Display device and electronic device

Abstract

The invention relates to a display device and an electronic device. The display device includes: a display panel including a first sub-pixel; a gate driver supplying a sensing control signal having a first voltage to the first sub-pixel during a first sensing period, and supplying a sensing control signal having a second voltage different from the first voltage to the first sub-pixel during a second sensing period; a data driver receiving a first sensing voltage from the first sub-pixel through the sensing line in a first sensing period, and receiving a second sensing voltage from the first sub-pixel through the sensing line in a second sensing period; and a driving controller that controls the data driver and the gate driver, and senses a characteristic of the first sub-pixel based on the first sensing voltage and the second sensing voltage.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0085714, filed on June 28, 2024, and all benefits derived from that application, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a display device and a driving method thereof, and more particularly, to a display device capable of sensing the characteristics of sub-pixels and a driving method thereof. Background Technology

[0003] With the development of information technology, the importance of display devices, which serve as the connection medium between users and information, has been emphasized. Therefore, the use of display devices such as liquid crystal displays, organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays, and inorganic light-emitting diode (ILD) displays is increasing.

[0004] A display device may include subpixels, each of which may include a driving transistor, a switching transistor, a storage capacitor, and a light-emitting element. The threshold voltage and electron mobility of the driving transistor, as well as the characteristics of the light-emitting element, must be identical for each subpixel, as they determine the characteristics of the subpixel. However, due to process characteristics and degradation characteristics, the characteristics may differ between subpixels. These differences in characteristics lead to brightness deviations that limit the realization of the desired image. To compensate for brightness deviations between subpixels, the characteristics of the subpixels can be sensed, and the input image data can be corrected based on the sensing results. However, the sensed data (i.e., the sensed voltage) may become distorted. Summary of the Invention

[0005] An aspect of the present invention provides a display device for sensing the characteristics of a switching transistor.

[0006] Another aspect of the present invention provides a driving method for a display device.

[0007] An embodiment of the present invention provides a display device, comprising: a display panel including a first sub-pixel; a gate driver that provides a sensing control signal having a first voltage to the first sub-pixel during a first sensing period and provides a sensing control signal having a second voltage different from the first voltage to the first sub-pixel during a second sensing period; a data driver that receives a first sensing voltage from the first sub-pixel via a sensing line during the first sensing period and receives a second sensing voltage from the first sub-pixel via a sensing line during the second sensing period; and a drive controller that controls the data driver and the gate driver and senses characteristics of the first sub-pixel based on the first sensing voltage and the second sensing voltage.

[0008] In one embodiment, the drive controller can sense the difference between the first sensing voltage and the second sensing voltage as a characteristic of the first sub-pixel.

[0009] In one embodiment, the data driver can provide a data voltage to the first sub-pixel via a data line during the display period, and the drive controller can compensate the data voltage applied to the first sub-pixel based on the characteristics of the first sub-pixel.

[0010] In an embodiment, the data voltage may decrease as the difference between the first sensing voltage and the second sensing voltage increases.

[0011] In one embodiment, the data driver can provide a reference voltage to the first sub-pixel via a data line during a first sensing period and a second sensing period.

[0012] In an embodiment, the gate driver can provide a scan control signal to a first sub-pixel, and the first sub-pixel can include: a first transistor, including a control electrode connected to a first node, a first electrode connected to a first power line, and a second electrode connected to a second node; a second transistor, including a control electrode for receiving the scan control signal, a first electrode connected to a data driver via a data line, and a second electrode connected to the first node; a third transistor, including a control electrode for receiving a sensing control signal, a first electrode connected to the second node, and a second electrode connected to the data driver via a sensing line; a storage capacitor, including a first electrode connected to the first node and a second electrode connected to the second node; and a light-emitting element, including a first electrode connected to the second node and a second electrode connected to a second power line.

[0013] In an embodiment, each of the first sensing period and the second sensing period may include an initialization period and a sensing input period, wherein the scan control signal and the sensing control signal may have a cutoff level during the initialization period and a conduction level during the sensing input period.

[0014] In one embodiment, the display panel may further include a sensing capacitor having a first electrode connected to a sensing line and a second electrode connected to a reference power supply, wherein the data driver may include a first switch having a power line to which an initialization voltage is applied is connected to the sensing line.

[0015] In an embodiment, the first sensing voltage and the second sensing voltage may be the voltage charged into the sensing capacitor.

[0016] In one embodiment, the first sub-pixel may display a first color, the display panel may further include a second sub-pixel displaying a second color and a third sub-pixel displaying a third color, and the drive controller may independently sense each of the characteristics of the first to the third sub-pixels.

[0017] In an embodiment, when sensing the characteristics of one of the sub-pixels from the first to the third sub-pixels, the data driver can provide a reference voltage to that sub-pixel from the first to the third sub-pixels, and provide a spare voltage to the remaining sub-pixels from the first to the third sub-pixels other than that sub-pixel from the first to the third sub-pixels.

[0018] In an embodiment, each of the first to third sub-pixels may include: a third transistor connected to a sensing line; and a light-emitting element, wherein, in a plan view, the third transistor of at least one of the first to third sub-pixels may overlap with the first electrode of the light-emitting element of the at least one of the first to third sub-pixels.

[0019] Another embodiment provides a driving method for a display device, comprising: providing a sensing control signal having a first voltage to a first sub-pixel; receiving a first sensing voltage from the first sub-pixel through a sensing line; providing a sensing control signal having a second voltage different from the first voltage to the first sub-pixel; receiving a second sensing voltage from the first sub-pixel through a sensing line; and sensing characteristics of the first sub-pixel based on the first sensing voltage and the second sensing voltage.

[0020] In an embodiment, the characteristics of the first sub-pixel can be sensed by the difference between the first sensing voltage and the second sensing voltage.

[0021] In an embodiment, the driving method of the display device may further include: applying a data voltage to the sub-pixel based on characteristic compensation of the first sub-pixel.

[0022] In an embodiment, the data voltage may decrease as the difference between the first sensing voltage and the second sensing voltage increases.

[0023] In an embodiment, the driving method of the display device may further include: providing a reference voltage to a first sub-pixel via a data line.

[0024] In an embodiment, the driving method of the display device may further include: sensing the characteristics of a second sub-pixel that displays a second color, wherein the first sub-pixel can display a first color, and the characteristics of the second sub-pixel can be sensed independently of the characteristics of the first sub-pixel.

[0025] In one embodiment, when the characteristics of the second sub-pixel are sensed, a backup voltage can be provided to the first sub-pixel, and a reference voltage can be provided to the second sub-pixel.

[0026] Another embodiment provides an electronic device, including: a display device having a display panel. The display panel includes: a first sub-pixel; a gate driver that provides a sensing control signal having a first voltage to the first sub-pixel during a first sensing period and provides a sensing control signal having a second voltage different from the first voltage to the first sub-pixel during a second sensing period; a data driver that receives the first sensing voltage from the first sub-pixel via a sensing line during the first sensing period and receives the second sensing voltage from the first sub-pixel via a sensing line during the second sensing period; and a drive controller that controls the data driver and the gate driver and senses characteristics of the first sub-pixel based on the first sensing voltage and the second sensing voltage.

[0027] In an embodiment, the display device can sense the characteristics of the switching transistor by sensing the characteristics of the sub-pixels based on a first sensing voltage generated via a sensing control signal having a first voltage and a second sensing voltage generated via a sensing control signal having a second voltage. Therefore, brightness deviations between sub-pixels based on the characteristics of the switching transistor can be compensated.

[0028] In one embodiment, the display device can configure the switching transistor to compensate for brightness deviations between sub-pixels based on the characteristics of the switching transistor.

[0029] However, the effects of the present invention are not limited to those described above, and can be extended in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 The figure shows a block diagram of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0031] Figure 2 The illustration is based on an embodiment. Figure 1 A schematic top view of the display panel.

[0032] Figure 3 The illustration is based on an embodiment. Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of the display panel.

[0033] Figure 4 The illustration is based on an embodiment. Figure 1 A circuit diagram of an example of a sub-pixel.

[0034] Figure 5 The illustration is based on an embodiment. Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of an example of a light-emitting element.

[0035] Figure 6 The illustration is based on an embodiment. Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of another example of a light-emitting element.

[0036] Figure 7 The illustration is based on an embodiment. Figure 2 An example design diagram of a portion of the display panel.

[0037] Figure 8 The illustration is based on an embodiment. Figure 1 A circuit diagram of an example of a subpixel and a data driver.

[0038] Figure 9 The illustration is based on one of the embodiments. Figure 1 A timing diagram of an example of a display device operating during the first to third color sensing periods.

[0039] Figure 10 The illustration is based on one of the embodiments. Figure 1 A timing diagram of an example of the display device operating during the first sensing period.

[0040] Figure 11 The illustration is based on one of the embodiments. Figure 1 A timing diagram of an example of the display device operating during the second sensing period.

[0041] Figure 12 The illustration is based on an embodiment. Figure 10 Region A and Figure 11 The curve of region A' before the third transistor's optical degradation.

[0042] Figure 13 The illustration is based on an embodiment. Figure 10 Region A and Figure 11 The curve of region A' after the third transistor's optical degradation.

[0043] Figure 14 The illustration is based on an embodiment. Figure 1 A block diagram of an example of a drive controller for a display device.

[0044] Figure 15 The illustration shows a flowchart of a driving method for a display device according to an embodiment.

[0045] Figure 16 The figure shows a block diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0046] Figure 17 The illustration is based on one of the embodiments. Figure 16 An example of an electronic device is a television set. Detailed Implementation

[0047] In the following, exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The description below is intended to provide only sufficient disclosure to enable an understanding of the operation of the invention, and any other disclosures have been omitted to avoid obscuring the scope of the invention. Furthermore, the invention may be embodied in different forms and is not limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The embodiments described herein are provided for the purpose of sufficiently describing the invention to enable those skilled in the art to readily practice it.

[0048] Throughout the specification, when an element is described as being “connected” to another element, this includes not only a “direct connection” but also an “indirect connection” between the element and the other element, provided by another means. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Throughout the specification, unless expressly stated otherwise, the word “comprising” and variations such as “including” will be understood to imply the inclusion of the stated elements but not to exclude any other elements. For the purposes of this disclosure, “at least one of X, Y, and Z” and “at least one selected from the group consisting of X, Y, and Z” can be interpreted as only X, only Y, only Z, or any combination of two or more of X, Y, and Z, such as, for example, XYZ, XYY, YZ, and ZZ. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed items.

[0049] Although the terms “first,” “second,” etc., may be used herein to describe various constituent elements, these constituent elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one constituent element from another. Therefore, the first constituent element discussed below may be referred to as the second constituent element without departing from the teachings of this disclosure.

[0050] Spatial relative terms such as “below,” “under,” “down,” “above,” and “above” are used herein for descriptive purposes and to describe the relationship of one element or feature relative to another element(s) as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In addition to the orientations depicted in the drawings, spatial relative terms are intended to cover different orientations of the device during use, operation, and / or manufacture. For example, if the device in the drawings is flipped, an element described as “below” or “under” other elements or features will be oriented as “above” other elements or features. Thus, the term “below” can encompass both above and below orientations. Furthermore, the device may be oriented in other ways (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or oriented in other orientations), and therefore, the spatial relative descriptive terms used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0051] Various embodiments are described herein with reference to schematic cross-sectional views of idealized embodiments. Therefore, variations in the shape of the figures can be expected, for example, due to manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances. Consequently, the embodiments disclosed herein should not be construed as limited to a specific illustrated shape of the area, but should include, for example, shape deviations due to manufacturing processes. Therefore, the areas illustrated in the figures are schematic in nature, and the shapes of the areas illustrated in the figures are not intended to illustrate the actual shape of the areas of the device and are not intended to be limiting.

[0052] The invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0053] Figure 1 The figure shows a block diagram of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0054] In the embodiments and reference Figure 1 The display device may include a display panel 100, a drive controller 200, a gate driver 300, and a data driver 400. In an embodiment, the drive controller 200 and the data driver 400 may be integrated on a single chip.

[0055] In one embodiment, the display panel 100 may include a display area DA for displaying an image and a non-display area NDA disposed adjacent to the display area DA. In another embodiment, the gate driver 300 may be installed in the non-display area NDA.

[0056] The display panel 100 may include multiple gate lines GL, multiple data lines DL, multiple sensing lines SL, and multiple sub-pixels SPX electrically connected to the multiple gate lines GL, multiple data lines DL, and multiple sensing lines SL. The gate lines GL may extend in a first direction DR1, and the data lines DL and sensing lines SL may extend in a second direction DR2 that intersects the first direction DR1.

[0057] In an embodiment, the drive controller 200 may receive input image data IMG and input control signal CONT from a main processor (e.g., a graphics processing unit (GPU), etc.). For example, the input image data IMG may include red image data, green image data, and blue image data. In another embodiment, the input image data IMG may further include white image data. As yet another example, the input image data IMG may include magenta image data, yellow image data, and cyan image data. The input control signal CONT may include a master clock signal and a data enable signal. The input control signal CONT may further include a vertical synchronization signal and a horizontal synchronization signal.

[0058] The drive controller 200 can generate a first control signal CONT1, a second control signal CONT2, and a data signal DATA based on the input image data IMG and the input control signal CONT.

[0059] The drive controller 200 can generate a first control signal CONT1 for controlling the operation of the gate driver 300 based on the input control signal CONT, and output the first control signal CONT1 to the gate driver 300. The first control signal CONT1 may include a vertical start signal and a gate clock signal.

[0060] The drive controller 200 can generate a second control signal CONT2 based on the input control signal CONT for controlling the operation of the data driver 400, and output the second control signal CONT2 to the data driver 400. The second control signal CONT2 may include a horizontal start signal and a load signal.

[0061] The drive controller 200 can receive input image data IMG and input control signal CONT to generate data signal DATA, and the drive controller 200 can output the data signal DATA to the data driver 400.

[0062] In an embodiment, the gate driver 300 may generate a gate signal (e.g., a scan control signal SC, see [reference]) for driving the gate line GL in response to a first control signal CONT1 input from the drive controller 200. Figure 4 ) and sensing control signal SS (see Figure 4 The gate driver 300 can output gate signals to the gate line GL. For example, the gate driver 300 can sequentially output gate signals to the gate line GL.

[0063] In this embodiment, the data driver 400 can receive a second control signal CONT2 and a data signal DATA from the drive controller 200, and can generate a data voltage by converting the data signal DATA into an analog voltage. The data driver 400 can output the data voltage to the data line DL.

[0064] The data driver 400 can further receive the sensing voltage VSEN from the sensing line SL (see Figure 8 This generates sensing data SD, which may include characteristics of the sub-pixel SPX. For example, the sensing data SD may include the third transistor T3 of the sub-pixel SPX (see...). Figure 4 The current transport capability of the sensor data SD (hereinafter referred to as the "first characteristic"). For example, the sensing data SD may further include the driving transistors of the sub-pixel SPX (e.g., the first transistor T1 (see...)). Figure 4 The threshold voltage and / or mobility (hereinafter referred to as the "second characteristic").

[0065] In this embodiment, the drive controller 200 can sense the characteristics of the sub-pixel SPX via sensing data SD, wherein the drive controller 200 can receive the sensing data SD and compensate the input image data IMG. The drive controller 200 can generate a data signal DATA based on the compensated input image data. That is, the drive controller 200 can compensate for the data voltage by compensating the input image data IMG.

[0066] Figure 2 The illustration is based on an embodiment. Figure 1 A schematic top view of the display panel.

[0067] In the embodiments and reference Figure 2 The display panel 100 can be provided in various shapes, such as, but not limited to, a rectangular plate shape having two pairs of sides parallel to each other. When the display panel 100 is provided in a rectangular plate shape, one pair of sides can be longer than the other pair of sides.

[0068] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the display panel 100 may be flexible, and the display panel 100 may be folded at the flexible portion, but the invention is not limited thereto.

[0069] In this embodiment, the display panel 100 can display images. Self-emitting display panels, such as organic light-emitting diode (OLED) panels using organic light-emitting diodes as light-emitting elements, micron-LED or nano-LED display panels using ultra-small light-emitting diodes as light-emitting elements, or quantum dot organic light-emitting diode (QD OLED) panels using quantum dots and organic light-emitting diodes, can be used. Furthermore, non-light-emitting display panels, such as liquid crystal display panels (LCD panels), electrophoretic display panels (EPD panels), and electrowetting display panels (EWD panels), can be used. When a non-light-emitting display panel is used as the display panel 100, the display panel 100 may include a backlight unit for supplying light to the display panel 100.

[0070] In an embodiment, the display panel 100 may include a substrate SUB and pixels PXL provided on the substrate SUB.

[0071] In this embodiment, the substrate SUB may include a transparent insulating material to transmit light, wherein the substrate SUB may be a rigid substrate or a flexible substrate. For example, a rigid substrate may be one of a glass substrate, a quartz substrate, a glass-ceramic substrate, and a crystalline glass substrate.

[0072] In the embodiments, the flexible substrate may be one of polymeric organic materials, film substrates, and plastic substrates. For example, the flexible substrate may include at least one of polystyrene, polyvinyl alcohol, polymethyl methacrylate, polyethersulfone, polyacrylate, polyetherimide, polyethylene naphthalate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyphenylene sulfide, polyarylate, polyimide, polycarbonate, cellulose triacetate, and cellulose acetate propionate.

[0073] In embodiments, the display panel 100 can have various shapes. For example, the display panel 100 can be provided in a rectangular shape, but is not limited thereto. For example, the display panel 100 can have a circular shape or an elliptical shape. Furthermore, the display panel 100 can include angled corners and / or curved corners. For convenience, Figure 2 The illustration shows that panel 100 has a rectangular shape. Furthermore, in... Figure 2 In the display panel 100, the extension direction of the short side (e.g., the horizontal direction) is indicated as the first direction DR1, and the extension direction of the long side (e.g., the vertical direction) is indicated as the second direction DR2.

[0074] In an embodiment, the substrate SUB (and display panel 100) may include a display area DA for displaying an image and a non-display area NDA disposed adjacent to and surrounding the display area DA. The substrate SUB may include a display area DA containing pixel regions in which individual pixels PXL are disposed, and a non-display area NDA disposed around (or adjacent to) the display area DA.

[0075] In an embodiment, the non-display area NDA can be positioned adjacent to the display area DA and can be provided on at least one side of the display area DA. For example, the non-display area NDA can surround the outer periphery (or edge) of the display area DA. In an example, the non-display area NDA can be a border area of ​​the display panel 100.

[0076] In this embodiment, a pixel PXL may be disposed on a substrate SUB within a display area DA. A non-display area NDA may be disposed around the display area DA. The non-display area NDA may have a structure for protecting components included in the pixel PXL disposed within the display area DA, but is not limited thereto. For example, the non-display area NDA may be provided with wiring portions connected to each pixel PXL and a driver connected to the wiring portions and driving the pixel PXL.

[0077] Pixel PXL may include multiple subpixels SPX1 to SPX3. For example, pixel PXL may include a first subpixel SPX1, a second subpixel SPX2, and a third subpixel SPX3. The first subpixel SPX1, the second subpixel SPX2, and the third subpixel SPX3 may be arranged sequentially in a first direction DR1. However, the present invention is not limited to the arrangement of subpixels SPX1 to SPX3.

[0078] In an embodiment, sub-pixels SPX1 to SPX3 can emit light of different colors. For example, the first sub-pixel SPX1 can be a red sub-pixel emitting red light, the second sub-pixel SPX2 can be a green sub-pixel emitting green light, and the third sub-pixel SPX3 can be a blue sub-pixel emitting blue light. However, the color, type, and / or number of the sub-pixels constituting pixel PXL are not specifically limited, and for example, the color of light emitted by each of sub-pixels SPX1 to SPX3 can be varied differently. Hereinafter, sub-pixels SPX1 to SPX3 are collectively referred to as sub-pixels SPX (see [link to documentation]). Figure 4 ).

[0079] Figure 3 The illustration is based on an embodiment. Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of the display panel.

[0080] In the embodiments and reference Figure 3 The display panel 100 may include a substrate SUB, a pixel circuit layer PCL, a display element layer DPL, a packaging layer TFE, a light conversion layer LCL, and a color filter layer CFL. In an embodiment, the substrate SUB, pixel circuit layer PCL, display element layer DPL, packaging layer TFE, light conversion layer LCL, and color filter layer CFL may be sequentially stacked on a third-direction DR3.

[0081] In an embodiment, a pixel circuit layer (PCL) is provided on a substrate SUB and may include a plurality of transistors and signal wiring connected to the transistors. For example, each transistor may have a structure in which a semiconductor pattern, a gate electrode, a source electrode, and a drain electrode are sequentially stacked with an insulating layer interposed therebetween. The semiconductor pattern may include amorphous silicon, polycrystalline silicon (such as low-temperature polycrystalline silicon), organic semiconductors, and / or oxide semiconductors. The gate electrode, source electrode, and drain electrode may include, but are not limited to, aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), titanium (Ti), and molybdenum (Mo). Furthermore, the pixel circuit layer (PCL) may include one or more insulating layers.

[0082] In an embodiment, the display element layer DPL may be disposed on the pixel circuit layer PCL, and may include a light-emitting element LD (see [link to embodiment]). Figure 4The light-emitting element (LD) can be, for example, an organic light-emitting diode, but is not limited thereto. In embodiments, the light-emitting element (LD) can be an inorganic light-emitting element comprising inorganic light-emitting materials or a light-emitting element that emits light by changing the wavelength of light emitted using quantum dots.

[0083] In this embodiment, the encapsulation layer TFE can be disposed on the display element layer DPL, and can be an encapsulation substrate or a multilayer encapsulation film. When the encapsulation layer TFE is in the form of an encapsulation film, the encapsulation layer TFE can include inorganic films and / or organic films. For example, the encapsulation layer TFE can have a structure in which inorganic films, organic films, and inorganic films are sequentially stacked. The encapsulation layer TFE can prevent external air and moisture from penetrating into the display element layer DPL and the pixel circuit layer PCL.

[0084] In one embodiment, the light conversion layer (LCL) may be disposed on the encapsulation layer (TFE) and may include elements for converting light emitted from the display element layer (DPL) into light of a specific color and improving luminous efficiency. In another embodiment, the light conversion layer (LCL) may include a color conversion layer and a low-refractive-index layer.

[0085] In this embodiment, the color filter layer CFL can be disposed on the light conversion layer LCL and can selectively transmit light passing through the light conversion layer LCL (or the display element layer DPL). The color filter layer CFL may include a first color filter to a third color filter.

[0086] Figure 4 The illustration is based on an embodiment. Figure 1 A circuit diagram of an example of a sub-pixel.

[0087] In an embodiment, Figure 4 The sub-pixel SPX shown in the image can be Figure 2 One of the sub-pixels SPX1 to SPX3 shown in the figure, and Figure 2 The sub-pixels SPX1 to SPX3 shown can be configured to be substantially the same or similar to each other.

[0088] In the embodiments and reference Figures 1 to 4 The sub-pixel SPX may include a light-emitting portion EMU that generates light with a brightness corresponding to the data voltage. Furthermore, the sub-pixel SPX may further include a pixel circuit PXC for driving the light-emitting portion EMU.

[0089] In an embodiment, the light-emitting portion EMU may include a light-emitting element LD connected between a first power line PL1 receiving a voltage from a first driving power supply VDD (or a first power supply) and a second power line PL2 receiving a voltage from a second driving power supply VSS (or a second power supply). For example, the light-emitting portion EMU may include a light-emitting element LD comprising a first electrode AE ​​connected to the first power line PL1 via a pixel circuit PXC and a second electrode CE connected to the second power line PL2. The first electrode AE ​​may be an anode electrode, and the second electrode CE may be a cathode electrode. The first driving power supply VDD and the second driving power supply VSS may have different potentials. In this case, during the light-emitting period of the sub-pixel SPX, the potential difference between the driving power supplies VDD and VSS can be set to be equal to or higher than the threshold voltage of the light-emitting element LD.

[0090] In an embodiment, the pixel circuit PXC described above may include a driving transistor (e.g., a first transistor T1), a switching transistor (e.g., a second transistor T2 and a third transistor T3), and a storage capacitor Cst.

[0091] In this embodiment, the first transistor T1 is a drive transistor for controlling the drive current applied to the light-emitting element LD, and can be electrically connected between the first power line PL1 and the light-emitting element LD. For example, the first transistor T1 may include a control electrode connected to the first node N1, a first electrode connected to the first power line PL1, and a second electrode connected to the second node N2. The first transistor T1 can control the amount of drive current applied from the first drive power supply VDD to the light-emitting element LD via the second node N2 according to the voltage applied to the first node N1.

[0092] In this embodiment, the second transistor T2 can be electrically connected between the data line DL and the first node N1 as a switching transistor. For example, the second transistor T2 may include a control electrode for receiving the scan control signal SC, a first electrode connected to the data line DL, and a second electrode connected to the first node N1.

[0093] When a scan control signal SC with a conduction voltage (e.g., a high-level voltage) is supplied, the second transistor T2 can be turned on to electrically connect the data line DL to the first node N1. The second transistor T2 can then transmit the signal from the data line DL to the control electrode of the first transistor T1.

[0094] In an embodiment, the third transistor T3, acting as a switching transistor, electrically connects the first transistor T1 to the sensing line SL, thereby enabling the data driver 400 (see...) Figure 1 The sensing voltage VSEN can be obtained through the sensing line SL (see...). Figure 8Furthermore, the characteristics of the sub-pixel SPX, including the threshold voltage of the first transistor T1, can be determined using the sensing voltage VSEN (see...). Figure 8 The sub-pixel SPX is sensed. Information about the characteristics of the sub-pixel SPX can be used to compensate for the input image data IMG (see [link to image data]). Figure 1 This allows characteristic deviations between sub-pixels SPX to be compensated. For example, the third transistor T3 may include a control electrode that receives the sensing control signal SS, a first electrode connected to the second node N2, and a second electrode connected to the sensing line SL.

[0095] In an embodiment, the storage capacitor Cst may include a first electrode connected to a first node N1 and a second electrode connected to a second node N2, and may be charged with the data voltage supplied to the first node N1 during a frame period. Therefore, the storage capacitor Cst may store a voltage corresponding to the voltage difference between the voltage of the control electrode of the first transistor T1 and the voltage of the second node N2.

[0096] refer to Figure 4 An embodiment in which all of transistors T1 to T3 are N-type transistors has been disclosed, but the invention is not limited thereto. For example, at least one of the transistors T1 to T3 described above can be changed to a P-type transistor. The structure of the pixel circuit PXC can be modified in different ways.

[0097] Figure 5 The illustration is based on an embodiment. Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of an example of a light-emitting element, and Figure 6 The illustration is based on an embodiment. Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of another example of a light-emitting element.

[0098] In the embodiments and reference Figure 5 The light-emitting element LD may include a first electrode AE, an organic light-emitting portion EL, and a second electrode CE, which are stacked in sequence.

[0099] In an embodiment, the first electrode AE ​​can be patterned with sub-pixels SPX1 to SPX3 (see...). Figure 2 )correspond.

[0100] In an embodiment, the organic light-emitting portion (EL) can be provided on a first electrode AE ​​and can have a multilayer thin film structure including multiple light-generating layers. The organic light-emitting portion (EL) may include a hole injection layer (HIL), a hole transport layer (HTL), a light-emitting layer (EML), an electron transport layer (ETL), and an electron injection layer (EIL) stacked in sequence.

[0101] In one embodiment, the hole injection layer HIL may be an organic layer disposed between the first electrode AE ​​and the hole transport layer HTL to facilitate hole injection from the first electrode AE ​​to the light-emitting layer EML. The hole transport layer HTL is disposed between the hole injection layer HIL and the light-emitting layer EML and can be used to receive holes from the first electrode AE ​​to transport the holes to the light-emitting layer EML.

[0102] In this embodiment, the electron injection layer EIL can be disposed between the electron transport layer ETL and the second electrode CE. The electron transport layer ETL is disposed on the light-emitting layer EML and can be used to receive electrons from the second electrode CE to transport electrons to the light-emitting layer EML.

[0103] In an embodiment, the light-emitting layer (EML) is a region in which light is generated by the recombination of holes and electrons supplied from the first electrode AE ​​and the second electrode CE, respectively. The EML may comprise an organic light-emitting material, such as a high-molecular-weight organic material or a low-molecular-weight organic material that emits light of a predetermined color. For example, the EML may be made of an organic material that emits blue light. However, the invention is not limited thereto. In an embodiment, the EML may be made of an organic material that emits red or green light, or it may be made of inorganic materials or quantum dots.

[0104] In this embodiment, the second electrode CE can be integrally provided and can be disposed on the organic light-emitting portion EL. The second electrode CE can be integrally formed in the light-emitting element LD.

[0105] In the embodiments and reference Figure 6 The light-emitting element LD may include a first electrode AE, an organic light-emitting part EL, and a second electrode CE.

[0106] In an embodiment, the organic light-emitting portion EL may include multiple light-generating layers. In an example, the organic light-emitting portion EL may include a first organic light-emitting portion ELa, a charge-generating layer CGL, and a second organic light-emitting portion ELb. The first electrode AE, the first organic light-emitting portion ELa, the charge-generating layer CGL, the second organic light-emitting portion ELb, and the second electrode CE may be stacked sequentially.

[0107] In an embodiment, the first organic light-emitting portion ELa can be provided as having a structure in which the hole injection layer HIL, the first hole transport layer HTLa, the first organic light-emitting layer EMLa, and the first electron transport layer ETLa are sequentially stacked. The second organic light-emitting portion ELb can be provided as having a structure in which the second hole transport layer HTLb, the second organic light-emitting layer EMLb, the second electron transport layer ETLb, and the electron injection layer EIL are sequentially stacked.

[0108] In an embodiment, a buffer layer (not shown) may be disposed on the first organic light-emitting layer EMLa and the second organic light-emitting layer EMLb, and may include a compound having electron transport properties.

[0109] In an embodiment, the charge generation layer CGL can be used to supply charge to the first organic light-emitting portion ELa and the second organic light-emitting portion ELb. The charge generation layer CGL may include an n-type charge generation layer n-CGL for supplying charge to the first organic light-emitting portion ELa and a p-type charge generation layer p-CGL for supplying holes to the second organic light-emitting portion ELb. In this case, the n-type charge generation layer n-CGL may include a metallic material as a dopant.

[0110] In the embodiments and reference Figure 6 The two organic light-emitting portions ELa and ELb of the light-emitting element LD are illustrated as stacked, but the invention is not limited thereto. For example, three, four or more organic light-emitting portions may be stacked in the light-emitting element LD.

[0111] Figure 7 The illustration is based on an embodiment. Figure 2 An example design diagram of a portion of the display panel.

[0112] refer to Figure 7 The components other than the first to third electrode layers CL1 to CL3, the active layer ACT, and the first contact hole CNT1 and the second contact hole CNT2 are omitted.

[0113] In the embodiments and reference Figure 4 and Figure 7 The display panel 100 may include electrode layers CL1 to CL3, an active layer ACT, and contact holes CNT1 and CNT2.

[0114] In an embodiment, the first electrode layer CL1 may form the second electrode of the data line DL, the first power line PL1 and the second power line PL2, the sensing line SL, and the storage capacitor Cst. For example, the first electrode layer CL1 may include at least one of copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo), tungsten (W), neodymium aluminum (AlNd), titanium (Ti), aluminum (Al), and silver (Ag).

[0115] In this embodiment, the illustrated sub-pixels SPX1 to SPX3 share a single sensing line SL, but the invention is not limited thereto. For example, each of the sub-pixels SPX1 to SPX3 may be connected to a different sensing line SL.

[0116] In an embodiment, the active layer ACT may be formed on the first electrode layer CL1 and may include the channel region of each of transistors T1 to T3. The active layer ACT may include a semiconductor pattern made of amorphous silicon, polycrystalline silicon (such as low-temperature polycrystalline silicon), oxide semiconductor, or organic semiconductor. For example, the channel region of an undoped semiconductor pattern may be an intrinsic semiconductor. The portion of the active layer ACT connected to the second electrode layer CL2 may be a doped semiconductor pattern.

[0117] In an embodiment, the active layer ACT can form the first electrode of the storage capacitor Cst. For example, the portion of the active layer ACT that forms the first electrode of the storage capacitor Cst can be a semiconductor pattern doped with impurities.

[0118] In an embodiment, a second electrode layer CL2 may be formed on the active layer ACT, wherein the second electrode layer CL2 may form a first electrode, a second electrode, a control electrode, or a gate line for each of transistors T1 to T3. The second electrode layer CL2 may be connected to the first electrode layer CL1 through a first contact hole CNT1. For example, the second electrode layer CL2 may include at least one of copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo), tungsten (W), neodymium aluminum (AlNd), titanium (Ti), aluminum (Al), and silver (Ag).

[0119] A third electrode layer CL3 can be formed on the second electrode layer CL2. The third electrode layer CL3 can form the first electrode AE ​​and the auxiliary electrode SE of the light-emitting element LD. The third electrode layer CL3 can be connected to the second electrode layer CL2 through the second contact hole CNT2. For example, the third electrode layer CL3 may include at least one of copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo), tungsten (W), neodymium aluminum (AlNd), titanium (Ti), aluminum (Al), and silver (Ag).

[0120] In an embodiment, the auxiliary electrode SE can be connected to the second electrode CE of the light-emitting element LD, and the portion of the second electrode layer CL2 connected to the auxiliary electrode SE can transmit the second driving power supply VSS to the auxiliary electrode SE.

[0121] In an embodiment, the aperture HL defined by the pixel-defining film can be formed on the third electrode layer CL3. Organic light-emitting portion EL (see...) Figure 5 The anode AE ​​can be formed on the anode electrode AE ​​and in the hole HL, and the second electrode CE can be formed on the auxiliary electrode SE and in the hole HL.

[0122] Figure 8 The illustration is based on an embodiment. Figure 1 A circuit diagram of an example of a subpixel and a data driver.

[0123] Figure 8The sub-pixel SPX shown in the figure is related to the reference. Figure 4 Since the described subpixels SPX are the same, redundant descriptions of the subpixels SPX will be omitted.

[0124] In the embodiments and reference Figure 8 The sub-pixel SPX may include a sensing capacitor CSEN, which includes a first electrode connected to the sensing line SL and a second electrode connected to a reference power supply. Here, the reference power supply may have a ground voltage, but is not limited to this.

[0125] In this embodiment, the illustrated sensing capacitor CSEN is formed in the sub-pixel SPX, but the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the sensing capacitor CSEN may be formed in the data driver 400.

[0126] In one embodiment, the data driver 400 may include a digital-to-analog converter (DAC), wherein the DAC can generate a data signal DATA (see [link to DAC]). Figure 1 The data voltage corresponds to the data value included in the data. For example, during the display period of an image, the digital-to-analog converter (DAC) can select one of the gamma voltages based on the data value and output that gamma voltage as the data voltage. Meanwhile, the data driver 400 may further include an output buffer (not shown), and the data voltage corresponding to the data value can be provided to the data line DL through the output buffer.

[0127] In this embodiment, the digital-to-analog converter (DAC) can be used during the first to third color sensing periods CS1 to CS3, which will be described later (see [link to documentation]). Figure 9 The reference voltage VREF (see) is selectively included in the data. Figure 9 ) or standby voltage STAV (see Figure 9 Provided to the data line DL.

[0128] In an embodiment, the data driver 400 may further include a sensing unit SU and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) connected to a sensing line RL.

[0129] In an embodiment, the sensing unit SU may include a first switch SW1, a second switch SW2, a first capacitor C1, a third switch SW3, a fourth switch SW4, a second capacitor C2, and a fifth switch SW5.

[0130] In this embodiment, the first switch SW1 can be connected between the power line to which the initialization voltage VINIT is applied and the sensing line RL. Here, the initialization voltage VINIT can have a voltage level lower than the voltage required to operate the light-emitting element LD. When the first switch SW1 is turned on, the initialization voltage VINIT can be applied to the sensing line RL. Therefore, the sensing capacitor CSEN can be initialized. When the third transistor T3 is turned on, the initialization voltage VINIT can be applied to the second node N2. Therefore, even when the first transistor T1 is turned on, the light-emitting element LD may not emit light.

[0131] In one embodiment, when the first switch SW1 is off and the third transistor T3 is on, the sensing capacitor CSEN can be charged by the sensing current provided via the second node N2. Drive controller 200 (see...) Figure 1 The characteristics of the sub-pixel SPX can be sensed by the voltage applied to the sensing capacitor CSEN (i.e., the sensing voltage VSEN).

[0132] In this embodiment, the second switch SW2 can be connected between the sensing line RL and the third node N3. The first capacitor C1 can be connected between the third node N3 and the reference power supply. When the second switch SW2 is turned on, the first capacitor C1 can sample the sensed voltage VSEN stored in the sensing capacitor CSEN.

[0133] In this embodiment, a third switch SW3 can be connected between a third node N3 and a fourth node N4, a fourth switch SW4 can be connected between a fourth node N4 and a reference power supply, and a second capacitor C2 can be connected between a fourth node N4 and the reference power supply. When the third switch SW3 is turned on and the first capacitor C1 and the second capacitor C2 share charge, the voltage of the fourth node N4 (and the voltage of the third node N3) can change. Depending on the operation of the third switch SW3 and the fourth switch SW4, the third switch SW3, the fourth switch SW4, and the second capacitor C2 can act as a buffer. Here, the gain of the buffer can be determined based on the capacitance ratio of the first capacitor C1 and the second capacitor C2. That is, the third switch SW3, the fourth switch SW4, and the second capacitor C2 can amplify the voltage of the third node N3.

[0134] In this embodiment, the fifth switch SW5 can be connected between the fourth node N4 and the analog-to-digital converter (ADC), and the fourth node N4 can be connected to the input terminal of the ADC. In this case, the voltage of the fourth node N4 can be applied to the ADC.

[0135] Although not shown, in embodiments, it may further include a capacitor connected between the input terminal of the analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and a reference power supply to maintain the voltage supplied to the fourth node N4 of the ADC, and initialization circuitry (e.g., a capacitor initialization power supply and a switch connecting the capacitor initialization power supply to the input terminal of the ADC) to initialize the input terminal of the ADC (or the capacitor).

[0136] In an embodiment, the analog-to-digital converter (ADC) can convert the voltage supplied to its input terminals into a data value (e.g., a digital code). The digital data value can be used as sensed data SD (see [link to documentation]). Figure 1 It is provided to the drive controller 200.

[0137] In the embodiments and reference Figure 8 The sensing unit SU is shown as being configured to include capacitors C1 and C2 and switches SW1, SW2, SW3, SW4, and SW5, but this is an example and the invention is not limited thereto. For example, in another embodiment, various circuits can be implemented as the sensing unit SU if the sensing unit SU can detect the voltage (or its corresponding current) of the second node N2 of the sub-pixel SPX.

[0138] In the embodiments and reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 The sensed voltage VSEN charged into the sensing capacitor CSEN can be the voltage at the second node N2 minus the voltage drop due to the current transfer capability of the third transistor T3. In other words, the current transfer capability of the third transistor T3 refers to the degree to which the voltage at the second node N2 drops when the voltage at the second node N2 is transferred to the sensing capacitor CSEN through the third transistor T3.

[0139] In an embodiment, when viewed in a plan view, at least one third transistor T3 of sub-pixels SPX1 to SPX3 may overlap with the first electrode AE ​​of at least one light-emitting element LD of sub-pixels SPX1 to SPX3.

[0140] For example, such as Figure 7As shown, the third transistor T3 of the second sub-pixel SPX2 may overlap with the first electrode AE ​​of the light-emitting element LD in the planar view, while the third transistors T3 of sub-pixels SPX1 and SPX3 may not overlap with the first electrode AE ​​of the light-emitting element LD. In this case, the degree of light degradation of the third transistor T3 of the second sub-pixel SPX2 may be different from that of the third transistors T3 of sub-pixels SPX1 and SPX3. That is, the current transport capability of the third transistor T3 of the second sub-pixel SPX2 may be different from that of each of the third transistors T3 of sub-pixels SPX1 and SPX3. Therefore, even if the corresponding second characteristics of sub-pixels SPX1 to SPX3 are the same, the corresponding sensing voltages VSEN received by sub-pixels SPX1 to SPX3 may be different from each other. That is, the sensing voltage VSEN may be distorted due to the deviation of the first characteristics between sub-pixels SPX. Therefore, when data voltage is compensated by sensing only the second characteristics without considering the first characteristics, brightness deviation may occur due to the distortion of the sensing voltage VSEN between sub-pixels SPX1 to SPX3.

[0141] According to an embodiment, the display device can compensate for brightness deviations between sub-pixels SPX by sensing a first characteristic. Furthermore, since compensation taking into account the first characteristic is performed, the third transistor T3 can be configured with relative freedom.

[0142] Figure 9 The illustration is based on one of the embodiments. Figure 1 A timing diagram of an example of a display device operating during the first to third color sensing periods. Figure 10 The illustration is based on one of the embodiments. Figure 1 A timing diagram of an example of the display device operating during the first sensing period. Figure 11 The illustration is based on one of the embodiments. Figure 1 A timing diagram of an example of the display device operating during the second sensing period. Figure 12 The illustration is based on an embodiment. Figure 10 Region A and Figure 11 The curve of region A' before the optical degradation of the third transistor, and Figure 13 The illustration is based on an embodiment. Figure 10 Region A and Figure 11 The curve of region A' after the third transistor's optical degradation.

[0143] In the embodiments and reference Figure 1 and Figure 9The data driver 400 can supply a data voltage to the sub-pixel SPX via the data line DL during the display period. The data driver 400 can also supply a reference voltage VREF to the sub-pixel SPX during the period in which the characteristics of the sub-pixel SPX are sensed. For example, during the period in which the characteristics of the sub-pixel SPX are sensed, the display device may not display an image.

[0144] In this embodiment, the drive controller 200 can independently sense the characteristics of each of the sub-pixels SPX1 to SPX3. For example, when sensing the characteristics of one of the sub-pixels SPX1 to SPX3, the data driver 400 can provide a reference voltage VREF to that sub-pixel and a backup voltage STAV to the remaining sub-pixels. For example, the backup voltage STAV can be lower than the reference voltage VREF.

[0145] For example, in one embodiment, during a first color sensing period CS1 for sensing the characteristics of the first sub-pixel SPX1, the data driver 400 may provide a reference voltage VREF to the data line DL connected to the first sub-pixel SPX1, and a spare voltage STAV to the data lines DL connected to sub-pixels SPX2 and SPX3. Similarly, during a second color sensing period CS2 for sensing the characteristics of the second sub-pixel SPX2, the data driver 400 may provide a reference voltage VREF to the data line DL connected to the second sub-pixel SPX2, and a spare voltage STAV to the data lines DL connected to sub-pixels SPX1 and SPX3. Likewise, during a third color sensing period CS3 for sensing the characteristics of the third sub-pixel SPX3, the data driver 400 may provide a reference voltage VREF to the data line DL connected to the third sub-pixel SPX3, and a spare voltage STAV to the data lines DL connected to sub-pixels SPX1 and SPX2.

[0146] In this embodiment, sensing is performed in the order of the first sub-pixel SPX1, the second sub-pixel SPX2, and the third sub-pixel SPX3, but the invention is not limited thereto.

[0147] In this embodiment, a reference voltage VREF and a standby voltage STAV are described as being selectively provided to the data line DL to independently sense the characteristics of each of the sub-pixels SPX1 to SPX3, but the invention is not limited thereto. For example, when sub-pixels SPX1 to SPX3 do not share a sensing line SL and each of the sub-pixels SPX1 to SPX3 is connected to a different sensing line SL, the data driver 400 may simultaneously provide the reference voltage VREF to the sub-pixels SPX1 to SPX3, and the drive controller 200 may simultaneously sense the characteristics of the sub-pixels SPX1 to SPX3.

[0148] In the embodiments and reference Figures 9 to 11 Each of the color sensing periods CS1 to CS3 may include a first sensing period SP1 and a second sensing period SP2.

[0149] In an embodiment, the gate driver 300 may provide a sensing control signal SS having a first voltage V1 to the sub-pixel SPX during a first sensing period SP1, and provide a sensing control signal SS having a second voltage V2 different from the first voltage V1 to the sub-pixel SPX during a second sensing period SP2.

[0150] In an embodiment, the data driver 400 can receive a first sensing voltage VSEN1 from the sub-pixel SPX via the sensing line SL during a first sensing period SP1, and receive a second sensing voltage VSEN2 from the sub-pixel SPX via the sensing line SL during a second sensing period SP2.

[0151] Here, the first sensing voltage VSEN1 can be the sensing voltage VSEN received during the first sensing period SP1 (see [reference]). Figure 8 The second sensing voltage VSEN2 can be the sensing voltage VSEN received during the second sensing period SP2 (see...). Figure 8 ).

[0152] In the embodiments and reference Figure 8 and Figure 10 The first sensing period SP1 may include an initialization period IP and a sensing input period SIP.

[0153] During the initialization period IP, the scan control signal SC and the sensing control signal SS can be at the off level (OFF), the first switch SW1 can be turned on, and the second switch SW2 can be turned off. Therefore, the first sensing voltage VSEN1 charged into the sensing capacitor CSEN can be the initialization voltage VINIT.

[0154] During the Sensing Input Period (SIP), the scan control signal SC and the sensing control signal SS can be ON, the first switch SW1 can be off, the second switch SW2 can be on, and the reference voltage VREF can be applied to the data line DL. Therefore, the reference voltage VREF can be applied to the first node N1, the first transistor T1 can generate a drive current corresponding to the reference voltage VREF, and the first sensing voltage VSEN1 can be increased by the drive current. The data driver 400 can provide the first sensing voltage VSEN1, which is charged into the sensing capacitor CSEN during the Sensing Input Period (SIP), as sensing data SD to the drive controller 200.

[0155] In the embodiments and reference Figure 10 and Figure 11 Apart from the voltage of the sensing control signal SS, the second sensing period SP2 is basically the same as the first sensing period SP1, so its redundant description will be omitted.

[0156] In the embodiments and reference Figure 8 , Figure 12 and Figure 13 The first sensing voltage VSEN1 and the second sensing voltage VSEN2 are values ​​measured under identical conditions, except for the voltage of the sensing control signal SS applied to the third transistor T3. As the light of the third transistor T3 deteriorates, the current carrying capacity of the third transistor T3 may change. As the light of the third transistor T3 deteriorates, the difference VD between the first sensing voltage VSEN1 and the second sensing voltage VSEN2 may increase. That is, the difference VD between the first sensing voltage VSEN1 and the second sensing voltage VSEN2 can vary depending on the current carrying capacity of the third transistor T3. Therefore, the drive controller 200 can sense a first characteristic of the sub-pixel SPX from the difference VD between the first sensing voltage VSEN1 and the second sensing voltage VSEN2.

[0157] In the embodiments, the sensing of a first characteristic from two sensing voltages VSEN is described as an example, but the invention is not limited to the number of sensing voltages VSEN used to sense the first characteristic.

[0158] Figure 14 The illustration is based on an embodiment. Figure 1 A block diagram of an example of a drive controller for a display device.

[0159] In the embodiments and reference Figure 14The drive controller 200 can sense a first characteristic of the sub-pixel SPX from sensing voltages VSEN1 and VSEN2, and can compensate for the input image data IMG based on the first characteristic. For example, the drive controller 200 can compensate for brightness deviations caused by deviations in the first characteristic between sub-pixels SPX. The drive controller 200 can sense a second characteristic of the sub-pixel SPX from a sensing voltage VSEN, and compensate for the input image data IMG based on the second characteristic.

[0160] In the embodiments and as described above, when data voltage (i.e., input image data IMG) is compensated by sensing only the second characteristic without considering the first characteristic, brightness deviation may occur. Therefore, the drive controller 200 can compensate for the brightness deviation caused by distortion of the sensing voltage VSEN by compensating the input image data IMG based on the first characteristic.

[0161] In the embodiments and reference Figure 14 The first sensing data SD1 means the sensing data SD used for the first sensing voltage VSEN1, and the second sensing data SD2 means the sensing data SD used for the second sensing voltage VSEN2. Furthermore, applied to... Figure 14 The sensing data SD of the compensation portion 220 can be one of the first sensing data SD1 and the second sensing data SD2, or applied to Figure 14 The sensing data SD in the compensation portion 220 can be used for sensing data other than the first sensing period SP1 (see...). Figure 10 ) and the second sensing period SP2 (see Figure 11 Sensing data SD of the sensing voltage VSEN received outside of the time period.

[0162] In an embodiment, the drive controller 200 may include a difference calculation section 210, a compensation section 220, and a data signal generation section 230.

[0163] The difference calculation unit 210 can receive sensing data SD1 and SD2 to calculate the difference VD between the first sensing voltage VSEN1 and the second sensing voltage VSEN2.

[0164] In an embodiment, the compensation section 220 can compensate the input image data IMG to generate compensated image data CIMG and can receive sensing data SD and difference VD, and compensate the input image data IMG based on sensing voltage VSEN and difference VD.

[0165] In an embodiment, the drive controller 200 may compensate the input image data IMG based on the sensed voltage VSEN (hereinafter referred to as "first compensation") to compensate for deviations in the second characteristic between sub-pixels SPX. Furthermore, the drive controller 200 may compensate the input image data in which the first compensation is performed based on the difference VD (hereinafter referred to as "second compensation") to compensate for distortion of the sensed voltage VSEN caused by deviations in the first characteristic during the first compensation process.

[0166] In this embodiment, as the third transistor T3 deteriorates, the voltage drop across the third transistor T3 may decrease. That is, the sensing voltage VSEN may be larger after the light deteriorates than before. Therefore, when the drive controller 200 increases the data voltage as the sensing voltage VSEN increases in the first compensation process, the drive controller 200 can decrease the data voltage as the difference VD increases in the second compensation process.

[0167] In this embodiment, the data signal generation section 230 can receive compensated image data CIMG to generate a data signal DATA.

[0168] In various embodiments, the difference calculation section 210, the compensation section 220, and the data signal generation section 230 can be implemented in the form of hardware, software, firmware, or application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs).

[0169] Figure 15 The illustration shows a flowchart of a driving method for a display device according to an embodiment.

[0170] In the embodiments and reference Figure 15 The driving method of the display device may include: providing a sensing control signal having a first voltage to a sub-pixel (S100), receiving a first sensing voltage from the sub-pixel through a sensing line (S200), providing a sensing control signal having a second voltage different from the first voltage to the sub-pixel (S300), receiving a second sensing voltage from the sub-pixel through a sensing line (S400), and sensing the characteristics of the sub-pixel based on the first sensing voltage and the second sensing voltage (S500).

[0171] Steps S100 to S500 have been referenced. Figures 1 to 14 Detailed description is required, therefore redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0172] Figure 16 The illustration shows a block diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment, and Figure 17 The illustration is based on one of the embodiments. Figure 16 An example of an electronic device is a television set.

[0173] In the embodiments and reference Figure 16 and Figure 17The electronic device 1000 may include a processor 1010, a memory device 1020, a storage device 1030, an input / output (I / O) device 1040, a power supply 1050, and a display device 1060. In this case, the display device 1060 may be... Figure 1 The display device. Furthermore, the electronic device 1000 may further include several ports capable of communicating with video cards, sound cards, memory cards, and USB devices, or with other systems. In embodiments, such as... Figure 17 As shown, the electronic device 1000 can be implemented as a television set. However, this is just an example, and the electronic device 1000 is not limited to this. For example, the electronic device 1000 can be implemented as a mobile phone, video phone, smart tablet, smartwatch, tablet PC, vehicle navigator, computer monitor, laptop computer, or head-mounted display device, etc.

[0174] In some embodiments, processor 1010 may perform specific calculations or tasks. In some embodiments, processor 1010 may be a microprocessor, a central processing unit, or an application processor, etc. Processor 1010 may be connected to other constituent elements via an address bus, a control bus, and a data bus. In some embodiments, processor 1010 may also be connected to an expansion bus such as a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) bus.

[0175] In an embodiment, memory device 1020 may store data required for the operation of electronic device 1000. For example, memory device 1020 may include non-volatile memory devices such as erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) devices, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) devices, flash memory devices, phase-change random access memory (PRAM) devices, resistive random access memory (RRAM) devices, nanofloating gate memory (NFGM) devices, polymer random access memory (PoRAM) devices, magnetic random access memory (MRAM) devices, and ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM) devices, and / or volatile memory devices such as dynamic random access memory (DRAM) devices, static random access memory (SRAM) devices, and mobile DRAM devices.

[0176] In an embodiment, the storage device 1030 may include a solid-state drive (SSD), a hard disk drive (HDD), and a CD-ROM, etc.

[0177] In one embodiment, the input / output device 1040 may include input devices such as a keyboard, keypad, touchpad, touchscreen, and mouse, and output devices such as a speaker and printer. In another embodiment, the display device 1060 may be included in the input / output device 1040.

[0178] In this embodiment, the power supply 1050 can provide the power required for the operation of the electronic device 1000. For example, the power supply 1050 may be a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0179] In this embodiment, the display device 1060 may display an image corresponding to the visual information of the electronic device 1000. In this case, the display device 1060 may be an organic light-emitting display device or a quantum dot light-emitting display device, but is not limited thereto. The display device 1060 may be connected to other constituent elements via a bus or other communication link.

[0180] Although specific embodiments and implementations have been described herein, other embodiments and modifications will be apparent from these descriptions.

[0181] In embodiments, the present invention can be applied to display devices and electronic devices including such display devices. For example, this disclosure can be applied to digital TVs, 3D TVs, mobile phones, smartphones, VR devices, PCs (such as tablet computers and laptop computers), home electronic devices, PDAs, PMPs, digital cameras, music players, portable game consoles, and navigators, etc.

[0182] Although the invention has been described in conjunction with embodiments now considered practical, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Exemplary embodiments have been disclosed herein, and although specific terminology has been used, they are used and interpreted in a general and descriptive sense only, and not for purposes of limitation. In some instances, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, features, characteristics, and / or elements described in connection with specific embodiments may be used alone or in combination with features, characteristics, and / or elements described in connection with other embodiments, unless otherwise specifically indicated. Therefore, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes in form and detail can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, while various embodiments have been described above, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications, additions, and substitutions are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

Claims

1.A display apparatus comprising: a display panel including a first sub-pixel; a gate driver that provides a sensing control signal having a first voltage to the first sub-pixel during a first sensing period, and provides a sensing control signal having a second voltage different from the first voltage to the first sub-pixel during a second sensing period; a data driver that receives a first sensing voltage from the first sub-pixel through a sensing line in the first sensing period, and receives a second sensing voltage from the first sub-pixel through the sensing line in the second sensing period; and a driving controller that controls the data driver and the gate driver, and senses a characteristic of the first sub-pixel based on the first sensing voltage and the second sensing voltage. 2.The display apparatus of claim 1, wherein the driving controller senses a difference between the first sensing voltage and the second sensing voltage as the characteristic of the first sub-pixel. 3.The display apparatus of claim 2, wherein the data driver provides a data voltage to the first sub-pixel through a data line during a display period, the driving controller compensates the data voltage applied to the first sub-pixel based on the characteristic of the first sub-pixel, and the data voltage decreases as the difference between the first sensing voltage and the second sensing voltage increases. 4.The display apparatus of claim 1, wherein the data driver provides a reference voltage to the first sub-pixel through a data line in the first sensing period and the second sensing period. 5.The display apparatus of claim 4, wherein the gate driver provides a scan control signal to the first sub-pixel, wherein the first sub-pixel includes: a first transistor including a control electrode connected to a first node, a first electrode connected to a first power line, and a second electrode connected to a second node; a second transistor including a control electrode that receives the scan control signal, a first electrode connected to the data driver through the data line, and a second electrode connected to the first node; a third transistor including a control electrode that receives the sensing control signal, a first electrode connected to the second node, and a second electrode connected to the data driver through the sensing line; a storage capacitor including a first electrode connected to the first node and a second electrode connected to the second node; and a light emitting element including a first electrode connected to the second node and a second electrode connected to a second power line, wherein each of the first sensing period and the second sensing period includes an initialization period and a sensing input period, and the scan control signal and the sensing control signal have an off level during the initialization period and have an on level during the sensing input period. 6.The display apparatus of claim 1, wherein the display panel further includes a sensing capacitor including a first electrode connected to the sensing line and a second electrode connected to a reference power source, ​ The data driver includes a first switch connecting a power line to the sensing line, wherein an initialization voltage is applied to the power line, and The first sensing voltage and the second sensing voltage are voltages charged in the sensing capacitor. 7.The display device of claim 1, wherein The first sub-pixel displays a first color, The display panel further includes a second sub-pixel displaying a second color and a third sub-pixel displaying a third color, and The drive controller independently senses each of characteristics of the first sub-pixel to the third sub-pixel. 8.The display device of claim 7, wherein When sensing a characteristic of one of the first sub-pixel to the third sub-pixel, the data driver provides a reference voltage to the one of the first sub-pixel to the third sub-pixel, and provides a standby voltage to the remaining ones of the first sub-pixel to the third sub-pixel. 9.The display device of claim 7, wherein Each of the first sub-pixel to the third sub-pixel includes: a third transistor connected to the sensing line; and a light emitting element, wherein In a plan view, a third transistor of at least one of the first sub-pixel to the third sub-pixel overlaps a first electrode of the light emitting element of the at least one of the first sub-pixel to the third sub-pixel. 10.An electronic device comprising the display device of any one of claims 1 to 9.

Images