Electro-optical device, electro-optical panel, and driver

Abstract

To provide an electro-optical device and the like that allow efficient wiring in an electro-optical panel.SOLUTION: An electro-optical device 300 comprises an electro-optical panel 200 and a driver 100. The electro-optical panel 200 includes: a first substrate SSA, a second substrate SSB, a first segment electrode group arranged at the first substrate SSA, a second segment electrode group arranged at the second substrate SSB, a first common electrode group arranged at the second substrate SSB and facing the first segment electrode group, and a second common electrode group arranged at the first substrate SSA and facing the second segment electrode group. The driver 100 includes a first terminal group TG1 continuously arranged along a first side HN1 of the driver 100, and a second terminal group TG2 continuously arranged along the first side HN1. The first terminal group TG1 has a first segment terminal group and a first common terminal. The second terminal group TG2 has a second segment terminal group and a second common terminal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electro-optical device, an electro-optical panel, a driver, and the like. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a liquid crystal display panel including a first transparent electrode substrate and a second transparent electrode substrate facing each other and a plurality of dots. Each dot includes a segment electrode and a common electrode arranged opposite each other, with one electrode arranged on the first transparent electrode substrate and the other electrode arranged on the second transparent electrode substrate. Each transparent electrode substrate has a mixture of segment electrodes and common electrodes. That is, for some of the plurality of dots, a segment electrode is arranged on the first transparent electrode substrate and a common electrode is arranged on the second transparent electrode substrate. For the remaining dots, a common electrode is arranged on the first transparent electrode substrate and a segment electrode is arranged on the second transparent electrode substrate. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-100239 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Depending on the terminal arrangement of the electro-optical panel and the driver, it may not be possible to efficiently wire the electro-optical panel, and it may not be possible to fully achieve the effects of reducing the wiring area or increasing the display area. The above-mentioned Patent Document 1 does not describe the terminal arrangement on the liquid crystal display panel or the terminal arrangement of the driver that drives the liquid crystal display panel. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to an electro-optical device including an electro-optical panel and a driver that drives the electro-optical panel, wherein the electro-optical panel includes a transparent first substrate, a second substrate arranged opposite the first substrate, a first group of segment electrodes arranged on the first substrate, a second group of segment electrodes arranged on the second substrate, a first group of common electrodes arranged on the second substrate and arranged opposite the first group of segment electrodes, and a second group of common electrodes arranged on the first substrate and arranged opposite the second group of segment electrodes, wherein the driver includes a first group of terminals arranged continuously along a first side of the driver and a second group of terminals arranged continuously along the first side of the driver, wherein the first group of terminals includes a first group of segment terminals that supply segment drive signals to the first group of segment electrodes and a first common terminal that supply a common drive signal to the first group of common electrodes, and wherein the second group of terminals includes a second group of segment terminals that supply segment drive signals to the second group of segment electrodes and a second common terminal that supply a common drive signal to the second group of common electrodes.

[0006] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a driver for driving an electro-optical panel, the driver including a first terminal group arranged continuously along a first edge of the driver and a second terminal group arranged continuously along the first edge of the driver, the electro-optical panel including a transparent first substrate, a second substrate arranged opposite the first substrate, a first segment electrode group arranged on the first substrate, a second segment electrode group arranged on the second substrate, a first common electrode group arranged on the second substrate and arranged opposite the first segment electrode group, and a second common electrode group arranged on the first substrate and arranged opposite the second segment electrode group, the first terminal group including a first segment terminal group that supplies a segment drive signal to the first segment electrode group and a first common terminal that supplies a common drive signal to the first common electrode group, and the second terminal group including a second segment terminal group that supplies a segment drive signal to the second segment electrode group and a second common terminal that supplies a common drive signal to the second common electrode group.

[0007] Furthermore, still another aspect of the present disclosure is an electro-optical panel driven by a driver, including a transparent first substrate, a second substrate arranged opposite the first substrate, a first segment electrode group arranged on the first substrate, a second segment electrode group arranged on the second substrate, a first common electrode group arranged on the second substrate and arranged opposite the first segment electrode group, a second common electrode group arranged on the first substrate and arranged opposite the second segment electrode group, a first panel-side terminal group connected to the first segment electrode group and the first common electrode group, and a second panel-side terminal group connected to the second segment electrode group and the second common electrode group, The driver includes a first terminal group arranged continuously along a first side of the driver, the first terminal group including a first segment terminal group that supplies segment drive signals to the first segment electrode group and a first common terminal that supplies common drive signals to the first common electrode group, and a second terminal group arranged continuously along the first side of the driver, the second segment terminal group that supplies segment drive signals to the second segment electrode group and a second common terminal that supplies common drive signals to the second common electrode group, the first panel side terminal group is connected to the first terminal group, and the second panel side terminal group is related to an electro-optical panel that is connected to the second terminal group. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 10 shows an example of the configuration of an electro-optical device when this embodiment is not used. [Figure 2] 10 shows an example of the configuration of an electro-optical device when this embodiment is not used. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a plan view of an example of the configuration of an electro-optical device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a plan view of an example of the configuration of an electro-optical device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating overlapping of wiring areas. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example of the configuration of an electronic device. [Figure 8] First detailed terminal layout example of the driver. [Figure 9] A second detailed terminal layout example for the driver. [Figure 10] Third detailed terminal layout example of the driver. [Figure 11] Third detailed terminal layout example of the driver. [Figure 12] The fourth detailed terminal layout example of the driver. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a detailed configuration example of a driver when the fourth detailed terminal arrangement example is used. [Figure 14] 10 shows an example of signal waveforms for static driving performed by the first segment driving circuit and the first common driving circuit. [Figure 15] 10 shows an example of signal waveforms for duty driving performed by the second segment drive circuit and the second common drive circuit. [Figure 16] 5. Detailed terminal layout example of the driver. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a detailed configuration example of a driver when the fifth detailed terminal arrangement example is used. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below. Note that the embodiments described below do not unduly limit the scope of the claims, and not all of the configurations described in the embodiments are necessarily essential components.

[0010] 1. Configuration example when this embodiment is not used The electro-optical device of this embodiment will be described from FIG. 3 onwards. Before that, a configuration example and the problems associated with a case in which this embodiment is not used will be described using FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 show a configuration example of an electro-optical device 600 in which this embodiment is not used. The electro-optical device 600 includes a passive electro-optical panel 200 and a driver 100 that drives the electro-optical panel 200. Here, the electro-optical panel 200 is assumed to be a liquid crystal panel. FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 show a plan view of the electro-optical panel 200. FIG. 1 mainly shows segment electrodes and their wiring, and FIG. 2 mainly shows common electrodes and their wiring.

[0011] 1 and 2, three mutually orthogonal directions are defined as a first direction x, a second direction y, and a third direction z. The third direction z is the thickness direction of the electro-optical panel 200, and is the direction from the first substrate SSA to the second substrate SSB (described later). The first direction x and the second direction y are directions parallel to the plane of the electro-optical panel 200.

[0012] The electro-optical panel 200 includes a first substrate SSA, a second substrate SSB, a first electrode group DS1, a second electrode group DS2, segment wiring LSGA, and common wiring LCMA and LCMB. Each of the first substrate SSA and the second substrate SSB is made of a transparent material such as glass. The electrodes and wiring are thin films made of a transparent conductive material such as ITO. ITO stands for Indium-Tin Oxide. The first substrate SSA and the second substrate SSB are arranged parallel to each other in the third direction z, in that order SSA, SSB, and are arranged opposite each other so that three sides overlap in a plan view, with the space between them filled with liquid crystal.

[0013] The first electrode group DS1 includes a plurality of segment electrodes ESGA provided on one of the two surfaces of the first substrate SSA facing the second substrate SSB, and a plurality of common electrodes ECMB provided on one of the two surfaces of the second substrate SSB facing the first substrate SSA. The plurality of segment electrodes ESGA included in the first electrode group DS1 are referred to as the first segment electrode group, and the plurality of common electrodes ECMB included in the first electrode group DS1 are referred to as the first common electrode group. Each of the common electrodes ECMB in the first common electrode group faces one of the segment electrodes ESGA in the first segment electrode group.

[0014] Similarly, the second electrode group DS2 includes a plurality of segment electrodes ESGA provided on one of the two surfaces of the first substrate SSA facing the second substrate SSB, and a plurality of common electrodes ECMB provided on one of the two surfaces of the second substrate SSB facing the first substrate SSA. The plurality of segment electrodes ESGA included in the second electrode group DS2 are referred to as the second segment electrode group, and the plurality of common electrodes ECMB included in the second electrode group DS2 are referred to as the second common electrode group. Each of the common electrodes ECMB in the second common electrode group faces one of the segment electrodes ESGA in the second segment electrode group.

[0015] The driver 100 is rectangular in shape with its long sides extending in the first direction x when viewed from above the electro-optical panel 200, and is mounted by COG on the first substrate SSA in a portion that does not overlap with the second substrate SSB. The driver 100 includes a plurality of terminals arranged along its long sides. The terminals at both ends of this plurality of terminals are common terminals TCM. A plurality of segment terminals TSG are provided between the common terminals TCM at both ends. The first substrate SSA is provided with panel-side terminals that are connected to the terminals of the driver 100. The wiring on the substrate is connected to the terminals of the driver 100 via the panel-side terminals, but hereinafter, it will be simply stated that the wiring on the substrate is connected to the terminals of the driver 100.

[0016] 1, in the portion where the second substrate SSB does not overlap the first substrate SSA, segment wiring LSGA is provided on the first substrate SSA, and one end of the segment wiring LSGA is connected to the segment terminal TSG of the driver 100. In the portion where the first substrate SSA and the second substrate SSB overlap, segment wiring LSGA is also provided on the first substrate SSA, and the other end of the segment wiring LSGA is connected to the segment electrode ESGA provided on the first substrate SSA. This arrangement and connection are common to the first electrode group DS1 and the second electrode group DS2.

[0017] 2, in the portion where the second substrate SSB does not overlap the first substrate SSA, a common wiring LCMA is provided on the first substrate SSA, and one end of the common wiring LCMA is connected to the common terminal TCM of the driver 100. In the portion where the first substrate SSA and the second substrate SSB overlap, a common wiring LCMB is provided on the second substrate SSB. The other end of the common wiring LCMA of the first substrate SSA and one end of the common wiring LCMB of the second substrate SSB are connected by a conductive member provided between the first substrate SSA and the second substrate SSB. The common wiring LCMB of the second substrate SSB is sequentially connected to the common electrode ECMB of the first electrode group DS1 and sequentially connected to the common electrode ECMB of the second electrode group DS2.

[0018] 1 and 2, all segment electrodes ESGA are arranged on the first substrate SSA, and all common electrodes ECMB are arranged on the second substrate SSB. Therefore, all segment wiring LSGA is routed on the first substrate SSA, and the greater the number of segment electrodes ESGA, the wider the wiring area for the segment wiring LSGA. As the number of display objects increases and the display becomes more complex, the number of segment electrodes ESGA increases, and the wiring area also increases. However, since segment electrodes ESGA cannot be arranged in the wiring area for the segment wiring LSGA, there is a problem in that the number of segment electrodes ESGA that can be arranged and the degree of freedom in arrangement are limited.

[0019] 2. Configuration example of this embodiment 3 and 4 are plan views of an example configuration of an electro-optical device 300 according to this embodiment. The electro-optical device 300 includes a passive electro-optical panel 200 and a driver 100 that drives the electro-optical panel 200. The driver 100 is, for example, an integrated circuit device in which a plurality of circuit elements are integrated on a semiconductor substrate. Here, the electro-optical panel 200 is assumed to be a liquid crystal panel, but as will be described later, the electro-optical panel 200 may also be an OLED panel. FIG. 3 mainly shows segment electrodes and their wiring, while FIG. 4 mainly shows common electrodes and their wiring. The definitions of the first direction x, second direction y, and third direction z are the same as those in the example configuration of FIG. 1.

[0020] The electro-optical panel 200 includes a first substrate SSA, a second substrate SSB, a first electrode group DS1, a second electrode group DS2, segment wiring LSGA, LSGB, and common wiring LCMA, LCMB. The configuration of the substrates, the materials of the electrodes and wiring, and the space between the substrates filled with liquid crystal are the same as in the configuration example of FIG.

[0021] The first electrode group DS1 includes a plurality of segment electrodes ESGA provided on one of the two surfaces of the first substrate SSA facing the second substrate SSB, and a plurality of common electrodes ECMB provided on one of the two surfaces of the second substrate SSB facing the first substrate SSA. The plurality of segment electrodes ESGA included in the first electrode group DS1 are referred to as the first segment electrode group, and the plurality of common electrodes ECMB included in the first electrode group DS1 are referred to as the first common electrode group. Each of the common electrodes ECMB in the first common electrode group faces one of the segment electrodes ESGA in the first segment electrode group.

[0022] Similarly, the second electrode group DS2 includes a plurality of segment electrodes ESGB provided on one of the two surfaces of the second substrate SSB facing the first substrate SSA, and a plurality of common electrodes ECMA provided on one of the two surfaces of the first substrate SSA facing the second substrate SSB. The plurality of segment electrodes ESGB included in the second electrode group DS2 are referred to as the second segment electrode group, and the plurality of common electrodes ECMA included in the second electrode group DS2 are referred to as the second common electrode group. Each of the common electrodes ECMA in the second common electrode group faces one of the segment electrodes ESGB in the second segment electrode group.

[0023] Each electrode group is an electrode group for selectively displaying, for example, a plurality of predetermined characters. For example, in the example of Fig. 1, each electrode group can display numbers, letters, symbols, etc. by combining electrodes that are turned on. However, each electrode group does not need to be meaningful in terms of display, and how the numerous electrodes arranged on the electro-optical panel are allocated to each electrode group may be arbitrary.

[0024] The driver 100 includes a plurality of terminals, and outputs drive signals from the plurality of terminals to the first electrode group DS1 and the second electrode group DS2 based on display data, thereby causing an object corresponding to the display data to be displayed on the electro-optical panel 200. The driver 100 is rectangular in shape with its longer side extending in the first direction x in a plan view of the electro-optical panel 200, and is COG-mounted on a portion of the first substrate SSA that does not overlap with the second substrate SSB. In the second direction y of the driver 100, the first substrate SSA and the second substrate SSB overlap, and the first electrode group DS1 and the second electrode group DS2 are provided in the overlapping portion.

[0025] The multiple terminals of the driver 100 are arranged along a first side of the driver 100. The first side may be any side of the driver 100. FIGS. 3 and 4 show an example in which multiple terminals are arranged along a long side facing the overlapping portion of the first substrate SSA and the second substrate SSB. However, terminals may be arranged along another long side, or terminals may be arranged along both the long side and the short side. "Multiple terminals are arranged along a side" means that multiple terminals are lined up in a parallel direction in a portion close to the side of the driver 100. "Close to a side" means, for example, taking one of the two long sides as an example, that the terminal is closer to one long side than the other long side. As an example, "close to a side" means near the side, meaning that there is no circuit element between the side and the terminal.

[0026] The multiple terminals of the driver 100 include a first terminal group TG1 and a second terminal group TG2 that are adjacent to each other along the first side. The driver 100 may include three or more terminal groups, but here, two terminal groups will be described as an example. Two terminal groups being adjacent to each other means that no other terminals exist between the two terminal groups, but it is sufficient that no segment terminals or common terminals are arranged between the two terminal groups, and this does not exclude the existence of a monitor terminal, test terminal, or the like between the two terminal groups.

[0027] Each of the first terminal group TG1 and the second terminal group TG2 includes a plurality of segment terminals TSG and a common terminal TCM arranged continuously along the first edge. While FIGS. 3 and 4 show an example in which one terminal group includes one common terminal, in the case of duty drive, one terminal group may include multiple common terminals. "Continuously arranging terminal groups along an edge" means that multiple terminals are lined up adjacent to each other along the edge, but this does not exclude the presence of monitor terminals or test terminals between some of the multiple terminals. The multiple segment terminals and common terminals included in the first terminal group TG1 are referred to as the first segment terminal group and the first common terminal, respectively. The multiple segment terminals and common terminals included in the second terminal group TG2 are referred to as the second segment terminal group and the second common terminal, respectively. The first substrate SSA is provided with panel-side terminals connected to the terminals of the driver 100. The panel-side terminal group connected to the first terminal group TG1 of the driver 100 is called the first panel-side terminal group, and the panel-side terminal group connected to the second terminal group TG2 of the driver 100 is called the second panel-side terminal group. The wiring on the board is connected to the terminals of the driver 100 via the terminals on the panel side, but hereinafter it will be simply stated that the wiring on the board is connected to the terminals of the driver 100.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 3, in the area where the second substrate SSB does not overlap the first substrate SSA, segment wiring LSGA is provided on the first substrate SSA, and one end of the segment wiring LSGA is connected to the segment terminals TSG of the first terminal group TG1 and the second terminal group TG2. In the area where the first substrate SSA and the second substrate SSB overlap, the segment wiring LSGA connected to the segment terminal TSG of the first terminal group TG1 is routed on the first substrate SSA, and the other end of the segment wiring LSGA is connected to the segment electrode ESGA of the first electrode group DS1. The other end of the segment wiring LSGA connected to the segment terminal TSG of the second terminal group TG2 is connected to one end of the segment wiring LSGB provided on the second substrate SSB via a conductive member provided between the first substrate SSA and the second substrate SSB. The segment wiring LSGB is routed on the second substrate SSB, and the other end of the segment wiring LSGB is connected to the segment electrode ESGB of the second electrode group DS2. The segment electrodes ESGA of the first electrode group DS1, i.e., the segment wiring LSGA connected to the first segment electrode group, are called the first segment wiring group. The segment electrodes ESGB of the second electrode group DS2, i.e., the segment wiring LSGB connected to the second segment electrode group, are called the second segment wiring group.

[0029] As shown in Figure 4, in the area where the second substrate SSB does not overlap the first substrate SSA, a common wiring LCMA is provided on the first substrate SSA, and one end of the common wiring LCMA is connected to the common terminals TCM of the first terminal group TG1 and the second terminal group TG2. In the area where the first substrate SSA and the second substrate SSB overlap, the common wiring LCMA connected to the common terminal TCM of the first terminal group TG1 is connected to one end of the common wiring LCMB provided on the second substrate SSB via a conductive member provided between the first substrate SSA and the second substrate SSB. The common wiring LCMB is routed on the second substrate SSB and sequentially connected to the common electrodes ECMB of the first electrode group DS1. The common wiring LCMA connected to the common terminal TCM of the second terminal group TG2 is routed on the first substrate SSA and sequentially connected to the common electrodes ECMB of the second electrode group DS2. The common electrode ECMB of the first electrode group DS1, i.e., the common wiring LCMB connected to the first common electrode group, is called the first common wiring. The common electrode ECMA of the second electrode group DS2, i.e., the common wiring LCMA connected to the second common electrode group, is called the second common wiring.

[0030] 5 is a cross-sectional view of the electro-optical device 300. FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA' and a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB' shown in FIG. 3. Note that although each cross-section does not pass through the electrodes, the cross-section taken along the line AA' shows the electrodes as viewed in the -x direction, and the cross-section taken along the line BB' shows the electrodes as viewed in the +x direction. Hereinafter, the +z direction will also be referred to as "up" and the -z direction will also be referred to as "down."

[0031] As shown in FIG. 5, the driver 100 is mounted on the upper surface of the first substrate SSA, and the space between the upper surface of the first substrate SSA and the lower surface of the second substrate SSB is filled with liquid crystal. As shown in the AA' cross-sectional view, the segment terminal TSG of the first terminal group TG1 is connected to a segment wiring LSGA provided on the upper surface of the first substrate SSA. This segment wiring LSGA is connected to a segment electrode ESGA of the first electrode group DS1 provided on the upper surface of the first substrate SSA. A common electrode ECMB of the first electrode group DS1 is provided on the lower surface of the second substrate SSB, facing the segment electrode ESGA. As shown in the BB' cross-sectional view, the segment terminal TSG of the second terminal group TG2 is connected to a segment wiring LSGA provided on the upper surface of the first substrate SSA. This segment wiring LSGA is connected to a segment wiring LSGB provided on the lower surface of the second substrate SSB via a conductive member DDB. The segment wiring LSGB is connected to a segment electrode ESGB of the second electrode group DS2 provided on the lower surface of the second substrate SSB. On the upper surface of the first substrate SSA, common electrodes ECMA of the second electrode group DS2 are provided so as to face the segment electrodes ESGB.

[0032] 3 to 5, the segment electrodes ESGA of the first electrode group DS1 are arranged on the first substrate SSA, and the segment electrodes ESGB of the second electrode group DS2 are arranged on the second substrate SSB. Therefore, the segment wiring LSGA connected to the segment electrodes ESGA of the first electrode group DS1 is routed on the first substrate SSA, and the segment wiring LSGB connected to the segment electrodes ESGB of the second electrode group DS2 is routed on the second substrate SSB. As shown in region A1 of FIG. 6, the wiring region of the segment wiring LSGA on the first substrate SSA and the wiring region of the segment wiring LSGB on the second substrate SSB can be arranged to overlap in a plan view.

[0033] This allows for a reduction in the proportion of the wiring area occupying the entire electro-optical panel 200 compared to the configurations shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 . The reduction in the proportion of the wiring area improves the number of electrodes that can be arranged on the electro-optical panel 200, the proportion of the electrode arrangement area, and the degree of freedom in electrode arrangement. For example, as shown in FIG. 6 , the reduction in the wiring area between the first electrode group DS1 and the second electrode group DS2 reduces the spacing between display elements such as characters, thereby improving the degree of freedom in display design. Furthermore, the arrangement of terminals connected to segment electrodes arranged on the first substrate and terminals connected to segment electrodes arranged on the second substrate can be optimized, simplifying wiring on the electro-optical panel 200. Furthermore, the provision of common terminals on each terminal group allows for optimization of common wiring, making wiring easier than when common terminals are provided only at both ends of the terminal row as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 . Furthermore, the improved degree of freedom in electrode arrangement and ease of wiring allow a single driver to accommodate panels with a variety of designs (segment electrode arrangements).

[0034] Although the electro-optical panel 200 is an example of a liquid crystal panel in FIGS. 3 to 5, the electro-optical panel 200 may also be an OLED panel. OLED stands for Organic Light Emitting Diode. In this case, one of the first substrate SSA and the second substrate SSB may be an opaque substrate. An OLED layer is provided between the first substrate SSA and the second substrate SSB. The driver 100 applies a driving current between the segment electrodes and the common electrodes facing the segment electrodes, thereby causing the OLED layer between the segment electrodes and the common electrodes to emit light.

[0035] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an example configuration of an electronic device 500. The electronic device 500 includes an electro-optical device 300 and a processing device 400. The electro-optical device 300 includes an electro-optical panel 200 and a driver 100. The electro-optical device 300 or the electronic device 500 may be, for example, a cluster panel mounted on a mobile object or a display provided in a home electronic device. The mobile object may include a motorcycle, an automobile, a ship, an airplane, a robot, or the like. The cluster panel and the display are panels for displaying information such as icons, numbers, letters, or meters. However, the uses of the electro-optical device 300 and the electronic device 500 are not limited to these.

[0036] The driver 100 includes an interface circuit 110 , a control circuit 120 , a data storage unit 130 , a line latch 140 , a segment drive circuit 150 , a drive voltage supply circuit 160 , a common drive circuit 170 , a storage circuit 180 , and an oscillation circuit 190 .

[0037] The interface circuit 110 communicates between the driver 100 and the processing unit 400. Specifically, the interface circuit 110 receives display data from the processing unit 400 to control the display of each segment electrode. For example, in the case of static driving, the display data is data that turns on or off the display of the segment electrodes. Alternatively, in the case of duty driving or when PWM driving is performed in static driving, the display data is data that sets the display gradation of the segment electrodes. The communication method of the interface circuit 110 can be a serial interface method such as an I2C (Inter Integrated Circuit) method or an SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) method. Alternatively, a parallel interface method can be used as the communication method of the interface circuit 110. The interface circuit 110 can include an input / output buffer circuit and a control circuit that realize these communication methods. The processing unit 400 is a host device for the driver 100, such as a processor or a display controller. The processor can be a CPU or a microcomputer.

[0038] The memory circuit 180 stores setting information for configuring the operation of the driver 100. The setting information includes, for example, information for setting each terminal group to static drive or duty drive, or information for setting a specific terminal that can be switched to a segment terminal or a common terminal to a segment terminal or a common terminal. The configuration for switching these terminal groups or terminals will be described later. The memory circuit 180 is a register, a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, or the like. The volatile memory is an SRAM or a DRAM, or the like. The non-volatile memory is an OTP memory or an EEPROM, or the like. For example, the processing device 400 may write the setting information to the register or the volatile memory via the interface circuit 110. Alternatively, the setting information may be written to the non-volatile memory during manufacturing of the driver 100, the electro-optical device 300, or the electronic device 500.

[0039] The control circuit 120 is a logic circuit, and operates based on a clock signal input from the oscillator circuit 190. The control circuit 120 controls the drive timing when the driver 100 drives the electro-optical panel 200. Specifically, the control circuit 120 stores display data in the data storage unit 130. The control circuit 120 also controls the segment drive circuit 150 to output a drive signal corresponding to the display data for each frame. The control circuit 120 also controls the inversion of drive polarity for each frame.

[0040] The data storage unit 130 stores the display data from the control circuit 120. The data storage unit 130 is a semiconductor memory, and is a so-called display data RAM. Alternatively, the data storage unit 130 may be a register. The line latch 140 latches one frame's worth of drive data read from the data storage unit 130.

[0041] The drive voltage supply circuit 160 generates drive voltages used for the segment drive signals and the common drive signals, and supplies the generated drive voltages to the segment drive circuit 150 and the common drive circuit 170. The drive voltage supply circuit 160 includes, for example, a regulator that regulates the power supply voltage of the driver 100 to generate a regulated voltage, and a voltage divider circuit that divides the regulated voltage to generate a drive voltage.

[0042] The segment drive circuit 150 outputs signals to the segment transparent electrodes of the electro-optical panel 200 based on the drive data latched in the line latch 140. That is, the segment drive circuit 150 drives the segment electrodes by outputting segment drive signals of drive voltages corresponding to the display data from the segment terminals. The drive method may be various, such as static drive, PWM drive, or duty drive.

[0043] The common drive circuit 170 drives the common electrodes of the electro-optical panel 200. That is, the common drive circuit 170 drives the common electrodes by outputting a common drive signal of a drive voltage according to the polarity from a common terminal.

[0044] Hereinafter, the correspondence between terms and examples may be indicated in parentheses. For example, "first segment electrode group (ESGA of DS1)" means that the segment electrode ESGA of the first electrode group DS1 shown in FIG. 3 corresponds to the "first segment electrode group."

[0045] In this embodiment, the electro-optical device 300 includes an electro-optical panel 200 and a driver 100 that drives the electro-optical panel 200. The electro-optical panel 200 includes a transparent first substrate SSA, a second substrate SSB arranged opposite the first substrate SSA, a first segment electrode group (ESGA of DS1) arranged on the first substrate SSA, and a second segment electrode group (ESGB of DS2) arranged on the second substrate SSB. The electro-optical panel 200 also includes a first common electrode group (ECMB of DS1) arranged on the second substrate SSB and arranged opposite the first segment electrode group, and a second common electrode group (ECMA of DS2) arranged on the first substrate SSA and arranged opposite the second segment electrode group. The driver 100 includes a first terminal group TG1 arranged continuously along a first side HN1 of the driver 100, and a second terminal group TG2 arranged continuously along the first side HN1 of the driver 100. The first terminal group TG1 includes a first segment terminal group (TSG of TG1) that supplies segment drive signals to the first segment electrode group, and a first common terminal (TCM of TG1) that supplies common drive signals to the first common electrode group. The second terminal group TG2 includes a second segment terminal group (TSG of TG2) that supplies segment drive signals to the second segment electrode group, and a second common terminal (TCM of TG2) that supplies common drive signals to the second common electrode group.

[0046] According to this embodiment, the first segment electrode group is arranged on the first substrate SSA, and the second segment electrode group is arranged on the second substrate SSB. Furthermore, pairs of common terminals and segment terminal groups are provided not only at both ends of the driver 100 but also at each terminal group. This enables efficient wiring in the electro-optical panel 200, improving the number of electrodes that can be arranged on the electro-optical panel 200, the ratio of the electrode arrangement area, and the degree of freedom in electrode arrangement. Specifically, as described in FIG. 6 , overlapping wiring areas allows for reducing the spacing between display elements such as characters, thereby improving the degree of freedom in display design. Furthermore, the arrangement of terminals connected to segment electrodes arranged on the first substrate and terminals connected to segment electrodes arranged on the second substrate can be optimized, simplifying wiring on the electro-optical panel 200. Furthermore, providing a common terminal for each terminal group also optimizes the common wiring, simplifying wiring. Furthermore, the improved degree of freedom in electrode arrangement and ease of wiring allow a single driver model to accommodate panels with a variety of designs (segment electrode arrangements).

[0047] In this embodiment, the electro-optical panel 200 is disposed on the first substrate SSA and includes a first segment wiring group (LSGA connected to the ESGA of DS1) for connecting the first segment electrode group (ESGA of DS1) and the first segment terminal group (TSG of TG1). The electro-optical panel 200 is disposed on the second substrate SSB and includes a second segment wiring group (LSGB connected to the ESGB of DS2) for connecting the second segment electrode group (ESGB of DS2) and the second segment terminal group (TSG of TG2).

[0048] According to this embodiment, the first segment wiring group is arranged on the first substrate SSA, and the second segment wiring group is arranged on the second substrate SSB, which allows for efficient wiring as described above, and provides various advantages, such as improving the number of electrodes that can be arranged on the electro-optical panel 200, the ratio of the electrode arrangement area, and the degree of freedom in electrode arrangement.

[0049] As described in FIG. 6, in a plan view of the electro-optical panel 200, the arrangement area of ​​the first segment wiring group and the arrangement area of ​​the second segment wiring group may overlap at least partially (A1).

[0050] According to this embodiment, the area occupied by the segment wiring arrangement region is reduced in the electro-optical panel 200. This provides various effects, such as improving the number of electrodes that can be arranged in the electro-optical panel 200, the ratio of the electrode arrangement region, and the degree of freedom in electrode arrangement.

[0051] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the electro-optical panel 200 may include a third segment electrode group arranged on one of the first substrate SSA and the second substrate SSB, and a third common electrode group arranged on the other of the first substrate SSA and the second substrate SSB and arranged opposite to the third segment electrode group. The driver 100 may include a third terminal group arranged continuously along the first side HN1 of the driver 100. The third terminal group may include a third segment terminal group that supplies a segment drive signal to the third segment electrode group, and a third common terminal that supplies a common drive signal to the third common electrode group.

[0052] In this way, the driver 100 is provided with a plurality of terminal groups, each of which is provided with a common terminal and a segment terminal group, so that each terminal group can be connected to each electrode group consisting of a segment electrode group and a common electrode group arranged opposite to it. This allows the segment wiring and common wiring to be optimized, and various effects can be obtained, such as compatibility with the diverse panel designs described above.

[0053] 3. Detailed pin layout example FIG. 8 shows a first detailed terminal arrangement example of the driver 100. While the electro-optical panel 200 will not be shown below, the wiring connected to the terminals is shown with a solid or dotted line to indicate which substrate the wiring is arranged on. A solid line indicates a wiring arranged on the first substrate SSA, and a dotted line indicates a wiring arranged on the second substrate SSB. When the line extending from the terminal is only a solid line, the wiring is connected to an electrode arranged on the first substrate SSA. When the line extending from the terminal changes from a solid line to a dotted line, the wiring is connected to an electrode arranged on the second substrate SSB.

[0054] The driver 100 has a first side HN1 which is a long side, a second side HN2 which is a long side opposite the first side HN1, a third side HN3 which is a short side perpendicular to the first side HN1 and the second side HN2, and a fourth side HN4 which is a short side opposite the third side HN3. The driver 100 includes terminal groups TGA1 to TGAn arranged along the first side HN1. n is an integer of 2 or more. i in the figure is an integer of 1 or more and n-1 or less. The terminal groups TGA1 to TGAn are arranged adjacent to each other in that order. The driver 100 also includes terminal groups TGB1 to TGB4 arranged along the second side HN2. The terminal groups TGB1 and TGB2 are arranged adjacent to each other on the third side HN3 side, and the terminal groups TGB3 and TGB4 are arranged adjacent to each other on the fourth side HN4 side. The number of terminal groups arranged along the second side HN2 is not limited to four, or the terminal groups do not have to be arranged along the second side HN2.

[0055] FIG. 8 illustrates the terminals included in each terminal group, using terminal groups TGA1 and TGA2 as examples. Each of terminal groups TGA1 and TGA2 includes a common terminal TCM and a plurality of segment terminals TSG. In each terminal group, the common terminal TCM and the plurality of segment terminals TSG are arranged in this order along the first direction x. Note that in each terminal group, the plurality of segment terminals TSG and the common terminal TCM may also be arranged in this order along the first direction x. In terminal group TGA1, the segment terminal TSG is connected to a segment electrode ESGA on the first substrate SSA, and the common terminal TCM is connected to a common electrode ECMB on the second substrate SSB. In terminal group TGA2, the segment terminal TSG is connected to a segment electrode ESGB on the second substrate SSB, and the common terminal TCM is connected to a common electrode ECMA on the first substrate SSA. The same applies to terminal groups TGA3 to TGAn and TGB1 to TGB4.

[0056] In FIG. 8, any two adjacent terminal groups among the terminal groups TGA1 to TGAn, or the terminal groups TGB1 and TGB2, or the terminal groups TGB3 and TGB4 correspond to the first terminal group and the second terminal group described with reference to FIGS.

[0057] Fig. 9 shows a second detailed terminal arrangement example of the driver 100. The arrangement of the terminal groups TGA1 to TGAn and TGB1 to TGB4 is the same as in Fig. 8, but in this configuration example, the arrangement order of the common terminals and segment terminals in each terminal group differs from that in Fig. 8. Note that the number of terminal groups arranged along the second side HN2 is not limited to four, and terminal groups do not have to be arranged along the second side HN2.

[0058] 9 illustrates the terminals included in each terminal group, taking terminal groups TGA1 to TGA3 as an example. In terminal group TGA1, a common terminal TCM and multiple segment terminals TSG are arranged in this order along the first direction x. In terminal group TGA2, multiple segment terminals TSG and common terminal TCM are arranged in this order along the first direction x. In terminal group TGA3, a common terminal TCM and multiple segment terminals TSG are arranged in this order along the first direction x. That is, the segment terminals TSG are adjacent to each other in terminal groups TGA1 and TGA2, and the common terminals TCM are adjacent to each other between terminal groups TGA2 and TGA3. The same applies to terminal groups TGA4 to TGAn.

[0059] 10 and 11 show a third detailed terminal arrangement example of the driver 100. As in FIG. 8, the common terminal TCM and multiple segment terminals TSG are alternately arranged along the first side HN1 and the second side HN2, but in this configuration example, the common terminal TCM may be connected to any substrate. In FIG. 10, a solid line is connected to the common terminal TCM, and no solid or dotted line is connected beyond that. This indicates that the common electrode to which the common terminal TCM is connected may be on either the first substrate SSA or the second substrate SSB.

[0060] Fig. 11 shows an example of terminal connections using four sets of common terminals TCM and multiple segment terminals TSG as an example. As shown in Fig. 11, each set of common terminal TCM and multiple segment terminals TSG is designated as terminal groups TGC1, TGC2, TGC3, and TGC4 in order along the first direction x. These four terminal groups are any four terminal groups that are consecutively arranged along the first direction x in Fig. 10.

[0061] In the terminal group TGC2, the common terminal TCM is connected to the common electrode ECMA arranged on the first substrate SSA, and the segment terminal TSG is connected to the segment electrode ESGB arranged on the second substrate SSB. In the terminal group TGC3, the common terminal TCM is connected to the common electrode ECMB arranged on the second substrate SSB, and the segment terminal TSG is connected to the segment electrode ESGA arranged on the first substrate SSA. These two adjacent terminal groups TGC2 and TGC3 correspond to the first and second terminal groups described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5. As such, it is sufficient that there is at least one pair of adjacent terminal groups in which the connection relationship between the terminals and the substrates is reversed, and the connection relationship between the other terminal groups may be arbitrary. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the connection relationship between the terminals and the substrates of the terminal group TGC1 adjacent to the terminal group TGC2 may be the same as that of the terminal group TGC2, and the connection relationship between the terminals and the substrates of the terminal group TGC4 adjacent to the terminal group TGC3 may be the same as that of the terminal group TGC3.

[0062] FIG. 12 shows a fourth detailed terminal arrangement example of the driver 100. The driver 100 includes terminal groups TGE1 to TGEn arranged along the first side HN1. In the figure, j is an integer greater than i and equal to or less than n. The terminal groups TGE1 to TGEn are arranged adjacent to each other in that order. Note that similar terminal groups may be arranged along the second side HN2.

[0063] Each of the terminal groups TGE1 to TGEn may be able to arbitrarily switch between static driving and duty driving, or each of the terminal groups TGE1 to TGEn may be fixed to static driving or duty driving.

[0064] FIG. 12 illustrates the terminals included in each terminal group, using terminal groups TGE1 and TGE2 as examples. Each terminal group includes multiple common terminals TCM and multiple segment terminals TSG arranged along the first direction x. Alternatively, the multiple segment terminals TSG and the multiple common terminals TCM may be arranged in this order along the first direction x. The number of terminals in the multiple common terminals TCM corresponds to the duty ratio of the duty drive. For example, in the case of 1 / 2 duty drive and 1 / 4 duty drive, two or more common terminals TCM are required, and four or more common terminals TCM are required, respectively. FIG. 12 illustrates an example in which the terminal group TGE1 is set to duty drive and the terminal group TGE2 is set to static drive. The multiple common terminals TCM in the terminal group TGE1 are connected to common electrodes ECMB provided on the second substrate SSB, and the multiple segment terminals TSG are connected to segment electrodes ESGA provided on the first substrate SSA. One common terminal TCM of the plurality of common terminals TCM of the terminal group TGE2 is connected to a common electrode ECMA provided on the first substrate SSA, and the plurality of segment terminals TSG are connected to segment electrodes ESGB provided on the second substrate SSB. Note that the terminal group TGE1 may be set to static drive and the terminal group TGE2 may be set to duty drive, or the connection relationship between the terminals and the substrates in each terminal group may be reversed.

[0065] Any two adjacent terminal groups in Fig. 12 correspond to the first terminal group and the second terminal group described with reference to Fig. 3 to Fig. 5. The first terminal group and the second terminal group may both be set to static drive, or both may be set to duty drive, or one may be set to static drive and the other may be set to duty drive.

[0066] Fig. 13 is a block diagram of a detailed configuration example of the driver 100 when using the terminal arrangement example of Fig. 12. The driver 100 includes a common selector 179, a first common drive circuit 171, a second common drive circuit 172, a drive circuit 155, a data storage unit 130, and a control circuit 120. Note that Fig. 13 shows a configuration corresponding to one terminal group. Also, Fig. 13 omits the drive voltage supply circuit 160, the oscillation circuit 190, the interface circuit 110, and the storage circuit 180.

[0067] The first common drive circuit 171 outputs a static drive common drive signal based on a timing control signal from the control circuit 120. The second common drive circuit 172 outputs a duty drive common drive signal in a number corresponding to the duty ratio based on a timing control signal from the control circuit 120. The timing control signal is, for example, a frame signal indicating a frame, or a subfield signal indicating a subfield in each frame.

[0068] The common selector 179 outputs a common drive signal for static drive to one common terminal TCM when the control signal from the control circuit 120 indicates static drive, and outputs common drive signals for duty drive to multiple common terminals TCM when the control signal indicates duty drive. The common selector 179 is, for example, an analog switch circuit using transistors.

[0069] The data storage unit 130 stores display data for static driving or display data for duty driving from the control circuit 120 .

[0070] The drive circuit 155 outputs a static drive segment drive signal or a duty drive segment drive signal to the segment terminal TSG. Specifically, the drive circuit 155 includes a segment selector 159, a first segment drive circuit 151, a second segment drive circuit 152, a first line latch 141, and a second line latch 142.

[0071] The first line latch 141 latches display data for static drive based on a latch signal from the control circuit 120. When the polarity signal from the control circuit 120 indicates positive polarity, the first segment drive circuit 151 does not logically invert the display data latched in the first line latch 141, but converts the non-logically inverted display data into a voltage and outputs it as a segment drive signal for static drive. When the polarity signal indicates negative polarity, the first segment drive circuit 151 logically inverts the display data latched in the first line latch 141, converts the logically inverted display data into a voltage, and outputs it as a segment drive signal for static drive. The first segment drive circuit 151 performs the above logical inversion and signal output based on a timing control signal from the control circuit 120. The timing control signal is, for example, a frame signal.

[0072] The second line latch 142 latches duty-driven display data based on a latch signal from the control circuit 120. The second segment drive circuit 152 converts the display data latched in the second line latch 142 into a segment drive signal corresponding to the gradation of the display data, and outputs it as a duty-driven segment drive signal. The second segment drive circuit 152 outputs the above signals based on a timing control signal from the control circuit 120. The timing control signal is, for example, a frame signal or a subfield signal.

[0073] The segment selector 159 outputs a static drive segment drive signal to the segment terminal TSG when the control signal from the control circuit 120 indicates static drive, and outputs a duty drive segment drive signal to the segment terminal TSG when the control signal indicates duty drive. The segment selector 159 is, for example, an analog switch circuit using transistors.

[0074] As described above, the drive circuit 155 corresponds to one terminal group. The drive circuit 155 corresponding to the first terminal group is called the first drive circuit, and the drive circuit 155 corresponding to the second terminal group is called the second drive circuit. The configuration of the drive circuit 155 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 13. As will be described later with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15, common voltages V1, VC, and MV1 are used for static drive and duty drive. Therefore, the first segment drive circuit 151 and the second segment drive circuit 152 can also be a common circuit. In that case, the segment selector 159 may be omitted.

[0075] In addition, when each terminal group is fixed to static drive or duty drive, the segment selector 159 and common selector 179 in Figure 13 may be omitted, and the first segment drive circuit 151, the second segment drive circuit 152, the first common drive circuit 171, and the second common drive circuit 172 may be connected to the terminals.

[0076] Fig. 14 shows example signal waveforms for static driving performed by the first segment drive circuit 151 and the first common drive circuit 171. Fig. 14 also shows example signal waveforms for driving two pairs of segment electrodes and common electrodes. Specifically, this is an example of signal waveforms when a first pair of electrodes to which a segment drive signal SG11 and a common drive signal CM1 are applied displays black, and a second pair of electrodes to which a segment drive signal SG12 and a common drive signal CM1 are applied displays white. Note that the following explanation will be given taking the normally white case as an example. Hereinafter, the first pair of electrodes will be referred to as the first segment electrode and first common electrode, and the second pair of electrodes will be referred to as the second segment electrode and second common electrode.

[0077] The first segment drive circuit 151 outputs segment drive signals SG11 and SG12, as shown in FIG. 14, to the first segment electrode and the second segment electrode, respectively. The first common drive circuit 171 outputs a common drive signal CM1 to the first common electrode and the second common electrode. V1, VC, and MV1 in FIG. 14 are drive voltages supplied by the drive voltage supply circuit 160 in FIG. 7. As a result, a voltage signal VLC11 corresponding to the voltage difference between SG11 and CM1 is applied to the liquid crystal between the first segment electrode and the first common electrode. A voltage signal VLC12 corresponding to the voltage difference between SG12 and CM1 is applied to the liquid crystal between the second segment electrode and the second common electrode. Because the display is normally white, applying a voltage signal VLC11 with a high effective voltage to the liquid crystal between the first segment electrode and the first common electrode causes the display objects corresponding to the first pair of electrodes to display black, indicating a lit state. Meanwhile, the display objects corresponding to the second pair of electrodes display white, indicating a lit state.

[0078] FIG. 15 shows an example of signal waveforms for duty driving performed by the second segment drive circuit 152 and the second common drive circuit 172. FIG. 15 shows an example of 1 / 4 duty driving, in which four common signals are used. FIG. 15 also shows an example in which eight pairs of electrodes are displayed using segment drive signals SG21 and SG22 and common drive signals CM21, CM22, CM23, and CM24. The two electrodes driven by the common drive signals CM21, CM22, CM23, and CM24 are referred to as the first, second, third, and fourth row electrodes, respectively. The four electrodes driven by the segment drive signals SG21 and SG22 are referred to as the first and second column electrodes, respectively. For example, the electrodes driven by the common drive signal CM21 and the segment drive signal SG21 are the electrodes in the first row and first column. 15 shows an example of a signal waveform when the electrode in the first row, column 1 displays black and the electrode in the first row, column 2 displays white. Hereinafter, the electrodes in the first row, column 1 will be referred to as the first segment electrode and the first common electrode, and the electrodes in the first row, column 2 will be referred to as the second segment electrode and the second common electrode.

[0079] In the example of FIG. 15, one frame is divided into four subfields, and common drive signals CM21, CM22, CM23, and CM24 are sequentially selected in each of the four subfields. The second segment drive circuit 152 outputs segment drive signals SG21 and SG22, as shown in FIG. 15, to the first segment electrode and the second segment electrode, respectively. The second common drive circuit 172 outputs common drive signal CM21 to the first common electrode and the second common electrode. V1, V2, VC, MV1, and MV2 in FIG. 15 are drive voltages supplied by the drive voltage supply circuit 160 in FIG. 7. As a result, a voltage signal VLC21 corresponding to the voltage difference between SG21 and CM21 is applied to the liquid crystal between the first segment electrode and the first common electrode. Furthermore, a voltage signal VLC22 corresponding to the voltage difference between SG22 and CM21 is applied to the liquid crystal between the second segment electrode and the second common electrode. When a voltage signal VLC21 having a higher effective voltage than VLC22 is applied to the electrode in the first row and first column, the display object corresponding to the electrode in the first row and first column is displayed in black, indicating a lit state, while the display object corresponding to the electrode in the first row and second column is displayed in white, indicating an unlit state.

[0080] 16 shows a fifth detailed terminal arrangement example of the driver 100. The driver 100 includes terminal groups TGF1 and TGF2 arranged along the first side HN1. Note that three or more terminal groups may be arranged along the first side HN1. Similar terminal groups may also be arranged along the second side HN2.

[0081] Each terminal group includes a plurality of switchable terminals TKa, a plurality of segment terminals TSGa, a plurality of switchable terminals TKb, a plurality of segment terminals TSGb, and a plurality of switchable terminals TKc arranged in order along the first direction x. When the switchable terminals TKa, TKb, and TKc are set to segment drive by the control circuit 120, they are each independently set to a state in which they output a segment drive signal, and when the switchable terminals are set to common drive by the control circuit 120, they are each set to a state in which they output a common drive signal. Fig. 16 shows an example in which the switchable terminals TKa, TKb, and TKc are set to common drive, segment drive, and common drive in terminal group TGF1, and are set to segment drive, common drive, and segment drive in terminal group TGF2, respectively.

[0082] 16, terminal groups TGF1 and TGF2 correspond to the first terminal group and the second terminal group described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5. In each terminal group, it is arbitrary whether each switchable terminal is set to segment drive or common drive.

[0083] Fig. 17 is a block diagram of a detailed configuration example of the driver 100 when using the terminal arrangement example of Fig. 16. The driver 100 includes a selection circuit 115, a segment drive circuit 150, a common drive circuit 170, a line latch 140, a data storage unit 130, and a control circuit 120. Note that Fig. 17 shows a configuration corresponding to one switchable terminal TK. Also, Fig. 17 omits the drive voltage supply circuit 160, the oscillation circuit 190, the interface circuit 110, and the storage circuit 180.

[0084] The drive method of the common drive circuit 170 and the segment drive circuit 150 may be either static drive or duty drive, or the drive method may be set independently for each terminal group as explained in Fig. 12 etc. The following explanation will be given taking static drive as an example.

[0085] The common drive circuit 170 outputs a common drive signal based on a timing control signal from the control circuit 120. The timing control signal is, for example, a frame signal indicating a frame. The data storage unit 130 stores display data from the control circuit 120. The line latch 140 latches the display data based on a latch signal from the control circuit 120. When the polarity signal from the control circuit 120 indicates positive polarity, the segment drive circuit 150 does not logically invert the display data latched in the line latch 140, but converts the non-logically inverted display data into a voltage and outputs a segment drive signal. When the polarity signal indicates negative polarity, the segment drive circuit 150 logically inverts the display data latched in the line latch 140, converts the logically inverted display data into a voltage, and outputs a segment drive signal. The segment drive circuit 150 performs the above logical inversion and signal output based on a timing control signal from the control circuit 120. The timing control signal is, for example, a frame signal. The selection circuit 115 outputs a segment drive signal to the switchable terminal TK when the control signal from the control circuit 120 indicates segment drive, and outputs a common drive signal to the switchable terminal TK when the control signal indicates common drive. The selection circuit 115 is, for example, an analog switch circuit using transistors.

[0086] 12 to 15, the driver 100 includes a first drive circuit (155 corresponding to TGE1) that outputs one of a static drive segment drive signal and a duty drive segment drive signal to a first segment terminal group (for example, TGE1). The driver 100 may also include a second drive circuit (155 corresponding to TGE2) that outputs the other of a static drive segment drive signal and a duty drive segment drive signal to a second segment terminal group (for example, TGE2).

[0087] According to this embodiment, it is possible to arrange static drive electrode groups capable of high contrast display and duty drive electrode groups capable of gradation display in the electro-optical panel 200. The driver 100 has static drive terminal groups and duty drive terminal groups, each of which includes a common terminal and a segment terminal. This makes it possible to accommodate electro-optical panels 200 in which static drive electrode groups and duty drive electrode groups are arranged in a variety of designs.

[0088] As described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5, the first terminal group TG1 and the second terminal group TG2 are adjacent to each other along the first side.

[0089] 8, the first segment terminal group (TSG of TGA1) and the second common terminal (TCM of TGA2) may be adjacent to each other along the first side HN1. Alternatively, the first common terminal (TCM of TGA1) and the second segment terminal group (TSG of TGA2) may be adjacent to each other along the first side HN1.

[0090] 9, the first segment terminal group (TSG of TGA1) and the second segment terminal group (TSG of TGA2) may be adjacent to each other along the first side HN1. Alternatively, the first common terminal (TCM of TGA1) and the second common terminal (TCM of TGA2) may be adjacent to each other along the first side HN1.

[0091] As described above, the common terminals and segment electrodes may be arranged in various ways in each terminal group. The arrangement of these terminals may be selected appropriately to facilitate wiring depending on the design of the electro-optical panel 200, for example.

[0092] 16 and 17, the first terminal group (TGF1) may include a first switchable terminal (e.g., a switchable terminal included in TKa) as a first common terminal and a second switchable terminal (e.g., a switchable terminal included in TKb or TKc). The driver 100 may include a selection circuit 115. The selection circuit 115 may select and output a common drive signal or a segment drive signal to the first switchable terminal, and may select and output a common drive signal or a segment drive signal to the second switchable terminal. In the electro-optical panel 200, the first common electrode group and the first switchable terminal may be connected, and the selection circuit 115 may output a common drive signal to the first switchable terminal. Alternatively, in the electro-optical panel 200, the first common electrode group and the second switchable terminal may be connected, and the selection circuit 115 may output a common drive signal to the second switchable terminal.

[0093] According to this embodiment, the switchable terminals included in each terminal group can be switched between common driving and segment driving depending on the design of the electro-optical panel 200. This further improves the degree of freedom in designing the electro-optical panel 200.

[0094] Although the present embodiment has been described in detail above, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications are possible without substantially departing from the novel features and advantages of the present disclosure. Therefore, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, a term described at least once in the specification or drawings together with a different term having a broader or equivalent meaning may be replaced with that different term anywhere in the specification or drawings. Furthermore, all combinations of the present embodiment and modifications are also included within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the configurations and operations of the driver, electro-optical panel, electro-optical device, processing device, electronic device, etc. are not limited to those described in the present embodiment, and various modifications are possible. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 100...driver, 110...interface circuit, 115...selection circuit, 120...control circuit, 130...data storage unit, 140...line latch, 141...first line latch, 142...second line latch, 150...segment drive circuit, 151...first segment drive circuit, 152...second segment drive circuit, 155...drive circuit, 159...segment selector, 160...drive voltage supply circuit, 170...common drive circuit, 171...first common drive circuit, 172...second common drive circuit, 179...common selector, 180...memory circuit, 190 ...oscillator circuit, 200...electro-optical panel, 300...electro-optical device, 400...processing device, 500...electronic device, 600...electro-optical device, DS1...first electrode group, DS2...second electrode group, ECMA, ECMB...common electrodes, ESGA, ESGB...segment electrodes, HN1...first side, LCMA, LCMB...common wiring, LSGA, LSGB...segment wiring, SSA...first substrate, SSB...second substrate, TCM...common terminal, TG1...first terminal group, TG2...second terminal group, TKa, TKb, TKc...switchable terminal, TSG...segment terminal, x...first direction

Claims

1. an electro-optical panel; a driver that drives the electro-optical panel; Including, The electro-optical panel comprises: a transparent first substrate; a second substrate disposed opposite the first substrate; a first segment electrode group disposed on the first substrate; a second segment electrode group disposed on the second substrate; a first common electrode group disposed on the second substrate and facing the first segment electrode group; a second common electrode group disposed on the first substrate and facing the second segment electrode group; Including, The driver is a first terminal group arranged continuously along a first side of the driver; a second terminal group arranged continuously along the first side of the driver; Including, The first terminal group includes: a first segment terminal group for supplying a segment drive signal to the first segment electrode group; a first common terminal for supplying a common drive signal to the first common electrode group; Including, The second terminal group includes: a second segment terminal group for supplying a segment drive signal to the second segment electrode group; a second common terminal for supplying a common drive signal to the second common electrode group; An electro-optical device comprising:

2. 2. The electro-optical device according to claim 1, The electro-optical panel comprises: a first segment wiring group disposed on the first substrate for connecting the first segment electrode group and the first segment terminal group; a second segment wiring group disposed on the second substrate for connecting the second segment electrode group and the second segment terminal group; An electro-optical device comprising:

3. 3. The electro-optical device according to claim 2, an electro-optical device, wherein an area where the first segment wiring group is disposed and an area where the second segment wiring group is disposed overlap at least partially in a plan view of the electro-optical panel;

4. 2. The electro-optical device according to claim 1, The electro-optical panel comprises: a third segment electrode group disposed on one of the first substrate and the second substrate; a third common electrode group disposed on the other of the first substrate and the second substrate and facing the third segment electrode group; Including, The driver is a third terminal group arranged continuously along the first side of the driver; The third terminal group includes: a third segment terminal group for supplying a segment drive signal to the third segment electrode group; a third common terminal for supplying a common drive signal to the third common electrode group; An electro-optical device comprising:

5. 2. The electro-optical device according to claim 1, The driver is a first drive circuit that outputs one of a static drive segment drive signal and a duty drive segment drive signal to the first segment terminal group; a second drive circuit that outputs the other of the static drive segment drive signal and the duty drive segment drive signal to the second segment terminal group; An electro-optical device comprising:

6. 2. The electro-optical device according to claim 1, The electro-optical device, wherein the first terminal group and the second terminal group are adjacent to each other along the first side.

7. 7. The electro-optical device according to claim 6, The electro-optical device, wherein the first segment terminal group and the second common terminal, or the first common terminal and the second segment terminal group, are adjacent to each other along the first side.

8. 7. The electro-optical device according to claim 6, The electro-optical device, wherein the first segment terminal group and the second segment terminal group, or the first common terminal and the second common terminal, are adjacent to each other along the first side.

9. 2. The electro-optical device according to claim 1, The first terminal group includes: a first switchable terminal as the first common terminal; a second switchable terminal; Including, The driver is a selection circuit that selects and outputs a common drive signal or a segment drive signal to the first switchable terminal, and selects and outputs a common drive signal or a segment drive signal to the second switchable terminal; In the electro-optical panel, the first common electrode group and the first switchable terminal are connected, and the selection circuit outputs a common drive signal to the first switchable terminal; or The electro-optical device is characterized in that the first common electrode group and the second switchable terminal are connected in the electro-optical panel, and the selection circuit outputs a common drive signal to the second switchable terminal.

10. A driver for driving an electro-optical panel, a first terminal group arranged continuously along a first side of the driver; a second terminal group arranged continuously along the first side of the driver; Including, The electro-optical panel comprises: a transparent first substrate; a second substrate disposed opposite the first substrate; a first segment electrode group disposed on the first substrate; a second segment electrode group disposed on the second substrate; a first common electrode group disposed on the second substrate and facing the first segment electrode group; a second common electrode group disposed on the first substrate and facing the second segment electrode group; Including, The first terminal group includes: a first segment terminal group for supplying a segment drive signal to the first segment electrode group; a first common terminal for supplying a common drive signal to the first common electrode group; Including, The second terminal group includes: a second segment terminal group for supplying a segment drive signal to the second segment electrode group; a second common terminal for supplying a common drive signal to the second common electrode group; A driver comprising:

11. An electro-optical panel driven by a driver, a transparent first substrate; a second substrate disposed opposite the first substrate; a first segment electrode group disposed on the first substrate; a second segment electrode group disposed on the second substrate; a first common electrode group disposed on the second substrate and facing the first segment electrode group; a second common electrode group disposed on the first substrate and facing the second segment electrode group; a first panel-side terminal group connected to the first segment electrode group and the first common electrode group; a second panel-side terminal group connected to the second segment electrode group and the second common electrode group; Including, The driver is a first terminal group including a first segment terminal group for supplying segment drive signals to the first segment electrode group and a first common terminal for supplying common drive signals to the first common electrode group, the first terminal group being continuously arranged along a first side of the driver; a second terminal group including a second segment terminal group for supplying segment drive signals to the second segment electrode group and a second common terminal for supplying common drive signals to the second common electrode group, the second terminal group being continuously arranged along the first side of the driver; Including, the first panel-side terminal group is connected to the first terminal group; The electro-optical panel is characterized in that the second panel-side terminal group is connected to the second terminal group.

Images