Electronic device

Abstract

Disclosed is an electronic device including a sensor layer and a sensor driver operating in a first mode for sensing a touch input or a second mode for sensing a pen input. The sensor layer includes a plurality of first electrodes, a plurality of second electrodes, a plurality of first auxiliary electrodes, and a plurality of second auxiliary electrodes. In a first mode, the sensor driver outputs a transmission signal to at least one of the plurality of first electrodes, receives a sensing signal from the plurality of second electrodes, receives an auxiliary signal from at least one of the plurality of first auxiliary electrodes and the plurality of second auxiliary electrodes, and compensates for the sensing signal based on the auxiliary signal.

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the priority of Korean Patent Application No. 10 - 2024 - 0006515, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on January 16, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical field

[0003] Embodiments of the present disclosure described herein relate to an electronic device capable of sensing input through a pen. Background art

[0004] Each of multimedia electronic devices such as TVs, mobile phones, tablet personal computers (PCs), laptop computers, navigation systems, game consoles, etc. includes a display device for displaying images. In addition to general input methods such as buttons, keyboards, mice, etc., an electronic device may include a sensor layer (or input sensor) capable of providing a touch - based input method, enabling a user to easily and intuitively input information or commands. The sensor layer can sense a user's touch or pressure. Meanwhile, the demand for users who are accustomed to inputting information using a writing tool or for using a pen for fine touch input for specific applications (e.g., applications for sketching or drawing) is increasing. Summary of the invention

[0005] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an electronic device capable of sensing inputs from a passive - type input method (e.g., a user's body) and an active - type input method (e.g., a pen or an RFIC tag).

[0006] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an electronic device having a sensor layer with improved sensing performance.

[0007] According to an embodiment, an electronic device includes a sensor layer and a sensor driver that drives the sensor layer and operates in a first mode for sensing a touch input or a second mode for sensing a pen input. The sensor layer includes: a plurality of first electrodes arranged in a first direction and extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction; a plurality of second electrodes arranged in the second direction and extending in the first direction; a plurality of first auxiliary electrodes arranged in the first direction, extending in the second direction, and respectively overlapping the plurality of first electrodes; and a plurality of second auxiliary electrodes arranged in the second direction, extending in the first direction, and respectively overlapping the plurality of second electrodes. In the first mode, the sensor driver outputs a transmission signal to at least one of the plurality of first electrodes, receives a sensing signal from the plurality of second electrodes, receives an auxiliary signal from at least one of the plurality of first auxiliary electrodes and the plurality of second auxiliary electrodes, and compensates the sensing signal based on the auxiliary signal.

[0008] The sensor driver may include: a compensation determination circuit that determines whether compensation for a sensed signal is required; and a compensator that compensates the sensed signal based on the determination result of the compensation determination circuit.

[0009] The compensation determination circuit may be configured to detect a peak value of a change amount of a mutual capacitance between a plurality of first electrodes and a plurality of second electrodes, and configured to determine that compensation for the sensed signal is required when the number of peak values is greater than or equal to two.

[0010] The compensation determination circuit may be configured to compare a maximum intensity of an auxiliary signal with a reference intensity, and configured to determine that compensation for the sensed signal is required when the maximum intensity of the auxiliary signal is greater than the reference intensity.

[0011] The compensation determination circuit may be configured to detect a peak value of a change amount of a mutual capacitance between a plurality of first electrodes and a plurality of second electrodes, and configured to determine that compensation for the sensed signal is required when the number of peak values is greater than or equal to two and the maximum intensity of the auxiliary signal is greater than the reference intensity.

[0012] The second mode may include a pen sensing driving mode. A plurality of first auxiliary electrodes may be electrically connected to ground in the pen sensing driving mode, and a plurality of second auxiliary electrodes may be electrically connected to ground in the pen sensing driving mode.

[0013] A plurality of first coupling capacitors may be defined between one first electrode among the plurality of first electrodes and one first auxiliary electrode among the plurality of first auxiliary electrodes. A plurality of second coupling capacitors may be defined between one second electrode among the plurality of second electrodes and one second auxiliary electrode among the plurality of second auxiliary electrodes. In the pen sensing driving mode, the sensor driver may receive a first induced current flowing from one first auxiliary electrode through the plurality of first coupling capacitors toward one first electrode, and may receive a second induced current flowing from one second auxiliary electrode through the plurality of second coupling capacitors toward one second electrode.

[0014] The second mode may further include a charging driving mode. In the charging driving mode, the sensor driver may be configured to apply a first signal to at least one first auxiliary electrode among the plurality of first auxiliary electrodes, and configured to apply a second signal to at least another first auxiliary electrode among the plurality of first auxiliary electrodes. A current path is formed between the at least one first auxiliary electrode and the at least another first auxiliary electrode.

[0015] The sensor driver can be configured to operate selectively in a first operation mode for waiting for touch input and pen input, a second operation mode for sensing touch input and waiting for pen input, and a third operation mode for sensing pen input. In each of the first operation mode and the second operation mode, the sensor driver can be configured to repeatedly operate in a first mode and a second mode. In the third operation mode, the sensor driver can be configured to operate in the second mode.

[0016] The second operation mode may further include a third mode for sensing touch input. In the third mode, the sensor driver can be configured to output a transmission signal to at least one of the plurality of first electrodes and configured to receive a sensing signal from the plurality of second electrodes. The plurality of first auxiliary electrodes and the plurality of second auxiliary electrodes can be grounded.

[0017] In the second operation mode, the sensor driver can be configured to repeatedly operate in the second mode, the third mode, and the first mode.

[0018] In the second operation mode, the sensor driver can be configured to repeatedly operate in the second mode and the first mode when it is determined that compensation for the sensing signal is required. In the second operation mode, the sensor driver can be configured to repeatedly operate in the second mode and the third mode when it is determined that compensation for the sensing signal is not required.

[0019] The sensor layer may further include: a plurality of first traces respectively electrically connected to the plurality of first electrodes; a plurality of second traces respectively electrically connected to the plurality of second electrodes; a third trace electrically connected to the plurality of first auxiliary electrodes; a fourth trace electrically connected to the plurality of second auxiliary electrodes; and a plurality of fifth traces electrically connected to the plurality of first auxiliary electrodes. The sensor driver can be configured to receive an auxiliary signal through at least one of the plurality of fifth traces and the fourth trace in the first mode.

[0020] According to an embodiment, an electronic device includes: a sensor layer including a plurality of first electrodes, a plurality of second electrodes, a plurality of first auxiliary electrodes, and a plurality of second auxiliary electrodes; and a sensor driver that drives the sensor layer and operates in one of a first operation mode for waiting for a touch input and a pen input, a second operation mode for sensing a touch input and waiting for a pen input, and a third operation mode for sensing a pen input. In the second operation mode, the sensor driver is configured to output a transmission signal to at least one of the plurality of first electrodes and configured to receive a sensing signal from the plurality of second electrodes, wherein the second operation mode includes a compensation sensing mode in which an auxiliary signal is received from at least one of the plurality of first auxiliary electrodes and the plurality of second auxiliary electrodes. In the third operation mode, the sensor driver is configured to apply a first signal to at least one first auxiliary electrode of the plurality of first auxiliary electrodes and configured to apply a second signal to at least another first auxiliary electrode of the plurality of first auxiliary electrodes. The third operation mode includes a charge driving mode in which a current path is formed between at least one first auxiliary electrode and at least another first auxiliary electrode.

[0021] The second operation mode may further include a normal mode for sensing a touch input. In the normal mode, the sensor driver may be configured to output a transmission signal to at least one of the plurality of first electrodes and configured to receive a sensing signal from the plurality of second electrodes. The plurality of first auxiliary electrodes and the plurality of second auxiliary electrodes may be grounded.

[0022] In the second operation mode, the sensor driver may be configured to repeatedly operate in the normal mode and the compensation sensing mode.

[0023] In the second operation mode, the sensor driver may be configured to operate in the compensation sensing mode when it is determined that compensation for the sensing signal is required. In the second operation mode, the sensor driver may be configured to operate in the normal mode when it is determined that compensation for the sensing signal is not required.

[0024] The sensor driver may include: a compensation determination circuit that determines whether compensation for the sensing signal is required; and a compensator that compensates the sensing signal according to a determination result of the compensation determination circuit.

[0025] The compensation determination circuit may be configured to detect a peak value of a change amount of a mutual capacitance between the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes and configured to determine that compensation for the sensing signal is required when the number of peak values is greater than or equal to two.

[0026] The compensation determination circuit may be configured to compare a maximum intensity of the auxiliary signal with a reference intensity and configured to determine that compensation for the sensing signal is required when the maximum intensity is greater than the reference intensity.

[0027] The compensation determination circuit can be configured to detect a peak value of a change amount of a mutual capacitance between a plurality of first electrodes and a plurality of second electrodes, and configured to determine that compensation for a sensing signal is required when the number of peak values is greater than or equal to two and the maximum intensity of an auxiliary signal is greater than a reference intensity. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The above and other objects and features of the present disclosure will become apparent by describing embodiments of the present disclosure in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0029] Figure 1A is a perspective view of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 1B is a rear perspective view of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 3 is a perspective view of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 5 is a block diagram for describing the operation of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 6A is a cross-sectional view of a display panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 6B is a cross-sectional view of a sensor layer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 7 is a plan view of a sensor layer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 8 is an enlarged plan view of a sensing unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 9A is a plan view showing a first conductive layer of a sensing unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 9B is a plan view showing a second conductive layer of a sensing unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 10 is according to an embodiment of the present disclosure along Figure 9A orFigure 9B A cross-sectional view of the sensor layer taken along the line I-I' shown in

[0042] Figure 11A is Figure 9A An enlarged plan view of the area AA' shown in

[0043] Figure 11B is Figure 9B An enlarged plan view of the area BB' shown in

[0044] Figure 12A A diagram showing the usage state of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Figure 12B A diagram showing the usage state of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] Figure 13A and Figure 13B is a diagram for describing the operation of the sensor layer in the LGM state.

[0047] Figure 14 A diagram showing the operation of a sensor driver according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] Figure 15 A diagram showing the operation of a sensor driver according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] Figure 16 is a diagram for describing a first mode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] Figure 17 is a diagram for describing the sensor layer and the sensor driver according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] Figure 18 A diagram showing the waveform of an auxiliary signal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] Figure 19 A diagram showing the waveform of a signal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] Figure 20 A diagram showing the operation of a sensor driver according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] Figure 21 A diagram showing the operation of a sensor driver according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0055] Figure 22 is a diagram for describing a second mode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0056] Figure 23AIt is a graph showing the waveform of a first signal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0057] Figure 23B It is a graph showing the waveform of a second signal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0058] Figure 24 It is a diagram for describing the operation of a pen according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0059] Figure 25A It is a diagram for describing a second mode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0060] Figure 25B It is a diagram for describing a second mode based on one sensing unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0061] Figure 26 It is a diagram for describing a first mode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0062] Figure 27 It is a diagram for describing a first mode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Description

[0063] In this specification, the expression that a first component (or region, layer, part, portion, etc.) is "on" a second component, "connected" to the second component, or "coupled" to the second component means that the first component is directly on the second component, directly connected to the second component, or directly coupled to the second component, or means that a third component is interposed therebetween.

[0064] The same reference numerals denote the same components. In addition, in the drawings, for the validity of the description of the technical content, the thickness, ratio, and size of the components are exaggerated. The term "and / or" includes one or more combinations, and each in the combination defines the related elements.

[0065] Although terms such as "first" and "second" may be used to describe various components, these components should not be construed as being limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure, the first component may be referred to as the second component, and similarly, the second component may be referred to as the first component. The articles "a", "an", and "the" are singular because they have a single referent, but the use of the singular form in the specification should not exclude the existence of more than one referent.

[0066] In addition, terms such as "beneath", "below", "on", "above", etc. are used to describe the correlation of the components shown in the drawings. Conceptually relative terms are described based on the directions shown in the drawings.

[0067] It will be understood that the terms "comprising", "including", "having", etc. specify the presence of the features, quantities, steps, operations, elements, or components described in the specification, or combinations thereof, without precluding the presence or addition of one or more other features, quantities, steps, operations, elements, or components, or combinations thereof.

[0068] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in the specification have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. Additionally, terms (such as those defined in a common dictionary) should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the context of the relevant art and should not be interpreted as ideal or overly formal unless expressly defined herein.

[0069] The terms "part" and "unit" refer to a software component or a hardware component that performs a specific function. For example, a hardware component may include a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). A software component may refer to executable code in 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 processes, functions, attributes, procedures, subroutines, program code segments, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuits, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays, or variables.

[0070] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0071] Figure 1A is a perspective view of an electronic device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1B is a rear perspective view of an electronic device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0072] Referring to Figure 1A and Figure 1B , the electronic device 1000 may be a device activated according to an electrical signal. For example, the electronic device 1000 may display an image and may sense an input applied from the outside. The external input may be a user input. The user input may include various types of external inputs from a part of the user's body, a pen PN, light, heat, or pressure.

[0073] 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 separate panels from each other. The first display panel DP1 may be referred to as the "main display panel". The second display panel DP2 may be referred to as the "auxiliary display panel" or the "external display panel".

[0074] The first display panel DP1 may include a first display portion DA1-F. 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 the area of the first display panel DP1. The area of the first display portion DA1-F corresponding to the first display panel DP1 may be larger than the area of the second display portion DA2-F corresponding to the second display panel DP2.

[0075] When the electronic device 1000 is unfolded, the first display portion DA1-F may have a plane 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 that intersects the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. The front surface (or upper surface) and the rear surface (or lower surface) of the components constituting the electronic device 1000 may be defined with respect to the third direction DR3.

[0076] The first display panel DP1 or the first display portion DA1-F may include a foldable and unfoldable folding region FA and a plurality of non-folding regions NFA1 and NFA2 that are spaced apart from each other and between which the folding region FA is disposed. The second display panel DP2 may overlap with one of the plurality of non-folding regions NFA1 and NFA2. For example, the second display panel DP2 may overlap with the first non-folding region NFA1.

[0077] The display direction of the first image IM1a displayed in a part of the first display panel DP1 (e.g., the first non-folding region NFA1) may be opposite to the display direction of the second image IM2a displayed in the second display panel DP2. For example, the first image IM1a may be displayed in the third direction DR3, and the second image IM2a may be displayed in a fourth direction DR4 that is opposite to the third direction DR3.

[0078] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the folding region FA may be bent with respect to a folding axis extending in a direction parallel to the long side of the electronic device 1000 (e.g., the second direction DR2). When the electronic device 1000 is folded, the folding region FA has a predetermined curvature and a radius of curvature. The first non-folding region NFA1 and the second non-folding region NFA2 may face each other, and the electronic device 1000 may be folded inwardly such that the first display portion DA1-F is not exposed to the outside.

[0079] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device 1000 may be folded outwardly such that the first display portion DA1-F is exposed to the outside. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device 1000 may be capable of both inward folding and outward folding in an unfolded state, but is not limited thereto.

[0080] Figure 1AThe figure shows that a folding area FA is defined (set or included) in the electronic device 1000, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, a plurality of folding axes and corresponding folding areas are defined in the electronic device 1000. The electronic device 1000 may be folded inwardly or outwardly in the unfolded state of each of the plurality of folding areas.

[0081] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one of the first display panel DP1 and the second display panel DP2 may sense an input by the pen PN even when it does not include a digitizer. Therefore, since the digitizer for sensing the pen PN is omitted, an increase in the thickness of the electronic device 1000, an increase in the weight of the electronic device 1000, or a decrease in the flexibility of the electronic device 1000 that may occur due to the addition of the digitizer may not occur. Therefore, not only the first display panel DP1 but also the second display panel DP2 may be designed to sense the pen PN.

[0082] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an electronic device 1000-1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 is a perspective view of an electronic device 1000-2 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0083] Figure 2 The figure shows that the electronic device 1000-1 is a mobile phone, and the electronic device 1000-1 may include a display panel DP. Figure 3 The figure shows that the electronic device 1000-2 is a notebook PC, and the electronic device 1000-2 may include a display panel DP. Although Figure 3 is a perspective view of the electronic device 1000-2, the coordinate axes included in Figure 3 are displayed based on the display panel DP within the electronic device 1000-2.

[0084] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the display panel DP may sense an input applied from the outside. The external input may be a user input. The user input may include various types of external inputs from a part of the user's body, the pen PN (see Figure 1A ), light, heat, or pressure.

[0085] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, even when the display panel DP does not include a digitizer, the display panel DP may sense an input by the pen PN. Therefore, since the digitizer for sensing the pen PN is omitted, the thickness and weight of the electronic device 1000-1 or 1000-2 may not increase due to the addition of the digitizer.

[0086] Figure 1A The figure shows a foldable type of electronic device 1000, and Figure 2The bar-type electronic device 1000-1 is shown. However, the present disclosure described below is not limited thereto. For example, the description below can be applied to various electronic devices, such as rollable electronic devices, slidable electronic devices, and stretchable electronic devices.

[0087] Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display panel DP according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0088] Referring Figure 4 , the display panel DP may include a display layer 100 and a sensor layer 200.

[0089] The display layer 100 may be a component that generally generates an image. The display layer 100 may be a light-emitting display layer. 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 a packaging layer 140.

[0090] The base layer 110 may be a member that provides a base surface on which the circuit layer 120 is disposed. The base layer 110 may include 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 layer constituting the base layer 110 is not particularly limited thereto.

[0091] The circuit layer 120 may be disposed on the base layer 110. The circuit layer 120 may include an insulating layer, a semiconductor pattern, a conductive pattern, and signal lines. The insulating layer, the semiconductor layer, and the conductive layer may be formed on the base layer 110 by means such as coating, evaporation, etc. The insulating layer, the semiconductor layer, and the conductive layer may be selectively patterned by performing a photolithography process multiple times.

[0092] The light-emitting element layer 130 may be disposed on the circuit layer 120. The light-emitting element layer 130 may include light-emitting elements. 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.

[0093] The packaging layer 140 may be disposed on the light-emitting element layer 130. The packaging layer 140 may protect the light-emitting element layer 130 from foreign substances such as moisture, oxygen, and dust particles.

[0094] The sensor layer 200 may be disposed on the display layer 100. The sensor layer 200 may sense an external input applied from the outside. The sensor layer 200 may be an integrated sensor continuously formed during the manufacturing process of the display layer 100, or may be an external sensor attached to the display layer 100. The sensor layer 200 may be referred to as a "sensor", an "input sensing layer", an "input sensing panel", or an "electronic device for sensing input coordinates".

[0095] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the sensor layer 200 may sense two types of inputs, a passive type input method such as a user's body, and an input device for generating a magnetic field having a predetermined resonance frequency. The input device may be referred to as a "pen", an "input pen", a "magnetic pen", a "stylus", or an "electromagnetic resonance pen".

[0096] Figure 5 is a block diagram for describing the operation of the electronic device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0097] Reference Figure 5 , the electronic device 1000 may include a display layer 100, a sensor layer 200, a display driver 100C, a sensor driver 200C, a main driver 1000C, and a power supply circuit 1000P.

[0098] The sensor layer 200 may sense a first input 2000 or a second input 3000 applied from the outside. Each of the first input 2000 and the second input 3000 may be an input method capable of providing a change in capacitance of the sensor layer 200, or an input method capable of inducing a current in the sensor layer 200. For example, the first input 2000 may be an input of a passive type input method such as a user's body. The second input 3000 may be an input through the pen PN or an input through the RFIC tag. For example, the pen PN may be a passive type pen or an active type pen.

[0099] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the pen PN may be a device that generates a magnetic field having a predetermined resonance frequency. The pen PN may be configured to transmit an output signal based on an electromagnetic resonance method. The pen PN may be referred to as an "input device", an "input pen", a "magnetic pen", a "stylus", or an "electromagnetic resonance pen".

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

[0101] The inductor L generates an electric current from a magnetic field formed in the electronic device 1000 (e.g., the sensor layer 200). However, the implementation is not particularly limited thereto. For example, when the pen PN operates in an active type, even when the pen PN does not receive a magnetic field from the outside, the pen PN can generate an electric current. The generated electric current is transmitted to the capacitor C. The capacitor C charges the electric current input from the inductor L and discharges the charged electric current to the inductor L. Thereafter, the inductor L can emit a magnetic field at a resonant frequency. The induced electric current can flow in the sensor layer 200 through the magnetic field emitted by the pen PN, and the induced electric current can be transmitted to the sensor driver 200C as a sensing signal (or a received signal).

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

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

[0104] The sensor driver 200C can drive the sensor layer 200. The sensor driver 200C can receive control signals from the main driver 1000C. The control signals can include a clock signal for the sensor driver 200C. In addition, the control signals can also include a mode determination signal for determining the operation mode of the sensor driver 200C and the sensor layer 200.

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

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

[0107] The switching between the first mode and the second mode can be implemented in various ways. For example, the sensor driver 200C and the sensor layer 200 can be driven in the first mode and the second mode in a time-division method, and can sense the first input 2000 and the second input 3000. Optionally, the switching between the first mode and the second mode can occur due to the user's selection or a specific action (or input) of the user. The first mode or the second mode can be activated or deactivated by activating or deactivating a specific application, or one mode can be switched to another mode. Optionally, when operating alternately in the first mode and the second mode, the sensor driver 200C and the sensor layer 200 can remain in the first mode when the first input 2000 is sensed, or can remain in the second mode when the second input 3000 is sensed.

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

[0109] The power supply circuit 1000P can include a power management integrated circuit (PMIC). The power supply circuit 1000P can 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 can include a gate high voltage, a gate low voltage, a first driving voltage (e.g., ELVSS voltage), a second driving voltage (e.g., ELVDD voltage), an initialization voltage, etc., but the plurality of driving voltages are not particularly limited to the examples.

[0110] Figure 6A is a cross-sectional view of a display panel DP according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0111] Reference Figure 6A , at least one buffer layer BFL is formed on the upper surface of the base layer 110. The buffer layer BFL can improve the bonding force between the base layer 110 and the semiconductor pattern. The buffer layer BFL can be formed of multiple layers. The display layer 100 can further include a barrier layer provided on the buffer layer BFL. The buffer layer BFL can include at least one of silicon oxide, silicon nitride, and silicon oxynitride. For example, the buffer layer BFL can include a structure in which a silicon oxide layer and a silicon nitride layer are alternately stacked.

[0112] 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 polysilicon. However, the embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the semiconductor patterns SC, AL, DR, and SCL may include amorphous silicon, low-temperature polysilicon, or an oxide semiconductor.

[0113] Figure 6A Only a part of the semiconductor pattern is shown, and the semiconductor pattern may also be disposed in another region. The semiconductor patterns SC, AL, DR, and SCL may be arranged across pixels according to a specific rule. Depending on the doping levels of the semiconductor patterns SC, AL, DR, and SCL, the semiconductor patterns SC, AL, DR, and SCL may have different electrical properties. The semiconductor patterns SC, AL, DR, and SCL may include a first region SC, DR, and SCL having a high conductivity and a second region AL having a low conductivity. The first regions SC, DR, and SCL may be heavily doped with an N-type dopant or a P-type dopant. The P-type transistor may include a region doped with a P-type dopant, and the N-type transistor may include a region doped with an N-type dopant. The second region AL may be an undoped region or a lightly doped region doped with a concentration lower than that in the first regions SC, DR, and SCL.

[0114] The conductivity of each of the first regions SC, DR, and SCL is greater than the conductivity of the second region AL. The first regions SC, DR, and SCL may generally be used as electrodes or signal lines. The second region AL may generally correspond to the active region AL (or channel) of the transistor 100PC. In other words, a part AL in the semiconductor patterns SC, AL, DR, and SCL may be the active region AL of the transistor 100PC; other parts SC and DR may be the source region SC or the drain region DR of the transistor 100PC; and the other part SCL may be a connection electrode or a connection signal line SCL.

[0115] Each pixel may include a plurality of transistors, at least one capacitor, and at least one light-emitting element, and the equivalent circuit of the pixel may be modified in various forms. Figure 6A One transistor 100PC and one light-emitting element 100PE included in the pixel are shown.

[0116] The source region SC, the active region AL, and the drain region DR of the transistor 100PC may be formed of a semiconductor pattern. The source region SC and the drain region DR may extend from the active region AL in opposite directions in a cross-sectional view. In Figure 6A A part of the connection signal line SCL formed of a semiconductor pattern is shown. Although not shown separately, the connection signal line SCL may be connected to the drain region DR of the transistor 100PC in a plan view.

[0117] The first insulating layer 10 may be disposed on the buffer layer BFL. The first insulating layer 10 may commonly overlap with a plurality of pixels, and may 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 or 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 an embodiment, the first insulating layer 10 may be a silicon oxide layer having a single-layer structure. Not only the first insulating layer 10 but also the insulating layer of the circuit layer 120 to be described later may be an inorganic layer and / or an organic layer, 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 is not limited thereto.

[0118] The gate GT of the transistor 100PC is disposed on the first insulating layer 10. The gate GT may be part of a metal pattern. The gate GT overlaps with the active region AL. The gate GT may be used as a mask in the process of doping and / or reducing the semiconductor patterns SC, AL, DR, and SCL.

[0119] The second insulating layer 20 is disposed on the first insulating layer 10, and may cover the gate GT. The second insulating layer 20 may commonly overlap with the pixels. 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 an embodiment, the second insulating layer 20 may have a multi-layer structure including a silicon oxide layer and a silicon nitride layer.

[0120] 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.

[0121] 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 formed to penetrate the first insulating layer 10, the second insulating layer 20, and the third insulating layer 30.

[0122] 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.

[0123] 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 formed to penetrate the fourth insulating layer 40 and the fifth insulating layer 50.

[0124] The sixth insulating layer 60 may be disposed on the fifth insulating layer 50 and may cover the second connection electrode CNE2. The sixth insulating layer 60 may be an organic layer.

[0125] 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, quantum dots, quantum rods, micro LEDs, or nano LEDs. Hereinafter, a description will be given on the condition that the light-emitting element 100PE is an organic light-emitting element, but the embodiments are not particularly limited thereto.

[0126] The light-emitting element 100PE may include a first electrode AE, a light-emitting layer EL, and a second electrode CE.

[0127] 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 formed to penetrate the sixth insulating layer 60.

[0128] The pixel defining layer 70 may be disposed on the sixth insulating layer 60 and may cover a part of the first electrode AE. An opening 70-OP is defined in the pixel defining layer 70. The opening 70-OP of the pixel defining layer 70 exposes at least a part of the first electrode AE.

[0129] The first display portion DA1-F (see Figure 1A ) may include an emission region PXA and a non-emission region NPXA disposed adjacent to the emission region PXA. The non-emission region NPXA may surround the emission region PXA. In an embodiment, the emission region PXA is defined to correspond to a partial region of the first electrode AE exposed by the opening 70-OP.

[0130] 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. Figure 6A An example of the light-emitting layer EL disposed within the opening 70-OP is shown, but this arrangement is not particularly limited thereto. For example, the light-emitting layer EL may extend to cover a side surface of the pixel defining layer 70 defining the opening 70-OP and a part of a top surface of the pixel defining layer 70.

[0131] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the light-emitting layer EL may be formed on each of the pixels separately. When the light-emitting layer EL is formed on each of the pixels separately, each of the light-emitting layers EL may emit light of at least one of blue, red, and green. However, the embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the light-emitting layer EL may be commonly connected and included in each of the pixels. In this case, the light-emitting layer EL may provide blue light or white light.

[0132] The second electrode CE may be disposed on the light-emitting layer EL. The second electrode CE may be integrally shaped and may be shared among a plurality of pixels.

[0133] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a hole control layer may be interposed between the first electrode AE and the light-emitting layer EL. The hole control layer may be commonly disposed in the emission region PXA and the non-emission region NPXA. The hole control layer may include a hole transport layer and may further include a hole injection layer. An electron control layer may be interposed 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 in a plurality of pixels by using an opening mask or an inkjet process.

[0134] 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, and 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 foreign substances 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, etc. The organic layer may include, but is not limited to, an acrylic-based organic layer.

[0135] 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 covering insulating layer 205.

[0136] The base layer 201 may be an inorganic layer including at least one of silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, and silicon oxide. Optionally, the base layer 201 may be an organic layer including an epoxy resin, an acrylate resin, or an imide-based resin. The base layer 201 may have a single-layer structure or may have a multi-layer structure stacked in the third direction DR3. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the sensor layer 200 may not include the base layer 201.

[0137] Each of the first conductive layer 202 and the second conductive layer 204 may have a single-layer structure or may have a multi-layer structure in which layers are stacked in the third direction DR3.

[0138] Each of the first conductive layer 202 and the second conductive layer 204 having a single-layer structure may 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), indium zinc tin oxide (IZTO), etc. In addition, the transparent conductive layer may include a conductive polymer such as poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), metal nanowires, graphene, etc.

[0139] Each of the first conductive layer 202 and the second conductive layer 204 of the multilayer structure may include a metal layer. For example, the metal layer may have a three-layer structure of titanium / aluminum / titanium. The conductive layer of the multilayer structure may include at least one metal layer and at least one transparent conductive layer.

[0140] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the thickness of the first conductive layer 202 may be 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 components (e.g., electrodes, sensing patterns, or bridging patterns) included in the first conductive layer 202 can be reduced. In addition, since the first conductive layer 202 is disposed under the second conductive layer 204, even if the thickness of the first conductive layer 202 increases, the probability that the components included in the first conductive layer 202 are recognized by external light reflection can be lower than the probability that the components included in the second conductive layer 204 are recognized by external light reflection.

[0141] At least one of the intermediate insulating layer 203 and the covering insulating layer 205 may include an inorganic film. The inorganic film may include at least one of alumina, titanium oxide, silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, zirconium oxide, and hafnium oxide.

[0142] At least one of the intermediate insulating layer 203 and the covering insulating layer 205 may include an organic film. The organic film may include at least one of an acrylate-based resin, a methacrylate-based resin, polyisoprene, a vinyl-based resin, an epoxy-based resin, a urethane-based resin, a cellulose-based resin, a silicone-based resin, a polyimide-based resin, a polyamide-based resin, and a perylene-based resin.

[0143] Previously, a description will be given under the condition that the sensor layer 200 includes a total of two conductive layers (i.e., the first conductive layer 202 and the second conductive layer 204), but the embodiment is not particularly limited thereto. For example, the sensor layer 200 may include three or more conductive layers.

[0144] Figure 6B is a cross-sectional view of the sensor layer 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0145] Reference Figure 6A and Figure 6B, the second width 204wt of the second grid line MS2 included in the second conductive layer 204 may be greater than or equal to the first width 202wt of the first grid line MS1 included in the first conductive layer 202. When the user USR views the first grid line MS1 and the second grid line MS2 from one side, the first grid line MS1 has a smaller width than the second grid line MS2, and thus the probability that the first grid line MS1 is to be recognized by the user USR can be reduced.

[0146] Each of the first grid line MS1 and the second grid line MS2 may include a first metal layer M1 and a second metal layer M2 interposed between the first metal layers M1. The first metal layer M1 may include titanium (Ti), and the second metal layer M2 may include aluminum (Al). However, this is only an example and is not particularly limited thereto.

[0147] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first thickness TK1 of the second metal layer M2 of the first grid line MS1 and the second thickness TK2 of the second metal layer M2 of the second grid line MS2 may be substantially the same as each other, but the thickness of the second metal layer M2 is not particularly limited thereto. For example, the first thickness TK1 may be thicker than the second thickness TK2. Alternatively, the second thickness TK2 may be thicker than the first thickness TK1. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the first thickness TK1 and the second thickness TK2 may be 1000 angstroms or greater, and for example

[0148] Figure 7 is a plan view of the sensor layer 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0149] Reference Figure 7 , the sensing region 200A and the peripheral region 200NA disposed adjacent to the sensing region 200A may be defined in the sensor layer 200.

[0150] The sensor layer 200 may include a plurality of first electrodes 210, a plurality of second electrodes 220, a plurality of first auxiliary electrodes 230, and a plurality of second auxiliary electrodes 240 disposed in the sensing region 200A.

[0151] The first electrodes 210 may intersect the second electrodes 220. Each of the first electrodes 210 may extend in the second direction DR2. The first electrodes 210 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the first direction DR1. Each of the second electrodes 220 may extend in the first direction DR1. 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 intersects one second electrode 220.

[0152] Figure 7Six first electrodes 210, ten second electrodes 220, and 60 sensing units SU are shown. However, the numbers of the first electrodes 210 and the second electrodes 220 are not limited thereto.

[0153] Each of the first auxiliary electrodes 230 may extend in the second direction DR2. The first auxiliary electrodes 230 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the first direction DR1. One first auxiliary electrode 230 may at least partially overlap with one first electrode 210. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the capacitance (or coupling capacitance) between one first electrode 210 and one first auxiliary electrode 230 may be adjusted by adjusting the overlapping area between one first electrode 210 and one first auxiliary electrode 230.

[0154] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, at least some of the first auxiliary electrodes 230 may be connected in parallel with each other. For example, Figure 7 Two first auxiliary electrodes 230 that are connected in parallel with each other to form a first auxiliary electrode group 230pc are shown. Three first auxiliary electrode groups 230pc may be arranged in the first direction DR1. However, the number of the first auxiliary electrodes 230 constituting the first auxiliary electrode group 230pc is not limited thereto. For example, one first auxiliary electrode group 230pc may include only one first auxiliary electrode 230, or may include three or more first auxiliary electrodes 230.

[0155] As the number of the first auxiliary electrodes 230 included in the first auxiliary electrode group 230pc and connected in parallel with each other increases, the resistance of the first auxiliary electrode group 230pc decreases, thereby improving power efficiency and sensing sensitivity. On the other hand, as the number of the first auxiliary electrodes 230 included in the first auxiliary electrode group 230pc decreases, the loop coil pattern formed by using the first auxiliary electrode group 230pc may be implemented in more various forms.

[0156] The second auxiliary electrodes 240 may be arranged in the second direction DR2, and the second auxiliary electrodes 240 may extend in the first direction DR1. One second auxiliary electrode 240 may at least partially overlap with one second electrode 220. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the capacitance (or coupling capacitance) between one second electrode 220 and one second auxiliary electrode 240 may be adjusted by adjusting the overlapping area between one second electrode 220 and one second auxiliary electrode 240.

[0157] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, at least some of the second auxiliary electrodes 240 may be electrically connected to each other to form one second auxiliary electrode group 240pc. For example, Figure 7 Five second auxiliary electrodes 240 connected to the same trace (e.g., the fourth trace 240t) to form one second auxiliary electrode group 240pc are shown. Thus,Figure 7 Two second auxiliary electrode groups 240pc are shown arranged in the second direction DR2. However, the number of second auxiliary electrodes 240 constituting one second auxiliary electrode group 240pc is not limited thereto. For example, the number of second auxiliary electrodes 240 constituting one second auxiliary electrode group 240pc may be 10. In this case, the sensor layer 200 may include only one second auxiliary electrode group 240pc.

[0158] The sensor layer 200 may further include a plurality of first traces 210t provided in the peripheral region 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. The first traces 210t may be electrically connected to the first electrodes 210 in a one-to-one correspondence. The second traces 220t may be electrically connected to the second electrodes 220 in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0159] The sensor layer 200 may further include a third trace 230rt1 provided in the peripheral region 200NA, a plurality of third pads PD3 connected to one end and the other end of the third trace 230rt1, a fourth trace 240t, a fourth pad PD4 connected to the fourth trace 240t 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.

[0160] The third trace 230rt1 may be electrically connected to the first auxiliary electrode 230. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the third trace 230rt1 may be electrically connected to all of the first auxiliary electrodes 230. The third trace 230rt1 may include a first line portion 231t extending in the first direction DR1 and electrically connected to the first auxiliary electrode 230, a second line portion 232t extending from the first end of the first line portion 231t in the second direction DR2, and a third line portion 233t extending from the second end of the first line portion 231t in the second direction DR2.

[0161] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the resistance of each of the second line portion 232t and the third line portion 233t may be substantially the same as the resistance of one of the first auxiliary electrodes in the first auxiliary electrode 230. Accordingly, the second line portion 232t and the third line portion 233t may be used as the first auxiliary electrode 230, and the same effect as when the first auxiliary electrode 230 is also placed in the peripheral region 200NA may be obtained. For example, one of the second line portion 232t and the third line portion 233t and one of the first auxiliary electrodes 230 may form a coil. Accordingly, a pen located in a region adjacent to the peripheral region 200NA may also be sufficiently charged through a loop including the second line portion 232t or the third line portion 233t.

[0162] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, in order to adjust the resistance of each of the second line portion 232t and 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 have substantially the same width as each other.

[0163] The fifth trace 230rt2 may be connected to the first auxiliary electrode group 230pc in a one-to-one correspondence. That is, the number of the fifth traces 230rt2 may correspond to the number of the first auxiliary electrode groups 230pc. Figure 7 Three fifth traces 230rt2 and three first auxiliary electrode groups 230pc are shown.

[0164] The fourth traces 240t may be spaced apart from each other, and the sensing region 200A may be disposed therebetween. The fourth traces 240t may be electrically connected to the second auxiliary electrode group 240pc in a one-to-one correspondence. Figure 7 Two second auxiliary electrode groups 240pc are shown as an example. The fourth trace 240t connected to one second auxiliary electrode group 240pc and the fourth trace 240t connected to the other second auxiliary electrode group 240pc may be spaced apart from each other, and the sensing region 200A may be disposed therebetween. However, the embodiment is not particularly limited thereto.

[0165] Figure 8 is an enlarged plan view of a sensing unit SU according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 9A is a plan view showing the first conductive layer 202SU of the sensing unit SU according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 9B is a plan view showing the second conductive layer 204SU of the sensing unit SU according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 10 is according to an embodiment of the present disclosure along Figure 9A or Figure 9BA cross-sectional view of the sensor layer 200 taken along the line I-I' shown in

[0166] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 , each of the first electrodes 210 may include first unit separation electrodes 210dv1 and 210dv2. The first unit separation electrodes 210dv1 and 210dv2 may extend in the second direction DR2 and may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction DR1. The first unit separation electrodes 210dv1 and 210dv2 may have a shape that is symmetric with respect to a line extending in the second direction DR2.

[0167] Each of the second electrodes 220 may include second unit separation electrodes 220dv1 and 220dv2. The second unit separation electrodes 220dv1 and 220dv2 may extend in the first direction DR1 and may be spaced apart from each other in the second direction DR2. The second unit separation electrodes 220dv1 and 220dv2 may have a shape that is symmetric with respect to a line extending in the first direction DR1.

[0168] Reference Figure 8 , Figure 9A , Figure 9B and Figure 10 , each of the second unit separation electrodes 220dv1 and 220dv2 may include a sensing pattern 221 and a bridging pattern 222. The sensing pattern 221 and the bridging pattern 222 may be provided on different layers, and the sensing pattern 221 and the bridging pattern 222 may be electrically connected to each other through a first contact portion CNa. For example, the bridging pattern 222 may be included in the first conductive layer 202SU. The sensing pattern 221 and the first unit separation electrodes 210dv1 and 210dv2 may be included in the second conductive layer 204SU. The first conductive layer 202SU may be included in the Figure 6A first conductive layer 202 of Figure 6A , and the second conductive layer 204SU may be included in the

[0169] Reference Figure 7 , Figure 9A and Figure 9B , each of the first auxiliary electrodes 230 may include a 3-1 pattern 231 and a 3-2 pattern 232. The 3-1 pattern 231 and the 3-2 pattern 232 may be provided on different layers. The 3-1 pattern 231 and the 3-2 pattern 232 may be electrically connected to each other through a second contact portion CNa. The 3-1 pattern 231 may be included in the first conductive layer 202SU. The 3-2 pattern 232 may be included in the second conductive layer 204SU.

[0170] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a part of the 3-1 pattern 231 may overlap with a part of each of the first unit separation electrodes 210dv1 and 210dv2. Accordingly, a coupling capacitor may be formed between the first electrode 210 and the first auxiliary electrode 230.

[0171] Reference Figure 7 、 Figure 9A and Figure 9B , each of the second auxiliary electrodes 240 may include a 4-1 pattern 241, a 4-2 pattern 242, and a 4-3 pattern 243. The 4-2 pattern 242 and the 4-3 pattern 243 may be disposed on the same layer as each other. The 4-1 pattern 241 may be placed on a layer different from the 4-2 pattern 242 and the 4-3 pattern 243. The 4-1 pattern 241 and the 4-2 pattern 242 may be electrically connected to each other through a third contact portion CNc. The 4-1 pattern 241 and the 4-3 pattern 243 may be electrically connected to each other through a fourth contact portion CNd. The 4-2 pattern 242 and the 4-3 pattern 243 may be included in the first conductive layer 202SU, and the 4-1 pattern 241 may be included in the second conductive layer 204SU.

[0172] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a part of the 4-2 pattern 242 may overlap with the sensing pattern 221 of each of the second unit separation electrodes 220dv1 and 220dv2. Accordingly, a coupling capacitor may be formed between the second electrode 220 and the second auxiliary electrode 240.

[0173] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first conductive layer 202SU may further include dummy patterns DMP. Each of the dummy patterns DMP may be electrically floating or electrically grounded. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the dummy patterns DMP may be omitted. Since the dummy patterns DMP are disposed in empty spaces, the probability of visually perceiving a specific pattern due to external light reflection may be reduced. In other words, an electronic device 1000 with improved visibility may be provided by reducing external light reflection (see Figure 1A ).

[0174] Reference Figure 9A and Figure 9B , the area occupied by the components in the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 220 in the second conductive layer 204SU included in one of the sensing units SU may be larger than the area occupied by the components included in the first auxiliary electrode 230 and the second auxiliary electrode 240. The change in capacitance caused by the first input 2000 (see Figure 5 ) may be greater as the distance becomes shorter. Accordingly, the components for sensing the first input 2000 (see Figure 5 ) may be in the electronic device 1000 (see Figure 1A) are arranged in a layer adjacent to the surface to have a relatively large area. As a result, touch performance can be improved.

[0175] Previously, Figures 7 to 10 A structure is shown in which a first electrode 210, a second electrode 220, a first auxiliary electrode 230, and a second auxiliary electrode 240 are provided in two conductive layers 202SU and 204SU. The embodiment is not particularly limited thereto. For example, the first electrode 210, the second electrode 220, the first auxiliary electrode 230, and the second auxiliary electrode 240 may be provided in three conductive layers or four conductive layers.

[0176] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first auxiliary electrode 230 to which a signal is applied in the charge driving mode may be included in a third conductive layer (not shown) provided under the first conductive layer 202SU and the second conductive layer 204SU. For example, a third conductive layer may be provided under the base layer 201. The third conductive layer may be interposed between the base layer 201 and the display layer 100, may be provided under the display layer 100, or may be included in the display layer 100.

[0177] The first electrode 210, the second electrode 220, and the second auxiliary electrode 240 may be provided in the first conductive layer 202SU and the second conductive layer 204SU. For example, when the first auxiliary electrode 230 is implemented as a separate conductive layer such as a third conductive layer, the shape of the first auxiliary electrode 230 can be designed more freely. For example, the first auxiliary electrode 230 may be provided in a form including a plurality of coils. In addition, the first auxiliary electrode 230 can be densely provided by using the third conductive layer. In this case, pen sensing sensitivity can be improved. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the third conductive layer may include the second auxiliary electrode 240 instead of the first auxiliary electrode 230.

[0178] Figure 11A is Figure 9A An enlarged plan view of the region AA' shown in Figure 11B is Figure 9B An enlarged plan view of the region BB' shown in

[0179] Refer to Figure 9A , Figure 9B , Figure 11A and Figure 11B, each of the first electrode 210, the second electrode 220, the first auxiliary electrode 230, the second auxiliary electrode 240, and the dummy pattern DMP may have a grid structure. Each in the grid structure may include a plurality of grid lines. Each of the plurality of grid lines may have a straight shape extending in a predetermined direction and may be connected to each other. An opening in which the grid structure is not provided may be defined (set or formed) in each of the first electrode 210, the second electrode 220, the first auxiliary electrode 230, the second auxiliary electrode 240, and the dummy pattern DMP.

[0180] Figure 11A and Figure 11B shows that the grid structure includes grid lines extending in a first crossing direction CDR1 intersecting the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2, and grid lines extending in a second crossing direction CDR2 intersecting the first crossing direction CDR1. However, the extending direction of the grid lines constituting the grid structure is not particularly limited to Figure 11A and Figure 11B the illustration in. For example, the grid structure may include only grid lines extending in the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2, or may include grid lines extending in the first direction DR1, the second direction DR2, and the first crossing direction CDR1 and the second crossing direction CDR2. In other words, the grid structure can be changed into various forms.

[0181] Figure 12A is a diagram showing a usage state of the electronic device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 12B is a diagram showing a usage state of the electronic device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0182] Figure 12A The first usage state ST1 (or the first state) shown in may be a state of touching the electronic device 1000 with only one hand. The first usage state ST1 may be a state of operating the electronic device 1000 in a non-gripping state (for example, a state where the electronic device 1000 is placed on a table). In this case, the ground GD1 of the electronic device 1000 and the ground GD2 of the user providing the first input 2000 may be separated from each other. The electronic device 1000 may not have a sufficient grounding state in the first usage state ST1.

[0183] Figure 12B The second usage state ST2 (or the second state) shown in may be a state where the user grips the electronic device 1000 with one hand 2000a and provides the first input 2000 with the other hand. Figure 12BIt shows the use of both hands when operating the electronic device 1000, but the embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, performing the first input 2000 by using the fingers of the gripping hand that holds the electronic device 1000 with one hand can be considered to be in the second use state ST2. In this case, the ground GDC of the electronic device 1000 and the ground GDC of the user who provides the first input 2000 can have a common grounding state, and the electronic device 1000 and the user can be connected to the ground. Therefore, the electronic device 1000 can have a sufficient grounding state in the second use state ST2.

[0184] The first use state ST1 can result in a low grounding quality (LGM) state. The second use state ST2 can result in a high grounding quality (HGM) state.

[0185] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 12A and, in the first mode for detecting the first input 2000, the LGM state can be determined by using the auxiliary signals received through at least some of the first auxiliary electrode 230 and the second auxiliary electrode 240. In this case, the distorted detection signal according to the LGM state can be compensated. Therefore, the signal distortion in the LGM state can be reduced, and the coordinate accuracy can be improved.

[0186] Figure 13A and Figure 13B are diagrams for describing the operation of the sensor layer in the LGM state.

[0187] Reference Figure 12A 、 Figure 13A and Figure 13B and, the transmission signal TX can be provided to the first electrode 210, a mutual capacitance Cm can be formed (or generated) between the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 220; a first touch capacitance Cf1 can be formed between the first electrode 210 and the finger that provides the first input 2000, and a second touch capacitance Cf2 can be formed between the second electrode 220 and the finger that provides the first input 2000.

[0188] When the first input 2000 is provided, the charge of the mutual capacitance Cm can move to the ground GD2 of the user through the finger that provides the first input 2000, and a capacitance Cgm can be formed between the finger that provides the first input 2000 and the ground GD2 of the user. The sensor driver 200C can calculate the touch coordinates by detecting the change amount dCm of the mutual capacitance Cm.

[0189] Depending on the usage state, the ground GD1 of the electronic device 1000 and the ground GD2 of the user providing the first input 2000 may be different from each other. For example, in the first usage state ST1, some charges RS may flow back to the sensor layer 200 through the second touch capacitance Cf2. Compared with the signal SG obtained in the second usage state ST2, the waveforms of the signals SG-r1 or SG-r2 obtained in the first usage state ST1 may have waveforms with unclear peaks.

[0190] The signal for detecting a change in capacitance in the first usage state ST1 may become unstable or unclear. For example, depending on the contact area of the first input 2000 and / or the method of providing the first input 2000, the signal may have a waveform with a recessed center (or peak). Referring to the sampling of the signals SG-r1 or SG-r2 obtained in the first usage state ST1, the signal peaks are distributed to the periphery while protruding at the center of the signal. In this case, each peak is misidentified as a separate signal, and thus the accuracy of the touch coordinates may be reduced.

[0191] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the first input 2000 is sensed, the sensor driver 200C may receive an auxiliary signal through at least one of the first auxiliary electrode 230 (see Figure 7 ) and the second auxiliary electrode 240 (see Figure 7 ). The sensor driver 200C may determine whether the sensor layer 200 is in the LGM state based on the auxiliary signal and may compensate the signal received from the second electrode 220. This will be described in more detail later.

[0192] Figure 14 is a diagram showing the operation of a sensor driver according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 15 is a diagram showing the operation of a sensor driver according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0193] Referring to Figure 5 and Figure 14 , the sensor driver 200C may be configured to selectively operate in one of a first operation mode DMD1, a second operation mode DMD2, and a third operation mode DMD3.

[0194] The first operation mode DMD1 can be referred to as the "touch and pen standby mode"; the second operation mode DMD2 can be referred to as the "touch activation and pen standby mode"; and, the third operation mode DMD3 can be referred to as the "pen activation mode". The first operation mode DMD1 can be a mode for waiting for the first input 2000 and the second input 3000. The second operation mode DMD2 can be a mode for sensing the first input 2000 and waiting for the second input 3000. The third operation mode DMD3 can be a mode for sensing the second input 3000.

[0195] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the sensor driver 200C can be first driven in the first operation mode DMD1. When the first input 2000 is sensed in the first operation mode DMD1, the operation mode of the sensor driver 200C can be switched (or changed) to the second operation mode DMD2. Optionally, when the second input 3000 is sensed in the first operation mode DMD1, the operation mode of the sensor driver 200C can be switched (or changed) to the third operation mode DMD3.

[0196] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the second input 3000 is sensed in the second operation mode DMD2, the operation mode of the sensor driver 200C can be switched to the third operation mode DMD3. When the first input 2000 is terminated (or not detected) in the second operation mode DMD2, the operation mode of the sensor driver 200C can be switched to the first operation mode DMD1. When the second input 3000 is terminated (or not detected) in the third operation mode DMD3, the operation mode of the sensor driver 200C can be switched to the first operation mode DMD1.

[0197] Reference Figure 5 、 Figure 14 and Figure 15 , the operations in the first operation mode DMD1, the second operation mode DMD2, and the third operation mode DMD3 are shown in the order of time t.

[0198] In the first operation mode DMD1, the sensor driver 200C can repeatedly operate in the second mode MD2-d and the first mode MD1-d. During the second mode MD2-d, the sensor layer 200 can perform a scan driving operation to detect the second input 3000. During the first mode MD1-d, the sensor layer 200 can perform a scan driving operation to detect the first input 2000. Figure 15 It is shown that the sensor driver 200C repeatedly operates in the first mode MD1-d following the second mode MD2-d, but this order is not limited thereto.

[0199] In the second operation mode DMD2, the sensor driver 200C may repeatedly operate in the second mode MD2-d and the first mode MD1-HS. During the second mode MD2-d, the sensor layer 200 may perform a scan driving operation to detect the second input 3000. During the first mode MD1-HS, the sensor layer 200 may perform a scan driving operation to detect coordinates corresponding to the first input 2000.

[0200] 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 perform a scan driving operation to detect coordinates corresponding to the second input 3000. In the third operation mode DMD3, the sensor driver 200C may not operate in the first mode MD1-d or MD1-HS until the second input 3000 is terminated (or not detected).

[0201] Referring together Figure 7 , the sensor driver 200C may receive an auxiliary signal through at least one of the first auxiliary electrode 230 and the second auxiliary electrode 240 in the first mode MD1-HS of the second operation mode DMD2. The sensor driver 200C may determine whether the sensor layer 200 is in the LGM state based on the auxiliary signal and may compensate the signal received from the second electrode 220. This will be described in more detail later.

[0202] In the first operation mode DMD1, the second mode MD2-d of the second operation mode DMD2, and the second mode MD2 of the third operation mode DMD3, one end of each of the first auxiliary electrode 230 and the second auxiliary electrode 240 may be floating. In addition, in the second mode MD2-d and the second mode MD2, the other end of each of the first auxiliary electrode 230 and the second auxiliary electrode 240 may be grounded or floating. Therefore, the sensing signal can be compensated to the maximum extent through the coupling between the first electrode 210 and the first auxiliary electrode 230 and the coupling between the second electrode 220 and the second auxiliary electrode 240.

[0203] Figure 16 is a diagram for describing a first mode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0204] Referring to Figure 5 , Figure 15 and Figure 16, the first mode MD1-HS of the second operation mode DMD2 may include a mutual capacitance detection mode. In the mutual capacitance detection mode, the sensor driver 200C may sequentially provide a transmission signal TX to the first electrode 210, and may detect coordinates for the first input 2000 by using a sensing signal RX detected through the second electrode 220. For example, the sensor driver 200C may be configured to calculate input coordinates by sensing a change in the mutual capacitance between the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 220.

[0205] Figure 16 It is shown that a transmission signal TX is provided to one first electrode 210, and a sensing signal RX is output from the second electrode 220. To clarify the representation of the signals, Figure 16 only one first electrode 210 to which the transmission signal TX is provided is shown in bold. The sensor driver 200C may detect input coordinates of the first input 2000 by sensing a change in the capacitance between each of the second electrodes 220 and the first electrode 210.

[0206] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the sensor driver 200C may receive a first auxiliary signal AS1 from the first auxiliary electrode 230, and may receive a second auxiliary signal AS2 from the second auxiliary electrode 240. The sensor driver 200C may determine whether the sensor layer 200 is in the LGM state based on at least some of the first auxiliary signal AS1 and the second auxiliary signal AS2, and may compensate the sensing signal RX received from the second electrode 220. That is, in the first mode MD1-HS, the sensor driver 200C may receive the auxiliary signal AS1 or AS2 through at least one of the third trace 230rt1, the fourth trace 240t, and the fifth trace 230rt2. The first mode MD1-HS of the second operation mode DMD2 may be referred to as a "compensated sensing mode", a "compensation determination mode", or a "ground state sensing mode".

[0207] Figure 17 is a diagram for describing a sensor layer 200 (see Figure 7 ) and a sensor driver 200C according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 18 is a diagram showing waveforms of auxiliary signals AS-ST1 and AS-ST2 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 19 is a diagram showing waveforms of signals according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0208] Refer to Figure 17, the sensor driver 200C may include a compensation determination circuit 210C that determines whether compensation for the sensed signal RX is required, and a compensator 220C that compensates the sensed signal RX based on the determination result of the compensation determination circuit 210C. The compensation determination circuit 210C may be referred to as a compensation determiner, a compensation determination unit, or a compensation determination section.

[0209] Reference Figure 7 , Figure 17 and Figure 18 , in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the compensation determination circuit 210C may be configured to compare the maximum intensity of the auxiliary signal AS-ST1 or AS-ST2 with the reference intensity RSS, and when the maximum intensity is greater than the reference intensity RSS, determine that compensation for the sensed signal SG-st1 (see Figure 19 ) is required. For example, when the maximum intensity of the auxiliary signal AS-ST1 is greater than the reference intensity RSS, it may be determined that the sensor layer 200 is in the LGM state. When the maximum intensity of the auxiliary signal AS-ST1 is less than the reference intensity RSS, it may be determined that the sensor layer 200 is not in the LGM state.

[0210] Reference Figure 7 , Figure 17 and Figure 19 , in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the compensation determination circuit 210C may detect the peak values PK1 and PK2 of the change in the mutual capacitance Cm between the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 220. When the number of peak values PK1 and PK2 is greater than or equal to 2, the compensation determination circuit 210C may be configured to determine that compensation for the sensed signal SG-st1 is required.

[0211] Reference Figure 7 , Figure 17 , Figure 18 and Figure 19 , in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the compensation determination circuit 210C may detect the peak values PK1 and PK2 of the change in the mutual capacitance Cm between the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 220. When the number of peak values PK1 and PK2 is greater than or equal to 2 and the maximum intensity of the auxiliary signal AS-ST1 or AS-ST2 is greater than the reference intensity RSS, the compensation determination circuit 210C may be configured to determine that compensation for the sensed signal SG-st1 is required.

[0212] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, when it is determined that the sensor layer 200 is in the LGM state, the compensator 220C may perform an operation of compensating the sensed signal SG-st1. For example, the sensed signal SG-st1 having two peak values PK1 and PK2 may be compensated to a compensated sensed signal SG-CP having one peak value. Therefore, since the distorted sensed signal SG-st1 according to the LGM state is compensated, signal distortion can be reduced and coordinate accuracy can be improved.

[0213] The operation of the compensator 220C can be provided in various forms. For example, a sensing signal SG-st1 having two peaks PK1 and PK2 is compensated into a compensated sensing signal SG-CP having one peak between the two peaks PK1 and PK2 of the sensing signal SG-st1. For example, when the compensator 220C performs a compensation operation, the waveform of the sensing signal SG-st1 can be adjusted by using the auxiliary signal AS-ST1 or AS-ST2. However, this is just an example. For example, the auxiliary signal AS-ST1 or AS-ST2 can be used to determine the grounding quality of the sensor layer 200 and may not be used to compensate the sensing signal SG-st1.

[0214] Figure 20 is a diagram showing the operation of a sensor driver 200C (see Figure 5 ) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0215] Referring to Figure 5 、 Figure 14 and Figure 20 , the sensor driver 200C can be configured to selectively operate in one of a first operation mode DMD1, a second operation mode DMD2a, and a third operation mode DMD3. The second operation mode DMD2a can be a mode for sensing a first input 2000 and waiting for a second input 3000.

[0216] In the second operation mode DMD2a, the sensor driver 200C can repeatedly operate in a second mode MD2-d, a third mode MD1-NS, and a first mode MD1-HS. During the second mode MD2-d, the sensor layer 200 can perform a scan driving operation to detect the second input 3000. During the third mode MD1-NS and the first mode MD1-HS, the sensor layer 200 can perform a scan driving operation to detect coordinates corresponding to the first input 2000.

[0217] The third mode MD1-NS can be referred to as the "normal mode". The first mode MD1-HS of the second operation mode DMD2a can be referred to as the "compensation sensing mode", the "compensation determination mode", or the "grounding state sensing mode".

[0218] In the third mode MD1-NS, the sensor driver 200C can output a transmission signal TX to at least one of the first electrodes 210 and can receive a sensing signal RX from the second electrode 220. In the third mode MD1-NS, the first auxiliary electrode 230 and the second auxiliary electrode 240 can be grounded.

[0219] In the first mode MD1-HS, the sensor driver 200C may output a transmission signal TX to at least one of the first electrodes 210 and may receive a sensing signal RX from the second electrode 220. Further, in the first mode MD1-HS, the sensor driver 200C may receive an auxiliary signal AS from the first auxiliary electrode 230 and the second auxiliary electrode 240 (see Figure 17 ). The sensor driver 200C may determine whether the sensor layer 200 is in the LGM state based on the auxiliary signal AS and may compensate the signal received from the second electrode 220.

[0220] Figure 21 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a sensor driver according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0221] Referring to Figure 5 , Figure 14 and Figure 21 , the sensor driver 200C may be configured to selectively operate in one of a first operation mode DMD1, a second operation mode DMD2b, and a third operation mode DMD3. The second operation mode DMD2b may be a mode for sensing a first input 2000 and waiting for a second input 3000.

[0222] In the second operation mode DMD2b, the sensor driver 200C may repeatedly operate in a second mode MD2-d and a third mode MD1-NS. When it is determined that compensation for the sensing signal SG-st1 is required in the second operation mode DMD2b, the sensor driver 200C may be configured to repeatedly operate in the second mode MD2-d and the first mode MD1-HS.

[0223] For example, when it is determined that the electronic device 1000 enters the first usage state ST1, the sensor driver 200C may repeatedly operate in the second mode MD2-d and the first mode MD1-HS from the time point when it enters the first state ST1-dt. The third mode MD1-NS may be referred to as the "normal mode". The first mode MD1-HS may be referred to as the "compensated sensing mode".

[0224] Figure 22 is a diagram for describing a second mode (particularly a charge drive mode) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 23A is a graph showing the waveform of a first signal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 23B is a graph showing the waveform of a second signal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0225] Referring to Figure 15 , Figure 22 , Figure 23A and Figure 23B, the second mode MD2 may include a charging drive mode. The charging drive mode may include a search charging drive mode and a tracking charging drive mode.

[0226] The search charging drive mode may be a drive mode before the position of the pen is sensed. Accordingly, the first signal SG1 or the second signal SG2 may be provided to all channels included in the sensor layer 200. In other words, the entire area of the sensor layer 200 may be scanned in the search charging drive mode. When the pen PN is sensed in the search charging drive mode, the sensor layer 200 may be driven to track charging. For example, in the tracking charging drive mode, the sensor driver 200C may sequentially output the first signal SG1 and the second signal SG2 to an area overlapping with the point where the pen PN is sensed, instead of outputting the first signal SG1 and the second signal SG2 to the entire sensor layer 200.

[0227] In the charging drive mode, the sensor driver 200C may apply the first signal SG1 to one of the third pad PD3 and the fifth pad PD5, and may apply the second signal SG2 to the other pad. The second signal SG2 may be an inverted signal of the first signal SG1. For example, the first signal SG1 may be a sine signal.

[0228] Since the first signal SG1 and the second signal SG2 are applied to at least two pads, the current RFS may have a current path from one pad to the other pad. In addition, since the first signal SG1 and the second signal SG2 are sine signals (or voltages V) having an anti-correlated relationship with each other, the direction of the current RFS may be periodically changed. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first signal SG1 and the second signal SG2 may be square wave signals having an anti-correlated relationship with each other.

[0229] When the first signal SG1 and the second signal SG2 have an anti-correlated relationship, the noise caused by the first signal SG1 in the display layer 100 (see Figure 4 ) may be canceled out by the noise caused by the second signal SG2. Accordingly, no flicker may occur in the display layer 100, and the display quality of the display layer 100 may be improved.

[0230] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first signal SG1 may be a sine signal. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the first signal SG1 may be a square wave signal. In addition, the second signal SG2 may have a predetermined constant voltage. For example, the second signal SG2 may be a ground voltage. In other words, the pad to which the second signal SG2 is applied is grounded. In this case, the current RFS may flow from one pad to the other pad. In addition, even when the other pad is grounded, since the first signal SG1 is a sine wave signal or a square wave signal, the direction of the current RFS may also be periodically changed.

[0231] Reference Figure 22 , the second signal SG2 is provided through a third pad PD3 connected to the third trace 230rt1, and the first signal SG1 is provided through a fifth pad PD5 connected to the first auxiliary electrode 230. A current RFS can flow through the fifth pad PD5, the fifth trace 230rt2 connected to the fifth pad PD5, the first auxiliary electrode 230, a portion of the third trace 230rt1 connected to the third pad PD3, and the third pad PD3. Further, in the third operation mode DMD3 (see Figure 14 ), the sensor driver 200C can be configured to apply the first signal SG1 to at least one of the first auxiliary electrodes in the first auxiliary electrode 230, and apply the second signal SG2 to at least another of the first auxiliary electrodes in the first auxiliary electrode 230. Accordingly, the third operation mode DMD3 can include a charge drive mode in which a current path including at least one first auxiliary electrode and at least another first auxiliary electrode is defined.

[0232] The current path can be in the form of a coil. Accordingly, in the charge drive mode of the second mode MD2, the resonant circuit of the pen PN can be charged by the current path. The current path of the loop coil pattern can be implemented by components included in the sensor layer 200. Accordingly, the electronic device 1000 (see Figure 1A ) can charge the pen PN by using the sensor layer 200. Accordingly, since there is no need to add a separate configuration having a coil for charging the pen PN, the thickness, weight, and flexibility of the electronic device 1000 can be not increased.

[0233] In the charge drive mode, the first electrode 210, the second electrode 220, and the second auxiliary electrode 240 can be grounded, or can be electrically floated. Optionally, a constant voltage can be applied to the first electrode 210, the second electrode 220, and the second auxiliary electrode 240. In particular, the first electrode 210, the second electrode 220, and the second auxiliary electrode 240 can be floated. In this case, the current RFS may not flow to the first electrode 210, the second electrode 220, and the second auxiliary electrode 240.

[0234] Figure 24 is a diagram for describing the operation of the pen PN according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0235] Reference Figure 22 and Figure 24 , the second mode MD2 can include a charge section MD2-ch and a discharge section MD2-dc. The charge section MD2-ch can correspond to the charge drive mode. The discharge section MD2-dc can correspond to the pen sensing drive mode.

[0236] During a first time period, a first signal SG1 and a second signal SG2 may be provided to the sensor layer 200. The first time period may correspond to a charging period MD2-ch. During the first time period, the pen PN disposed adjacent to the sensor layer 200 may be charged. For example, an inductor generates a current through a magnetic field formed in the sensor layer 200. The generated current is transmitted to a capacitor. The capacitor charges the current input from the inductor. Then, the capacitor may discharge the charged current into the inductor, and the inductor may emit a magnetic field at a resonant frequency.

[0237] The period during which the magnetic field is emitted from the pen PN may correspond to a discharge period MD2-dc. An induced current may flow through the sensor layer 200 by the magnetic field emitted from the pen PN, and the induced current may be transmitted to the sensor driver 200C as a sensing signal (or a received signal).

[0238] Figure 25A is a diagram for describing a second mode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 25B is a diagram for describing a second mode based on one sensing unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0239] Reference Figure 25A and Figure 25B , the second mode MD2 may include a charging drive mode and a pen sensing drive mode. Figure 25A and Figure 25B is a diagram for describing the pen sensing drive mode.

[0240] Reference Figure 25A , in the pen sensing drive mode, a first received signal PRX1 may be output from the first electrode 210, and a second received signal PRX2 may be output from the second electrode 220. Figure 25B shows a sensing unit SU through which a first induced current Ia, a second induced current Ib, a third induced current Ic, and a fourth induced current Id generated by the pen PN flow.

[0241] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the wiring directions of one electrode and the other electrode of the sensor layer 200 overlapping each other may be different from each other. For example, the wiring direction of the first electrode 210x may be different from the wiring direction of the first auxiliary electrode 230x. In addition, the wiring direction of the second electrode 220x may be different from the wiring direction of the second auxiliary electrode 240x. For example, in Figure 25BIn the figure, the first electrode 210x and the first trace 210t can be connected in the lower part of the sensing unit SU. The first auxiliary electrode 230x and the third trace 230rt1 can be connected in the upper part of the sensing unit SU. The second electrode 220x and the second trace 220t can be connected on the right side of the sensing unit SU. The second auxiliary electrode 240x and the fourth trace 240t can be connected on the left side of the sensing unit SU.

[0242] The RLC resonant circuit of the pen PN can emit a magnetic field at the resonant frequency while discharging and charging the charge. Due to the magnetic field provided by the pen PN, a first induced current Ia can be generated in the first electrode 210x, and a second induced current Ib can be generated in the second electrode 220x. In addition, a third induced current Ic can be generated in the first auxiliary electrode 230x, and a fourth induced current Id can also be generated in the second auxiliary electrode 240x.

[0243] A first coupling capacitor Ccp1 can be formed between the first auxiliary electrode 230x and the first electrode 210x. A second coupling capacitor Ccp2 can be formed between the second auxiliary electrode 240x and the second electrode 220x. The third induced current Ic can be transmitted to the first electrode 210x through the first coupling capacitor Ccp1. The fourth induced current Id can be transmitted to the second electrode 220x through the second coupling capacitor Ccp2.

[0244] The sensor driver 200C can receive a first sensing signal PRX1a based on the first induced current Ia and the third induced current Ic from the first electrode 210x, and can receive a second sensing signal PRX2a based on the second induced current Ib and the fourth induced current Id from the second electrode 220x. The sensor driver 200C can detect the input coordinates of the pen PN based on the first sensing signal PRX1a and the second sensing signal PRX2a.

[0245] The sensor driver 200C can receive the first sensing signal PRX1a from the first electrode 210x, and can receive the second sensing signal PRX2a from the second electrode 220x. In this case, all ends of the first auxiliary electrode 230x and the second auxiliary electrode 240x can be floating. Therefore, the sensing signals can be compensated to the maximum extent through the coupling between the first electrode 210x and the first auxiliary electrode 230x and the coupling between the second electrode 220x and the second auxiliary electrode 240x.

[0246] In addition, the other ends of the first auxiliary electrode 230x and the second auxiliary electrode 240x may be grounded or floating. Therefore, through the coupling between the first electrode 210x and the first auxiliary electrode 230x and through the coupling between the second electrode 220x and the second auxiliary electrode 240x, the third induced current Ic and the fourth induced current Id can be sufficiently transmitted to the first electrode 210x and the second electrode 220x, respectively.

[0247] Figure 26 is a diagram for describing a first mode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In Figure 26 the description, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same components described in the reference Figure 7 description, and thus their descriptions are omitted to avoid redundancy.

[0248] Reference Figure 26 , the sensor layer 200-1 may include a first trace 210t, a second trace 220t, a third trace 230rt1a, a fourth trace 240ta, and a fifth trace 230rt2 provided in the peripheral region 200NA.

[0249] The first trace 210t may be electrically connected to the first electrode 210 in a one-to-one correspondence. The second trace 220t may be electrically connected to the second electrode 220 in a one-to-one correspondence. The third trace 230rt1a may be electrically connected to all the first auxiliary electrodes 230. The fourth trace 240ta may be electrically connected to the second auxiliary electrodes 240 in a one-to-one correspondence. The fifth trace 230rt2 may be connected to the first auxiliary electrode group 230pc in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0250] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the third trace 230rt1a may further include a plurality of switching elements SW. For example, the switching element SW may control the electrical connection between the first auxiliary electrodes 230. For example, in the first mode MD1-HS, the sensor driver 200C may sequentially provide a transmission signal TX to the first electrode 210, and may detect the coordinates of the first input 2000 by using the sensed signal RX detected through the second electrode 220. In the first mode MD1-HS, all the switching elements SW may be turned off. Therefore, all the electrical connections between the ends of the first auxiliary electrodes 230 may be disconnected.

[0251] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the sensor driver 200C may receive a first auxiliary signal AS1 from the first auxiliary electrode 230, and may receive a second auxiliary signal AS2a from the second auxiliary electrode 240. The sensor driver 200C may determine whether the sensor layer 200-1 is in the LGM state based on the auxiliary signals AS1 and AS2a, and may compensate the sensed signal RX received from the second electrode 220.

[0252] Figure 27 is a diagram for describing a first mode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In Figure 27 the description, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same components described in reference Figure 7 and Figure 26 and thus their descriptions are omitted to avoid redundancy.

[0253] Referring to Figure 27 , the sensor layer 200-2 may include a first trace 210t, a second trace 220t, a third trace 230rt1a, a fourth trace 240ta, and a fifth trace 230rt2a provided in the peripheral region 200NA.

[0254] The first trace 210t may be electrically connected to the first electrode 210 in a one-to-one correspondence. The second trace 220t may be electrically connected to the second electrode 220 in a one-to-one correspondence. The third trace 230rt1a may be electrically connected to all the first auxiliary electrodes 230. The fourth trace 240ta may be electrically connected to the second auxiliary electrode 240 in a one-to-one correspondence. The fifth trace 230rt2a may be connected to the first auxiliary electrodes 230 in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0255] In the first mode MD1-HS, the sensor driver 200C may sequentially provide a transmission signal TX to the first electrode 210, and may detect coordinates for the first input 2000 by using a sensing signal RX detected through the second electrode 220. In the first mode MD1-HS, all the switching elements SW may be turned off. Accordingly, all electrical connections between the ends of the first auxiliary electrodes 230 may be disconnected.

[0256] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the sensor driver 200C may receive a first auxiliary signal AS1a from the first auxiliary electrodes 230, respectively, and may receive a second auxiliary signal AS2a from the second auxiliary electrodes 240. The sensor driver 200C may determine whether the sensor layer 200-2 is in the LGM state based on the auxiliary signals AS1a and AS2a, and may compensate for the signal received from the second electrode 220. For example, the sensor driver 200C may compensate for the sensing signal RX received from the second electrode 220 by using the auxiliary signals AS1a and AS2a. That is, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, in addition to determining the LGM state, the auxiliary signals AS1a and AS2a may be used to compensate for the sensing signal RX.

[0257] Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been described for purposes of illustration, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and substitutions are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure as disclosed in the appended claims. Accordingly, the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the detailed description of this specification, but should be defined by the claims.

[0258] As described above, the input through the pen and the touch input can be sensed by using the sensor layer. Therefore, since there is no need to add a separate component (e.g., a digitizer) for sensing the pen to the electronic device, an increase in the thickness of the electronic device, an increase in the weight of the electronic device, or a decrease in the flexibility of the electronic device that may occur due to the addition of the digitizer can be avoided. In addition, in a first mode for detecting a first input by using at least some of the first auxiliary electrode and the second auxiliary electrode, it can be determined that the sensor layer is in a low ground quality (LGM) state. In this case, the distorted detection signal according to the LGM state can be compensated. Therefore, signal distortion in the LGM state can be reduced, and coordinate accuracy can be improved.

[0259] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to embodiments of the present disclosure, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes and modifications can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. An electronic device, comprising: A sensor layer; And A sensor driver configured to drive the sensor layer and operate in a first mode for sensing touch input or a second mode for sensing pen input, Wherein, the sensor layer includes: A plurality of first electrodes arranged in a first direction and extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction; A plurality of second electrodes arranged in the second direction and extending in the first direction; A plurality of first auxiliary electrodes arranged in the first direction, extending in the second direction, and respectively overlapping with the plurality of first electrodes; and A plurality of second auxiliary electrodes arranged in the second direction, extending in the first direction, and respectively overlapping with the plurality of second electrodes, and Wherein, the sensor driver in the first mode is configured to: Output a transmission signal to at least one of the plurality of first electrodes; Receive a sensing signal from the plurality of second electrodes; Receive an auxiliary signal from at least one of the plurality of first auxiliary electrodes and the plurality of second auxiliary electrodes; and Compensate the sensing signal based on the auxiliary signal.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein The sensor driver includes: A compensation determination circuit configured to determine whether compensation for the sensing signal is required; and A compensator configured to compensate the sensing signal according to the determination result of the compensation determination circuit.

3. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein, The compensation determination circuit is configured to: Detect a peak value of a change amount of the mutual capacitance between the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes; and When the number of the peak values is greater than or equal to two, determine that compensation for the sensing signal is required.

4. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein, The compensation determination circuit is configured to: Compare the maximum intensity of the auxiliary signal with a reference intensity; and When the maximum intensity of the auxiliary signal is greater than the reference intensity, determine that compensation for the sensing signal is required.

5. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein, The compensation determination circuit is configured to: Detect a peak value of a change amount of the mutual capacitance between the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes; And When the number of the peak values is greater than or equal to two and the maximum intensity of the auxiliary signal is greater than the reference intensity, determine that compensation for the sensing signal is required.

6. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The second mode includes a pen sensing driving mode, and Wherein, the plurality of first auxiliary electrodes are electrically connected to ground in the pen sensing driving mode, and the plurality of second auxiliary electrodes are electrically connected to ground in the pen sensing driving mode.

7. The electronic device according to claim 6, wherein, A plurality of first coupling capacitors are defined between one first electrode among the plurality of first electrodes and one first auxiliary electrode among the plurality of first auxiliary electrodes, and a plurality of second coupling capacitors are defined between one second electrode among the plurality of second electrodes and one second auxiliary electrode among the plurality of second auxiliary electrodes, and Wherein, the sensor driver in the pen sensing driving mode is configured to: Receive a first induced current flowing from the one first auxiliary electrode through the plurality of first coupling capacitors toward the one first electrode; and Receive a second induced current flowing from the one second auxiliary electrode through the plurality of second coupling capacitors toward the one second electrode.

8. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The second mode includes a charging driving mode, wherein, the sensor driver in the charging driving mode is configured to: Apply a first signal to at least one first auxiliary electrode of the plurality of first auxiliary electrodes; and Apply a second signal to at least another first auxiliary electrode of the plurality of first auxiliary electrodes, and wherein, a current path is formed between the at least one first auxiliary electrode and the at least another first auxiliary electrode.

9. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The sensor driver is configured to selectively operate in one of a first operation mode for waiting for the touch input and the pen input, a second operation mode for sensing the touch input and waiting for the pen input, and a third operation mode for sensing the pen input, and wherein, the sensor driver in each of the first operation mode and the second operation mode is configured to: Repeatedly operate in the first mode and the second mode, and wherein, the sensor driver in the third operation mode is configured to operate in the second mode.

10. The electronic device according to claim 9, wherein, The second operation mode further includes a third mode for sensing the touch input, wherein, the sensor driver in the third mode is configured to: Output a transmission signal to at least one of the plurality of first electrodes; and Receive a sensing signal from the plurality of second electrodes, and wherein, the plurality of first auxiliary electrodes and the plurality of second auxiliary electrodes are grounded.

11. The electronic device according to claim 10, wherein, The sensor driver in the second operation mode is configured to repeatedly operate in the second mode, the third mode, and the first mode.

12. The electronic device according to claim 10, wherein, The sensor driver in the second operation mode is configured to repeatedly operate in the second mode and the first mode when it is determined that compensation for the sensing signal is required, and wherein, the sensor driver in the second operation mode is configured to repeatedly operate in the second mode and the third mode when it is determined that the compensation for the sensing signal is not required.

13. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The sensor layer further includes: A plurality of first traces, respectively electrically connected to the plurality of first electrodes; A plurality of second traces, respectively electrically connected to the plurality of second electrodes; A third trace, electrically connected to the plurality of first auxiliary electrodes; A fourth trace, electrically connected to the plurality of second auxiliary electrodes; and A plurality of fifth traces, electrically connected to the plurality of first auxiliary electrodes, and wherein, the sensor driver is configured to receive the auxiliary signal through at least one of the plurality of fifth traces and the fourth trace in the first mode.

14. An electronic device, comprising: A sensor layer, including a plurality of first electrodes, a plurality of second electrodes, a plurality of first auxiliary electrodes, and a plurality of second auxiliary electrodes; And A sensor driver, configured to: Drive the sensor layer; And Operate in one of a first operation mode for waiting for touch input and pen input, a second operation mode for sensing the touch input and waiting for the pen input, and a third operation mode for sensing the pen input. Wherein, the sensor driver in the second operation mode is configured to: Output a transmission signal to at least one of the plurality of first electrodes; and Receive a sensing signal from the plurality of second electrodes. Wherein, the second operation mode includes a compensation sensing mode, in which an auxiliary signal is received from at least one of the plurality of first auxiliary electrodes and the plurality of second auxiliary electrodes. Wherein, the sensor driver in the third operation mode is configured to: Apply a first signal to at least one first auxiliary electrode of the plurality of first auxiliary electrodes; and Apply a second signal to at least another first auxiliary electrode of the plurality of first auxiliary electrodes. Wherein, the third operation mode includes a charge drive mode, in which a current path is formed between the at least one first auxiliary electrode and the at least another first auxiliary electrode.

15. The electronic device according to claim 14, wherein, The second operation mode further includes a normal mode for sensing the touch input. Wherein, the sensor driver in the normal mode is configured to: Output a transmission signal to at least one of the plurality of first electrodes; and Receive a sensing signal from the plurality of second electrodes. Wherein, the plurality of first auxiliary electrodes and the plurality of second auxiliary electrodes are grounded.

16. The electronic device according to claim 15, wherein, The sensor driver in the second operation mode is configured to repeatedly operate in the normal mode and the compensation sensing mode.

17. The electronic device according to claim 15, wherein, The sensor driver in the second operation mode is configured to operate in the compensation sensing mode when it is determined that compensation for the sensing signal is required. Wherein, the sensor driver in the second operation mode is configured to operate in the normal mode when it is determined that compensation for the sensing signal is not required.

18. The electronic device according to claim 14, wherein, The sensor driver includes: A compensation determination circuit configured to determine whether compensation for the sensing signal is required; and A compensator configured to compensate the sensing signal according to the determination result of the compensation determination circuit.

19. The electronic device according to claim 18, wherein, The compensation determination circuit is configured to: Detect the peak value of the change amount of the mutual capacitance between the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes; and Determine that compensation for the sensing signal is required when the number of the peak values is greater than or equal to two.

20. The electronic device according to claim 18, wherein, The compensation determination circuit is configured to: Compare the maximum intensity of the auxiliary signal with a reference intensity; and Determine that compensation for the sensing signal is required when the maximum intensity is greater than the reference intensity.

21. The electronic device according to claim 18, wherein, The compensation determination circuit is configured to: Detect the peak value of the change amount of the mutual capacitance between the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes; And Determine that compensation for the sensing signal is required when the number of the peak values is greater than or equal to two and the maximum intensity of the auxiliary signal is greater than the reference intensity.

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