Electronic device

Abstract

An electronic device is provided, including: a sensor layer including: first electrodes spaced apart from each other along a first direction; second electrodes spaced apart from each other along a second direction; third electrodes superposed with the second electrodes; and fourth electrodes superposed with the first electrodes. A sensing area includes sensing units including first sensing units spaced apart from a peripheral area and second sensing units in contact with the peripheral area. The second electrodes include 2-1 electrodes superposed with the first sensing units and 2-2 electrodes superposed with the second sensing units. The third electrodes include 3-1 electrodes superposed with the 2-1 electrodes and 3-2 electrodes superposed with the 2-2 electrodes. Shapes of areas superposed with the 2-1 electrodes and the 3-1 electrodes and shapes of areas superposed with the 2-2 electrodes and the 3-2 electrodes are different from each other.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority and benefit to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0011687, filed on January 24, 2025, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] An aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure relates to an electronic device having improved sensing performance. Background Technology

[0003] Multimedia electronic devices such as televisions, mobile phones, tablet computers, laptop computers, navigation systems, and game consoles include display devices for displaying images. In addition to other suitable input methods such as buttons, keyboards, and / or mice, electronic devices may also include a sensor layer (e.g., input sensors) to provide touch-based input methods that allow users to intuitively and conveniently input information or commands. The sensor layer can sense the user's touch or pressure. Among users accustomed to using writing instruments to enter information, the demand for more precise touch input using a pen or for certain applications (e.g., applications for sketching or drawing) has been increasing. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Embodiments of this disclosure may relate to an electronic device with improved sensing performance.

[0005] According to one or more embodiments of this disclosure, an electronic device includes: a sensor layer having a sensing region and a peripheral region adjacent to the sensing region; and a sensor driver configured to drive the sensor layer. The sensor layer includes: a plurality of first electrodes spaced apart from each other along a first direction; a plurality of second electrodes spaced apart from each other along a second direction intersecting the first direction; a plurality of third electrodes superimposed on the plurality of second electrodes; and a plurality of fourth electrodes superimposed on the plurality of first electrodes. The sensing region includes a plurality of sensing units arranged along the first and second directions, and the plurality of sensing units includes first sensing units spaced apart from the peripheral region and second sensing units in contact with the peripheral region. The plurality of second electrodes includes a second-1 electrode superimposed on the first sensing units and a second-2 electrode superimposed on the second sensing units. The plurality of third electrodes includes a third-1 electrode superimposed on the second-1 electrode and a third-2 electrode superimposed on the second-2 electrode. The shapes of the regions superimposed on the second-1 and third-1 electrodes and the shapes of the regions superimposed on the second-2 and third-2 electrodes are different from each other.

[0006] In an embodiment, the second-1 electrode may include x first segmented electrodes spaced apart from each other along a second direction, where x may be a positive integer; and the second-2 electrode may include y second segmented electrodes spaced apart from each other along a second direction, where y may be a positive integer.

[0007] In this embodiment, x can be greater than y.

[0008] In this embodiment, x and y can be the same; and the spacing between the first dividing electrodes can be greater than the spacing between the second dividing electrodes.

[0009] In an embodiment, the third-1 electrode may include x third segmented electrodes stacked one-to-one with the first segmented electrode, where x can be a positive integer; and the third-2 electrode may include y fourth segmented electrodes stacked one-to-one with the second segmented electrode, where y can be a positive integer.

[0010] In an embodiment, the area of ​​each of the first segmented electrodes and the area of ​​each of the second segmented electrodes may be the same as each other; and the area of ​​each of the third segmented electrodes may be smaller than the area of ​​each of the fourth segmented electrodes.

[0011] In an embodiment, the area of ​​each of the first segmented electrodes may be smaller than the area of ​​each of the second segmented electrodes; and the areas of each of the third segmented electrodes and each of the fourth segmented electrodes may be the same as each other.

[0012] In an embodiment, the width of the first sensing unit in the second direction may be greater than the width of the second sensing unit in the second direction.

[0013] In one embodiment, the first opening may be in the second-1st electrode; and the second opening having a smaller size than the first opening may be in the second-2nd electrode.

[0014] In an embodiment, the width of the 3-1 electrode in the second direction may be smaller than the width of the 3-2 electrode in the second direction.

[0015] In an embodiment, the second-1 electrode may have a grid structure with a first linewidth; the second-2 electrode may have a grid structure with a second linewidth; the third-1 electrode may have a grid structure with a third linewidth; and the third-2 electrode may have a grid structure with a fourth linewidth.

[0016] In this embodiment, the first line width and the second line width can be the same as each other; and the fourth line width can be greater than the third line width.

[0017] In this embodiment, the third line width and the fourth line width can be the same as each other; and the second line width can be greater than the first line width.

[0018] In an embodiment, the second line width may be greater than the first line width; and the fourth line width may be greater than the third line width.

[0019] In an embodiment, the sensor driver can be configured to selectively operate in a first mode for sensing touch input and a second mode for sensing pen input. The second mode may include a charging drive mode and a pen sensing drive mode, and in the charging drive mode, the sensor driver can be configured to provide a first signal to at least one of a plurality of third electrodes and a second signal to at least another of the plurality of third electrodes. In the pen sensing drive mode, the sensor driver can be configured to receive a first reception signal from a plurality of first electrodes and a second reception signal from a plurality of second electrodes.

[0020] According to one or more embodiments of this disclosure, an electronic device includes: a display layer configured to display an image; a sensor layer on the display layer having a sensing region and a peripheral region adjacent to the sensing region; and a processor configured to control the operation of the display layer and the sensor layer. The sensor layer includes: a plurality of first electrodes spaced apart from each other along a first direction; a plurality of second electrodes spaced apart from each other along a second direction intersecting the first direction; a plurality of third electrodes superimposed on the plurality of second electrodes; and a plurality of fourth electrodes superimposed on the plurality of first electrodes. The plurality of second electrodes includes a second-1 electrode and a second-2 electrode spaced apart from the second-1 electrode in the second direction. The plurality of third electrodes includes a third-1 electrode superimposed on the second-1 electrode and a third-2 electrode superimposed on the second-2 electrode. The third-1 electrode includes a plurality of first segmented electrodes superimposed on the second-1 electrode, and the third-2 electrode includes a plurality of second segmented electrodes superimposed on the second-2 electrode. The area of ​​each of the plurality of first segmented electrodes that overlaps with the 2-1 electrode is smaller than the area of ​​each of the plurality of second segmented electrodes that overlaps with the 2-2 electrode.

[0021] In an embodiment, the number of multiple first segmented electrodes may be greater than or equal to the number of multiple second segmented electrodes.

[0022] In an embodiment, the second-1 electrode may have a mesh structure with a first linewidth; the second-2 electrode may have a mesh structure with a second linewidth; the third-1 electrode may have a mesh structure with a third linewidth; and the third-2 electrode may have a mesh structure with a fourth linewidth. The first and second linewidths may be the same, and the fourth linewidth may be greater than the third linewidth; or the third and fourth linewidths may be the same, and the second linewidth may be greater than the first linewidth; or the second linewidth may be greater than the first linewidth, and the fourth linewidth may be greater than the third linewidth.

[0023] In one embodiment, the first opening may be in the second-1st electrode; and the second opening having a smaller size than the first opening may be in the second-2nd electrode.

[0024] In an embodiment, the width of each of the plurality of first segmented electrodes in the second direction may be smaller than the width of each of the plurality of second segmented electrodes in the second direction.

[0025] However, this disclosure is not limited to the foregoing aspects and features, and the foregoing and additional aspects and features will be set forth in part in the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, and will be apparent in part from thereto, or may be learned by practicing one or more of the embodiments presented in this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The above and other aspects and features of this disclosure will become clearer from the following detailed description of illustrative, non-limiting embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 This is a block diagram of an electronic device according to embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 2A This is a perspective view of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 2B This is a rear perspective view of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 3 This is a perspective view of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 4 This is a perspective view of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 5 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating the operation of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 7A This is a cross-sectional view of a display panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 7B This is a cross-sectional view showing a partial construction of the sensor layer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 8 This is a plan view of the sensor layer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 9A This is a plan view showing the first conductive layer of a sensing unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 9B This is a plan view showing the second conductive layer of a sensing unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 10 yes Figure 9B An enlarged plan view of region AA' shown in the diagram; Figure 11 This is a plan view illustrating a sensing unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 12A This is a plan view showing two sensing units according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 12B This is a plan view showing two sensing units according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 13A yes Figure 12A An enlarged plan view of region BB' shown in the diagram; Figure 13B yes Figure 12A An enlarged plan view of region BB' shown in the diagram; Figure 13C yes Figure 12A An enlarged plan view of region BB' shown in the diagram; Figure 13D yes Figure 12A An enlarged plan view of region BB' shown in the diagram; Figure 14A yes Figure 12A An enlarged plan view of region BB' shown in the diagram; Figure 14B yes Figure 12A An enlarged plan view of region BB' shown in the diagram; Figure 15A This is a cross-sectional view of the sensor layer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 15B This is a cross-sectional view of the sensor layer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 15C This is a cross-sectional view of the sensor layer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 16 This is a plan view showing two sensing units according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 17 This is a diagram illustrating the operation of a sensor driver according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 18 This is a diagram illustrating the operation of a sensor driver according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 19 A first mode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown; Figure 20 A second mode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown; Figure 21A It is a graph showing the waveform of a first signal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 21B This is a graph showing the waveform of the second signal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 22A A second mode according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown; and Figure 22B A second mode based on a sensing unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0027] In the following description, embodiments will be illustrated in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals consistently denote the same elements. However, this disclosure may be embodied in a variety of different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments shown herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided as examples so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and these embodiments will fully convey to those skilled in the art the aspects and features of this disclosure. Therefore, processes, elements, and techniques that are unnecessary for those skilled in the art to fully understand the aspects and features of this disclosure are omitted. Unless otherwise stated, the same reference numerals denote the same elements throughout the drawings and written description, and therefore redundant descriptions are not repeated.

[0028] When an embodiment can be implemented differently, the specific process sequence may differ from the described sequence. For example, two consecutively described processes may be performed simultaneously or substantially simultaneously, or they may be performed in the reverse order of the described sequence.

[0029] Furthermore, as those skilled in the art will understand, in view of the whole of this disclosure, each suitable feature of the various embodiments of this disclosure may be combined in part or in whole or with each other, and may be technically interlocked and operated in a variety of suitable ways, and unless otherwise stated or implied, each embodiment may be implemented independently or in combination with each other in any suitable manner.

[0030] In the accompanying drawings, for clarity, the relative dimensions, thicknesses, and proportions of elements, layers, and regions may be exaggerated and / or simplified. For ease of interpretation, spatial relative terms such as “below,” “under,” “lower,” “below,” “above,” “upper,” etc., are used herein to describe the relationship of one element or feature as shown in the drawings to another element or feature (or other elements or features). It will be understood that, in addition to the orientations depicted in the drawings, the spatial relative terms are intended to cover different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the drawings is flipped, an element described as “below” or “under” or “below” other elements or features will subsequently be oriented “above” said other elements or features. Thus, the example terms “below” and “below” can cover both above and below orientations. The device may be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptions used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0031] Furthermore, it should be anticipated that the shapes shown in the accompanying drawings may vary in practice depending on, for example, tolerances and / or manufacturing techniques. Therefore, the embodiments of this disclosure should not be construed as limited to the specific shapes shown in the drawings, but should be interpreted in light of possible changes in shape, for example, due to manufacturing processes. Thus, the shapes shown in the drawings may not depict the actual shape of an area of ​​the device, and this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0032] In the accompanying drawings, the DR1, DR2, and DR3 axes are not limited to the three axes of a Cartesian coordinate system and can be interpreted in a broader sense. For example, the DR1, DR2, and DR3 axes can be perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to each other, or they can represent different directions that are not perpendicular to each other.

[0033] It will be understood that although the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or portion from another element, component, region, layer, or portion. Therefore, without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure, the first element, component, region, layer, or portion described below may be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer, or portion.

[0034] It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "connected to," or "bonded to" another element or layer, the element or layer may be directly on, directly connected to, or directly bonded to the other element or layer, or there may be one or more intermediary elements or layers. Similarly, when a layer, region, or element is referred to as being "electrically connected" to another layer, region, or element, the layer, region, or element may be directly electrically connected to the other layer, region, or element, and / or may be indirectly electrically connected to the other layer, region, or element with one or more intermediary layers, regions, or elements therein. Furthermore, it will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "between" two elements or layers, the element or layer may be the only element or layer between the two elements or layers, or there may be one or more intermediary elements or layers.

[0035] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and is not intended to limit this disclosure. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a” and “an” are also intended to include the plural forms. It will also be understood that when the terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and variations thereof are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of the stated features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. For example, the expression “A and / or B” means A, B, or A and B. When expressions such as “at least one of…” follow a list of elements, the entire list of elements is modified, not individual elements in the list. For example, the expressions “at least one of a, b and c” and “at least one of the group consisting of a, b and c” mean only a, only b, only c, both a and b, both a and c, both b and c, all of a, b and c, or variations thereof.

[0036] As used herein, the terms “basically,” “about,” and similar terms are used as approximate terms rather than terms of degree and are intended to account for inherent variations in measured or calculated values ​​that will be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art. Furthermore, when describing embodiments of this disclosure, the use of “may” refers to “one or more embodiments of this disclosure.” As used herein, the term “use” and variations thereof may be considered synonymous with the term “utilize” and variations thereof, respectively.

[0037] Electronic or electrical devices and / or any other related devices or components (e.g., various modules and / or units, etc.) according to embodiments of the present disclosure described herein can be implemented using any suitable hardware, firmware (e.g., application-specific integrated circuits), software, or a combination of software, firmware, and hardware. For example, various components of such devices can be formed on an integrated circuit (IC) chip or a separate IC chip. Furthermore, various components of such devices can be implemented on flexible printed circuit films, tape-on-a-package (TCP), printed circuit boards (PCBs), or formed on a substrate. Additionally, various components of such devices can be processes or threads running on one or more processors in one or more computing devices, executing computer program instructions and interacting with other system components to perform the various functions described herein. The computer program instructions are stored in memory, which can be implemented in the computing device using standard memory devices such as random access memory (RAM, for example). The computer program instructions can also be stored in other non-transitory computer-readable media such as CD-ROMs, flash drives, etc. Furthermore, those skilled in the art should recognize that, without departing from the spirit and scope of the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, the functions of various computing devices may be combined or integrated into a single computing device, or the functions of a particular computing device may be distributed across one or more other computing devices.

[0038] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. It will also be understood that terms (such as those defined in common dictionaries) shall be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant field and / or in this specification, and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly defined herein.

[0039] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of an electronic device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Reference Figure 1 An electronic device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a display module (e.g., a display or a touch display) 11, a processor 12, a memory 13, and a power module (e.g., a power supply) 14.

[0041] Display module 11 can display images. Images may include moving images and still images. Processor 12 may include at least one of a central processing unit (CPU), application processor (AP), graphics processing unit (GPU), communication processor (CP), image signal processor (ISP), and controller. Processor 12 can control the operation of display module 11.

[0042] The memory 13 can store data information for the operation of the processor 12 or the display module 11. When the processor 12 executes the application stored in the memory 13, image data signals and / or input control signals are transmitted to the display module 11, and the display module 11 can process the received signals and output image information through the display screen.

[0043] The power module 14 may include a power module such as a power adapter or battery device, and a power conversion module that converts the power supplied by the power module to generate power for the operation of the electronic device 1000.

[0044] Figure 2A This is a perspective view of an electronic device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2B This is a rear perspective view of an electronic device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Reference Figure 2A and Figure 2B The electronic device 1000 can be activated based on an electrical signal. For example, the electronic device 1000 can display an image and sense input applied from an external source. The external input can be user input. User input can include various suitable forms of external input (such as a part of the user's body, a pen, light, heat, or pressure).

[0046] 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. The first display panel DP1 may be referred to as the main display panel, and the second display panel DP2 may be referred to as the auxiliary display panel or the external display panel.

[0047] The first display panel DP1 may include a first display portion DA1-F, and the second display panel DP2 may include a second display portion DA2-F. The area of ​​the second display panel DP2 may be smaller than the area of ​​the first display panel DP1. Depending on the dimensions of the first display panel DP1 and the second display panel DP2, the area of ​​the first display portion DA1-F may be larger than the area of ​​the second display portion DA2-F.

[0048] When the electronic device 1000 is unfolded, the first display portion DA1-F may have a plane parallel or substantially parallel to the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. The thickness direction of the electronic device 1000 may be parallel or substantially parallel to a third direction DR3 intersecting the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. Therefore, the front surface (e.g., the upper surface) and the rear surface (e.g., the lower surface) of the components constituting the electronic device 1000 may be defined based on the third direction DR3.

[0049] The first display panel DP1 or the first display portion DA1-F may include a foldable and unfoldable foldable region FA and multiple non-foldable regions NFA1 and NFA2, wherein the multiple non-foldable regions NFA1 and NFA2 are spaced apart from each other and the foldable region FA is positioned between the non-foldable regions NFA1 and NFA2. The second display panel DP2 may be stacked with any one of the multiple non-foldable regions NFA1 and NFA2. For example, the second display panel DP2 may be stacked with the first non-foldable region NFA1.

[0050] The display orientation of the first image IM1a displayed on the first display panel DP1 and the display orientation of the second image IM2a displayed on the second display panel DP2 can be opposite to each other. For example, the first image IM1a can be displayed on a third direction DR3, and the second image IM2a can be displayed on a fourth direction DR4, which is opposite to the third direction DR3.

[0051] In embodiments of this disclosure, the folding region FA can be bent based on a folding axis extending parallel or substantially parallel to the long side of the electronic device 1000 (e.g., a direction parallel or substantially parallel to the second direction DR2). When the electronic device 1000 is folded, the folding region FA has a suitable curvature (e.g., a predetermined curvature) and a suitable radius of curvature (e.g., a predetermined radius of curvature). The first non-folding region NFA1 and the second non-folding region NFA2 can face each other, and the electronic device 1000 can be folded inward so that the first display portion DA1-F is not exposed to the outside.

[0052] In embodiments of this disclosure, the electronic device 1000 can be folded outwards, exposing the first display portion DA1-F to the outside. In embodiments of this disclosure, the electronic device 1000 can be folded both inwards and outwards in its unfolded state, but this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0053] Figure 2A A folding region FA is defined (e.g., provided or included) in the electronic device 1000, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, multiple folding axes and corresponding multiple folding regions may be defined in the electronic device 1000, and in the unfolded state, the electronic device 1000 may be folded inward and / or outward in each of the multiple folding regions.

[0054] According to embodiments of this disclosure, even if at least one of the first display panel DP1 and the second display panel DP2 does not include a digital converter, the at least one of the first display panel DP1 and the second display panel DP2 can still sense the input of the pen PN. Therefore, since the digital converter for sensing the pen PN can be omitted, the increase in thickness and weight of the electronic device 1000 and the reduction in its flexibility due to the addition of a digital converter can be avoided. Therefore, not only the first display panel DP1 but also the second display panel DP2 can be designed to sense the pen PN.

[0055] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of an electronic device 1000-1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 This is a perspective view of an electronic device 1000-2 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0056] Figure 3 The electronic device 1000-1 is shown to be a bar-kind mobile phone, and the electronic device 1000-1 may include a display panel (DP). Figure 4 The electronic device 1000-2 shown is a laptop computer, and the electronic device 1000-2 may include a display panel DP. Figure 4 It is a perspective view of electronic device 1000-2, but includes... Figure 4 The coordinate axes are indicated based on the display panel DP in the electronic device 1000-2.

[0057] In embodiments of this disclosure, the display panel DP can sense input applied from the outside (e.g., external input). External input can be user input. User input can include various suitable forms of external input (such as a part of the user's body, a pen PN (e.g., see...)). Figure 2A (light, heat, or pressure).

[0058] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the display panel DP can sense the input of the pen PN even if it does not include a digital converter. Therefore, since the digital converter for sensing the pen PN can be omitted, the increase in thickness and weight of the electronic device 1000-1 or 1000-2 due to the addition of a digital converter can be avoided.

[0059] Figure 2A A foldable electronic device 1000 is shown, and Figure 3 A candybar-type electronic device 1000-1 is shown, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, embodiments described in more detail below can be applied to various suitable types of electronic devices (such as rollable electronic devices, sliding electronic devices, and retractable electronic devices).

[0060] Figure 5 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display panel DP according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0061] Reference Figure 5 The display panel DP may include a display layer 100 and a sensor layer 200. Upper functional components may be further disposed on the sensor layer 200. For example, the upper functional components may include at least one of an anti-reflective layer, a window, and a protective film.

[0062] Display layer 100 can be a component that generates or substantially generates an image. A display area 100A and a non-display area 100NA adjacent to the display area 100A can be defined within display layer 100A. An image can be displayed in display area 100A.

[0063] Display layer 100 may be a light-emitting display layer, for example, it 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. Display layer 100 may include a substrate layer 110, a circuit layer 120, a light-emitting element layer 130, and an encapsulation layer 140.

[0064] The substrate layer 110 may be a component providing a substrate surface on which the circuit layer 120 is disposed. The substrate layer 110 may have a multilayer structure or a single-layer structure. The substrate layer 110 may be a glass substrate, a metal substrate, a silicon substrate, or a polymer substrate, etc., but this disclosure is not particularly limited thereto.

[0065] The circuit layer 120 may be disposed on the substrate layer 110. The circuit layer 120 may include insulating layers, semiconductor patterns, conductive patterns, and signal lines, etc. The insulating layer, semiconductor layer, and conductive layer may be formed on the substrate layer 110 by coating or deposition, and the insulating layer, semiconductor layer, and conductive layer may be selectively patterned by multiple photolithography processes.

[0066] 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 organic light-emitting materials, inorganic light-emitting materials, organic-inorganic light-emitting materials, quantum dots, quantum rods, micro LEDs, or nano LEDs.

[0067] An encapsulation layer 140 may be disposed on the light-emitting element layer 130. The encapsulation layer 140 can protect the light-emitting element layer 130 from moisture, oxygen and foreign matter such as dust particles.

[0068] The sensor layer 200 can be disposed on the display layer 100. A sensing area 200A and a peripheral area 200NA adjacent to the sensing area 200A can be defined in the sensor layer 200. The sensing area 200A can be superimposed on the display area 100A, and the peripheral area 200NA can be superimposed on the non-display area 100NA.

[0069] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the area of ​​the sensing area 200A may be greater than or equal to the area of ​​the display area 100A. Figure 5 The area of ​​the sensing area 200A and the area of ​​the display area 100A are shown to be the same or substantially the same, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, a portion of the sensing area 200A may be superimposed on the non-display area 100NA, and the area of ​​the sensing area 200A may be larger than the area of ​​the display area 100A. In this case, even if the input occurs at a position adjacent to the boundary between the display area 100A and the non-display area 100NA, the signal can be sufficiently recognized because a portion of the sensing area 200A is superimposed on the non-display area 100NA. Therefore, the coordinate accuracy of touch input at the outer boundary of the display area 100A can be further improved.

[0070] Sensor layer 200 can sense external input applied from the outside. Sensor layer 200 can be an integrated sensor formed continuously during the manufacturing process of display layer 100, or sensor layer 200 can be an external sensor attached to display layer 100. Sensor layer 200 can be referred to as a sensor, input sensing layer, input sensing panel, or electronics for sensing input coordinates.

[0071] According to embodiments of this disclosure, sensor layer 200 can sense both input from a passive input device (such as a user's body) and input from an input device that generates a magnetic field at a suitable resonant frequency (e.g., a predetermined resonant frequency). The input device may be referred to as a pen, input pen, magnetic pen, stylus, or electromagnetic resonant pen.

[0072] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating the operation of an electronic device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0073] Reference Figure 6 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 circuit 1000P.

[0074] Sensor layer 200 can 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 can be an input of an input device capable of providing capacitance changes to sensor layer 200, or an input of an input device capable of inducing a current in sensor layer 200. For example, the first input 2000 can be an input via a passive input device (such as a user's body). The second input 3000 can be an input of a pen PN or an RFIC tag. For example, the pen PN can be a passive pen or an active pen.

[0075] In embodiments of this disclosure, the pen PN can be a device that generates a magnetic field at a suitable resonant frequency (e.g., a predetermined resonant frequency). The pen PN can transmit output signals based on an electromagnetic resonance method. The pen PN can be referred to as an input device, an input pen, a magnetic pen, a stylus, or an electromagnetic resonant pen.

[0076] The PN can include an RLC resonant circuit, and the RLC resonant circuit can include an inductor L and a capacitor C. In embodiments of this disclosure, the RLC resonant circuit can be a variable resonant circuit that changes the resonant frequency. In this case, the inductor L can be a variable inductor and / or the capacitor C can be a variable capacitor, but this disclosure is not particularly limited thereto.

[0077] Inductor L generates current by forming a magnetic field in electronic device 1000 (e.g., in sensor layer 200). However, this disclosure is not particularly limited to this. For example, when pen PN operates as an active device, pen PN can generate current even without an externally supplied magnetic field. The generated current is transferred to capacitor C. Capacitor C is charged by the current input from inductor L and discharges the stored current to inductor L. Thereafter, inductor L can emit a magnetic field at a resonant frequency. The induced current can flow in sensor layer 200 via the magnetic field released through pen PN, and the induced current can be transmitted to sensor driver 200C as a received signal (e.g., a sensing signal or signal).

[0078] The main driver 1000C can control the overall operation of the electronic device 1000. For example, the main driver 1000C can control the operation of the display driver 100C and the sensor driver 200C. In other words, the main driver 1000C can control the operation of the display layer 100 and the sensor layer 200. The main driver 1000C may include at least one microprocessor and may also include a graphics controller. The main driver 1000C may be referred to as an application processor, a central processing unit, or a main processor. The main driver 1000C may correspond to the above reference. Figure 1 The processor 12 is described.

[0079] Display driver 100C can drive display layer 100. Display driver 100C can receive image data and control signals from main driver 1000C. Control signals can include various suitable signals. For example, control signals can include input vertical synchronization signals, input horizontal synchronization signals, master clock signals and / or data enable signals, etc.

[0080] Sensor driver 200C can drive sensor layer 200. Sensor driver 200C can receive control signals from main driver 1000C. The control signals may include a clock signal of sensor driver 200C. In addition, the control signals may also include a mode determination signal that determines the driving mode of sensor driver 200C and sensor layer 200.

[0081] 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, as an integrated circuit (IC), can be electrically connected to the sensor layer 200 by being directly mounted on a region (e.g., a predetermined region) of the display panel, or the sensor driver 200C can be electrically connected to the sensor layer 200 by being mounted on a separate printed circuit board using a chip-on-film (COF) method.

[0082] The sensor driver 200C and the sensor layer 200 can selectively operate in either a first mode or a second mode. For example, the first mode can be a mode for sensing touch input (such as a first input 2000). The second mode can be a mode for sensing pen PN input (such as a 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.

[0083] The transition between the first mode and the second mode can be performed in various suitable ways. For example, the sensor driver 200C and the sensor layer 200 can be time-division driven in both the first and second modes, and can sense the first input 2000 and the second input 3000. As another example, the transition between the first and second modes can occur due to user selection or a specific action, or through activation or deactivation of a specific application; either the first mode or the second mode can be activated, deactivated, or switched to another mode. As yet another example, when the sensor driver 200C and the sensor layer 200 operate alternately in the first and second modes, the first mode can be maintained when the first input 2000 is sensed, or the second mode can be maintained when the second input 3000 is sensed.

[0084] The sensor driver 200C can calculate the input coordinate information 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 to display a new application image on the display layer 100.

[0085] The power circuit 1000P may include a power management integrated circuit (PMIC). The power circuit 1000P may generate multiple driving voltages for driving the display layer 100, the sensor layer 200, the display driver 100C, and the sensor driver 200C. For example, the multiple driving voltages may include a gate high voltage, a gate low voltage, a first driving voltage, a second driving voltage, and / or an initialization voltage, etc., but this disclosure is not specifically limited to the examples above.

[0086] Figure 7A This is a cross-sectional view of a display panel DP according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0087] Reference Figure 7A At least one buffer layer BFL may be formed on the upper surface of the substrate layer 110. The buffer layer BFL can improve the bonding strength between the substrate layer 110 and the semiconductor pattern. The buffer layer BFL may be formed from multiple layers. As another example, the display layer 100 may also include a barrier layer. The buffer layer BFL may include at least one of silicon oxide, silicon nitride, and silicon oxynitride. For example, the buffer layer BFL may include a structure in which silicon oxide layers and silicon nitride layers are alternately stacked.

[0088] Semiconductor patterns SC, AL, DR, and SCL can be disposed on the buffer layer BFL. The semiconductor patterns SC, AL, DR, and SCL can comprise polycrystalline silicon. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the semiconductor patterns SC, AL, DR, and SCL can comprise amorphous silicon, low-temperature polycrystalline silicon, or oxide semiconductors.

[0089] Figure 7AOnly some semiconductor patterns SC, AL, DR, and SCL are shown, and additional semiconductor patterns can be set in other areas. Semiconductor patterns SC, AL, DR, and SCL can be arranged across (multiple) pixels according to specific rules. Semiconductor patterns SC, AL, DR, and SCL can have different electrical properties depending on whether they are doped. Semiconductor patterns SC, AL, DR, and SCL can include a first region SC, DR, and SCL with higher conductivity and a second region AL with lower conductivity. The first region SC, DR, and SCL can be doped with N-type or P-type dopant. A P-type transistor can include a doped region doped with P-type dopant, and an N-type transistor can include a doped region doped with N-type dopant. The second region AL can be an undoped region or a region doped at a lower concentration than the first regions SC, DR, and SCL.

[0090] The conductivity of the first regions SC, DR, and SCL can be greater than that of the second region AL, and the first regions SC, DR, and SCL can be used or substantially used as electrodes or signal lines. The second region AL can correspond to or substantially correspond to the active region AL (e.g., channel) of transistor 100PC. In other words, a portion of AL in the semiconductor patterns SC, AL, DR, and SCL can be the active region AL of transistor 100PC, another portion of SC and DR in the semiconductor patterns SC, AL, DR, and SCL can be the source region SC or drain region DR of transistor 100PC, and yet another portion of SCL in the semiconductor patterns SC, AL, DR, and SCL can be a connecting electrode or a connecting signal line SCL.

[0091] Each pixel may have an equivalent circuit including multiple transistors, at least one capacitor and at least one light-emitting element, but the equivalent circuit diagram of a pixel may be modified in various suitable forms. Figure 7A The image shows a transistor 100PC and a light-emitting element 100PE included in a pixel.

[0092] The source region SC, active region AL, and drain region DR of transistor 100PC can be formed by semiconductor patterns SC, AL, DR, and SCL. The source region SC and drain region DR can extend from the active region AL in opposite directions in the cross-section. Figure 7A A portion of the connection signal line SCL, formed by semiconductor patterns SC, AL, DR, and SCL, is shown. In another view, the connection signal line SCL may be connected in a plane (e.g., in a planar view) to the drain region DR of transistor 100PC.

[0093] The first insulating layer 10 may be disposed on the buffer layer BFL. The first insulating layer 10 may be stacked in common with multiple pixels and may cover semiconductor patterns SC, AL, DR, and SCL. The first insulating layer 10 may be an inorganic layer and / or an organic layer, and may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure. The first insulating layer 10 may include at least one of aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, zirconium oxide, and hafnium oxide. In this embodiment, the first insulating layer 10 may be a single layer of silicon oxide. Not only the first insulating layer 10, but also the insulating layers of the circuit layer 120, which will be described in more detail below, other than the first insulating layer 10, may also be inorganic layers and / or organic layers, and may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure. Inorganic layers may include at least one of the above materials, but this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0094] The gate GT of transistor 100PC is disposed on the first insulating layer 10. The gate GT may be part of a metal pattern. The gate GT is stacked with the active region AL. In the process of doping or reducing the semiconductor patterns SC, AL, DR and SCL, the gate GT may be used as a mask.

[0095] The second insulating layer 20 may be disposed on the first insulating layer 10 and may cover the gate GT. The second insulating layer 20 may be stacked in common with the pixel. The second insulating layer 20 may be an inorganic layer and / or an organic layer, and may have a single-layer structure or a multilayer structure. The second insulating layer 20 may include at least one of silicon oxide, silicon nitride, and silicon oxynitride. In this embodiment, the second insulating layer 20 may have a multilayer structure including a silicon oxide layer and a silicon nitride layer.

[0096] 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.

[0097] The first connection electrode CNE1 can be disposed on the third insulating layer 30. The first connection electrode CNE1 can be connected to the connection signal line SCL through a contact hole CNT-1 that passes through (e.g., penetrates) the first insulating layer 10, the second insulating layer 20 and the third insulating layer 30.

[0098] The fourth insulating layer 40 may be disposed on the third insulating layer 30. The fourth insulating layer 40 may be a single layer of silicon oxide. The fifth insulating layer 50 may be disposed on the fourth insulating layer 40. The fifth insulating layer 50 may be an organic layer.

[0099] The second connecting electrode CNE2 can be disposed on the fifth insulating layer 50. The second connecting electrode CNE2 can be connected to the first connecting electrode CNE1 through a contact hole CNT-2 that passes through (e.g., penetrates) the fourth insulating layer 40 and the fifth insulating layer 50.

[0100] The sixth insulating layer 60 can be disposed on the fifth insulating layer 50 and can cover the second connecting electrode CNE2. The sixth insulating layer 60 can be an organic layer.

[0101] 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 organic light-emitting materials, inorganic light-emitting materials, organic-inorganic light-emitting materials, quantum dots, quantum rods, micro LEDs, or nano LEDs. In the following, the light-emitting element 100PE will be described in more detail as an organic light-emitting element, but this disclosure is not particularly limited thereto.

[0102] The light-emitting element 100PE may include a first electrode AE, a light-emitting layer EL, and a second electrode CE. The light-emitting element 100PE may be disposed in the display area 100A (e.g., see...). Figure 5 In this context, the first electrode AE ​​can be referred to as the pixel electrode, and the second electrode CE can be referred to as the common electrode.

[0103] The first electrode AE ​​can be disposed on the sixth insulating layer 60. The first electrode AE ​​can be connected to the second connecting electrode CNE2 through a contact hole CNT-3 passing through (e.g., penetrating) the sixth insulating layer 60.

[0104] A pixel defining film 70 may be disposed on a sixth insulating layer 60 and may cover a portion of the first electrode AE. An opening 70-OP is defined in the pixel defining film 70. The opening 70-OP of the pixel defining film 70 exposes at least a portion of the first electrode AE.

[0105] Display area 100A (for example, see...) Figure 5 The electrode AE ​​may include a light-emitting region PXA and a non-light-emitting region NPXA adjacent to the light-emitting region PXA. The non-light-emitting region NPXA may surround the light-emitting region PXA (e.g., around the periphery of the light-emitting region PXA). In this embodiment, the light-emitting region PXA is defined to correspond to the portion of the first electrode AE ​​exposed by the opening 70-OP.

[0106] The light-emitting layer EL can be disposed on the first electrode AE. The light-emitting layer EL can be disposed in the region corresponding to the opening 70-OP. Figure 7AThe luminescent layer EL is shown disposed in the opening 70-OP, but this disclosure is not particularly limited thereto. For example, the luminescent layer EL may extend to cover a portion of the upper surface and side surface of the defining opening 70-OP of the pixel defining film 70.

[0107] In embodiments of this disclosure, the light-emitting layer (EL) can be individually included in each pixel. When the EL is individually formed in each pixel, each of the ELs can emit light of at least one color selected from blue, red, and green. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the ELs can have a monolithic shape to be commonly included in multiple pixels. In this case, the ELs can provide blue light or white light.

[0108] The second electrode CE can be disposed on the light-emitting layer EL. The second electrode CE can have a monolithic shape and can be commonly included in multiple pixels.

[0109] In embodiments of this disclosure, a hole control layer may be disposed between the first electrode AE ​​and the light-emitting layer EL. The hole control layer may be commonly disposed in the light-emitting region PXA and the non-light-emitting region NPXA. The hole control layer may include a hole transport layer, and may also include a hole injection layer as needed or desired. An electron control layer may be disposed between the light-emitting layer EL and the second electrode CE. The electron control layer may include an electron transport layer, and may also include an electron injection layer as needed or desired. The hole control layer and the electron control layer may be commonly formed in multiple pixels using an aperture mask or an inkjet process.

[0110] An encapsulation layer 140 may be disposed on the light-emitting element layer 130. The encapsulation layer 140 may include sequentially stacked inorganic layers, organic layers, and inorganic layers, but the layers constituting the encapsulation layer 140 are not limited to these. 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 matter 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, or an aluminum oxide layer, etc. The organic layer may include an acrylic organic layer, but this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0111] The sensor layer 200 may include a substrate insulating layer 201, a first conductive layer 202, an intermediate insulating layer 203, a second conductive layer 204, and a cover insulating layer 205.

[0112] The substrate insulating layer 201 may be an inorganic layer comprising at least one of silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, and silicon oxide. As another example, the substrate insulating layer 201 may be an organic layer comprising an epoxy resin, an acrylic resin, or an imide resin. The substrate insulating layer 201 may have a monolayer structure or a multilayer structure in which the layers are stacked along a third direction DR3. In embodiments of this disclosure, the sensor layer 200 may not include the substrate insulating layer 201.

[0113] Each of the first conductive layer 202 and the second conductive layer 204 may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure in which the layers are stacked along the third direction DR3.

[0114] Each of the first conductive layer 202 and the second conductive layer 204, having a monolayer structure, may include a metal layer or a transparent conductive layer. The metal layer may include molybdenum, silver, titanium, copper, aluminum, or suitable alloys thereof. The transparent conductive layer may include a transparent conductive oxide (such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), or indium zinc tin oxide (IZTO)). Furthermore, the transparent conductive layer may include a conductive polymer (such as poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), metal nanowires, and / or graphene, etc.).

[0115] Each of the first conductive layer 202 and the second conductive layer 204, which have a multilayer structure, may include multiple metal layers. The metal layers may have, for example, a three-layer structure of titanium / aluminum / titanium. A conductive layer with a multilayer structure may include at least one metal layer and at least one transparent conductive layer.

[0116] In embodiments of this 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 included in the first conductive layer 202 (e.g., electrodes, patterns, or bridging patterns) can be reduced. Furthermore, because the first conductive layer 202 can be disposed below the second conductive layer 204, even if the thickness of the first conductive layer 202 increases, the probability of viewing components included in the first conductive layer 202 due to external light reflection may be lower than the probability of viewing components in the second conductive layer 204.

[0117] At least one of the intermediate insulating layer 203 and the cover 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.

[0118] At least one of the intermediate insulating layer 203 and the cover insulating layer 205 may include an organic film. The organic film may include at least one of acrylic resins, methacrylic resins, polyisoprene, vinyl resins, epoxy resins, urethane resins, cellulose resins, siloxane resins, polyimide resins, polyamide resins, and perylene resins.

[0119] As described above, the sensor layer 200 includes a first conductive layer 202 and a second conductive layer 204, or in other words, it includes a total of two conductive layers, but this disclosure is not particularly limited thereto. For example, the sensor layer 200 may include three or more conductive layers.

[0120] Figure 7B This illustrates a sensor layer 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure (e.g., see...). Figure 7A A sectional view of part of the structure.

[0121] Reference Figure 7A and Figure 7B The second width 204wt of the second grid line MS2 included in the second conductive layer 204 can 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 the side, the first grid line MS1 can have a first width 202wt smaller than the second width 204wt of the second grid line MS2, thus reducing the probability that the first grid line MS1 is seen by the user USR.

[0122] 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 disposed between the first metal layers M1. For example, the first metal layer M1 may include titanium (Ti), and the second metal layer M2 may include aluminum (Al). However, this disclosure is not particularly limited thereto.

[0123] In embodiments of this 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 the same as or substantially the same as each other, but this disclosure is not particularly limited thereto. For example, the first thickness TK1 may be greater than the second thickness TK2. As another example, the second thickness TK2 may be greater than the first thickness TK1. In embodiments of this disclosure, each of the first thickness TK1 and the second thickness TK2 may be about 1000 angstroms or greater (e.g., about 6000 angstroms for example).

[0124] Figure 8 This is a plan view of the sensor layer 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0125] Reference Figure 8A sensing region 200A and an adjacent peripheral region 200NA can be defined in the sensor layer 200.

[0126] The sensor layer 200 may include a plurality of first electrodes 210, a plurality of second electrodes 220, a plurality of third electrodes 230 and a plurality of fourth electrodes 240 disposed in the sensing area 200A.

[0127] Each of the first electrodes 210 may intersect with the second electrode 220. Each of the first electrodes 210 may extend along a second direction DR2, and the first electrodes 210 may be spaced apart from each other in a first direction DR1. Each of the second electrodes 220 may extend along the first direction DR1, and the second electrodes 220 may be spaced apart from each other in a second direction DR2.

[0128] The sensing area 200A of the sensor layer 200 may include a plurality of sensing units SU arranged along a first direction DR1 and a second direction DR2. Each of the sensing units SU may be the area where a corresponding first electrode 210 and a corresponding second electrode 220 intersect each other.

[0129] Figure 8 Six first electrodes 210 and twelve second electrodes 220 are shown, and seventy-two sensing units SU are shown, but the number of first electrodes 210 and the number of second electrodes 220 are not limited thereto.

[0130] Each of the third electrodes 230 may extend along a first direction DR1, and the third electrodes 230 may be spaced apart from each other in a second direction DR2. A third electrode 230 may be at least partially stacked with a second electrode 220. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the capacitance (e.g., coupling capacitance) between the second electrode 220 and the third electrode 230 can be controlled by adjusting the stacking area of ​​a second electrode 220 and a third electrode 230.

[0131] In embodiments of this disclosure, at least some of the third electrodes 230 may be connected in parallel with each other. For example, Figure 8 Two third electrodes 230 are shown connected in parallel to form a first electrode group 230pc, and six first electrode groups 230pc can be arranged along the second direction DR2. However, the number of third electrodes 230 forming a first electrode group 230pc is not limited thereto. For example, a first electrode group 230pc may include only one third electrode 230, or it may include three or more third electrodes 230.

[0132] As the number of third electrodes 230 included in and connected in parallel with each other increases, the resistance of the first electrode group 230pc decreases, thereby improving power efficiency and sensing sensitivity. On the other hand, as the number of third electrodes 230 included in the first electrode group 230pc decreases, the loop coil pattern formed by using the first electrode group 230pc can be realized in more diverse forms.

[0133] The fourth electrode 240 may be arranged along a first direction DR1 and may extend along a second direction DR2. A fourth electrode 240 may at least partially overlap with a first electrode 210. According to embodiments of this disclosure, the capacitance (e.g., coupling capacitance) between the first electrode 210 and the fourth electrode 240 can be controlled by adjusting the overlap area of ​​the first electrode 210 and the fourth electrode 240.

[0134] In embodiments of this disclosure, at least some of the fourth electrodes 240 may be electrically connected to each other to form a second electrode group 240pc. For example, Figure 8 Three fourth electrodes 240 are shown connected to the same trace (e.g., connected to an auxiliary trace 240t) to form a second electrode group 240pc. Therefore, Figure 8 Two second electrode groups 240pcs are shown arranged along the first direction DR1. However, the number of fourth electrodes 240 forming one second electrode group 240pc is not limited to this. For example, the number of fourth electrodes 240 forming one second electrode group 240pc can be six, and in this case, the sensor layer 200 can include only one second electrode group 240pc.

[0135] The sensor layer 200 may also include multiple first traces 210t and multiple second traces 220t disposed in the peripheral region 200NA. The first traces 210t may be electrically connected to each of the first electrodes 210 in a one-to-one correspondence. The second traces 220t may be electrically connected to each of the second electrodes 220 in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0136] The sensor layer 200 may also include a first annular track 230rt1, an auxiliary track 240t, and a second annular track 230rt2 disposed in the peripheral region 200NA. The first annular track 230rt1 may be referred to as an annular track, the second annular track 230rt2 may be referred to as a third track, and the auxiliary track 240t may be referred to as a fourth track.

[0137] In embodiments of this disclosure, the first annular trace 230rt1 may be electrically connected to the third electrode 230. In other words, the first annular trace 230rt1 may be electrically connected to all of the third electrode 230. The third electrode 230 may be referred to as the charging electrode.

[0138] The first annular trace 230rt1 may include a first line portion 231t extending along the second direction DR2 and electrically connected to the third electrode 230, a second line portion 232t extending from the first end of the first line portion 231t along the first direction DR1, and a third line portion 233t extending from the second end of the first line portion 231t along the first direction DR1.

[0139] Each of the second wire portion 232t and the third wire portion 233t can extend in the same direction as the extension direction of the third electrode 230 (e.g., extending in the first direction DR1). Each of the second wire portion 232t and the third wire portion 233t can serve as the first electrode group 230pc and can achieve the same effect as having the third electrode 230 also disposed in the peripheral region 200NA. For example, either the second wire portion 232t and the third wire portion 233t or any of the third electrode 230 can form a coil. Therefore, the pen located in the region adjacent to the peripheral region 200NA can also be fully charged by a coil including the second wire portion 232t or the third wire portion 233t.

[0140] In embodiments of this disclosure, to control the resistance of the second wire portion 232t and the third wire portion 233t, the position and width of each of the second wire portion 232t and the third wire portion 233t can be adjusted. In this case, the pen can also be fully charged through a current path including the second wire portion 232t or the third wire portion 233t. As a result, the electronic device 1000 can be improved (e.g., see...). Figure 2A This improves the pen's charging performance. In other words, because the pen's charging rate is improved, the signal-to-noise ratio of the signal supplied from the pen can be increased. Therefore, the linearity and accuracy of pen input can be improved.

[0141] The second annular traces 230rt2 can be connected one-to-one with the first electrode group 230pc. In other words, the number of second annular traces 230rt2 can correspond to the number of first electrode groups 230pc. Figure 8 Six second annular traces 230rt2 and six first electrode groups 230pc are shown.

[0142] The auxiliary traces 240t can be spaced apart from each other, and the sensing area 200A is placed between the auxiliary traces 240t. The auxiliary traces 240t can be electrically connected to the second electrode group 240pc one-to-one. Figure 8Two second electrode groups 240pc are shown arranged. An auxiliary trace 240t connected to one second electrode group 240pc and an auxiliary trace 240t connected to the other second electrode group 240pc can be spaced apart from each other, and a sensing region 200A is positioned between the auxiliary traces 240t. However, this disclosure is not particularly limited thereto. The auxiliary trace 240t may also be referred to as a trace.

[0143] The sensor layer 200 may also include a plurality of pads (also referred to as solder pads or solder pads) PDs, which are electrically connected one-to-one to one end of the first trace 210t, the second trace 220t, the first annular trace 230rt1 and the other end (e.g., opposite ends), the second annular trace 230rt2 and the auxiliary trace 240t. The pads PDs may be spaced apart from each other in the second direction DR2. Figure 8 The pad PDs are shown arranged in a row, but this disclosure is not particularly limited thereto. For example, the pad PDs may be arranged in multiple rows. In addition, the display driver 100C is located on the side of the sensor layer 200 where the pad PDs are disposed.

[0144] Figure 9A This illustrates a sensing unit SU according to an embodiment of the present disclosure (e.g., see...). Figure 8 A plan view of the first conductive layer SU202. Figure 9B This illustrates a sensing unit SU according to an embodiment of the present disclosure (e.g., see...). Figure 8 A plan view of the second conductive layer SU204. Figure 10 yes Figure 9B The enlarged plan view of region AA' shown.

[0145] exist Figure 9A and Figure 9B The shape of the grid structure is not shown, and the boundaries of each component are simply indicated by lines. In other words, Figure 9A and Figure 9B The lines shown can be interpreted as corresponding to Figure 10 The diagram shows lines where the mesh structure has been removed, and lines CLa and CLb are in... Figure 10 The middle line is shown as a dashed line.

[0146] Provided as an example Figure 9A , Figure 9B and Figure 10 The shape and grid structure of the sensing unit SU shown are not limited thereto. The shape and grid structure of the sensing unit SU can be modified in various suitable ways as needed or desired.

[0147] Reference Figure 9A and Figure 9BThe first electrode 210 may include a plurality of first segmented electrodes 210-dp spaced apart from each other in a first direction DR1. Each of the first segmented electrodes 210-dp may extend in a second direction DR2, and the first segmented electrodes 210-dp may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction DR1. The first segmented electrodes 210-dp may be included in a second conductive layer SU204. Three first segmented electrodes 210-dp included in one first electrode 210 may be connected to a first trace 210t (e.g., see...). Figure 8 ).

[0148] The second electrode 220 may include a plurality of first patterns 221 and a plurality of first bridging patterns 222 electrically connected to the first patterns 221. The first patterns 221 spaced apart from each other in the first direction DR1 may be electrically connected to each other through the first bridging patterns 222. The first patterns 221 may be included in the second conductive layer SU204, and the first bridging patterns 222 may be included in the first conductive layer SU202.

[0149] Two first patterns 221 adjacent to each other in the first direction DR1 of a second electrode 220 can be electrically connected to each other by six first bridging patterns 222. An increase in the number of first bridging patterns 222 arranged in the second direction DR2, which intersects the first direction DR1 (as the extension direction of the second electrode 220), corresponds to an increase in the number of signal paths. Therefore, as the number of signal paths increases, the resistance of the second electrode 220 can decrease. As a result, the sensing sensitivity of the sensor layer 200 can be improved.

[0150] The third electrode 230 may include a plurality of second segmented electrodes 230-dp spaced apart from each other in the second direction DR2. Each of the second segmented electrodes 230-dp may extend along the first direction DR1. The second segmented electrodes 230-dp may be spaced apart from each other in the second direction DR2. When viewed in a third direction DR3 (e.g., in a plan view), the second segmented electrodes 230-dp may at least partially overlap with the first pattern 221.

[0151] Refer to together Figure 8 and Figure 9A A second annular trace 230rt2 is electrically connected to a first electrode group 230pc. A first electrode group 230pc may include two third electrodes 230. In this case, the second annular trace 230rt2 may be electrically connected to six second segmented electrodes 230-dp. This reduces the extent to which the number of pads in the sensor layer 200 increases.

[0152] The fourth electrode 240 may include a plurality of third segmented electrodes 240-dp spaced apart from each other in the first direction DR1. Each of the third segmented electrodes 240-dp may extend along the second direction DR2. Each of the third segmented electrodes 240-dp may include a plurality of second patterns 241 and a plurality of second bridging patterns 242 electrically connected to the second patterns 241. The second patterns 241 and the second bridging patterns 242 may be defined in an intermediate insulating layer 203 (e.g., see...). Figure 7A The contact holes in the pattern 241 are electrically connected to each other. Two adjacent second patterns 241 may be spaced apart from each other and a second dividing electrode 230-dp and two first bridging patterns 222 are placed between the two adjacent second patterns 241.

[0153] Figure 9A and Figure 9B A sensing unit SU is shown comprising three first segmented electrodes 210-dp, three second segmented electrodes 230-dp, and three third segmented electrodes 240-dp, but this disclosure is not particularly limited thereto. For example, each of the number of first segmented electrodes 210-dp, second segmented electrodes 230-dp, and third segmented electrodes 240-dp included in a sensing unit SU may be one, two, four, or more.

[0154] In embodiments of this disclosure, a first capacitor may be defined between the first electrode 210 and the fourth electrode 240, and a second capacitor may be defined between the second electrode 220 and the third electrode 230. The first capacitance of the first capacitor and the second capacitance of the second capacitor may be controlled by the overlapping area of ​​the first electrode 210 and the fourth electrode 240 and the overlapping area of ​​the second electrode 220 and the third electrode 230, respectively.

[0155] When the first and second capacitors increase, the amount of induced current transmitted from the fourth electrode 240 to the first electrode 210 can increase, and the amount of induced current transmitted from the third electrode 230 to the second electrode 220 can also increase. Therefore, increasing the first and second capacitors improves the pen sensing performance of the sensor layer 200. Furthermore, the first and second capacitors can act as a load during touch sensing. Therefore, decreasing the first and second capacitors improves touch sensing performance.

[0156] In embodiments of this disclosure, the stacking area of ​​the first electrode 210 and the fourth electrode 240, as well as the stacking area of ​​the second electrode 220 and the third electrode 230, can be easily controlled. Therefore, the sensor layer 200 with an appropriate level of capacitance can be configured with consideration for touch sensitivity and pen sensing sensitivity. As a result, an electronic device 1000 with improved pen sensing sensitivity and improved touch sensitivity can be provided (e.g., see...). Figure 2A ).

[0157] In embodiments of this disclosure, in a second conductive layer SU204 of a sensing unit SU, the area occupied by components included in the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 220 can be larger than the area occupied by components included in the third electrode 230 and the fourth electrode 240. Due to the first input 2000 (e.g., see...), Figure 6 The capacitance change caused by this can increase with increasing distance. Therefore, the capacitance change used to sense the first input 2000 (e.g., see...) Figure 6 The components can be arranged in a larger area with the electronic device 1000 (e.g., see...). Figure 2A The surface of the object is located in a layer that is relatively closer to the surface. As a result, touch performance can be improved.

[0158] Reference Figure 9A , Figure 9B and Figure 10 Each of the first electrode 210, the second electrode 220, the third electrode 230, and the fourth electrode 240 may have a mesh structure. The mesh structure may be a structure defining a plurality of openings 200OP. Figure 10 In the present invention, each of the plurality of openings 200OP is shown as having a circular shape with a suitable curvature (e.g., a predetermined curvature), but the present disclosure is not particularly limited thereto. For example, each of the openings 200OP may be modified in various ways to have a variety of suitable shapes other than circular shapes (such as squares, polygons, rhombuses or atypical shapes).

[0159] Figure 10 A portion of a first pattern 221, a second bridging pattern 242, and a first electrode 210 disposed in a second conductive layer SU204 is shown. The first pattern 221, the second bridging pattern 242, and the first electrode 210 may be electrically insulated from each other. For example, the first pattern 221, the second bridging pattern 242, and the first electrode 210 may be electrically insulated from each other via a first line CLa and a second line CLb. A portion of the conductive layer and another portion may be spaced apart from each other, with the first line CLa and the second line CLb positioned between them. The second line CLb may extend along a first intersecting direction CDR1 intersecting the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2, and the first line CLa may extend along a second intersecting direction CDR2 intersecting the first intersecting direction CDR1.

[0160] The linewidth MWT of the mesh structure can correspond to the width between the openings 200OP defined in the mesh structure. For example, the linewidth MWT can correspond to the minimum width of the conductive layer disposed between the two closest openings 200OP within the openings 200OP.

[0161] Figure 11This is a plan view showing a sensing unit SUa according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0162] Reference Figure 11 The diagram shows a portion of the first electrode 210a superimposed with a sensing unit SUa, a portion of the second electrode 220a superimposed with a sensing unit SUa, a portion of the third electrode 230a superimposed with a sensing unit SUa, and a portion of the fourth electrode 240a superimposed with a sensing unit SUa.

[0163] The first electrode 210a may include a plurality of first segmented electrodes 210-dpa spaced apart from each other in the first direction DR1. The second electrode 220a may include a plurality of second segmented electrodes 220-dpa spaced apart from each other in the second direction DR2. The third electrode 230a may include a plurality of third segmented electrodes 230-dpa spaced apart from each other in the second direction DR2. The fourth electrode 240a may include a plurality of fourth segmented electrodes 240-dpa spaced apart from each other in the first direction DR1.

[0164] Each of the second segmented electrodes 220-dpa may include a first pattern 221a and a first bridging pattern 222a. Each of the fourth segmented electrodes 240-dpa may include a second pattern 241a and a second bridging pattern 242a.

[0165] The first segmented electrode 210-dpa, the first pattern 221a, and the second bridging pattern 242a may be included in the second conductive layer 204 (e.g., see...). Figure 7A The third segmented electrode 230-dpa, the second pattern 241a, and the first bridging pattern 222a may be included in the first conductive layer 202 (e.g., see...). Figure 7A In the process, the first bridging pattern 222a can be insulated from the second bridging pattern 242a and the first segmented electrode 210-dpa and crosses the second bridging pattern 242a and the first segmented electrode 210-dpa.

[0166] Figure 12A This is a plan view showing two sensing units according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0167] Reference Figure 8 and Figure 12A The sensing unit SU may include a first sensing unit SUa and a second sensing unit SUa-1. The first sensing unit SUa may be spaced apart from the peripheral region 200NA, and the second sensing unit SUa-1 may be in contact with the peripheral region 200NA. In other words, the second sensing unit SUa-1 may be closer to the peripheral region 200NA than the first sensing unit SUa.

[0168] The first electrode 210 may include a first electrode 210a1 superimposed on the first sensing unit SUa and the second sensing unit SUa-1. The second electrode 220 may include a second-1 electrode 220a superimposed on the first sensing unit SUa and a second-2 electrode 220a1 superimposed on the second sensing unit SUa-1. The third electrode 230 may include a third-1 electrode 230a superimposed on the first sensing unit SUa and a third-2 electrode 230a1 superimposed on the second sensing unit SUa-1. The fourth electrode 240 may include a fourth electrode 240a1 superimposed on the first sensing unit SUa and the second sensing unit SUa-1.

[0169] In embodiments of this disclosure, the shape of the second sensing unit SUa-1 may differ from the shape of the first sensing unit SUa. For example, the width of the second sensing unit SUa-1 in the second direction DR2 may be smaller than the width of the first sensing unit SUa in the second direction DR2. The second sensing unit SUa-1 may have various suitable shapes different from the shape of the first sensing unit SUa, and is not limited to having a specific shape. For example, when the boundary between the sensing region 200A and the peripheral region 200NA has a curvature, the second sensing unit SUa-1 may contact the boundary having said curvature, and may have a shape with some electrodes removed. The area of ​​the second sensing unit SUa-1 may be smaller than the area of ​​the first sensing unit SUa.

[0170] In embodiments of this disclosure, the second-1 electrode 220a may include x first segmented electrodes 220-dpa spaced apart from each other along the second direction DR2. The second-2 electrode 220a1 may include y second segmented electrodes 220-dpa1 spaced apart from each other along the second direction DR2. x and y may be integers greater than or equal to 1. In embodiments of this disclosure, x may be greater than y. Figure 12A It shows that x is 3 and y is 2.

[0171] According to embodiments of this disclosure, in order to improve pen sensing performance, the shapes of the portions of the first electrode 210a1, the second-second electrode 220a1, the third-second electrode 230a1, and the fourth electrode 240a1 that overlap with the second sensing unit SUa-1 can be adjusted. For example, because the area of ​​the second sensing unit SUa-1 is smaller than the area of ​​the first sensing unit SUa, the shapes (or areas) of the portions of the first electrode 210a1 and the fourth electrode 240a1 in the second sensing unit SUa-1, the second-2 electrode 220a1, and the third-2 electrode 230a1 can be designed to be different from the shapes (or areas) of the portions of the first electrode 210a1 and the fourth electrode 240a1 in the first sensing unit SUa, the second-1 electrode 220a, and the third-1 electrode 230a, thereby increasing the capacitance of the capacitor formed between the first electrode 210a1 and the fourth electrode 240a1, which are reduced to a certain extent, and the capacitance of the capacitor formed between the second-2 electrode 220a1 and the third-2 electrode 230a1, which are reduced to a certain extent. In this case, the detection signal caused by the small size of the second sensing unit SUa-1 can be compensated for by the increase in capacitance resulting from adjusting the shape of portions of the first electrode 210a1, the second-second electrode 220a1, the third-second electrode 230a1, and the fourth electrode 240a1. Therefore, the sensing performance of the sensor layer 200 can be improved, especially the sensing performance at the outer portion of the sensing region 200A.

[0172] In embodiments of this disclosure, the third-1 electrode 230a may include x third segmented electrodes 230-dpa that are stacked one-to-one with the first segmented electrodes 220-dpa and spaced apart from each other along the second direction DR2. The third-2 electrode 230a1 may include y fourth segmented electrodes 230-dpa1 that are stacked one-to-one with the second segmented electrodes 220-dpa1 and spaced apart from each other along the second direction DR2.

[0173] In embodiments of this disclosure, the shape of a first stacked region where one of the first segmented electrodes 220-dpa and one of the third segmented electrodes 230-dpa are stacked on top of each other may differ from the shape of a second stacked region where one of the second segmented electrodes 220-dpa1 and one of the fourth segmented electrodes 230-dpa1 are stacked on top of each other. For example, to increase the reduced capacitance of the second sensing unit SUa-1 with a reduced size, the area of ​​the second stacked region may be larger than the area of ​​the first stacked region. Therefore, the shape of the stacked region of the second-1 electrode 220a and the third-1 electrode 230a may differ from the shape of the stacked region of the second-2 electrode 220a1 and the third-2 electrode 230a1.

[0174] Furthermore, in embodiments of this disclosure, the first electrode 210a1 may include a fifth segmented electrode 210-dpa1 spaced apart from each other along the first direction DR1, and the fourth electrode 240a1 may include a sixth segmented electrode 240-dpa1 spaced apart from each other along the first direction DR1. The shape of the portion of the fifth segmented electrode 210-dpa1 or the sixth segmented electrode 240-dpa1 that overlaps with the first sensing unit SUa may differ from the shape of the portion of the fifth segmented electrode 210-dpa1 or the sixth segmented electrode 240-dpa1 that overlaps with the second sensing unit SUa-1. For example, various modifications may be made to the area of ​​the fifth segmented electrode 210-dpa1 or the sixth segmented electrode 240-dpa1 to increase the reduced capacitance of the second sensing unit SUa-1, which has a reduced size.

[0175] Figure 12B This is a plan view showing two sensing units according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0176] Reference Figure 8 and Figure 12B The sensing unit SU may include a first sensing unit SUa and a second sensing unit SUa-2. The first sensing unit SUa may be spaced apart from the module region SA, and the second sensing unit SUa-2 may be superimposed on the module region SA. The module region SA may be a region superimposed on a sensor or electronic module (e.g., an electronic sensor, such as a camera module (e.g., a camera)). The portion of the sensing region 200A superimposed on the module region SA may have a higher transmittance than the portion of the sensing region 200A not superimposed on the module region SA. Therefore, the density of the mesh structure of the portion of the electrode superimposed on the module region SA may be lower than the density of the mesh structure of the portion of the electrode not superimposed on the module region SA. Furthermore, with Figure 12B The difference shown can be that a portion of the electrode can be omitted in the part that overlaps with the module region SA.

[0177] The first electrode 210 may include a first electrode 210a2 superimposed on the first sensing unit SUa and the second sensing unit SUa-2, and the second electrode 220 may include a second-1 electrode 220a superimposed on the first sensing unit SUa and a second-2 electrode 220a2 superimposed on the second sensing unit SUa-2. The third electrode 230 may include a third-1 electrode 230a superimposed on the first sensing unit SUa and a third-2 electrode 230a2 superimposed on the second sensing unit SUa-2, and the fourth electrode 240 may include a fourth electrode 240a2 superimposed on the first sensing unit SUa and the second sensing unit SUa-2.

[0178] In embodiments of this disclosure, the second-1 electrode 220a may include x first segmented electrodes 220-dpa spaced apart from each other along the second direction DR2, and the second-2 electrode 220a2 may include y second segmented electrodes 220-dpa2 spaced apart from each other along the second direction DR2. The third-1 electrode 230a may include x third segmented electrodes 230-dpa stacked one-to-one with the first segmented electrodes 220-dpa and spaced apart from each other along the second direction DR2. The third-2 electrode 230a2 may include y fourth segmented electrodes 230-dpa2 stacked one-to-one with the second segmented electrodes 220-dpa2 and spaced apart from each other along the second direction DR2. x and y may be integers greater than or equal to 1. In embodiments of this disclosure, x may be greater than or equal to y, and Figure 12B It shows that x is 3 and y is 3.

[0179] Furthermore, in embodiments of this disclosure, the first electrode 210a2 may include a fifth segmented electrode 210-dpa2 spaced apart from each other along the first direction DR1, and the fourth electrode 240a2 may include a sixth segmented electrode 240-dpa2 spaced apart from each other along the first direction DR1.

[0180] According to embodiments of this disclosure, in order to increase the capacitance of the second sensing unit SUa-2 (due to the reduced capacitance when stacked with the module region SA), the area of ​​the stacked region where one of the second segmented electrodes 220-dpa2 and one of the fourth segmented electrodes 230-dpa2 are stacked can be designed to be larger than the area of ​​the stacked region where one of the first segmented electrodes 220-dpa and one of the third segmented electrodes 230-dpa are stacked. Therefore, when the second sensing unit SUa-2 is stacked with the module region SA, the reduced signal can be compensated for by increasing the capacitance. Thus, the sensing performance of the sensor layer 200 can be improved.

[0181] Figure 13A yes Figure 12A The enlarged plan view of region BB' shown.

[0182] Reference Figure 12A and Figure 13A , Figure 13AThe diagram shows the first segmented electrode 220-dpa of the second-1 electrode 220a and the third segmented electrode 230-dpa of the third-1 electrode 230a superimposed with the first sensing unit SUa; the second segmented electrode 220-dpa1 of the second-2 electrode 220a1 and the fourth segmented electrode 230a1 of the third-2 electrode 230a1 superimposed with the second sensing unit SUa-1; and the fifth segmented electrode 210-dpa1 of the first electrode 210a1 and the sixth segmented electrode 240a1 of the fourth electrode 240a1 superimposed with the first sensing unit SUa and the second sensing unit SUa-1.

[0183] In embodiments of this disclosure, a first opening 220op may be defined in a second-1 electrode 220a, and a second opening 220op1 having a smaller size than the first opening 220op may be defined in a second-2 electrode 220a1.

[0184] In embodiments of this disclosure, the first segmentation electrode 220-dpa may include a first-1 sensing pattern 221a and a first-1 bridging pattern 222a, and the second segmentation electrode 220-dpa1 may include a first-2 sensing pattern 221a1 and a first-2 bridging pattern 222a1. For example, a first opening 220op may be defined in the first-1 sensing pattern 221a, and a second opening 220op1 may be defined in the first-2 sensing pattern 221a1. In this case, the area of ​​the first segmentation electrode 220-dpa, which defines a relatively large first opening 220op, may be smaller than the area of ​​the second segmentation electrode 220-dpa1, which defines a relatively small second opening 220op1.

[0185] In embodiments of this disclosure, the third segmented electrode 230-dpa and the fourth segmented electrode 230-dpa1 may have the same or substantially the same shape as each other. Therefore, the area of ​​each of the third segmented electrodes 230-dpa and the area of ​​each of the fourth segmented electrodes 230-dpa1 may be the same or substantially the same as each other.

[0186] In embodiments of this disclosure, a third opening 210op and a fourth opening 210op1 having a smaller size than the third opening 210op can be defined in the fifth segmented electrode 210-dpa1 of the first electrode 210a1. The third opening 210op can be defined in the region superimposed with the first sensing unit SUa, and the fourth opening 210op1 can be defined in the region superimposed with the second sensing unit SUa-1.

[0187] In embodiments of this disclosure, the first width OPW1 of the first opening 220op in the second direction DR2 is greater than the second width OPW2 of the second opening 220op1 in the second direction DR2. Furthermore, the third width OPW3 of the third opening 210op in the first direction DR1 is greater than the fourth width OPW4 of the fourth opening 210op1 in the first direction DR1.

[0188] Figure 13B yes Figure 12A The enlarged plan view of region BB' shown.

[0189] Reference Figure 12A and Figure 13B , Figure 13B The diagram shows the first segmented electrode 220-dpa of the second-1 electrode 220a and the third segmented electrode 230-dpa of the third-1 electrode 230a superimposed with the first sensing unit SUa; the second segmented electrode 220-dpa1a of the second-2 electrode 220a1 and the fourth segmented electrode 230-dpa1 of the third-2 electrode 230a1 superimposed with the second sensing unit SUa-1; and the fifth segmented electrode 210-dpa1a of the first electrode 210a1 and the sixth segmented electrode 240a1 of the fourth electrode 240a1 superimposed with the first sensing unit SUa and the second sensing unit SUa-1.

[0190] In embodiments of this disclosure, a first opening 220op may be defined in a second-first electrode 220a, and a second opening 220op1a having a smaller size than the first opening 220op may be defined in a second-second electrode 220a1. A first segmented electrode 220-dpa may include a first-first sensing pattern 221a and a first-first bridging pattern 222a, and a second segmented electrode 220-dpa1a may include a first-second sensing pattern 221a1a and a first-second bridging pattern 222a1. For example, the first opening 220op may be defined in the first-first sensing pattern 221a, and the second opening 220op1a may be defined in the first-second sensing pattern 221a1a.

[0191] In embodiments of this disclosure, a third opening 210op and a fourth opening 210op1a having a smaller size than the third opening 210op can be defined in the fifth segmented electrode 210-dpa1a of the first electrode 210a1. The third opening 210op can be defined in the region superimposed with the first sensing unit SUa, and the fourth opening 210op1a can be defined in the region superimposed with the second sensing unit SUa-1.

[0192] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the first opening 220op may have a first width OPW1 in the second direction DR2, and the second opening 220op1a may include a portion having a second width OPW2 that is less than the first width OPW1 and a portion having a third width OPW2a that is equal to or substantially equal to the first width OPW1.

[0193] exist Figure 13A In this design, the second width OPW2 of the entire second opening 220op1 in the second direction DR2 is designed to be smaller than the first width OPW1, and according to... Figure 13B In the embodiment shown, the second opening 220op1a may have a shape with a partially protruding portion. For example, the third width OPW2a of the protruding portion of the second opening 220op1a may be designed to be the same as or substantially the same as the first width OPW1, and the second width OPW2 of the remaining portion of the second opening 220op1a may be designed to be smaller than the first width OPW1. Furthermore, the fourth opening 210op1a may have the same shape as the second opening 220op1a, that is, the fourth opening 210op1a may have a shape with a partially protruding portion. For example, the width OPW4a of the protruding portion of the fourth opening 210op1a may be designed to be the same as or substantially the same as the width OPW3 of the third opening 210op, and the width OPW4 of the remaining portion of the fourth opening 210op1a may be designed to be smaller than the width OPW3 of the third opening 210op.

[0194] Figure 13C yes Figure 12A The enlarged plan view of region BB' shown.

[0195] Reference Figure 12A and Figure 13C , Figure 13C The diagram shows the first segmented electrode 220-dpa of the second-1 electrode 220a and the third segmented electrode 230-dpa of the third-1 electrode 230a superimposed with the first sensing unit SUa; the second segmented electrode 220-dpa1b of the second-2 electrode 220a1 and the fourth segmented electrode 230a1 of the third-2 electrode 230a1 superimposed with the second sensing unit SUa-1; and the fifth segmented electrode 210-dpa1b of the first electrode 210a1 and the sixth segmented electrode 240a1 of the fourth electrode 240a1 superimposed with the first sensing unit SUa and the second sensing unit SUa-1.

[0196] In embodiments of this disclosure, a first opening 220op may be defined in a second-first electrode 220a, and a second opening 220op1b having a smaller size than the first opening 220op may be defined in a second-second electrode 220a1. A first segmented electrode 220-dpa may include a first-first sensing pattern 221a and a first-first bridging pattern 222a, and a second segmented electrode 220-dpa1b may include a first-second sensing pattern 221a1b and a first-second bridging pattern 222a1. For example, the first opening 220op may be defined in the first-first sensing pattern 221a, and the second opening 220op1b may be defined in the first-second sensing pattern 221a1b.

[0197] In embodiments of this disclosure, a third opening 210op and a fourth opening 210op1b having a smaller size than the third opening 210op can be defined in the fifth segmented electrode 210-dpa1b of the first electrode 210a1. The third opening 210op can be defined in the region superimposed with the first sensing unit SUa, and the fourth opening 210op1b can be defined in the region superimposed with the second sensing unit SUa-1.

[0198] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the first opening 220op may have a first width OPW1 in the second direction DR2, and the second opening 220op1b may include a portion having a second width OPW2 that is less than the first width OPW1 and a portion having a third width OPW2a that is equal to or substantially equal to the first width OPW1.

[0199] According to such Figure 13C In the embodiments of this disclosure shown, the second opening 220op1b may have an arrow shape. For example, the third width OPW2a, which is the maximum width of the arrow-shaped portion of the second opening 220op1b, may be designed to be equal to or substantially equal to the first width OPW1, and the second width OPW2 of the remaining portion of the second opening 220op1b may be designed to be less than the first width OPW1. Furthermore, the fourth opening 210op1b has the same or substantially the same shape as the second opening 220op1b; that is, the fourth opening 210op1b may have an arrow shape. For example, the width OPW4a, which is the maximum width of the arrow-shaped portion of the fourth opening 210op1b, may be designed to be equal to or substantially equal to the width OPW3 of the third opening 210op, and the width OPW4 of the remaining portion of the fourth opening 210op1b may be designed to be less than the width OPW3 of the third opening 210op.

[0200] Figure 13D yes Figure 12A The enlarged plan view of region BB' shown.

[0201] Reference Figure 12A and Figure 13D , Figure 13D The diagram shows the first segmented electrode 220-dpa of the second-1 electrode 220a and the third segmented electrode 230-dpa of the third-1 electrode 230a superimposed with the first sensing unit SUa; the second segmented electrode 220-dpa1c of the second-2 electrode 220a1 and the fourth segmented electrode 230a1 of the third-2 electrode 230a1 superimposed with the second sensing unit SUa-1; and the fifth segmented electrode 210-dpa1c of the first electrode 210a1 and the sixth segmented electrode 240a1 of the fourth electrode 240a1 superimposed with the first sensing unit SUa and the second sensing unit SUa-1.

[0202] In embodiments of this disclosure, a first opening 220op may be defined in a second-first electrode 220a, and a second opening 220op1c having a smaller size than the first opening 220op may be defined in a second-second electrode 220a1. A first segmented electrode 220-dpa may include a first-first sensing pattern 221a and a first-first bridging pattern 222a, and a second segmented electrode 220-dpa1c may include a first-second sensing pattern 221a1c and a first-second bridging pattern 222a1. For example, the first opening 220op may be defined in the first-first sensing pattern 221a, and the second opening 220op1c may be defined in the first-second sensing pattern 221a1c.

[0203] In embodiments of this disclosure, a third opening 210op and a fourth opening 210op1c having a smaller size than the third opening 210op can be defined in the fifth segmented electrode 210-dpa1c of the first electrode 210a1. The third opening 210op can be defined in the region superimposed with the first sensing unit SUa, and the fourth opening 210op1c can be defined in the region superimposed with the second sensing unit SUa-1.

[0204] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the first opening 220op may have a first width OPW1 in the second direction DR2, and the second opening 220op1c may include a portion having a second width OPW2 that is less than the first width OPW1 and a portion having a third width OPW2a that is equal to or substantially equal to the first width OPW1.

[0205] According to such Figure 13DIn the embodiments of this disclosure shown, the second opening 220op1c may have a shape with a partially protruding portion, and the end of the second opening 220op1c may have an arrowhead shape. For example, the third width OPW2a, which is the maximum width of the arrowhead-shaped portion of the second opening 220op1c, and the third width OPW2a of the protruding portion, may be designed to be the same as or substantially the same as the first width OPW1, and the remaining second width OPW2 may be designed to be smaller than the first width OPW1. Furthermore, the fourth opening 210op1c may have a shape that is the same as or substantially the same as the shape of the second opening 220op1c, that is, the fourth opening 210op1c may have a shape with a partially protruding portion, and the end of the fourth opening 210op1c may have an arrowhead shape. For example, the width OPW4a of the arrow-shaped portion of the fourth opening 210op1c and the width OPW4a of the protruding portion can be designed to be the same as or substantially the same as the width OPW3 of the third opening 210op, and the width OPW4 of the remaining portion of the fourth opening 210op1c can be designed to be smaller than the width OPW3 of the third opening 210op.

[0206] According to such Figures 13A to 13D In some embodiments of this disclosure shown, to improve pen sensing performance, the shapes of the portion of the first electrode 210a1 stacked with the second sensing unit SUa-1 and the portion of the second-2 electrode 220a1 stacked with the second sensing unit SUa-1 can be adjusted. Therefore, in the second sensing unit SUa-1, the capacitance of the capacitor formed between the first electrode 210a1 and the fourth electrode 240a1, and the capacitance of the capacitor formed between the second-2 electrode 220a1 and the third-2 electrode 230a1, can be increased. In other words, the reduced signal due to the smaller size of the second sensing unit SUa-1 can be compensated for by increasing the capacitance. Therefore, the sensing performance of the sensor layer 200 can be improved.

[0207] Figure 14A yes Figure 12A The enlarged plan view of region BB' shown.

[0208] Reference Figure 12A and Figure 14A , Figure 14AThe diagram shows the first segmented electrode 220-dpa of the second-1 electrode 220a and the third segmented electrode 230-dpa of the third-1 electrode 230a superimposed with the first sensing unit SUa; the second segmented electrode 220-dpa1d of the second-2 electrode 220a1 and the fourth segmented electrode 230-dpa1a of the third-2 electrode 230a1 superimposed with the second sensing unit SUa-1; and the fifth segmented electrode 210-dpa1d of the first electrode 210a1 and the sixth segmented electrode 240-dpa1a of the fourth electrode 240a1 superimposed with the first sensing unit SUa and the second sensing unit SUa-1.

[0209] In embodiments of this disclosure, a first opening 220op may be defined in a second-first electrode 220a, and a second opening 220op' having the same or substantially the same size as the first opening 220op may be defined in a second-second electrode 220a1. A first segmented electrode 220-dpa may include a first-first sensing pattern 221a and a first-first bridging pattern 222a, and a second segmented electrode 220-dpa1d may include a first-second sensing pattern 221a1d and a first-second bridging pattern 222a1. For example, the first opening 220op may be defined in the first-first sensing pattern 221a, and the second opening 220op' may be defined in the first-second sensing pattern 221a1d.

[0210] In embodiments of this disclosure, the shapes of the first-1 sensing pattern 221a and the first-2 sensing pattern 221a1d may be identical or substantially identical to each other. The area of ​​each of the first segmented electrodes 220-dpa and the area of ​​each of the second segmented electrodes 220-dpa1d may be identical or substantially identical to each other. Furthermore, the third opening 210op may be defined in the fifth segmented electrode 210-dpa1d of the first electrode 210a1. Some of the third openings 210op may be defined in the region superimposed with the first sensing unit SUa, and other third openings 210op may be defined in the region superimposed with the second sensing unit SUa-1.

[0211] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the area of ​​each of the third segmented electrodes 230-dpa can be smaller than the area of ​​each of the fourth segmented electrodes 230-dpa1a. For example, the first width PWT1 of the third segmented electrode 230-dpa in the second direction DR2 can be smaller than the second width PWT2 of the fourth segmented electrode 230-dpa1a in the second direction DR2. Furthermore, the third width PWT3 of the portion of the sixth segmented electrode 240-dpa1a that overlaps with the first sensing unit SUa can be smaller than the fourth width PWT4 of the portion of the sixth segmented electrode 240-dpa1a that overlaps with the second sensing unit SUa-1.

[0212] Figure 14B yes Figure 12A The enlarged plan view of region BB' shown.

[0213] Reference Figure 12A and Figure 14B , Figure 14B The diagram shows the first segmented electrode 220-dpa of the second-1 electrode 220a and the third segmented electrode 230-dpa of the third-1 electrode 230a superimposed with the first sensing unit SUa; the second segmented electrode 220-dpa1d of the second-2 electrode 220a1 and the fourth segmented electrode 230-dpa1b of the third-2 electrode 230a1 superimposed with the second sensing unit SUa-1; and the fifth segmented electrode 210-dpa1d of the first electrode 210a1 and the sixth segmented electrode 240-dpa1b of the fourth electrode 240a1 superimposed with the first sensing unit SUa and the second sensing unit SUa-1.

[0214] exist Figure 14A In the process, the second width PWT2 of the entire fourth segmented electrode 230-dpa1a in the second direction DR2 is designed to be greater than the first width PWT1, and according to... Figure 14B In the embodiments of this disclosure shown, the fourth segmenting electrode 230-dpa1b may have a shape with a partially protruding portion. For example, the second width PWT2 of the portion of the fourth segmenting electrode 230-dpa1b with the protruding shape may be designed to be greater than the first width PWT1, and the remaining portion of the fourth segmenting electrode 230-dpa1b may be designed to have a shape similar to that of the third segmenting electrode 230-dpa. The width PWT2a of the remaining portion of the fourth segmenting electrode 230-dpa1b may be the same as or substantially the same as the first width PWT1. Furthermore, the portion of the sixth segmenting electrode 240-dpa1b that overlaps with the second sensing unit SUa-1 may have a shape with a partially protruding portion. For example, the fourth width PWT4 of the portion of the sixth segment electrode 240-dpa1b that overlaps with the second sensing unit SUa-1, which has a protruding shape, can be designed to be greater than the third width PWT3. The remaining portion of the portion of the sixth segment electrode 240-dpa1b that overlaps with the second sensing unit SUa-1 can be designed to have a shape similar to that of the portion of the sixth segment electrode 240-dpa1b that overlaps with the first sensing unit SUa. Furthermore, the width PWT4a of the remaining portion of the portion of the sixth segment electrode 240-dpa1b that overlaps with the second sensing unit SUa-1 can be designed to be the same as or substantially the same as the third width PWT3.

[0215] According to such Figures 14A to 14BIn some embodiments of this disclosure shown, to improve pen sensing performance, the shape of a portion of the third-second electrode 230a1 stacked with the second sensing unit SUa-1 and the shape of a portion of the fourth electrode 240a1 stacked with the second sensing unit SUa-1 can be adjusted. Therefore, in the second sensing unit SUa-1, the capacitance of the capacitor formed between the first electrode 210a1 and the fourth electrode 240a1, and the capacitance of the capacitor formed between the second-second electrode 220a1 and the third-second electrode 230a1, can be increased. In other words, the detection signal caused by the small size of the second sensing unit SUa-1 can be compensated for by increasing the capacitance. Therefore, the sensing performance of the sensor layer 200 can be improved.

[0216] Figure 15A This is a cross-sectional view of the sensor layer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0217] Reference Figure 12A and Figure 15A The first segmented electrode 220-dpa of the second-1 electrode 220a disposed in the first sensing unit SUa may have a grid structure with a first linewidth MWT1, and the second segmented electrode 220-dpax of the second-2 electrode 220a1 disposed in the second sensing unit SUa-3 may have a grid structure with a second linewidth MWT2. Furthermore, the third segmented electrode 230-dpa of the third-1 electrode 230a disposed in the first sensing unit SUa may have a grid structure with a third linewidth MWT3, and the fourth segmented electrode 230-dpax of the third-2 electrode 230a1 disposed in the second sensing unit SUa-3 may have a grid structure with a fourth linewidth MWT4.

[0218] In embodiments of this disclosure, the first linewidth MWT1 and the second linewidth MWT2 may be equal to or substantially equal to each other, and the fourth linewidth MWT4 may be greater than the third linewidth MWT3. The larger the linewidth of the mesh structure, the more openings 200OP are defined in the mesh structure (e.g., see...). Figure 10 The smaller the size, the better.

[0219] Figure 15B This is a cross-sectional view of the sensor layer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0220] Reference Figure 12A and Figure 15BThe first segmented electrode 220-dpa of the second-1 electrode 220a disposed in the first sensing unit SUa may have a grid structure with a first linewidth MWT1, and the second segmented electrode 220-dpay of the second-2 electrode 220a1 disposed in the second sensing unit SUa-4 may have a grid structure with a second linewidth MWT2a. Furthermore, the third segmented electrode 230-dpa of the third-1 electrode 230a disposed in the first sensing unit SUa may have a grid structure with a third linewidth MWT3, and the fourth segmented electrode 230-dpay of the third-2 electrode 230a1 disposed in the second sensing unit SUa-4 may have a grid structure with a fourth linewidth MWT4a.

[0221] In embodiments of this disclosure, the third linewidth MWT3 and the fourth linewidth MWT4a may be equal to or substantially equal to each other, and the second linewidth MWT2a may be greater than the first linewidth MWT1.

[0222] Figure 15C This is a cross-sectional view of the sensor layer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0223] Reference Figure 12A and Figure 15C The first segmented electrode 220-dpa of the second-1 electrode 220a disposed in the first sensing unit SUa may have a grid structure with a first linewidth MWT1, and the second segmented electrode 220-dpaz of the second-2 electrode 220a1 disposed in the second sensing unit SUa-5 may have a grid structure with a second linewidth MWT2b. Furthermore, the third segmented electrode 230-dpa of the third-1 electrode 230a disposed in the first sensing unit SUa may have a grid structure with a third linewidth MWT3, and the fourth segmented electrode 230-dpaz of the third-2 electrode 230a1 disposed in the second sensing unit SUa-5 may have a grid structure with a fourth linewidth MWT4b.

[0224] In embodiments of this disclosure, the second linewidth MWT2b may be greater than the first linewidth MWT1, and the fourth linewidth MWT4b may be greater than the third linewidth MWT3.

[0225] According to such Figure 15A , Figure 15B and Figure 15CSome embodiments shown can increase the linewidth of the mesh structure of any one of the first to fourth electrodes included in the second sensing units SUa-3, SUa-4, or SUa-5, which have an area smaller than that of the first sensing unit SUa. As the linewidth increases, the capacitance of the capacitor formed between the first electrode 210a1 and the fourth electrode 240a1 in the second sensing units SUa-3, SUa-4, or SUa-5, and the capacitance of the capacitor formed between the second-second electrode 220a1 and the third-second electrode 230a1, can be increased. In other words, the detection signal caused by the smaller size of the second sensing units SUa-3, SUa-4, or SUa-5 can be compensated for by increasing the capacitance. Therefore, the sensing performance of the sensor layer 200 can be improved.

[0226] Figure 16 This is a plan view showing two sensing units according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0227] Reference Figure 8 and Figure 16 The sensing unit SU may include a first sensing unit SUa and a second sensing unit SUa-6. The first sensing unit SUa may be spaced apart from the peripheral region 200NA, and the second sensing unit SUa-6 may be in contact with the peripheral region 200NA. In other words, the second sensing unit SUa-6 may be closer to the peripheral region 200NA than the first sensing unit SUa.

[0228] The first electrode 210 may include a first electrode 210a3 stacked with the first sensing unit SUa and the second sensing unit SUa-6, and the second electrode 220 may include a second-1 electrode 220a stacked with the first sensing unit SUa and a second-2 electrode 220a3 stacked with the second sensing unit SUa-6. The third electrode 230 may include a third-1 electrode 230a stacked with the first sensing unit SUa and a third-2 electrode 230a3 stacked with the second sensing unit SUa-6. The fourth electrode 240 may include a fourth electrode 240a3 stacked with the first sensing unit SUa and the second sensing unit SUa-6.

[0229] In embodiments of this disclosure, the second-1 electrode 220a may include x first segmented electrodes 220-dpa spaced apart from each other along the second direction DR2, and the second-2 electrode 220a3 may include y second segmented electrodes 220-dpa3 spaced apart from each other along the second direction DR2. The third-1 electrode 230a may include x third segmented electrodes 230-dpa stacked one-to-one with the first segmented electrodes 220-dpa and spaced apart from each other along the second direction DR2. The third-2 electrode 230a3 may include y fourth segmented electrodes 230-dpa3 stacked one-to-one with the second segmented electrodes 220-dpa3 and spaced apart from each other along the second direction DR2. x and y may be integers greater than or equal to 1. In embodiments of this disclosure, x may be greater than or equal to y, and Figure 16 It shows that x is 3 and y is 3.

[0230] Furthermore, in embodiments of this disclosure, the first electrode 210a3 may include a fifth segmented electrode 210-dpa3 spaced apart from each other along the first direction DR1, and the fourth electrode 240a3 may include a sixth segmented electrode 240-dpa3 spaced apart from each other along the first direction DR1.

[0231] In embodiments of this disclosure, the spacing PT between the first segmentation electrodes 220-dpa can be greater than the spacing PTa between the second segmentation electrodes 220-dpa3. In other words, even if the width of the second sensing unit SUa-6 decreases in the second direction DR2, the spacing PTa between the second segmentation electrodes 220-dpa3 can be designed to be smaller than the spacing PT between the first segmentation electrodes 220-dpa, so that even if the size of the second sensing unit SUa-6 decreases, the signal can remain unchanged.

[0232] Figure 17 This illustrates a sensor driver 200C according to an embodiment of the present disclosure (e.g., see...). Figure 6 The diagram shows the operation of ).

[0233] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 17 The sensor driver 200C can be selectively driven in any of the first operating mode DMD1, the second operating mode DMD2, and the third operating mode DMD3.

[0234] 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. The third operation mode DMD3 can be referred to as the pen activation mode. The first operation mode DMD1 can be a mode that waits for the first input 2000 and the second input 3000. The second operation mode DMD2 can be a mode that senses the first input 2000 and waits for the second input 3000. The third operation mode DMD3 can be a mode that senses the second input 3000.

[0235] In embodiments of this disclosure, the sensor driver 200C can be initially driven in a first operating mode DMD1. When the first input 2000 is sensed in the first operating mode DMD1, the sensor driver 200C can switch (or change) to a second operating mode DMD2. As another example, when the second input 3000 is sensed in the first operating mode DMD1, the sensor driver 200C can switch (or change) to a third operating mode DMD3.

[0236] In embodiments of this disclosure, when the second input 3000 is sensed in the second operating mode DMD2, the sensor driver 200C can switch to the third operating mode DMD3. When the first input 2000 is released (e.g., not detected) in the second operating mode DMD2, the sensor driver 200C can switch to the first operating mode DMD1. When the second input 3000 is released (e.g., not detected) in the third operating mode DMD3, the sensor driver 200C can switch back to the first operating mode DMD1.

[0237] Figure 18 This illustrates a sensor driver 200C according to an embodiment of the present disclosure (e.g., see...). Figure 6 The diagram shows the operation of ).

[0238] Reference Figure 6 , Figure 17 and Figure 18 The operation is shown in the order of time t under the first operation mode DMD1, the second operation mode DMD2, and the third operation mode DMD3.

[0239] In the first operating mode DMD1, the sensor driver 200C can be repeatedly driven in the order of the second mode MD2-d and the first mode MD1-d. During the second mode MD2-d, the sensor layer 200 can be scanned to detect the second input 3000. During the first mode MD1-d, the sensor layer 200 can be scanned to detect the first input 2000. Figure 18In the diagram, the sensor driver 200C is shown to operate in sequence with the first mode MD1-d after the second mode MD2-d, but the order is not limited to this.

[0240] In the second operating mode DMD2, the sensor driver 200C can be repeatedly driven in the order of the second mode MD2-d and the first mode MD1. During the second mode MD2-d, the sensor layer 200 can be scanned to detect the second input 3000. During the first mode MD1, the sensor layer 200 can be scanned to detect the coordinates caused by the first input 2000.

[0241] In the third operating mode DMD3, the sensor driver 200C can be driven in the second mode MD2. During the second mode MD2, the sensor layer 200 can be scanned to detect coordinates caused by the second input 3000. In the third operating mode DMD3, the sensor driver 200C may not be driven in the first mode MD1-d or MD1 until the second input 3000 is released (e.g., not detected).

[0242] Refer to together Figure 8 In both the first mode MD1-d and the first mode MD1, the third electrode 230 and the fourth electrode 240 can be grounded or have a constant voltage applied. As another example, in both the first mode MD1-d and the first mode MD1, the third electrode 230 and the fourth electrode 240 can be floating (e.g., electrically floating). As another example, in both the first mode MD1-d and the first mode MD1, a signal in phase with the transmission signal provided to the first electrode 210 can be applied to the third electrode 230 and the fourth electrode 240. In this case, the introduction of touch noise through the third electrode 230 and the fourth electrode 240 can be prevented or substantially prevented.

[0243] In both the second mode MD2-d and the second mode MD2, one end of the third electrode 230 and one end of the fourth electrode 240 can be entirely floating. Furthermore, in both the second mode MD2-d and the second mode MD2, the other ends of the third electrode 230 and the fourth electrode 240 can be either grounded or floating. Therefore, the compensation of the sensing signal can be maximized or increased through the coupling between the first electrode 210 and the third electrode 230, and the coupling between the second electrode 220 and the fourth electrode 240.

[0244] Figure 19 A first mode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0245] Reference Figure 6 , Figure 18 and Figure 19The first mode MD1-d of the first operating mode DMD1 and the first mode MD1 of the second operating mode DMD2 may include a mutual capacitance detection mode. Figure 19 The mutual capacitance detection modes under the first mode MD1-d of the first operating mode DMD1 and the first mode MD1 of the second operating mode DMD2 are shown.

[0246] In mutual capacitance detection mode, the sensor driver 200C can sequentially provide a transmission signal TX to the first electrode 210, and can use the received signal RX detected by the second electrode 220 to detect the coordinates of the first input 2000. For example, the sensor driver 200C can sense the change in mutual capacitance between the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 220, and can calculate the input coordinates.

[0247] Figure 19 A transmission signal TX is provided to a first electrode 210 and a reception signal RX is output from (a plurality of) second electrodes 220. The sensor driver 200C can detect input coordinates for a first input 2000 by sensing changes in capacitance between each of the first electrode 210 and the second electrodes 220. In embodiments of this disclosure, the transmission signal TX can be sequentially provided to a second electrode 220, and the reception signal RX can be output from (a plurality of) first electrodes 210.

[0248] In another embodiment of this disclosure, at least one of the first mode MD1-d of the first operating mode DMD1 and the first mode MD1 of the second operating mode DMD2 may further include a self-capacitance detection mode. The sensor driver 200C can output a drive signal to the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 220 in the self-capacitance detection mode, and can calculate the input coordinates by sensing changes in the capacitance of each of the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 220.

[0249] Figure 20 A second mode according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown. For example, Figure 20 The charging drive mode can be displayed. Figure 21A This is a graph showing the waveform of a first signal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 21B This is a graph showing the waveform of the second signal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0250] Reference Figure 20 , Figure 21A and Figure 21B The second mode, MD2, can include a charging-driven mode. The charging-driven mode can include a search-based charging-driven mode and a tracking-based charging-driven mode.

[0251] The search-to-charge drive mode can be a drive mode prior to sensing the pen's position. Therefore, the first signal SG1 or the second signal SG2 can be sequentially provided to all channels included in the sensor layer 200. In other words, the entire area of ​​the sensor layer 200 can be scanned sequentially in the search-to-charge drive mode. When the pen PN is sensed in the search-to-charge drive mode, the sensor layer 200 can be driven in the tracking-to-charge drive mode. For example, in the tracking-to-charge drive mode, the sensor driver 200C can sequentially output the first signal SG1 and the second signal SG2 to the area superimposed on the point where the pen PN is sensed, instead of outputting to the entire sensor layer 200.

[0252] In charging drive mode, the sensor driver 200C can apply a first signal SG1 to one of the pads PD and can apply a second signal SG2 to the other pad. The second signal SG2 can be the inverse signal of the first signal SG1. For example, the first signal SG1 can be a sine wave.

[0253] Because the first signal SG1 and the second signal SG2 are applied to at least two pads, the current RFS can have a current path flowing through one pad to the other. Furthermore, because the first signal SG1 and the second signal SG2 are sinusoidal signals with opposite phase relationships, the direction of the current RFS can change periodically. In another embodiment of this disclosure, the first signal SG1 and the second signal SG2 can be square wave signals with opposite phase relationships.

[0254] When the first signal SG1 and the second signal SG2 have opposite phase relationships, the first signal SG1 is displayed on the display layer 100 (for example, see...). Figure 5 The noise caused by the signal SG2 can be canceled out by the noise caused by the second signal SG2. Therefore, flickering can be prevented in the display layer 100, and the display quality of the display layer 100 can be improved.

[0255] In another embodiment of this disclosure, the first signal SG1 may be a sinusoidal signal. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the first signal SG1 may be a square wave signal, and the second signal SG2 may have a constant voltage (e.g., 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 can be considered grounded. Even in this case, the current RFS can flow from one pad to the other. Furthermore, even if the other pad is grounded, the direction of the current RFS can change periodically because the first signal SG1 is a sinusoidal or square wave signal.

[0256] Reference Figure 20A second signal SG2 is provided to a pad connected to a first annular trace 230rt1, and a first signal SG1 is provided to a pad connected to a third electrode 230. That is, the first signal SG1 can be provided to at least one of the third electrodes 230, and the second signal SG2 can be provided to at least another of the third electrodes 230. A current RFS can flow in a current path defined by the second annular trace 230rt2, the third electrode 230, and a portion of the first annular trace 230rt1. The current path can have a coil shape. Therefore, in the charging drive mode of the second mode, the resonant circuit of the pen PN can be charged through the current path.

[0257] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the current path of the loop coil pattern can be implemented by components included in the sensor layer 200. Therefore, the electronic device 1000 (e.g., see...) Figure 2A The pen PN can be charged using the sensor layer 200. Therefore, since a separate component with a coil for charging the pen PN is not required, there is no increase in the thickness and weight of the electronic device 1000, nor a decrease in its flexibility.

[0258] In charging drive mode, the first electrode 210, the second electrode 220, and the fourth electrode 240 can be grounded, have a constant voltage applied, or be electrically floated. More specifically, the first electrode 210, the second electrode 220, and the fourth 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 fourth electrode 240.

[0259] Figure 22A A second mode according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown. Figure 22B A second mode based on a sensing unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0260] Reference Figure 22A and Figure 22B The second mode can include a charging drive mode and a pen sensing drive mode. Figure 22A and Figure 22B The pen sensing drive mode is shown.

[0261] Reference Figure 22A In pen sensing drive mode, a first receiving signal PRX1 can be output from the first electrode 210, and a second receiving signal PRX2 can be output from the second electrode 220. Figure 22B A sensing unit SU is shown through which the first induced current Ia, the second induced current Ib, the third induced current Ic, and the fourth induced current Id generated by the pen PN flow.

[0262] Reference Figure 22A and Figure 22B In embodiments of this disclosure, the wiring directions of one electrode and another electrode of the sensor layer 200 that are stacked on top of each other can be different. For example, the wiring directions of the first electrode 210x and the fourth electrode 240x can be different. Furthermore, the wiring directions of the second electrode 220x and the third electrode 230x can be different. For example, in... Figure 22B In this configuration, the first trace 210t can be connected to the right end of the first electrode 210x, and the auxiliary trace 240t can be connected to the left end of the fourth electrode 240x. The second trace 220t can be connected to the lower end of the second electrode 220x, and the first annular trace 230rt1 can be connected to the upper end of the third electrode 230x.

[0263] The RLC resonant circuit of the pen PN can emit a magnetic field at its resonant frequency while releasing the stored charge. The magnetic field provided by the pen PN generates a first induced current Ia in the first electrode 210x and a second induced current Ib in the second electrode 220x. Furthermore, a third induced current Ic can be generated in the third electrode 230x, and a fourth induced current Id can be generated in the fourth electrode 240x.

[0264] A first coupling capacitor Ccp1 can be formed between the fourth electrode 240x and the first electrode 210x, and a second coupling capacitor Ccp2 can be formed between the third electrode 230x and the second electrode 220x. A fourth induced current Id can be transmitted to the first electrode 210x through the first coupling capacitor Ccp1, and a third induced current Ic can be transmitted to the second electrode 220x through the second coupling capacitor Ccp2.

[0265] The sensor driver 200C can receive a first received signal PRX1 based on a first induced current Ia and a fourth induced current Id from the first electrode 210x, and a second received signal PRX2 based on a second induced current Ib and a third induced current Ic from the second electrode 220x. The sensor driver 200C can detect the input coordinates of the pen PN based on the first received signal PRX1 and the second received signal PRX2.

[0266] The sensor driver 200C can receive a first received signal PRX1 from the first electrode 210x and a second received signal PRX2 from the second electrode 220x. In this case, the ends of the third electrode 230x and the fourth electrode 240x can both be floating. Therefore, the compensation of the sensing signal can be maximized or increased by the coupling between the first electrode 210x and the fourth electrode 240x and the coupling between the second electrode 220x and the third electrode 230x.

[0267] Furthermore, the other ends of the third electrode 230x and the fourth electrode 240x can be grounded or floating. Therefore, the fourth induced current Id and the third induced current Ic can be fully transmitted to the first electrode 210x and the second electrode 220x respectively through the coupling between the first electrode 210x and the fourth electrode 240x and the coupling between the second electrode 220x and the third electrode 230x.

[0268] According to some of the embodiments described above, the plurality of sensing units in the sensor layer may include a first sensing unit and a second sensing unit having a different shape (or area) than the first sensing unit. The shape of the portions of the first to fourth electrodes that overlap with the second sensing unit can be adjusted. For example, because the area of ​​the second sensing unit is smaller than the area of ​​the first sensing unit, the shape (or area) of the portions of the first to fourth electrodes that overlap with the second sensing unit can be designed to be different from the shape (or area) of the portions of the first to fourth electrodes that overlap with the first sensing unit, thereby increasing the capacitance of the capacitor formed between the first and fourth electrodes (which has been reduced to a certain extent) and the capacitance of the capacitor formed between the second and third electrodes (which has been reduced to a certain extent). In this case, the detection signal caused by the smaller size of the second sensing unit can be compensated for by the increase in capacitance caused by adjusting the shape of the portions of the first to fourth electrodes that overlap with the second sensing unit. Therefore, the sensing performance of the sensor layer (or more specifically, the outer portion of the sensing area) can be further improved.

[0269] The foregoing is a description of some embodiments of this disclosure and is not to be construed as limiting it. Although some embodiments have been described, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made to the embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. It will be understood that, unless otherwise described, the description of features or aspects within each embodiment should generally be considered applicable to other similar features or aspects in other embodiments. Therefore, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that, unless explicitly stated otherwise, 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. Therefore, it will be understood that the foregoing is a description of various exemplary embodiments and is not to be construed as limiting to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, and various modifications to the disclosed embodiments and other exemplary embodiments are intended to be included within the spirit and scope of this disclosure as defined in the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An electronic device, the electronic device comprising: The sensor layer has a sensing area and a peripheral area adjacent to the sensing area; as well as A sensor driver is configured to drive the sensor layer. The sensor layer includes: a plurality of first electrodes spaced apart from each other along a first direction; a plurality of second electrodes spaced apart from each other along a second direction intersecting the first direction; a plurality of third electrodes superimposed on the plurality of second electrodes; and a plurality of fourth electrodes superimposed on the plurality of first electrodes. The sensing area includes a plurality of sensing units arranged along the first direction and the second direction. The plurality of sensing units includes a first sensing unit spaced apart from the peripheral region and a second sensing unit in contact with the peripheral region. The plurality of second electrodes include a second-1 electrode superimposed on the first sensing unit and a second-2 electrode superimposed on the second sensing unit. The plurality of third electrodes includes a third-1 electrode superimposed on the second-1 electrode and a third-2 electrode superimposed on the second-2 electrode, and The shape of the region superimposed on the second-1 electrode and the third-1 electrode is different from the shape of the region superimposed on the second-2 electrode and the third-2 electrode.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The second-1 electrode comprises x first segmented electrodes spaced apart from each other along the second direction, where x is a positive integer; and The second-2 electrode includes y second segmented electrodes spaced apart from each other along the second direction, where y is a positive integer.

3. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein, x is greater than y.

4. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein: x and y are the same; and The spacing between the first dividing electrodes is greater than the spacing between the second dividing electrodes.

5. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein: The third-1 electrode includes x third segmented electrodes stacked one-to-one with the first segmented electrodes, where x is a positive integer; and The third-second electrode includes y fourth segmented electrodes stacked one-to-one with the second segmented electrode, where y is a positive integer.

6. The electronic device according to claim 5, wherein: The area of ​​each of the first segmented electrodes and the area of ​​each of the second segmented electrodes are the same; and The area of ​​each of the third segmented electrodes is smaller than the area of ​​each of the fourth segmented electrodes.

7. The electronic device according to claim 5, wherein: The area of ​​each of the first segmented electrodes is smaller than the area of ​​each of the second segmented electrodes; and The area of ​​each of the third segmented electrodes and the area of ​​each of the fourth segmented electrodes are the same.

8. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The width of the first sensing unit in the second direction is greater than the width of the second sensing unit in the second direction.

9. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The first opening is in the second-1st electrode; and A second opening having a smaller size than the first opening is located in the second-2nd electrode.

10. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The width of the third-1 electrode in the second direction is smaller than the width of the third-2 electrode in the second direction.

11. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The second-first electrode has a grid structure with a first linewidth; The second-2 electrode has a grid structure with a second linewidth; The third-first electrode has a grid structure with a third linewidth; and The third-second electrode has a grid structure with a fourth linewidth.

12. The electronic device according to claim 11, wherein: The first line width and the second line width are the same as each other; and The fourth line width is greater than the third line width.

13. The electronic device according to claim 11, wherein: The third line width and the fourth line width are the same as each other; and The second line width is greater than the first line width.

14. The electronic device according to claim 11, wherein: The second line width is greater than the first line width; and The fourth line width is greater than the third line width.

15. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The sensor driver is configured to operate selectively in a first mode for sensing touch input and a second mode for sensing pen input. The second mode includes a charging drive mode and a pen sensing drive mode. In the charging drive mode, the sensor driver is configured to provide a first signal to at least one of the plurality of third electrodes and a second signal to at least another of the plurality of third electrodes. In the pen sensing drive mode, the sensor driver is configured to receive a first receiving signal from the plurality of first electrodes and a second receiving signal from the plurality of second electrodes.

16. An electronic device, the electronic device comprising: The display layer is configured to display images; A sensor layer is located on the display layer and has a sensing area and a peripheral area adjacent to the sensing area. as well as The processor is configured to control the operation of the display layer and the sensor layer. The sensor layer includes: Multiple first electrodes are spaced apart from each other along a first direction; Multiple second electrodes are spaced apart from each other along a second direction that intersects the first direction; Multiple third electrodes, stacked with the multiple second electrodes; and Multiple fourth electrodes are stacked with the multiple first electrodes. The plurality of second electrodes includes a second-1 electrode and a second-2 electrode spaced apart from the second-1 electrode in the second direction. The plurality of third electrodes includes a third-1 electrode superimposed on the second-1 electrode and a third-2 electrode superimposed on the second-2 electrode. The third-first electrode includes a plurality of first segmented electrodes stacked with the second-first electrode. The third-2 electrode includes a plurality of second segmented electrodes stacked with the second-2 electrode, and Wherein, the area of ​​the region where each of the plurality of first segmented electrodes overlaps with the second-1 electrode is smaller than the area of ​​the region where each of the plurality of second segmented electrodes overlaps with the second-2 electrode.

17. The electronic device according to claim 16, wherein, The number of the plurality of first segmented electrodes is greater than or equal to the number of the plurality of second segmented electrodes.

18. The electronic device according to claim 16, wherein: The second-first electrode has a grid structure with a first linewidth; The second-2 electrode has a grid structure with a second linewidth; The third-first electrode has a grid structure with a third linewidth; and The third-second electrode has a grid structure with a fourth linewidth, and in: The first line width and the second line width are the same as each other, and the fourth line width is greater than the third line width; or The third line width and the fourth line width are the same as each other, and the second line width is greater than the first line width; or The second line width is greater than the first line width, and the fourth line width is greater than the third line width.

19. The electronic device according to claim 16, wherein: The first opening is in the second-1st electrode; and A second opening having a smaller size than the first opening is located in the second-2nd electrode.

20. The electronic device according to claim 16, wherein, The width of each of the plurality of first segmented electrodes in the second direction is smaller than the width of each of the plurality of second segmented electrodes in the second direction.

Images