110 may be disposed on one surface (e.g., the upper surface) selected from two surfaces (e.g., opposite surfaces) of the display panel 120, and this one surface may be the surface in the direction in which an image is displayed. In another embodiment, the touch panel 110 may be directly formed on at least one surface selected from two surfaces of the display panel 120, or may be formed inside the display panel 120. For example, the touch panel 110 may be directly formed on the outer surface (e.g., the upper surface of the upper substrate or the lower surface of the lower substrate) of the upper substrate or the lower substrate of the display panel 120, or may be directly formed on the inner surface (e.g., the lower surface of the upper substrate) or the inner surface (e.g., the upper surface of the lower substrate) of the upper substrate or the lower substrate.

[0053] The touch panel 110 may include a touch area TA capable of sensing a touch and a non-touch area NTA (e.g., a peripheral area or an edge area of the touch area TA) provided outside the touch area TA. In an embodiment, the touch area TA may be set to correspond to the display area DA of the display panel 120.

[0054] In an embodiment, the touch panel 110 may be set such that at least one area of the touch panel 110 overlaps with the display panel 120. For example, the touch area TA of the touch panel 110 may be provided on the display area DA of the display panel 120. In an embodiment, at least one electrode for detecting a touch may be provided in the touch area TA. The at least one electrode for detecting a touch may include a first touch electrode TX and a second touch electrode RX. The first touch electrode TX and the second touch electrode RX may be provided on the display area DA of the display panel 120.

[0055] A line for electrically connecting the at least one electrode provided in the touch area TA to the touch panel driver 130 may be provided in the non-touch area NTA. For example, a line for electrically connecting the first touch electrode TX and the second touch electrode RX to the touch panel driver 130 may be provided in the non-touch area NTA. The non-touch area NTA may be set to correspond to the non-display area NDA of the display panel 120.

[0056] The touch panel 110 may include at least one first touch electrode TX and at least one second touch electrode RX provided in the touch area TA. For example, the touch panel 110 may include a first touch electrode TX and a second touch electrode RX crossing the first touch electrode TX. In some embodiments, the first touch electrode TX may extend along a first direction, and the second touch electrode RX may extend along a second direction crossing the first direction while being insulated from the first touch electrode TX through an insulating layer. A capacitor CSE may be formed between the first touch electrode TX and the second touch electrode RX. When a touch occurs at a corresponding point or its periphery, the capacitance between the first touch electrode TX and the second touch electrode RX may be changed. Accordingly, the touch panel driver 130 may detect the change in the capacitance between the first touch electrode TX and the second touch electrode RX to sense the touch.

[0057] However, the present disclosure does not limit the shape, size, and / or arrangement direction of the first touch electrode TX and the second touch electrode RX.

[0058] The display panel 120 may include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA (e.g., an edge area or a peripheral area of the display area DA) located outside the display area DA.

[0059] The gate lines GL and data lines DL can be disposed in the display area DA, and the sub-pixels SP electrically connected to the gate lines GL and data lines DL can be disposed in the display area DA. Lines for supplying various driving signals and / or power for driving the sub-pixels SP can be provided in the non-display area NDA.

[0060] The present disclosure does not limit the type of the display panel 120. For example, the display panel 120 can be a self-emitting display panel. For example, the display panel 120 can include a plurality of light-emitting elements. For example, the light-emitting element can be an organic light-emitting diode. For example, the light-emitting element can be an inorganic light-emitting diode such as a micro LED (light-emitting diode) or a quantum dot light-emitting diode. For example, the display panel 120 can be a non-self-emitting display panel such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, an electrophoretic display (EPD) panel, or an electro-wetting display (EWD) panel. When the display panel 120 is a non-self-emitting display panel, the display device 100 can further include a backlight unit (e.g., a backlight or a backlight panel) for supplying light to the display panel 120.

[0061] The touch panel driver 130 can be connected to the touch panel 110 to send a signal input to the touch panel 110 or receive a signal output from the touch panel 110. The touch panel driver 130 can supply a touch driving signal to the touch panel 110, and then can receive a touch sensing signal corresponding to the touch driving signal from the touch panel 110 to detect a touch. Accordingly, the touch panel driver 130 can include a touch driving signal transmitter and a touch sensing signal receiver. In an embodiment, the touch driving signal transmitter and the touch sensing signal receiver can be integrated into one (e.g., the same) integrated circuit (IC), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In an embodiment, the touch panel driver 130 (e.g., the touch driving signal transmitter) can supply the touch driving signal to a plurality of first touch electrodes TX concurrently or substantially simultaneously (or sequentially). The touch panel driver 130 (e.g., the touch sensing signal receiver) can receive the touch sensing signal (e.g., a signal corresponding to a touch) from a plurality of second touch electrodes RX. The touch panel driver 130 can receive the touch sensing signal from the touch panel 110, and can perform signal processing on the touch sensing signal to detect whether a touch has been input and / or the coordinates of the touch.

[0062] In the current embodiment, the touch panel 110 has been described as being driven using the mutual capacitance method. However, the present disclosure does not limit the driving method of the touch panel 110.

[0063] The display panel driver 140 may be connected to the display panel 120 to supply signals input to the display panel 120 or receive signals output from the display panel 120. The display panel driver 140 may supply a gate signal to the gate line GL and may supply a data voltage to the data line DL.

[0064] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing Figure 1 an example of the touch panel driver shown in Figure 3 is a circuit diagram showing Figure 2 an example of the signal receiver shown in

[0065] For ease of illustration, in Figure 2 the first pin P1 and the second pin P2, the signal receiver 210, the analog-to-digital converters ADC1 and ADC2, and the controller 230 are shown, and other components may not be shown.

[0066] Referring to Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the touch panel driver 130-1 may include a first pin P1, a second pin P2 for receiving signals corresponding to a touch from the touch panel 110 (e.g., see Figure 1 ), a signal receiver 210 respectively connected to the pins P1 and P2, and analog-to-digital converters ADC1 and ADC2 respectively connected to the signal receiver 210.

[0067] The first pin P1 and the second pin P2 may be respectively connected to the signal receiver 210 having the same or substantially the same configuration as each other. In an embodiment, the signal receiver 210 may be implemented as an analog front end (AFE) including an operational amplifier AMP or may include an analog front end (AFE) including an operational amplifier AMP. For example, a first input terminal IN1 (e.g., an inverting input terminal) of the operational amplifier AMP may be electrically connected to the pin P1 or P2, a second input terminal IN2 (e.g., a non-inverting input terminal) of the operational amplifier AMP may be electrically connected to the ground GND, an output terminal of the operational amplifier AMP may be connected to the analog-to-digital converter ADC1 or ADC2, and a capacitor C and a switch SW may be connected between the first input terminal IN1 and the output terminal of the operational amplifier AMP.

[0068] The signal receiver 210 connected to the first pin P1 may be connected to the first analog-to-digital converter ADC1. The first analog-to-digital converter ADC1 may convert an analog signal input from the signal receiver 210 into a digital signal.

[0069] In an embodiment, the first pin P1 may perform the function of a general-purpose input / output (GPIO) pin. For example, the first pin P1 may receive a synchronization signal.

[0070] When the first pin P1 receives a synchronization signal, the touch panel driver 130-1 may recognize the signal input to the first pin P1 as a high signal or a low signal. Thus, the touch panel driver 130-1 may recognize the signal input to the first pin P1 as a high signal or a low signal through the first analog-to-digital converter ADC1. For example, the first analog-to-digital converter ADC1 may output a high signal or a low signal according to the magnitude of the input signal (e.g., the signal of the signal receiver 210 connected to the first pin P1). For example, the first analog-to-digital converter ADC1 may output a high signal when the input signal (e.g., the signal of the signal receiver 210 connected to the first pin P1) is above the reference voltage, and may output a low signal when the input signal (e.g., the signal of the signal receiver 210 connected to the first pin P1) is below the reference voltage. The reference voltage may be an appropriate or predetermined voltage.

[0071] In an embodiment, the first pin P1 may receive a signal from the main processor HP. For example, the main processor HP may include at least one of a central processing unit (CPU) and an application processor (AP). The main processor HP may further include at least one of a graphics processing unit (GPU), a communication processor (CP), and an image signal processor (ISP). The main processor HP may further include a neural processing unit (NPU).

[0072] For example, the first pin P1 may receive a wake-up signal from the main processor HP. For example, the controller 230 may start the operation of the touch panel driver 130-1 or start communication with the main processor HP in synchronization with the wake-up signal. The touch panel driver 130-1 may provide data on the touch (e.g., whether a touch has been input, the intensity of the touch, and the coordinates of the touch, etc.) to the main processor HP. However, the present disclosure does not limit the type of signal received from the main processor HP through the first pin P1.

[0073] In an embodiment, the first pin P1 may receive the driving voltage DVDD of the touch panel driver 130-1. For example, the first pin P1 may receive the driving voltage DVDD from the power supply 1050 that will be described in more detail below (e.g., see Figure 8 )

[0074] The controller 230 may check the driving state of the touch panel driver 130-1 based on the output signal of the first analog-to-digital converter ADC1. For example, when a high signal is applied from the first analog-to-digital converter ADC1, the controller 230 may determine the driving state as a state in which the touch panel driver 130-1 is being operated. Additionally, a driving voltage DVDD, which serves as a power supply voltage for driving the touch panel driver 130-1, may be applied to the touch panel driver 130-1 through a separate power pin instead of the first pin P1.

[0075] In an embodiment, the first pin P1 may be connected to the ground GND. For example, when the first pin P1 is not in use (e.g., is unnecessary), the first pin P1 may be connected to the ground GND.

[0076] Accordingly, the display device 100 may allow an analog-to-digital converter (e.g., the first analog-to-digital converter ADC1) connected to at least one of the pins configured to receive a touch signal (e.g., the first pin P1) to output a high signal or a low signal, such that the at least one pin may be used as a GPIO pin.

[0077] The signal receiver 210 connected to the second pin P2 may be connected to the second analog-to-digital converter ADC2. The second analog-to-digital converter ADC2 may convert an analog signal input from the signal receiver 210 into a digital signal. The second analog-to-digital converter ADC2 may convert an input signal (e.g., the signal of the signal receiver 210 connected to the second pin P2) into a digital signal corresponding to the voltage level of the input signal. The controller 230 may detect whether a touch has been input, the intensity of the touch, and the coordinates of the touch, etc., based on the output signal of the second analog-to-digital converter ADC2.

[0078] In the current embodiment, the second analog-to-digital converter ADC2, the number of which corresponds to the number of the second touch electrodes RX, is shown to be provided in one-to-one correspondence with the second touch electrodes RX. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, a plurality of second touch electrodes RX may share one second analog-to-digital converter ADC2. A switching circuit (e.g., an N:1 multiplexer) may be provided between the signal receiver 210 and the second analog-to-digital converter ADC2.

[0079] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing a touch panel driver of a display device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure in a first usage form. Figure 5 is a diagram showing Figure 4 the touch panel driver shown in

[0080] in a second usage form. Except that components related to the first pin P1 may be different, the touch panel driver 130-2 according to the current embodiment may be the same as that referred to aboveFigure 2 is the same as or substantially the same as the described touch panel driver 130-1. Therefore, components that are the same as or substantially the same (or similar) to the components described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and thus, their redundant descriptions may not be repeated. Figure 2 For ease of illustration, the first pin P1, the second pin P2, the first signal receiver 211, the second signal receiver 212, the analog-to-digital converter ADC, and the controller 230 are shown in

[0081] and Figure 4 and Figure 5 and other components may not be shown.

[0082] Referring to Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the first pin P1 may be connected to the first signal receiver 211 in the first usage form and may be connected to the second signal receiver 212 in the second usage form. The second pin P2 may be connected to the second signal receiver 212. Additionally, the first signal receiver 211 may be connected to the controller 230, and the second signal receiver 212 may be connected to the analog-to-digital converter ADC.

[0083] Referring to Figure 4 , in the first usage form, the first pin P1 may be connected to the first signal receiver 211. In the first usage form, the first pin P1 may perform the function of a GPIO pin. For example, the first pin P1 may receive a synchronization signal.

[0084] When the first pin P1 receives the synchronization signal, the touch panel driver 130-2 may recognize the signal input to the first pin P1 as a high signal or a low signal. Therefore, the touch panel driver 130-2 may recognize the signal input to the first pin P1 as a high signal or a low signal through the first signal receiver 211. For example, the first signal receiver 211 may output a high signal or a low signal according to the magnitude of the input signal (e.g., the signal of the first pin P1). For example, the first signal receiver 211 may be configured as an open-drain circuit or a push-pull circuit. However, the first signal receiver 211 according to the present disclosure is not limited to open-drain circuits and push-pull circuits.

[0085] The function of the first pin P1 in the first usage form may be the same as or substantially the same as the function of the first pin P1 described above with reference to Figure 2 and thus, its redundant description may not be repeated.

[0086] Referring to Figure 5 , in the second usage form, the first pin P1 may be connected to the second signal receiver 212. The second signal receiver 212 may be the same as or substantially the same as the components described above with reference to Figure 2 and Figure 3is the same as or substantially the same as the described signal receiver 210, and the analog-to-digital converter ADC can be the same as or substantially the same as the second analog-to-digital converter ADC2 described above. Therefore, its redundant description can be omitted. Figure 2 is the same as or substantially the same as the described second analog-to-digital converter ADC2. Therefore, its redundant description can be omitted.

[0087] The function of the first pin P1 in the second usage form can be the same as or substantially the same as the function of the second pin P2 described above, and therefore, its redundant description can be omitted. Figure 2 is the same as or substantially the same as the function of the described second pin P2. Therefore, its redundant description can be omitted.

[0088] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing a touch panel driver of a display device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure in a first usage form. Figure 7 shows Figure 6 a block diagram of the touch panel driver shown in

[0089] For the sake of convenience of illustration, in Figure 6 and Figure 7 the first pin P1', as well as the third to fifth pins P3, P4, and P5, the interface circuit 240, and the first signal receiver 211 are shown, and other components may not be shown.

[0090] Referring to Figure 6 and Figure 7 , the touch panel driver 130-3 may include a first pin P1', a third pin P3 for receiving the driving voltage DVDD of the touch panel driver 130-3, a fourth pin P4 and a fifth pin P5 for communicating with the main processor HP, a first signal receiver 211, and an interface circuit 240 for the communication of the touch panel driver 130-3.

[0091] In an embodiment, the interface circuit 240 may be a circuit of an internal integrated circuit (I 2 C) interface. For example, the I 2 C interface is a signal transmission interface for transmitting / receiving data through two lines, namely, a serial clock (SLC) signal line and a serial data (SDA) signal line. The I 2 C interface is a serial communication interface, and it can synchronize the clock through the SLC signal line (for example, the signal line connected to the fourth pin P4) and perform data input / output through the SDA signal line (for example, the signal line connected to the fifth pin P5). In addition, the I 2 C interface can receive an interrupt signal through an interrupt signal line (for example, the signal line connected to the third pin P3), and the driving voltage DVDD can be used as the interrupt signal.

[0092] Referring to Figure 6, in the first usage form, the first pin P1' can be connected to the first signal receiver 211. In the first usage form, the first pin P1' can be connected to the display panel driver 140. In the first usage form, the first pin P1' can perform the function of a GPIO pin. For example, the first pin P1' can receive a synchronization signal for synchronizing the display panel driver 140 and the touch panel driver 130-3 with each other.

[0093] When the first pin P1' receives the synchronization signal, the touch panel driver 130-3 can recognize the signal input to the first pin P1' as a high signal or a low signal. Therefore, the touch panel driver 130-3 can recognize the signal input to the first pin P1' as a high signal or a low signal through the first signal receiver 211. For example, the first signal receiver 211 can output a high signal or a low signal according to the magnitude of the input signal (e.g., the signal of the first pin P1'). For example, the first signal receiver 211 can be configured as an open-drain circuit or a push-pull circuit. However, the first signal receiver 211 according to the present disclosure is not limited to the open-drain circuit and the push-pull circuit.

[0094] In the first usage form, the touch panel driver 130-3 can be reset in a software manner. In other words, in the touch panel driver 130-3, different from the second usage form described in more detail below, in the first usage form, a voltage for reset may not be applied through the first pin P1'.

[0095] Reference Figure 7 , in the second usage form, the first pin P1' can be connected to the interface circuit 240. In the second usage form, the first pin P1' can receive the driving voltage DVDD of the touch panel driver 130-3.

[0096] In the second usage form, the touch panel driver 130-3 can be reset in a hardware manner. For example, when the touch panel driver 130-3 is not driven, the driving voltage DVDD may not be applied to the first pin P1' (e.g., a voltage of 0V or a low voltage may be applied). The voltage applied to the first pin P1' can be used as a reset voltage, and the touch panel driver 130-3 can be reset.

[0097] Therefore, when the touch panel driver 130-3 is reset in a software manner, an existing pin for reset (e.g., the first pin P1') is not required. Therefore, in the display device 100, the first signal receiver 211 is connected to the pin for reset, so that the pin for reset can be used as a GPIO pin.

[0098] Figure 8 is a block diagram showing an electronic device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.Figure 9 is a view showing an example in which Figure 8 the electronic device shown in is implemented as a smart phone.

[0099] Referring to Figure 8 and Figure 9 , the electronic device 1000 may include a processor 1010, a memory device 1020, a storage device 1030, an input / output (I / O) device 1040, a power supply 1050, and a display device 1060. The display device 1060 may be the display device 100 described above with reference to Figure 1 . In addition, the electronic device 1000 may further include a number of ports capable of communicating with a video card, a sound card, a memory card, a USB device, etc. and / or communicating with other systems. In an embodiment, as Figure 9 shown, the electronic device 1000 may be implemented as a smart phone. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the electronic device 1000 may have various suitable forms. For example, the electronic device 1000 may be implemented as a mobile phone, a video phone, a smart board, a smart watch, a tablet PC, a vehicle navigation system, a computer monitor, a notebook computer, or a head-mounted display device, etc.

[0100] The processor 1010 may be the main processor HP described above (for example, see Figure 2 ). The processor 1010 may be connected to other components via an address bus, a control bus, a data bus, etc. In some embodiments, the processor 1010 may be connected to an expansion bus such as a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus.

[0101] The memory device 1020 may store data for the operation of the electronic device 1000. For example, the memory device 1010 may include a non-volatile memory device such as an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) device, an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) device, a flash memory device, a phase change random access memory (PRAM) device, a resistive random access memory (RRAM) device, a nano-floating gate memory (NFGM) device, a polymer random access memory (PoRAM) device, a magnetic random access memory (MRAM) device, or a ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM) device and / or a volatile memory device such as a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) device, a static random access memory (SRAM) device, or a mobile DRAM device.

[0102] The storage device 1030 may include a solid state drive (SSD), a hard disk drive (HDD), a CD-ROM, etc.

[0103] The I / O device 1040 may include an input device such as a keyboard, keypad, touch screen, or mouse, and an output device such as a speaker or printer. In some embodiments, the display device 1060 may be included in the I / O device 1040.

[0104] The power supply 1050 may supply power for the operation of the electronic device 1000. For example, the power supply 1050 may be a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0105] The display device 1060 may display an image corresponding to the visual information of the electronic device 1000. The display device 1060 may be an organic light emitting display device or a quantum dot light emitting display device, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The display device 1060 may be connected to other components through a bus or another communication link.

[0106] Embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied to a display device and an electronic device including the display device. For example, embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied to a digital TV, 3D TV, mobile phone, smartphone, VR device, PC (e.g., tablet computer and notebook computer), home appliance, PDA, PMP, digital camera, music player, portable game console, and navigation system, etc.

[0107] In a display device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a pin for identifying a touch signal (e.g., a signal corresponding to a touch) or a pin connected to an interface circuit may be used for another purpose, so that there may be no unnecessary remaining pins. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the use of a touch panel driver having an excessive size, and the cost of the display device may be reduced.

[0108] An electronic or electrical device and / or any other relevant device or component according to an embodiment of the present disclosure described herein may be implemented using any suitable hardware, firmware (e.g., an application specific integrated circuit), software, or a combination of software, firmware, and hardware. For example, various components of these devices may be formed on one integrated circuit (IC) chip or on separate IC chips. Additionally, various components of these devices may be implemented on a flexible printed circuit film, a tape carrier package (TCP), a printed circuit board (PCB), or may be formed on a substrate. Further, various components of these devices may be processes or threads that run on one or more processors in one or more computing devices, execute computer program instructions, and interact with other system components to perform the various functions described herein. The computer program instructions are stored in a memory that may be implemented in a computing device using a standard memory device (e.g., such as random access memory (RAM)). The computer program instructions may also be stored in other non-transitory computer-readable media (e.g., such as a CD-ROM or a flash drive, etc.). Additionally, those skilled in the art should recognize that the functions of various computing devices may be combined or integrated into a single computing device, or the functions of a particular computing device may be distributed over one or more other computing devices without departing from the spirit and scope of the example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0109] The foregoing is illustrative of some embodiments of the present disclosure and should not be construed as limiting thereof. Although some embodiments have been described, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications can be made to the embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. It will be understood that the description of the features or aspects in each embodiment should generally be considered available for other similar features or aspects in other embodiments, unless otherwise described. Thus, as will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, the features, characteristics, and / or elements described in connection with a particular embodiment may be used alone or may be combined with the features, characteristics, and / or elements described in connection with other embodiments, unless otherwise specifically indicated. Accordingly, it should be understood that the foregoing is illustrative of various example embodiments and should not be construed as limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, and that various modifications to the disclosed embodiments and other example embodiments are intended to be included within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: A touch panel configured to sense a touch; And A touch panel driver configured to drive the touch panel, the touch panel driver comprising: Pins, including a first pin and a second pin configured to receive a signal corresponding to the touch from the touch panel; Signal receivers respectively connected to the pins; and A first analog-to-digital converter connected to the signal receiver among the signal receivers connected to the first pin, the first analog-to-digital converter being configured to output a first signal or a second signal according to the magnitude of the input signal of the first analog-to-digital converter.

2. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: A second analog-to-digital converter connected to the signal receiver among the signal receivers connected to the second pin, the second analog-to-digital converter being configured to convert the input signal of the second analog-to-digital converter into a digital signal corresponding to the voltage level of the input signal of the second analog-to-digital converter.

3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the signal receivers includes an analog front end including an operational amplifier.

4. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The first pin is configured to receive a signal from a main processor.

5. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The first pin is configured to receive a driving voltage of the touch panel driver.

6. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The first pin is connected to a ground wire.

7. A display device, comprising: A touch panel configured to sense a touch; And A touch panel driver configured to drive the touch panel, the touch panel driver comprising: Pins, including a first pin and a second pin configured to receive a signal corresponding to the touch from the touch panel; A first signal receiver connected to the first pin in a first usage form, the first signal receiver being configured to output a first signal or a second signal according to the magnitude of the input signal of the first signal receiver; and A second signal receiver including a first part connected to the second pin and a second part connected to the first pin in a second usage form.

8. The display device according to claim 7, further comprising: An analog-to-digital converter connected to at least one of the second signal receivers, the analog-to-digital converter being configured to convert the input signal of the analog-to-digital converter into a digital signal corresponding to the voltage level of the input signal of the analog-to-digital converter.

9. The display device according to claim 7, wherein, The first signal receiver is configured as an open-drain circuit or a push-pull circuit.

10. The display device according to claim 7, wherein Each of the second signal receivers includes an analog front end including an operational amplifier.

11. The display device according to claim 7, wherein, In the first usage form, the first pin is configured to receive a signal from a main processor.

12. The display device according to claim 7, wherein, In the first usage form, the first pin is configured to receive a driving voltage of the touch panel driver.

13. The display device according to claim 7, wherein, In the first usage form, the first pin is connected to a ground wire.

14. The display device according to claim 7, wherein, In the second usage form, the first pin is configured to receive the signal corresponding to the touch from the touch panel.

15. A display device, comprising: A touch panel configured to sense a touch; A touch panel driver configured to drive the touch panel; A display panel configured to display an image; And A display panel driver, configured to drive the display panel, wherein the touch panel driver includes: a first pin, connected to the display panel driver in a first usage form; a first signal receiver, connected to the first pin in the first usage form, and in the first usage form, the first signal receiver is configured to output a first signal or a second signal according to the magnitude of the input signal of the first signal receiver; and an interface circuit, connected to the first pin in a second usage form.

16. The display device according to claim 15, wherein, In the first usage form, the first pin is configured to receive a synchronization signal from the display panel driver.

17. The display device according to claim 15, wherein, In the second usage form, the first pin is configured to receive a driving voltage of the touch panel driver.

18. The display device according to claim 15, wherein, In the second usage form, the touch panel driver is configured to be reset based on the signal of the first pin.

19. The display device according to claim 15, wherein, The first signal receiver is configured as an open-drain circuit or a push-pull circuit.

20. The display device according to claim 15, wherein, The touch panel driver is configured to be reset in software in the first usage form and in hardware in the second usage form.

Images