Display device and sensor device

Abstract

The utility model relates to a display device and a sensor device. The display device may include: a display panel; a sensor array including a first sensor electrode group and a second sensor electrode group; first and second signal lines connected to the sensor electrodes of the first and second sensor electrode groups, respectively; and a sensor driver connected to the sensor array through the first signal line and the second signal line. The sensor electrodes of the first set of sensor electrodes may include a first sensor electrode adjacent an edge of the sensor array and a second sensor electrode spaced apart from the edge. A signal line connected to the first sensor electrode of the first signal lines may include a first routing line and a second routing line connected to a first end and a second end of the first sensor electrode, respectively. A signal line of the first signal lines connected to the second sensor electrode may include a third routing line connected to the first end of the second sensor electrode.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0116316, filed on September 1, 2023, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] Various embodiments of this disclosure relate to display devices that can support touch functionality, and more specifically, to display devices and sensor devices that can sense touches in proximity to a sensor array. Background Technology

[0004] Display devices have become increasingly important as a connection medium between users and information. Typically, display devices can visually display various types of information, and devices such as liquid crystal displays (LCDs) and organic light-emitting diode (OLEDs) are commonly used today. Furthermore, modern display devices often include not only typical input interfaces such as buttons, keyboards, and mice, but also touchscreens or sensor devices that allow users to easily input information or commands in an intuitive and convenient manner.

[0005] The sensor device can be an input device that identifies the location of a user's touch to input a user command, and can be disposed on the front surface of a display panel. In particular, the sensor device can determine the input signal by detecting the location of a touch from a user's hand or an object. Capacitive methods have been used in such sensor devices. However, when the sensor device includes a certain type of protective film, a significant capacitance difference may occur between the corresponding sensor electrode and the surrounding sensor electrodes, resulting in reduced reliability of the operation of the sensor device and / or the display device.

[0006] The information disclosed in this background section is intended only to enhance the understanding of the background of the described techniques, and therefore may contain information that does not form prior art known to those skilled in the art. Utility Model Content

[0007] Various embodiments of this disclosure relate to display devices capable of sensing touch with improved reliability. For example, the display device can achieve the same effect as a uniform capacitor through a compensated design of the sensor array, thereby enabling more accurate sensing of touch input.

[0008] Various embodiments of this disclosure relate to sensor devices capable of sensing touch with improved reliability.

[0009] Embodiments of the disclosure can provide a display device including a display panel, a sensor array disposed to overlap the display panel and including a first sensor electrode group including sensor electrodes extending in a first direction and arranged in a second direction at an angle to the first direction and a second sensor electrode group including sensor electrodes extending in the second direction and arranged in the first direction, first signal lines electrically connected to the sensor electrodes of the first sensor electrode group, second signal lines electrically connected to the sensor electrodes of the second sensor electrode group, and a sensor driver connected to the sensor array through the first signal lines and the second signal lines to sense a touch adjacent to the sensor array. The sensor electrodes of the first sensor electrode group can include a first sensor electrode adjacent to an edge of the sensor array and a second sensor electrode spaced apart from the edge of the sensor array, and the first sensor electrode is interposed between the edge of the sensor array and the second sensor electrode. The signal lines connected to the first sensor electrode among the first signal lines can include a first routing line and a second routing line connected to a first end and a second end of the first sensor electrode, respectively. The signal lines connected to the second sensor electrode among the first signal lines can include a third routing line connected to a first end of the second sensor electrode, and no routing line connected to a second end of the second sensor electrode.

[0010] The signal lines connected to the first sensor electrode can have a higher capacitance than the signal lines connected to the second sensor electrode.

[0011] The signal lines connected to the first sensor electrode can have a lower resistance value than the signal lines connected to the second sensor electrode.

[0012] The sensor electrodes of the first sensor electrode group can further include a third sensor electrode adjacent to an edge opposite to the above-described edge of the sensor array. The second sensor electrode can be disposed between the first sensor electrode and the third sensor electrode. The signal lines connected to the third sensor electrode among the first signal lines can include a fourth routing line and a fifth routing line connected to a first end and a second end of the third sensor electrode, respectively.

[0013] The signal lines connected to the first sensor electrode can have a lower resistance value than the signal lines connected to the second sensor electrode. The signal lines connected to the third sensor electrode have a lower resistance value than the signal lines connected to the second sensor electrode.

[0014] Each of the first signal lines can include at least one resistor. The at least one resistor of the signal lines connected to the first sensor electrode can have a lower resistance value than the at least one resistor of the signal lines connected to the second sensor electrode.

[0015] The sensor array can further include a plurality of pads connected to the sensor electrodes of the first sensor electrode group by first signal lines. The first signal lines can include resistors disposed between the sensor electrodes of the first sensor electrode group and the plurality of pads.

[0016] The signal lines connected to the first sensor electrodes in the first signal lines have a first length, and the signal lines connected to the second sensor electrodes in the first signal lines have a second length. The first length can be less than the second length.

[0017] The sensor electrodes of the second sensor electrode group can include a fourth sensor electrode adjacent to the other edge of the sensor array and a fifth sensor electrode spaced apart from the other edge of the sensor array, with the fourth sensor electrode interposed between the other edge of the sensor array and the fifth sensor electrode. The signal lines connected to the fourth sensor electrodes can have a lower capacitance than the signal lines connected to the fifth sensor electrodes.

[0018] The sensor electrodes of the second sensor electrode group can include a fourth sensor electrode adjacent to the other edge of the sensor array and a fifth sensor electrode spaced apart from the other edge of the sensor array, with the fourth sensor electrode interposed between the other edge of the sensor array and the fifth sensor electrode. The signal lines connected to the fourth sensor electrodes in the second signal lines can have a higher resistance value than the signal lines connected to the fifth sensor electrodes in the second signal lines.

[0019] The sensor electrodes of the second sensor electrode group can further include a sixth sensor electrode adjacent to an edge of the sensor array opposite the other edge. The fifth sensor electrode can be disposed between the fourth sensor electrode and the sixth sensor electrode. The signal lines connected to the sixth sensor electrodes in the second signal lines can have a higher resistance value than the signal lines connected to the fifth sensor electrodes in the second signal lines.

[0020] The signal lines connected to the fourth sensor electrodes and the sixth sensor electrodes, respectively, in the second signal lines can extend in a back-and-forth manner along the edge of the sensor array.

[0021] The display device can further include a window disposed on the sensor array and a protective film disposed on the window.

[0022] The protective film can include an anti-static coating.

[0023] Embodiments of the present disclosure can provide a sensor device including a sensor array disposed to overlap a display panel and including a first sensor electrode group including sensor electrodes extending in a first direction and arranged in a second direction at an angle to the first direction, and a second sensor electrode group including sensor electrodes extending in the second direction and arranged in the first direction; first signal lines electrically connected to the sensor electrodes of the first sensor electrode group; second signal lines electrically connected to the sensor electrodes of the second sensor electrode group; and a sensor driver connected to the sensor array through the first signal lines and the second signal lines to sense a touch adjacent to the sensor array. The sensor electrodes of the first sensor electrode group can include a first sensor electrode adjacent to an edge of the sensor array and a second sensor electrode spaced apart from the edge of the sensor array, and the first sensor electrode is interposed between the edge of the sensor array and the second sensor electrode. The signal lines connected to the first sensor electrode among the first signal lines can include a first routing line and a second routing line connected to a first end and a second end of the first sensor electrode, respectively. The signal lines connected to the second sensor electrode among the first signal lines can include a third routing line connected to a first end of the second sensor electrode, and there is no routing line connected to a second end of the second sensor electrode. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0024] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 2 FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view along line I-I' of FIG. 1. Figure 1

[0026] Figure 3 FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of a protective film of FIG. 1. Figure 2

[0027] Figure 4 FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a display device of FIG. 1. Figure 1

[0028] Figure 5 FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a sensor array of FIG. 1. Figure 4

[0029] Figure 6 FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a sensor driver of FIG. 1. Figure 4

[0030] Figure 7 FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a resistor on a signal line connected to a sensor electrode of a first sensor electrode group.

[0031] Figure 8 ​​​​​is a block diagram illustrating a resistor connected to a signal line of a sensor electrode of a second sensor electrode group.

[0032] Figure 9 is a block diagram illustrating a routing line of a signal line of a sensor electrode connected to a first sensor electrode group.

[0033] Figure 10 is a block diagram illustrating a routing line of a signal line of a sensor electrode connected to a second sensor electrode group.

[0034] Figure 11 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a signal line connected to a sensor electrode adjacent to an edge of a second sensor electrode group. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, portions that are needed for understanding operations according to the present disclosure will be described, and description of other portions can be omitted to avoid obscuring the gist of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments set forth herein, but can be implemented in other types. Instead, these embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the technical spirit of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0036] The terms used herein are merely used to describe particular embodiments, and are not intended to be limiting. It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "coupled" or "connected" to another element, the element can be directly coupled or connected to the other element or indirectly coupled or connected to the other element with intervening elements therebetween. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, an element referred to as "including" or "comprising" a component does not exclude another component, but the element can further include other components. The phrases "at least one of X, Y, and Z" and "at least one selected from the group consisting of X, Y, and Z" can be interpreted to include only X, only Y, only Z, or any combination of two or more of X, Y, and Z (e.g., XYZ, XYY, YZ, and ZZ). As used herein, the term "and / or" can include any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0037] Although the terms "first," "second," etc. can be used herein to describe various types of elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element from another element. Thus, a first element discussed below could be termed a second element without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a display device DD according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Referring to Figure 1 , the display device DD is an electronic device having a display surface. The display device DD can be, for example, a smartphone, a television, a tablet PC, a mobile phone, a video phone, an e-reader, a desktop PC, a laptop PC, a netbook computer, a workstation, a server, a PDA, a portable multimedia player (PMP), an MP3 player, a medical appliance, a camera, or a wearable device.

[0040] The display device DD can be provided in various forms, for example, in the form of a rectangular plate having two faces or two major surfaces and two pairs of parallel edges, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In the case where the display device DD is provided in the form of a rectangular plate, any one of the two pairs of edges can be longer than the other pair of edges. Although Figure 1 The display device DD is illustrated as having straight edges or angled or sharp corners where straight edges meet, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In an embodiment, the display device DD can have the form of a rectangular plate having a rounded shape at a corner where one long edge and one short edge meet.

[0041] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, for ease of explanation, an example is illustrated in which the display device DD has a rectangular shape having one pair of long edges and one pair of short edges. The direction in which the long edges extend is referred to as a second direction DR2, the direction in which the short edges extend is referred to as a first direction DR1, and the direction perpendicular to the long edges and the short edges is referred to as a third direction DR3.

[0042] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, at least a portion of the display device DD can be flexible, and the display device DD can be folded at the flexible portion.

[0043] The display device DD can include a display area DA provided to display an image and a non-display area NDA provided on at least one side of the display area DA. The non-display area NDA can be an area on which an image is not displayed. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In an embodiment, the shape of the display area DA and the shape of the non-display area NDA can vary and be related to each other.

[0044] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I' of Figure 1

[0045] Referring to Figure 2 , the display device DD can include a display panel DP, a touch sensor TS, an adhesive layer PSA, a window WD, and a protective film PL.

[0046] ​The display panel DP can display an image through the display area DA. A self-emissive display panel such as an organic light emitting display panel (OLED panel) using an organic light emitting diode as a light emitting element, a super small light emitting diode (nano-scale LED) display panel using a super small LED as a light emitting element, and a quantum dot organic light emitting display panel (QDOLED panel) using a quantum dot and an organic light emitting diode can be used as the display panel DP. Also, a non-emissive display panel such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, an electrophoretic display (EPD) panel, or an electro wetting display (EWD) panel can be used as the display panel DP. In the case where a non-emissive display panel is used as the display panel DP, the display device DD can include a backlight unit configured to provide light to the display panel DP.

[0047] The touch sensor TS (or the sensor array 120 shown in FIG. 1B) can be directly disposed on an image display surface of the display panel DP and can receive a touch input and / or a hovering input from a user. Here, "directly disposed" means that the display panel DP and the touch sensor TS can be formed through a continuous process, rather than separately manufacturing the touch sensor TS and then attaching the touch sensor TS to the display panel DP through a separate adhesive layer (or a temporary adhesive layer). Details of the touch sensor TS are described below with reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B. Figure 4 The touch sensor TS (or the sensor array 120 shown in FIG. 1B) can be directly disposed on an image display surface of the display panel DP and can receive a touch input and / or a hovering input from a user. Here, "directly disposed" means that the display panel DP and the touch sensor TS can be formed through a continuous process, rather than separately manufacturing the touch sensor TS and then attaching the touch sensor TS to the display panel DP through a separate adhesive layer (or a temporary adhesive layer). Details of the touch sensor TS are described below with reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B. Figure 5 Details of the touch sensor TS are described below with reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B.

[0048] The window WD can be disposed on the display panel DP and the touch sensor TS to protect the exposed surfaces. The touch sensor TS and the window WD can be attached to the adhesive layer PSA.

[0049] The adhesive layer PSA can be a pressure sensitive adhesive film. The adhesive layer PSA can be a transparent adhesive layer having a high light transmittance such as an optical clear adhesive (OCA) film or an optical clear resin (OCR).

[0050] The window WD can protect the display panel DP and the touch sensor TS from external impact and provide an input surface and / or a display surface to a user.

[0051] The window WD can have a multi-layer structure which can include layers selected from a glass substrate, a plastic film, and a plastic substrate. The multi-layer structure can be formed through a continuous process or an adhesive process using an adhesive layer. The window WD can have flexibility completely or partially.

[0052] The protective film PL can be disposed on an upper portion of the window WD to protect the display panel DP and the touch sensor TS. The protective film PL can absorb and / or disperse external impact to protect the display panel DP. Also, the protective film PL can prevent external elements such as water and oxygen from permeating the display device DD or the display panel DP. Details of the protective film PL are described below with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B. Figure 3 Details of the protective film PL are described below with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B.

[0053] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an embodiment of a protective film PL of Figure 2

[0054] Referring to Figure 3 , the protective film PL can include a base film BF, an antistatic coating film ESD, an adhesive layer PSA, and a release film RF.

[0055] The base film BF can be a polymeric film disposed on an upper portion of the window WD, and can be a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film or a polyimide film. The base film BF can have high elasticity and flatness characteristics with excellent flexibility, thereby making the base film BF suitable for use as a protective film for a flexible display device.

[0056] The antistatic coating film ESD can be included between the base film BF and the adhesive layer PSA. The antistatic coating film ESD can be a coating layer including an antistatic agent added to one surface of the base film BF. For example, the antistatic agent can be a conductive material. Further, the antistatic agent can be formed of an antistatic composition including at least one of a metal-based compound and an ionic liquid material.

[0057] The adhesive layer PSA can be an acrylic adhesive film for bonding the release film RF to the base film BF having the antistatic coating film ESD added to one surface of the base film BF. The release film RF can be disposed on the adhesive layer PSA.

[0058] Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a display device DD of Figure 1

[0059] Referring to Figure 4 , the display device DD can include a panel 10 and a driver 20 driving the panel 10. The panel 10 can include a display panel 110 for displaying an image and a sensor array 120 for sensing a touch input. The driver 20 can include a display driver 210 driving the display panel 110 and a sensor driver 220 driving the sensor array 120. The sensor array 120 and the sensor driver 220 of the display device DD can form a sensor device.

[0060] ​​In an embodiment, the display panel 110 and the sensor array 120 can be separately manufactured, and then can be positioned and / or connected to each other such that at least respective portions of the display panel 110 and the sensor array 120 overlap each other. Alternatively, the display panel 110 and the sensor array 120 can be integrally manufactured. For example, the sensor array 120 can be directly formed on at least one of a substrate of the display panel 110 (e.g., an upper substrate and / or a lower substrate of the display panel 110), a thin film encapsulation (TFE) layer, and other insulating layers or functional layers such as optical layers or passivation layers of the display panel 110.

[0061] The display panel 110 can include a plurality of pixels PXL. The pixels PXL can be disposed in a display area DA of the display panel 110.

[0062] The display panel 110 can include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA. The display area DA is an area in which an image can be displayed, and the non-display area NDA can be disposed around a periphery of the display area DA. For example, the display area DA can be disposed in a central area of the display panel 110, and the non-display area NDA can be disposed in an edge area of the display panel 110 in a manner surrounding the display area DA.

[0063] The pixels PXL can be connected to scan lines SL and data lines DL in the display area DA. The pixels PXL can be selected by a scan signal provided from the scan lines SL, can be provided with a data signal from the data lines DL, and can emit light having a luminance corresponding to the data signal. As a result, the display panel 110 can display an image corresponding to the data signal in the display area DA. Each of the pixels PXL can be implemented using a pixel circuit or an architecture capable of employing various known structures and / or driving methods.

[0064] Various lines and / or internal circuits connected to the pixels PXL in the display area DA can be disposed in the non-display area NDA. For example, a plurality of lines for providing various driving power and driving signals to the display area DA can be disposed in or sourced from the non-display area NDA. Also, a pad area or the like can be disposed in the non-display area NDA of the display panel 110.

[0065] The sensor array 120 can include a plurality of electrodes. The electrodes can be disposed in a sensing area SA.

[0066] The sensor array 120 can include a sensing area SA and a peripheral area NSA. The sensing area SA is an area in which a touch input can be sensed, and the peripheral area NSA surrounds the sensing area SA. The sensing area SA can be disposed to overlap at least one area of the display area DA. For example, the sensing area SA can be set to an area corresponding to the display area DA (e.g., an area overlapping the display area DA). The peripheral area NSA can be set to an area corresponding to the non-display area NDA (e.g., an area overlapping the non-display area NDA). In this case, when a touch input is provided on the display area DA, the touch input can be detected using the sensor array 120.

[0067] In an embodiment, the sensor electrodes SEN in the sensing area SA can include sensing electrodes RX (or a first sensor electrode group) and driving electrodes TX (or a second sensor electrode group). A mutual-capacitance touch sensor can be implemented using the driving electrodes TX and the sensing electrodes RX. For example, a mutual-capacitance Cse can be formed between the driving electrodes TX and the sensing electrodes RX. The mutual-capacitance Cse in an area of a touch input can change based on the touch input. The touch input can then be detected by sensing the change in the mutual-capacitance Cse.

[0068] In the peripheral area NSA of the sensor array 120, signal lines can be disposed to electrically connect the sensor electrodes SEN to the sensor driver 220, etc. For example, a plurality of signal lines connected to the respective driving electrodes TX and sensing electrodes RX can be disposed in the peripheral area NSA.

[0069] The display driver 210 can be electrically connected to the display panel 110 and thus can drive the pixels PXL. To drive the pixels PXL, the display driver 210 can include a scan driver that provides a scan signal to the scan lines SL, a data driver that provides a data signal to the data lines DL, and a timing controller that controls the scan driver and the data driver. For example, the scan driver, the data driver, and / or the timing controller can be integrated in a single display IC (D-IC), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0070] The sensor driver 220 can be electrically connected to the sensor array 120 and can drive the sensor electrodes SEN. The sensor driver 220 can provide a touch driving signal to the driving electrodes TX during a period in which the touch sensor TS is activated (e.g., a touch sensing period), and can receive a sensing signal corresponding to the touch driving signal from the sensing electrodes RX. For the above operations, the sensor driver 220 can include a touch driving circuit and a touch sensing circuit. The touch driving circuit and the touch sensing circuit can be integrated in a single touch IC (T-IC), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0071] The display driver 210 and the sensor driver 220 can be configured independently of each other, or at least a portion of the display driver 210 and the sensor driver 220 can be integrated into a single driver IC (driver IC).

[0072] To facilitate the use of the display device DD, the display device DD may include sensor devices. For example, a user can easily control the display device DD by touching the screen in the sensing area SA of the sensor array 120 while viewing an image displayed on the screen in the display area DA of the display panel 110.

[0073] Figure 5 It is shown Figure 4 A diagram illustrating an embodiment of the sensor array 120.

[0074] refer to Figure 5 The sensor array 120 can be disposed on the surface of the display panel DP on which the image is displayed, and can be configured to receive touch input from the user.

[0075] In this implementation, the sensor array 120 can use various techniques to sense touch input. The sensor array 120 can sense touch from the user using self-capacitance or mutual capacitance.

[0076] The sensing area SA of the sensor array 120 can have a shape that is substantially the same as that of the display area DA.

[0077] like Figure 5 As shown, the sensor array 120 may include a plurality of sensor electrodes in the sensing region SA. For example, the sensor array 120 may include a first sensor electrode group SG1, which includes sensor electrodes extending in a first direction DR1 and arranged in a second direction DR2 at an angle to the first direction DR1. Hereinafter, the sensor electrodes of the first sensor electrode group SG1 may refer to the first sensing electrode RX1 to the p-th sensing electrode RXp. The sensor array 120 may include a second sensor electrode group SG2, which includes sensor electrodes extending in the second direction DR2 and arranged in the first direction DR1. Hereinafter, the sensor electrodes of the second sensor electrode group SG2 may refer to the first driving electrode TX1 to the q-th driving electrode TXq.

[0078] In an embodiment, the sensor electrodes of the first sensor electrode group SG1 can include first and p-th sensing electrodes RX1 and RXp adjacent to edges of the sensor array 120 and remaining second to (p-1)-th sensing electrodes RX2 to RX(p-1). The second to (p-1)-th sensing electrodes RX2 to RX(p-1) can be disposed between the first and p-th sensing electrodes RX1 and RXp.

[0079] In an embodiment, the sensor electrodes of the second sensor electrode group SG2 can include first and q-th driving electrodes TX1 and TXq adjacent to edges of the sensor array 120 and remaining second to (q-1)-th driving electrodes TX2 to TX(q-1). The second to (q-1)-th driving electrodes TX2 to TX(q-1) can be disposed between the first and q-th driving electrodes TX1 and TXq.

[0080] The first to p-th sensing electrodes RX1 to RXp (or the sensor electrodes of the first sensor electrode group SG1) can be connected to first to p-th sensing lines RXL1 to RXLp (or first signal lines), respectively. The first to q-th driving electrodes TX1 to TXq (or the sensor electrodes of the second sensor electrode group SG2) can be connected to first to q-th driving lines TXL1 to TXLq (or second signal lines), respectively. In this case, the first to p-th sensing electrodes RX1 to RXp can be disposed as sensing electrodes RX of Figure 4 . The first to q-th driving electrodes TX1 to TXq can be disposed as driving electrodes TX of Figure 4 .

[0081] Each of the first to p-th sensing electrodes RX1 to RXp can include first cells CL1 arranged in or along a first direction DR1 and electrically connected to each other. Each of the first to q-th driving electrodes TX1 to TXq can include second cells CL2 arranged in or along a second direction DR2 and electrically connected to each other. In Figure 5 , each of the first and second cells CL1 and CL2 is illustrated as having a diamond shape. Here, the diamond shape is merely illustrative, and at least one of various shapes such as a circle, a rectangle, a triangle, and a mesh can be used. Further, each of the first and second cells CL1 and CL2 can be formed as a single layer or multiple layers. As such, the shape and arrangement of the first to q-th driving electrodes TX1 to TXq and the first to p-th sensing electrodes RX1 to RXp can be modified in various ways.

[0082] In an embodiment, the first and second units CL1 and CL2 can include at least one of various conductive materials such as a metallic material, a transparent material, or the like, thereby securing conductivity. For example, the first and second units CL1 and CL2 can include at least one of various metals such as gold (Au), silver (Ag), aluminum (Al), molybdenum (Mo), chromium (Cr), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), copper (Cu), and platinum (Pt), or an alloy thereof.

[0083] Figure 5 The sensor array 120 can be provided as Figure 4 The sensor array 120 of the display apparatus DD shown in FIG. 1A.

[0084] The at least one or more first to q-th drive lines TXL1 to TXLq, the at least one or more first to p-th sense lines RXL1 to RXLp, and the pad area PDA can be in the peripheral area NSA. At least one or more pads PD can be provided in the pad area PDA to electrically connect the sensor electrodes SEN of the sensor array 120 to the sensor driver 220.

[0085] The sensor array 120 can include some of the pads PD connected to the first to q-th drive lines TXL1 to TXLq. The pads PD can be connected to the first to q-th drive electrodes TX1 to TXq through the first to q-th drive lines TXL1 to TXLq. For example, respective first ends of the first to q-th drive lines TXL1 to TXLq can be connected to respective first ends of the first to q-th drive electrodes TX1 to TXq. Respective second ends of the first to q-th drive lines TXL1 to TXLq can be connected to some of the pads PD. The first to q-th drive lines TXL1 to TXLq can be used to connect the first to q-th drive electrodes TX1 to TXq to the pads PD.

[0086] The sensor array 120 can further include the remaining pads PD connected to the first to p-th sense lines RXL1 to RXLp. The pads PD can be connected to the first to p-th sense electrodes RX1 to RXp through the first to p-th sense lines RXL1 to RXLp. For example, respective first ends of the first to p-th sense lines RXL1 to RXLp can be connected to respective first ends of the first to p-th sense electrodes RX1 to RXp. Respective second ends of the first to p-th sense lines RXL1 to RXLp can be connected to some of the pads PD. In other words, the first to p-th sense lines RXL1 to RXLp can be used to connect the first to p-th sense electrodes RX1 to RXp to the pads PD.

[0087] The first to qth drive lines TXL1 to TXLq and the first to pth sense lines RXL1 to RXLp can be electrically connected to the drive circuit IC through the pads PD.

[0088] The sensor electrode SEN and the signal line connected to the sensor electrode SEN can have a single layer or a multi-layer structure. The sensor electrode SEN and the signal line connected to the sensor electrode SEN can include indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), indium tin zinc oxide (ITZO), PEDOT, metal nanowire, and / or graphene.

[0089] Figure 6 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a sensor driver 220 connected to the drive electrode TX and the sense electrode RX. Figure 4

[0090] Referring to Figure 4 and Figure 6 , the sensor array 120 can include a drive electrode TX (or a sensor electrode of the second sensor electrode group) and a sense electrode RX (or a sensor electrode of the first sensor electrode group) forming a capacitance Cse. The drive electrode TX and the sense electrode RX can be connected to the touch drive circuit TDC and the touch sense circuit TSC, respectively. Here, the touch drive circuit TDC and the touch sense circuit TSC can be included in the sensor driver 220.

[0091] As for a method of driving a sensor device, the touch drive circuit TDC provides a touch drive signal Sdr to each of the drive electrodes TX during a touch sensing period in which a touch sensing mode is activated. Here, the touch drive signal Sdr can be an alternating current signal having a certain period such as a pulse wave.

[0092] As shown in Figure 5 , in a case where the sensor array 120 includes the drive electrodes TX, the touch drive circuit TDC can sequentially provide the touch drive signal Sdr to the drive electrodes TX during a certain touch sensing period. In this case, a sense signal Sse corresponding to the touch drive signal Sdr applied to the drive electrode TX can be output through the sense electrode RX due to the capacitance Cse formed by each drive electrode TX and the sense electrode RX disposed adjacent thereto. The sense signal Sse can be input to the touch sense circuit TSC and used to detect a touch input.

[0093] ​In a case where the sensor array 120 includes the sense electrodes RX, the touch sensing circuit TSC can include a plurality of sense channels (or reception channels) 222 electrically connected to the respective sense electrodes RX. The touch sensing circuit TSC can receive the sense signals Sse from the respective sense electrodes RX through the sense channels 222, and detect a touch input by combining the received sense signals Sse.

[0094] Each of the sense electrodes RX can form each of the sense channels 222 together with an amplifier AMP connected to the respective sense electrode RX (or an analog front end (AFE) circuit provided with the amplifier AMP).

[0095] In an embodiment, the touch sensing circuit TSC can amplify, translate, and process the sense signals Sse input from each of the sense electrodes RX, and detect a touch input based on the result. Here, the touch sensing circuit TSC can include the sense channels 222 corresponding to the sense electrodes RX, respectively, and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 224 and a processor 226 connected to the sense channels 222.

[0096] Each of the sense channels 222 can be formed of an analog front end circuit to receive the sense signals Sse from the respective sense electrodes RX. For example, each of the sense channels 222 can be implemented as an analog front end circuit including at least one amplifier AMP.

[0097] Each of the sense channels 222 can include a first input terminal IN1 (e.g., an inverting input terminal of the amplifier AMP) and a second input terminal IN2 (e.g., a non-inverting input terminal of the amplifier AMP). The sense channel 222 can generate an output signal OUT1 corresponding to a voltage difference between the first input terminal IN1 and the second input terminal IN2. Each of the sense channels 222 can amplify a differential voltage between the first input terminal IN1 and the second input terminal IN2 to a degree corresponding to a certain gain, and output the amplified voltage as the output signal OUT1.

[0098] In a case where the sense electrodes RX and the sense channels 222 corresponding thereto are provided, the first input terminal IN1 of each of the sense channels 222 can be connected to a different one of the sense electrodes RX. The sense electrodes RX and the sense channels 222 can be connected in one-to-one correspondence. In this case, the sense signals Sse can be input from any one of the sense electrodes RX to the first input terminal IN1 of the sense channel 222 corresponding to the sense electrode RX.

[0099] A second input terminal IN2 of each of the sensing channels 222 can be a reference potential terminal. The second input terminal IN2 can be connected to a reference voltage source such as a ground power source GND. Accordingly, the sensing channel 222 can amplify the sensing signal Sse input to the first input terminal IN1 based on the potential of the second input terminal IN2, and output the amplified sensing signal as the output signal OUT1. In other words, each of the sensing channels 222 can receive the sensing signal Sse from the corresponding sensing electrode RX through the first input terminal IN1, and can amplify the sensing signal Sse by a signal corresponding to a voltage difference between a voltage at the first input terminal IN1 and a voltage at the second input terminal IN2.

[0100] The analog-to-digital converter 224 can convert an analog signal input from each of the sensing channels 222 into a digital signal. The analog-to-digital converter 224 can be provided in one-to-one correspondence with the number of the sensing electrodes RX to correspond to the sensing channels 222 associated with the respective sensing electrodes RX. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described example.

[0101] The processor 226 can detect a touch input using the sensing signal Sse (or more specifically, an amplified and digitized signal as described above) output from the respective sensing electrodes RX. The processor 226 can process the signal input from the respective sensing electrodes RX via the corresponding sensing channels 222 and the corresponding analog-to-digital converters 224, and can analyze the sensing signal Sse to detect whether a touch input has occurred and identify a location of the touch input.

[0102] The processor 226 can be implemented as a microprocessor (MPU). In addition, an additional memory required to drive the processor 226 can be provided in the touch sensing circuit TSC. However, the configuration of the processor 226 is not limited to the above-described example.

[0103] Table 1 illustrates an example of a non-uniform capacitance formed on a sensor array of Figure 5 Table 1 illustrates an example of a non-uniform capacitance formed on a sensor array of

[0104] Table 1

[0105] RX1 RX2 … RX(p-1) RXp TX1 C11 C12 C1(p-1) C1p TX2 C21 C22 C2(p-1) C2p ... TX(q-1) C(q-1)1 C(q-1)2 C(q-1)(p-1) C(q-1)p TXq Cq1 Cq2 Cq(p-1) Cqp

[0106] Referring to Figure 4 and Table 1, a capacitance can be formed between each of the drive electrodes TX and each of the sensing electrodes RX in the sensor array 120. The first to p-th sensing electrodes RX1 to RXp can cross the first to q-th drive electrodes TX1 to TXq, but be electrically separated from the first to q-th drive electrodes TX1 to TXq. Accordingly, the first to p-th sensing electrodes RX1 to RXp form mutual capacitances C11 to CqP with the first to q-th drive electrodes TX1 to TXq, as shown in Table 1.

[0107] Generally, in the sensor array 120, the capacitance of one sensor electrode can have a similar value to the capacitance of surrounding sensor electrodes. However, a deviation can occur between the capacitance of a sensor electrode disposed in the edge of the sensor array 120 and the capacitance of a sensor electrode away from the edge of the sensor array 120. In particular, in the case of using a specific type of protective film, the deviation between the capacitance of a sensor electrode disposed in the edge of the sensor array 120 and the capacitance of the other sensor electrodes can be relatively increased.

[0108] As described above with reference to FIG. 1, the specific type of protective film causing the capacitance difference can be a protective film placed on a window disposed on the sensor array 120, and can be a protective film including an antistatic coating on one surface of the base film BF. For example, the specific type of protective film can be a protective film in which an antistatic coating is applied to one surface of the base film BF in a case where an adhesive formed of an acrylic resin is applied to the base film BF formed of a polyester (e.g., PET). However, embodiments are not limited to the above-described example. Figure 3

[0109] Embodiments of the disclosure can be applicable to a protective film causing a change in the capacitance of a sensor electrode adjacent to the edge of the sensor array 120 and the capacitance of a surrounding sensor electrode.

[0110] In the case of using a specific type of protective film, the capacitance formed on each of the first to p-th sensing electrodes RX1 to RXp can be different from the capacitance formed on the second to (p-1)-th sensing electrodes RX2 to RX(p-1). For example, the capacitance formed on the first and p-th sensing electrodes RX1 and RXp can be higher than the capacitance formed on the second to (p-1)-th sensing electrodes RX2 to RX(p-1). In detail, the capacitance C11 to Cq1 formed on the first sensing electrode RX1 can have an average value of approximately 453 fF, and the capacitance C12 to Cq2 formed on the second sensing electrode RX2 can have an average value of approximately 420 fF. Further, the capacitance C1p to Cqp formed on the p-th sensing electrode RXp can have an average value of approximately 490 fF, and the capacitance C1(p-1) to Cq(p-1) formed on the (p-1)-th sensing electrode RX(p-1) can have an average value of approximately 448 fF.

[0111] ​In the case of using a specific type of protective film, the capacitance formed on each of the first driving electrode TX1 and the qth driving electrode TXq can be different from that formed on the second driving electrode TX2 to the (q-1)th driving electrode TX(q-1). For example, the capacitance formed on the first driving electrode TX1 and the qth driving electrode TXq can be lower than that formed on the second driving electrode TX2 to the (q-1)th driving electrode TX(q-1). In detail, the capacitance C11 to C1p formed on the first driving electrode TX1 can have an average of approximately 445 F, and the capacitance C21 to C2p formed on the second driving electrode TX2 can have an average of approximately 550 F. Further, the capacitance Cq1 to Cqp formed on the qth driving electrode TXq can have an average of approximately 221 F, and the capacitance C(q-1)1 to C(q-1)p formed on the (q-1)th driving electrode TX(q-1) can have an average of approximately 327 F.

[0112] As such, in the case of using a specific type of protective film, the capacitance can be more unevenly formed on the sensor electrodes adjacent to the edge of the sensor array 120 and the sensor electrodes around the same. Such unevenly formed capacitance can cause a malfunction in determining a touch input. In consideration of the above-described problem, in order to prevent a malfunction of the sensor device and / or the display device and in order to allow the sensor device to more accurately detect a touch input, the signal lines in the sensor array 120 can be arranged to improve the uniformity of the capacitance.

[0113] Figure 7 is a block diagram illustrating a resistor or a resistance connected to the signal line of the sensor electrode of the first sensor electrode group SG1.

[0114] Referring to Figure 7 The sensor array 120 can include sensor electrodes (hereinafter, referred to as sensing electrodes) RX1 to RXp of the first sensor electrode group SG1 and first signal lines (hereinafter, referred to as sensing lines) RXL1 to RXLp. The sensor array 120 can include a plurality of pads PD electrically connected to the sensing electrodes RX1 to RXp of the first sensor electrode group SG1 through the sensing lines RXL1 to RXLp.

[0115] The sensor array 120 can include sensor electrodes (hereinafter, referred to as driving electrodes) of the second sensor electrode group SG2 and second signal lines (hereinafter, referred to as driving lines).

[0116] In an embodiment, the first sensor electrode group SG1 can include the first sensing electrode RX1 to the pth sensing electrode RXp extending in a first direction DR1 and arranged in a second direction DR2 angled to the first direction DR1.

[0117] Each of the first to p-th sensing lines RXL1 to RXLp electrically connected to the first to p-th sensing electrodes RX1 to RXp can include at least one resistor. The resistors R1 to Rp respectively provided on the first to p-th sensing lines RXL1 to RXLp can be provided between the first to p-th sensing electrodes RX1 to RXp and the plurality of pads PD. The first to p-th resistors R1 to Rp can be separate structures added to the first to p-th sensing lines RXL1 to RXLp, respectively, or can be resistances inherent in conductive structures of the first to p-th sensing lines RXL1 to RXLp.

[0118] The first sensing line RXL1 connected to the first sensing electrode RX1 can include the resistor R1. The second sensing line RXL2 connected to the second sensing electrode RX2 can include the resistor R2. In the case of using a specific type of protective film, the capacitance formed on the first sensing electrode RX1 adjacent to the edge of the sensor array 120 can be relatively high compared to the capacitances formed by the other sensor electrodes in the first sensor electrode group SG1, for example, compared to the capacitances formed on the second to p-1-th sensing electrodes RX2 to RX(p-1). In consideration of this, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, the resistor R1 of the first sensing line RXL1 can have a lower resistance value than the resistor R2 of the second sensing line RXL2.

[0119] In addition, the capacitance formed on the p-th sensing electrode RXp adjacent to the edge of the sensor array 120 on the side opposite to the first sensing electrode RX1 can be relatively high compared to the capacitances formed on the second to p-1-th sensing electrodes RX2 to RX(p-1). In consideration of this, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, the resistor Rp of the p-th sensing line RXLp can have a lower resistance value than the resistor R(p-1) of the p-1-th sensing line RXL(p-1).

[0120] In an embodiment, the resistors R1 to Rp included in the first to pth sensing lines RXL1 to RXLp can be set according to a ratio difference of capacitances formed on the first to pth sensing electrodes RX1 to RXp of the first sensor electrode group SG1. For example, a relatively high capacitance can be formed on the first and pth sensing electrodes RX1 and RXp compared to the capacitances formed on the remaining second to (p-1)th sensing electrodes RX2 to RX(p-1). The relatively high capacitance can reduce the touch sensitivity sensed through the first and pth sensing electrodes RX1 and RXp to a value lower than the touch sensitivity of the other sensing electrodes RX2 to RX(p-1). To compensate for this, the resistor R1 of the first sensing line RXL1 and the resistor Rp of the pth sensing line RXLp can be set to have a resistance value lower than the resistance values of the resistors R2 to R(p-1) of the second to (p-1)th sensing lines RXL2 to RXL(p-1). In other words, each resistance value can be set based on the ratio difference of the capacitances. On the other hand, since the capacitances formed on the remaining second to (p-1)th sensing electrodes RX2 to RX(p-1) are similar to each other, the resistors R2 to R(p-1) of the second to (p-1)th sensing lines RXL2 to RXL(p-1) can be set to the same resistance value.

[0121] The ratio difference of capacitances for setting the resistance value of the resistor R1 for the first sensing line RXL1 can be calculated based on the ratio of capacitances formed on the first sensing electrode RX1 without using a specific type of protective film and with using a specific type of protective film. Here, the value of the capacitance formed on the first sensing electrode RX1 can be applied to the value without using the specific type of protective film. Also, the difference value between the capacitances formed on the first and second sensing electrodes RX1 and RX2 can be applied to the value with using the specific type of protective film.

[0122] The resistors of the sensing lines can be implemented or provided using variable resistors or fixed resistors. In either case, the resistance values can be optimized or adjusted according to the calculated ratio difference of the capacitances. In this way, the capacitance deviation between the sensing electrodes can be compensated for by the resistors of the sensing lines set according to the capacitance difference.

[0123] Figure 8 is a block diagram illustrating resistors on signal lines connected to sensor electrodes of the second sensor electrode group SG2.

[0124] Reference Figure 8 The sensor array 120 can include a plurality of pads PD electrically connected to the sensor electrodes of the second sensor electrode group SG2 through second signal lines.

[0125] In an embodiment, the second sensor electrode group SG2 can include first to q-th drive electrodes TX1 to TXq extending in the second direction DR2 and arranged along the first direction DR1. The signal lines include first to q-th drive lines TXL1 to TXLq. The first to q-th drive lines TXL1 to TXLq are electrically connected to the first to q-th drive electrodes TX1 to TXq of the second sensor electrode group SG2, respectively, and each of the first to q-th drive lines TXL1 to TXLq can include at least one of resistors R1' to Rq'. The resistors R1' to Rq' included in the first to q-th drive lines TXL1 to TXLq, respectively, can be disposed between the first to q-th drive electrodes TX1 to TXq of the second sensor electrode group SG2 and the plurality of pads PD. The resistors R1' to Rq' can be separate structures added to the first to q-th drive lines TXL1 to TXLq, respectively, or can be resistances inherent in conductive structures of the first to q-th drive lines TXL1 to TXLq.

[0126] The first drive line TXL1 connected to the first drive electrode TX1 can include a resistor R1'. The second drive line TXL2 connected to the second drive electrode TX2 can include a resistor R2'. In the case of using a specific type of protective film, the capacitance formed on the first drive electrode TX1 adjacent to the edge of the sensor array 120 can be relatively low compared to the capacitance formed on the second to q-1-th drive electrodes TX2 to TX(q-1). In consideration of this, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, the resistor R1' of the first drive line TXL1 can have a higher resistance value than the resistor R2' of the second drive line TXL2.

[0127] The q-th drive electrode TXq on the side opposite to the first drive electrode TX1 of the second sensor electrode group SG2 adjacent to the edge of the sensor array 120 can have a relatively low capacitance formed thereon compared to the capacitance formed on the second to q-1-th drive electrodes TX2 to TX(q-1). In consideration of this, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, the resistor Rq' of the q-th drive line TXLq can have a higher resistance value than the resistor R(q-1)' of the q-1-th drive line TXL(q-1).

[0128] In an embodiment, the resistors R1' to Rq' included in the first to qth drive lines TXL1 to TXLq can be set according to a ratio difference of capacitances formed on the first to qth drive electrodes TX1 to TXq of the second sensor electrode group SG2. For example, the capacitances formed on the first drive electrode TX1 and the qth drive electrode TXq can be relatively low compared to the capacitances formed on the second to (q-1)th drive electrodes TX2 to TX(q-1). To compensate for this, the resistor R1' of the first drive line TXL1 and the resistor Rq' of the qth drive line TXLq can be set to have a higher resistance value than the resistors R2' to R(q-1)' of the second to (q-1)th drive lines TXL2 to TXL(q-1). In other words, each resistance value can be set based on the ratio difference of capacitances. On the other hand, since the capacitances formed on the remaining second to (q-1)th drive electrodes TX2 to TX(q-1) are similar to each other, the resistors R2' to R(q-1)' of the second to (q-1)th drive lines TXL2 to TXL(q-1) can be set to the same resistance value.

[0129] The ratio of capacitances used to set the resistance value of the resistor R1' for the first drive line TXL1 can be calculated based on the ratio of capacitances formed on the first drive electrode TX1 without using a specific type of protective film and with using a specific type of protective film. Here, the value of the capacitance formed on the first drive electrode TX1 can be applied to the value without using a specific type of protective film. Further, with using a specific type of protective film, a difference between the capacitances formed on the first drive electrode TX1 and the second drive electrode TX2 can be used.

[0130] In detail, the ratio difference of capacitances between the first drive electrode TX1 and the second drive electrode TX2 can be approximately 3.4%. The ratio difference of capacitances between the qth drive electrode TXq and the (q-1)th drive electrode TX(q-1) can be approximately 3.7%. In this case, based on the calculated ratio difference of capacitances, the resistance R1' of the first drive line TXL1 can be set to a resistance value higher than the resistance R2' of the second drive line TXL2 by approximately 3.4%. The resistor Rq' of the qth drive line TXLq can be set to a resistance value higher than the resistor R(q-1)' of the (q-1)th drive line TXL(q-1) by approximately 3.7%.

[0131] The capacitance deviation between the drive electrodes can be compensated for by the resistors of the drive lines set according to the capacitance difference.

[0132] Figure 9 is a block diagram for describing a routing line of a signal line connected to a sensor electrode of a first sensor electrode group.

[0133] Referring to Figure 7 and Figure 9 In the sensor array 120, the first sensing lines RXL1 through the p-th sensing lines RXLp connected to the first sensing electrodes RX1 through the p-th sensing electrodes RXp of the first sensor electrode group SG1 can include different routing lines. Hereinafter, the routing lines of the sensing lines can be referred to as sensing routing lines.

[0134] In an embodiment, the first sensing line RXL1 and the p-th sensing line RXLp can include the first sensing line RXL1 connected to the first sensing electrode RX1 and the p-th sensing line RXLp connected to the p-th sensing electrode RXp. The first sensing line RXL1 and the p-th sensing line RXLp can include first sensing routing lines RXL1_1 and RXLp_1 connected to respective first ends of the first sensing electrode RX1 and the p-th sensing electrode RXp and second sensing routing lines RXL1_2 and RXLp_2 connected to respective second ends of the first sensing electrode RX1 and the p-th sensing electrode RXp.

[0135] On the other hand, the second sensing line RXL2 through the (p-1)-th sensing line RXL(p-1) can include a single sensing routing line connected to respective first ends of the second sensing electrode RX2 through the (p-1)-th sensing electrode RX(p-1). The sensing routing line can not be connected to respective second ends of the second sensing electrode RX2 through the (p-1)-th sensing electrode RX(p-1).

[0136] The sensing routing lines connected to the first ends of the first sensing electrodes RX1 through the p-th sensing electrodes RXp of the first sensor electrode group SG1 can be referred to as near routing lines adjacent to the plurality of pads PD. The sensing routing lines connected to the second ends of the first sensing electrodes RX1 through the p-th sensing electrodes RXp can be referred to as far routing lines away from the plurality of pads PD.

[0137] In the case where a specific type of protective film is used, the capacitance formed on the first and pth sensing electrodes RX1 and RXp adjacent to the edge of the sensor array 120 in the first sensor electrode group SG1 can be relatively high compared to the capacitance formed on the remaining second to (p-1)th sensing electrodes RX2 to RX(p-1). According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first sensing line RXL1 can be connected to the first and second ends of the first sensing electrode RX1 by a first and second sensing routing line RXL1_1 and RXL1_2, respectively, each of which includes a resistor R1_1 or R1_2. The pth sensing line RXLp can be connected to the first and second ends of the pth sensing electrode RXp by a first and second sensing routing line RXLp_1 and RXLp_2, respectively, each of which includes a resistor Rp_1 or Rp_2. On the other hand, the second to (p-1)th sensing lines RXL2 to RXL(p-1) can be connected to the first ends of the second to (p-1)th sensing electrodes RX2 to RX(p-1) by a single sensing routing line including a respective resistor R2 to R(p-1).

[0138] In an embodiment, the capacitance formed on the first and pth sensing electrodes RX1 and RXp can be relatively high compared to the capacitance formed on the remaining sensing electrodes RX2 to RX(p-1). To compensate for this, each of the second to (p-1)th sensing lines RXL2 to RXL(p-1) can be formed by a single sensing routing line connected to a respective one of the first ends of the second to (p-1)th sensing electrodes RX2 to RX(p-1). On the other hand, each of the first and pth sensing lines RXL1 and RXLp can be two sensing routing lines. For example, it can be understood that the two sensing routing lines are connected in parallel between any one of the pads PD and the respective sensing electrode. Since the first and pth sensing lines RXL1 and RXLp each have two sensing routing lines connected in parallel, the effective resistance of the connection of the pads PD to the first and pth sensing lines RXL1 and RXLp can have a relatively low resistance value.

[0139] The resistors R1_1 and R1_2 of the first sensing line RXL1 and the resistors Rp_1 and Rp_2 of the pth sensing line RXLp can be set to provide an effective resistance lower than the resistances of the resistors R2 to R(p-1) of the second to (p-1)th sensing lines RXL2 to RXL(p-1). In particular, by the connection of the routing lines, the first and pth sensing lines RXL1 and RXLp can be implemented to have effective resistance values with a ratio difference lower capacitance than the second to (p-1)th sensing lines RXL2 to RXL(p-1). The ratio difference in capacitance can be calculated in the same manner as described above with reference to Figure 7 and Figure 8 .

[0140] Figure 10 is a block diagram illustrating routing lines of signal lines connected to sensor electrodes of the second sensor electrode group.

[0141] Referring to Figure 8 and Figure 10 , in the sensor array 120, the first to qth drive lines TXL1 to TXLq of the first to qth drive electrodes TX1 to TXq connected to the second sensor electrode group SG2 can include different routing lines. Hereinafter, the routing lines of the drive lines can be referred to as drive routing lines.

[0142] In an embodiment, the first to qth drive lines TXL1 to TXLq can include the first drive line TXL1 connected to the first drive electrode TX1 and the qth drive line TXLq connected to the qth drive electrode TXq. The first and qth drive lines TXL1 and TXLq can include a single drive routing line connected to respective first ends of the first and qth drive electrodes TX1 and TXq. The drive routing line can not be connected to respective second ends of the first and qth drive electrodes TX1 and TXq.

[0143] On the other hand, the second to (q-1)th drive lines TXL2 to TXL(q-1) can include first drive routing lines TXL2_1 to TXL(q-1)_1 connected to respective first ends of the second to (q-1)th drive electrodes TX2 to TX(q-1), and include second drive routing lines TXL2_2 to TXL(q-1)_2 connected to respective second ends of the second to (q-1)th drive electrodes TX2 to TX(q-1).

[0144] The drive routing lines connected to the first ends of the first to qth drive electrodes TX1 to TXq of the second sensor electrode group SG2 can be referred to as near routing lines. The drive routing lines connected to the second ends of the first to qth drive electrodes TX1 to TXq can be referred to as far routing lines.

[0145] In the case of using a specific type of protective film, the capacitances formed on the first drive electrode TX1 and the qth drive electrode TXq adjacent to the edges of the sensor array 120 in the second sensor electrode group SG2 can be relatively low compared to the second drive electrode TX2 to the (q-1)th drive electrode TX(q-1). In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first drive line TXL1 can be connected to the first end of the first drive electrode TX1 through a single drive routing line TXL1_1 including a resistor R1'. The qth drive line TXLq can be connected to the first end of the qth drive electrode TXq through a single drive routing line TXLq_1 including a resistor Rq'. On the other hand, the remaining second drive lines TXL2 to TXL(q-1) can be connected to the respective first and second ends of the second drive electrode TX2 to the (q-1)th drive electrode TX(q-1) through the first drive routing lines TXL2_1 to TXL(q-1)_1 including the respective resistors R2_1' to R(q-1)_1' and the second drive routing lines TXL2_2 to TXL(q-1)_2 including the respective resistors R2_2' to R(q-1)_2'.

[0146] In an embodiment, the capacitances formed on the first drive electrode TX1 and the qth drive electrode TXq can be relatively low compared to the capacitances formed on the second drive electrode TX2 to the (q-1)th drive electrode TX(q-1). To compensate for this, each of the first drive line TXL1 and the qth drive line TXLq can include a single drive routing line connected to the first end of the respective one of the first drive electrode TX1 and the qth drive electrode TXq. On the other hand, each of the second drive lines TXL2 to TXL(q-1) can be formed of two drive routing lines. The two drive routing lines are connected in parallel between any one of the pads PD and the respective drive electrode. Since the second drive lines TXL2 to TXL(q-1) are connected in parallel, each can have an electrical connection to the pads PD with a relatively low resistance.

[0147] The resistor R1' of the first drive line TXL1 and the resistor Rq' of the qth drive line TXLq can be set to have a resistance value higher than the effective resistance of the second drive lines TXL2 to TXL(q-1). In particular, the first drive line TXL1 and the qth drive line TXLq can be implemented to have a resistance value with a ratio difference higher than the capacitance of the second drive lines TXL2 to TXL(q-1) by the connection of the routing lines. The ratio difference of the capacitance can be calculated as described above with reference to Figure 7 and Figure 8 .

[0148] Figure 11is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a signal line connecting to a sensor electrode of a second sensor electrode group.

[0149] Referring to Figure 11 The first drive line TXL1 can extend in a second direction DR2 and a direction opposite to the second direction DR2 along an edge of the sensor array 120 in a reciprocating manner, thereby connecting to the first end of the first drive electrode TX1. Likewise, the qth drive line TXLq can extend in the second direction DR2 and the direction opposite to the second direction DR2 along the edge of the sensor array 120 in a reciprocating manner, thereby connecting to the first end of the qth drive electrode TXq.

[0150] In the case of using a specific type of protective film, the capacitance formed on the first drive electrode TX1 and the qth drive electrode TXq adjacent to the edge of the sensor array 120 in the second sensor electrode group SG2 can be relatively low compared to the capacitance formed on the second drive electrode TX2 to the (q-1)th drive electrode TX(q-1). Accordingly, the first drive line TXL1 connecting the first drive electrode TX1 and the pad PD can have a first length. The second drive line TXL2 connecting the second drive electrode TX2 and the pad PD can have a second length. Here, the first length of the first drive line TXL1 can be longer than the second length of the second drive line TXL2.

[0151] The longer lengths of the first drive line TXL1 and the qth drive line TXLq can increase the resistance values of the respective resistances R1' and Rq' included in the first drive line TXL1 and the qth drive line TXLq. On the other hand, the lengths of the second drive line TXL2 to the (q-1)th drive line TXL(q-1) can be shorter than the lengths of the first drive line TXL1 and the qth drive line TXLq. Accordingly, the respective resistances R2' to R(q-1)' included in the second drive line TXL2 to the (q-1)th drive line TXL(q-1) can be lower than the respective resistances R1' and Rq' included in the first drive line TXL1 and the qth drive line TXLq.

[0152] The length of the signal lines can also be similarly used to compensate for the capacitance difference of the sensing electrodes in the first sensor electrode group SG1. In the case of using a certain type of protective film, the capacitance formed on the first sensing electrode RX1 and the pth sensing electrode RXp adjacent to the edge of the sensor array 120 can be relatively high compared to the capacitance formed on the remaining second to (p-1)th sensing electrodes RX2 to RX(p-1). To compensate, the first sensing line RXL1 connecting the first sensing electrode RX1 and its pad PD can have a third length, and the second sensing line RXL2 connecting the second sensing electrode RX2 and its pad PD can have a fourth length. Here, the third length of the first sensing line RXL1 can be shorter than the fourth length of the second sensing line RXL2.

[0153] For example, as the lengths of the first sensing line RXL1 and the pth sensing line RXLp decrease, the resistance values of the respective resistances R1' and Rp' included in the first sensing line RXL1 and the pth sensing line RXLp can decrease. On the other hand, the lengths of the second to (p-1)th sensing lines RXL2 to RXL(p-1) can be greater than the lengths of the first and pth sensing lines RXL1 and RXLp. Accordingly, the respective resistances R1' and Rp' included in the first and pth sensing lines RXL1 and RXLp can be lower than the respective resistances R2' to R(q-1)' included in the second to (p-1)th sensing lines RXL2 to RXL(p-1).

[0154] As such, since the respective signal lines connected to the sensor electrodes of the sensor array 120 can have lengths proportional to the ratio difference of the capacitances, the sensing device can compensate for the capacitance difference of the sensing electrodes and provide a more uniform sensing response. As a result, the deviation of the capacitances formed in the sensor array 120 can be compensated for.

[0155] Various embodiments of the present disclosure can provide a display device and a sensor device capable of sensing a touch with improved reliability.

[0156] Effects of the present disclosure are not limited by the foregoing description and other various effects can be expected herein.

[0157] Although certain embodiments and examples have been described herein, other embodiments and modifications will be apparent from the foregoing description. Accordingly, the concept of the present disclosure is not limited to the foregoing embodiments but is limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A display device, characterized by comprising: comprises a first sensor electrode group including sensor electrodes extending in a first direction and arranged in a second direction at an angle to the first direction, and a second sensor electrode group including sensor electrodes extending in the second direction and arranged in the first direction; a first signal line electrically connected to the sensor electrodes of the first sensor electrode group; a second signal line electrically connected to the sensor electrodes of the second sensor electrode group; and a sensor driver connected to the sensor array through the first and second signal lines to sense a touch adjacent to the sensor array, wherein the sensor electrodes of the first sensor electrode group include a first sensor electrode adjacent to an edge of the sensor array and a second sensor electrode spaced apart from the edge of the sensor array with the first sensor electrode interposed between the edge and the second sensor electrode, wherein the signal lines of the first signal line connected to the first sensor electrode include a first routing line and a second routing line connected to a first end and a second end of the first sensor electrode, respectively, and wherein the signal lines of the first signal line connected to the second sensor electrode include a third routing line connected to a first end of the second sensor electrode without a routing line connected to a second end of the second sensor electrode. The signal lines connected to the first sensor electrode have a higher capacitance than the signal lines connected to the second sensor electrode. The signal lines connected to the first sensor electrode have a lower resistance value than the signal lines connected to the second sensor electrode. 4.The display device of claim 1, wherein the sensor electrodes of the first sensor electrode group further include a third sensor electrode adjacent to an edge of the sensor array opposite to the edge, 2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein wherein the second sensor electrode is disposed between the first sensor electrode and the third sensor electrode, and 3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein wherein the signal lines of the first signal line connected to the third sensor electrode include a fourth routing line and a fifth routing line connected to a first end and a second end of the third sensor electrode, respectively. 5.The display device of claim 4, wherein the signal lines connected to the first sensor electrode have a lower resistance value than the signal lines connected to the second sensor electrode, and wherein wherein the signal lines connected to the third sensor electrode have a lower resistance value than the signal lines connected to the second sensor electrode. 6.The display device of claim 1, wherein each of the first signal lines includes at least one resistor, and wherein the at least one resistor of the signal lines connected to the first sensor electrode has a lower resistance value than the at least one resistor of the signal lines connected to the second sensor electrode. ​ wherein ​ ​ ​ wherein ​ ​ 7. The display device of claim 1, wherein the sensor array further comprises a plurality of pads connected to the sensor electrodes of the first set of sensor electrodes by the first signal lines, and wherein the first signal lines comprise resistors disposed between the sensor electrodes of the first set of sensor electrodes and the plurality of pads.

8. The display device of claim 1, wherein, the signal lines of the first signal lines connected to the first set of sensor electrodes have a first length, and the signal lines of the first signal lines connected to the second set of sensor electrodes have a second length, and wherein the first length is less than the second length.

9. The display device of claim 1, wherein the sensor electrodes of the second set of sensor electrodes comprise a fourth sensor electrode adjacent to another edge of the sensor array and a fifth sensor electrode spaced apart from the another edge of the sensor array, and the fourth sensor electrode is interposed between the another edge and the fifth sensor electrode, and wherein the signal lines connected to the fourth sensor electrode have a lower capacitance than the signal lines connected to the fifth sensor electrode.

10. The display device of claim 1, wherein the sensor electrodes of the second set of sensor electrodes comprise a fourth sensor electrode adjacent to another edge of the sensor array and a fifth sensor electrode spaced apart from the another edge of the sensor array, and the fourth sensor electrode is interposed between the another edge and the fifth sensor electrode, and wherein the signal lines of the second signal lines connected to the fourth sensor electrode have a higher resistance value than the signal lines of the second signal lines connected to the fifth sensor electrode.

11. The display device of claim 10, wherein the sensor electrodes of the second set of sensor electrodes further comprise a sixth sensor electrode adjacent to an edge of the sensor array opposite the another edge, wherein the fifth sensor electrode is disposed between the fourth sensor electrode and the sixth sensor electrode, and wherein the signal lines of the second signal lines connected to the sixth sensor electrode have a higher resistance value than the signal lines of the second signal lines connected to the fifth sensor electrode.

12. The display device of claim 11, wherein, the signal lines of the second signal lines connected to the fourth sensor electrode and the sixth sensor electrode, respectively, extend in a back-and-forth manner along an edge of the sensor array.

13. The display device of claim 1, wherein, further comprising: a window disposed over the sensor array; and a protective film disposed over the window. the protective film comprises an anti-static coating.

14. The display device of claim 13, wherein, comprising:

15. A sensor device, characterized by ​ a sensor array disposed to overlap the display panel and including a first sensor electrode group and a second sensor electrode group, the first sensor electrode group including sensor electrodes extending in a first direction and arranged in a second direction at an angle to the first direction, the second sensor electrode group including sensor electrodes extending in the second direction and arranged in the first direction; a first signal line electrically connected to the sensor electrodes of the first sensor electrode group; a second signal line electrically connected to the sensor electrodes of the second sensor electrode group; and a sensor driver connected to the sensor array through the first and second signal lines to sense a touch adjacent to the sensor array, wherein the sensor electrodes of the first sensor electrode group include a first sensor electrode adjacent to an edge of the sensor array and a second sensor electrode spaced apart from the edge of the sensor array with the first sensor electrode interposed between the edge and the second sensor electrode, wherein the signal lines of the first signal line connected to the first sensor electrodes include first and second routing lines connected to first and second ends of the first sensor electrodes, respectively, and wherein the signal lines of the first signal line connected to the second sensor electrodes include a third routing line connected to a first end of the second sensor electrodes without a routing line connected to a second end of the second sensor electrodes. ​

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