Electronic device and electronic device driving method

Abstract

This electronic device may comprise: charging electrodes arranged in a first direction; primary binder circuits which are selectively connected to one or more of the charging electrodes and which include first switches connected to a first node; and secondary binder circuits which are selectively connected to one or more of the primary binder circuits and which include second switches connected to a second node.

Description

Electronic devices and methods of driving electronic devices

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic device and an electronic device driving method having improved pen charging sensitivity and pen charging efficiency.

[0002] Multimedia electronic devices, such as televisions, mobile phones, tablet computers, laptops, navigation systems, and game consoles, include display devices for displaying images. In addition to conventional input methods such as buttons, keyboards, and mice, these devices may include a sensor layer (or input sensor) that provides a touch-based input method that allows users to intuitively and conveniently input information or commands. The sensor layer can sense the user's touch or pressure. Meanwhile, there is a growing demand for pens for users accustomed to inputting information using writing instruments or for precise touch input for specific applications (e.g., sketching or drawing applications).

[0003] The present invention aims to provide an electronic device and an electronic device driving method having improved pen charging sensitivity and pen charging efficiency.

[0004] An electronic device according to one or more embodiments of the present invention may include charging electrodes arranged along a first direction, primary binder circuits including first switches configured to be selectively connected to one or more of the charging electrodes and connected to a first node, and secondary binder circuits including second switches configured to be selectively connected to one or more of the primary binder circuits and connected to a second node.

[0005] The secondary binder circuits may include a first transmission circuit configured to receive a first signal and a second transmission circuit configured to receive a second signal different from the first signal.

[0006] The charging electrodes include W first loop electrodes (W is an integer greater than or equal to 1) electrically connected to the first transmission circuit and X second loop electrodes (X is an integer greater than or equal to 1) electrically connected to the second transmission circuit, wherein W and X may have variable values.

[0007] The above primary binder circuits include Y first intermediate transmission circuits (Y is an integer greater than or equal to 1) electrically connected to the first transmission circuit and Z second intermediate transmission circuits (Z is an integer greater than or equal to 1) electrically connected to the second transmission circuit, wherein Y and Z may have variable values.

[0008] The charging electrodes include W first loop electrodes (W is an integer greater than or equal to 1) electrically connected to the Y first intermediate transfer circuits and X second loop electrodes (X is an integer greater than or equal to 1) electrically connected to the Z second intermediate transfer circuits, wherein W and X may have variable values.

[0009] A charging loop can be defined that includes the first transfer circuit, the Y first intermediate transfer circuits, the W first loop electrodes, the second transfer circuit, the Z second intermediate transfer circuits, and the X second loop electrodes.

[0010] The electronic device further includes a sensor driving unit configured to output the first signal and the second signal, and when the sensor driving unit operates in a first charging driving mode, the charging loop includes a first charging loop in a first time interval of the first charging driving mode and a second charging loop in a second time interval temporally continuous with the first time interval, and the W first loop electrodes in the first charging loop and the W first loop electrodes in the second charging loop may non-overlap with each other, and the X second loop electrodes in the first charging loop and the X second loop electrodes in the second charging loop may non-overlap with each other.

[0011] When the sensor driving unit operates in a second charging driving mode different from the first charging driving mode, the charging loop includes a first micro-charging loop in a first time section of the second charging driving mode, and a second micro-charging loop in a second time section temporally continuous with the first time section of the second charging driving mode, and at least one of the W first loop electrodes included in the first micro-charging loop and at least one of the W first loop electrodes included in the second micro-charging loop overlap each other, and at least one of the X second loop electrodes included in the first micro-charging loop and at least one of the X second loop electrodes included in the second micro-charging loop can overlap each other.

[0012] When an input of the pen is detected in the first charging driving mode, the sensor driving unit is configured to switch from the first charging driving mode to the first local charging driving mode, and in the first local charging driving mode, the sensor driving unit is configured to output the first signal to the W first loop electrodes so that the charging loop overlaps an area where an input of the pen is detected, and to output the second signal to the X second loop electrodes.

[0013] The sensor driving unit is configured to operate in the first local charging driving mode and then switch to the second charging driving mode, wherein each of the W first loop electrodes in the first micro-charging loop and the W first loop electrodes in the second micro-charging loop overlaps at least one of the W first loop electrodes in the charging loop of the first local charging driving mode, and each of the X second loop electrodes in the first micro-charging loop and the X second loop electrodes in the second micro-charging loop overlaps at least one of the X second loop electrodes in the charging loop of the first local charging driving mode, and the sensor driving unit is configured to operate in the second charging driving mode and then switch to the second local charging driving mode, and the charging loop in the second local charging driving mode may be one of the first micro-charging loop or the second micro-charging loop in the second charging driving mode.

[0014] The plurality of charging electrodes include U (where U is an integer greater than or equal to 1) gap electrodes between the W first loop electrodes and the X second loop electrodes, and the W first loop electrodes, the U gap electrodes, and the X second loop electrodes can be sequentially arranged in succession to each other along the first direction.

[0015] The electronic device may further include first electrodes overlapping the charging electrodes in one-to-one correspondence, and second electrodes intersecting the first electrodes and spaced apart in a second direction intersecting the first direction.

[0016] An electronic device according to one or more embodiments of the present invention may include first electrodes arranged along a first direction and extending along a second direction intersecting the first direction, second electrodes arranged along the second direction and extending along the first direction, third electrodes arranged along the first direction and extending along the second direction, primary binder circuits controlled to be selectively connected to at least some of the third electrodes, secondary binder circuits configured to be selectively connected to one or more of the primary binder circuits, and a sensor driver configured to output a first signal to at least one of the secondary binder circuits in a charge driving mode and to output a second signal different from the first signal to at least another of the secondary binder circuits so that a charging loop is provided.

[0017] Each of the primary binder circuits may include first switches connected to a first node, and each of the secondary binder circuits may include second switches connected to a second node.

[0018] The third electrodes include W first loop electrodes (W is an integer greater than or equal to 1) for receiving the first signal, X second loop electrodes (X is an integer greater than or equal to 1) for receiving the second signal, and U (U is an integer greater than or equal to 1) gap electrodes between the W first loop electrodes and the X second loop electrodes, and the W first loop electrodes, the U gap electrodes, and the X second loop electrodes are sequentially arranged in a continuous manner along the first direction, and the charging loop includes the W first loop electrodes and the X second loop electrodes, and the charging driving mode includes a first charging driving mode, a first local charging driving mode, a second charging driving mode, and a second local charging driving mode, and the sensor driving unit may be configured to sequentially switch to the first local charging driving mode, the second charging driving mode, and the second local charging driving mode when an input of the pen is detected in the first charging driving mode.

[0019] In each of the first local charge driving mode and the second local charge driving mode, the connection of the primary binder circuits and the secondary binder circuits may be controlled so that the charging loop overlaps an area where the input of the pen is detected.

[0020] In the first charging driving mode and the second charging driving mode, the charging loops are provided in plurality, the charging loops are spaced apart along the first direction, and the pitch between the charging loops in the first charging driving mode may be greater than the pitch between the charging loops in the second charging driving mode.

[0021] A method for driving an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a step of controlling primary binder circuits to be selectively connected to one or more of charging electrodes arranged along a first direction, a step of controlling secondary binder circuits to be selectively connected to one or more of the primary binder circuits, and a step of outputting a first signal to at least one of the secondary binder circuits and outputting a second signal different from the first signal to at least another of the secondary binder circuits to form a charging loop including one or more of the plurality of charging electrodes.

[0022] The above electronic device driving method may further include a step in which the charging loop is sequentially formed while moving along a first direction in the first charging driving mode.

[0023] The method for driving the electronic device further includes a step of switching from the first local charging driving mode to the first local charging driving mode so that the charging loop overlaps an area where the pen input is detected when the pen input is detected in the first charging driving mode, a step of switching from the first local charging driving mode to the second local charging driving mode, and a step of sequentially forming the charging loop while moving along the first direction in the second charging driving mode, wherein a pitch between adjacent charging loops in the first charging driving mode may be greater than a pitch between adjacent charging loops in the second charging driving mode.

[0024] As described above, the electronic device may include a plurality of charging electrodes and binder circuits selectively electrically connected to the plurality of charging electrodes. Various charging loops may be provided by the binder circuits connected to the plurality of charging electrodes in various combinations. Accordingly, precise positioning of the charging loops and resistance control of the charging loops may be facilitated. In this case, the charging efficiency and charging sensitivity of the pen may be improved. Furthermore, as the charging efficiency and charging sensitivity of the pen are improved, the response speed may be improved.

[0025] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an electronic device according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 1B is a rear perspective view of an electronic device according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an electronic device according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an electronic device according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display panel according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining the operation of an electronic device according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view of a display panel according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 6b is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a sensor layer according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 7 is a plan view of a sensor layer according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 8A is a plan view illustrating a first conductive layer of a sensing unit according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 8b is an enlarged plan view of the XX' area shown in Figure 8a.

[0036] FIG. 9A is a plan view illustrating a second conductive layer of a sensing unit according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 9b is an enlarged plan view of the YY' area shown in Figure 9a.

[0038] FIG. 10 is a plan view illustrating some configurations of a sensing unit according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a sensor driving unit according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a sensor driving unit according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 13 is a drawing for explaining a first mode according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 14 is a drawing for explaining a second mode, for example, a charge driving mode, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 15A is a graph illustrating a waveform of a first signal according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0044] FIG. 15b is a graph illustrating a waveform of a second signal according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0045] FIG. 16 is a drawing for explaining a second mode, for example, a pen sensing driving mode, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0046] FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining a second mode based on one sensing unit according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0047] FIG. 18 is a drawing for explaining a second mode, for example, a pen charging driving mode, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0048] FIG. 19 is a table showing signals provided to a sensor layer according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0049] FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating a method of driving a sensor layer according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0050] FIG. 21 is a table showing signals provided to a sensor layer in a first charge driving mode according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0051] FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a first local charging mode according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0052] FIG. 23A is a diagram illustrating one charging loop and pen positions according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0053] Figure 23b is a graph showing the charging sensitivity according to the charging loop and pen position shown in Figure 23a.

[0054] FIG. 24 is a table showing signals provided to a sensor layer in a second charge driving mode according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0055] FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating a second local charging mode according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0056] Aspects of some embodiments of the present disclosure and methods for achieving them can be more readily understood by referring to the detailed description of the embodiments and the accompanying drawings. The described embodiments are provided by way of example so that the present disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will sufficiently convey the aspects of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, processes, elements, and techniques that are redundant, irrelevant or irrelevant to the description of the embodiments, or unnecessary for those skilled in the art to fully understand the aspects of the present disclosure may be omitted. Unless otherwise specified, similar reference numerals, letters, or combinations thereof represent similar elements throughout the accompanying drawings and detailed description, and thus a repeated description thereof may be omitted.

[0057] The described embodiments may have various modifications and may be implemented in various different forms, and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments illustrated herein. The expressions "may," "may be," or "may not" used when describing an embodiment refer to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0058] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that, when considering the entire disclosure, suitable features of each of the various embodiments of the present disclosure may be combined or combined, partially or wholly, with one another and may be technically interlocked and operated in a variety of suitable ways, and that each embodiment may be implemented independently of one another or in any suitable manner, unless otherwise stated or implied.

[0059] In the drawings, the relative sizes of elements, layers, and regions may be exaggerated for clarity and / or convenience of explanation. In other words, the sizes and thicknesses of elements in the drawings are arbitrarily depicted for convenience of explanation, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Furthermore, the use of hatching and / or shading in the accompanying drawings is generally provided to clarify boundaries between adjacent elements. Therefore, except as expressly stated, the presence or absence of hatching or shading does not convey or indicate any preference or requirement for any particular material, material property, dimension, proportion, commonality between depicted elements, and / or any other characteristic, property, or property of the elements.

[0060] Various embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional drawings, which are schematic cross-sectional views of embodiments and / or intermediate structures. Therefore, variations in the shape of the drawings, for example, due to manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances, may be expected. Furthermore, specific structural or functional descriptions disclosed herein are merely examples for describing embodiments according to the concepts of the present disclosure. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed herein should not be construed as limited to the shapes of the illustrated elements, layers, or regions, but should be construed to include, for example, variations in shape resulting from manufacturing.

[0061] For example, an implantation region depicted as a rectangle will typically have a rounded or curved shape and / or a gradient in ion implantation concentration at its edges, rather than a binary transition from the implanted to the non-implanted region. Similarly, a buried region formed by a primary ion injection may result in some ion implantation in the region between the implantation surface and the buried region.

[0062] To facilitate the description of the relationship of one element or feature to another, as illustrated in the drawings, spatially relative terms such as "beneath," "below," "lower," "lower side," "under," "above," "upper," "over," "higher," "upper side," "side" (e.g., as in "sidewall"), and the like may be used herein. It will be understood that such spatially relative terms encompass various other orientations of the device when in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the drawings. For example, if the device in the drawings is turned over, an element described as being "beneath," "beneath," or "below" another element or feature would now be "above" the other element or feature. Thus, the exemplary terms "beneath" and "below" can encompass both above and below orientations. The device may be positioned in other orientations (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or otherwise), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly. Similarly, when a first portion is described as being positioned "on" a second portion, this means that the first portion is positioned above or below the second portion relative to the direction of gravity, but is not limited to above.

[0063] Additionally, the phrase "in plan view" may mean a top view of a portion of an object, and the phrase "in schematic cross-section" may mean a side view of a schematic cross-section obtained by cutting a portion of an object vertically. The terms "overlapping" or "superimposed" may mean that a first object may be above, below, or beside a second object, or vice versa. Furthermore, the term "overlapping" may include terms such as stacked, facing, covering, partially covering, or other suitable terms, as would be understood and appreciated by a person skilled in the art. The term "non-overlapping" may include terms such as "apart from," "separated from," or "offset," as well as other suitable synonyms, as would be understood and appreciated by a person skilled in the art. The terms "facing" and "facing" may mean that a first object may directly or indirectly face a second object. If a third object intervenes between the first and second objects, the first and second objects can still be understood as facing each other but indirectly opposing each other.

[0064] When an element, layer, region, or component (e.g., a device, component, circuit, wire, electrode, terminal, conductive film, etc.) is referred to as being "formed on," "on," "connected to," or "(operably, functionally, or communicatively) coupled to" another element, layer, region, or component, it should be understood that it may be directly formed on, present on, directly connected to, or directly coupled to that other element, layer, region, or component, and that one or more intermediate elements, layers, regions, or components may be indirectly formed on, present on, indirectly connected to, or indirectly coupled to that other element, layer, region, or component. Furthermore, this can encompass direct or indirect combinations or connections, and integral or non-integral combinations or connections. For example, when a layer, region, or component is referred to as being "electrically connected" or "electrically coupled" to another layer, region, or component, it may be directly electrically connected or coupled to that other layer, region, and / or component, and there may be one or more intermediate layers, regions, or components present. These one or more intermediate components may include switches, transistors, resistors, inductors, capacitors, diodes, etc. Accordingly, the connections are not limited to the connections depicted in the drawings or detailed descriptions, and may also include other types of connections. When describing the embodiments, the term connection refers to an electrical connection unless explicitly described as a direct connection, and the terms "directly connected / directly coupled" or "directly over" mean that one component is directly connected or coupled to, or over, another component without any intermediate components.

[0065] Also, when a part of a layer, thin film, region, plate, etc. is formed on another part in this specification, the direction of formation is not limited to the upward direction, but also includes forming in the side or downward direction. Conversely, when a part of a layer, thin film, region, plate, etc. is formed "under" another part, this includes not only the case where the part is "directly beneath" the other part, but also the case where there is another part between the part and the other part. Meanwhile, other expressions describing the relationship between parts, such as "between," "immediately between," or "adjacent to," and "directly adjacent to," can be interpreted similarly. It should be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "between" two elements or layers, it may be the only element or layer between the two elements or layers, or one or more intermediate elements or layers may exist.

[0066] For the purposes of this disclosure, phrases such as "at least one of," "any one of," or "one or more of" preceding a list of elements modify the entire list of elements, not individual elements of the list. For example, phrases such as "at least one of X, Y, and Z," "at least one of X, Y, or Z," "at least one selected from the group consisting of X, Y, and Z," and "at least one selected from the group consisting of X, Y, or Z" can be interpreted as X alone, Y alone, Z alone, any combination of two or more of X, Y, and Z (e.g., XYZ, XY, YZ, and XZ), or any variation thereof. Similarly, phrases such as "at least one of A and B" and "at least one of A or B" can include A, B, or A and B. As used herein, "or" generally means "and / or," and the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. For example, the expression "A and / or B" can include A, B, or both A and B. Similarly, expressions such as "at least one," "a number of," "an," and other prepositional phrases preceding a list of elements modify the entire list of elements, not individual elements of the list. When it is said that "C to D", unless otherwise specified, it means C or more and D or less.

[0067] Although terms such as "first," "second," "third," and the like may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections, it should be understood that these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms do not denote any particular order, position, or precedence, but are used only to distinguish one element, member, component, region, area, layer, section, or portion from another element, member, component, region, area, layer, section, or portion. Thus, a first element, member, region, layer, or section described below could also be termed a second element, member, region, layer, or section without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Describing an element as a "first" element does not necessarily require or imply the presence of a second element or other elements. Terms such as "first," "second," and the like may also be used herein to distinguish different categories or sets of elements. For brevity, “first”, “second”, etc. may represent “first category (or first set)”, “second category (or second set)”, etc., respectively.

[0068] In the examples, the x-axis, y-axis, and / or z-axis are not limited to the three axes of a Cartesian coordinate system, and can be interpreted in a broader sense. For example, the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis can be perpendicular to each other, or they can represent directions other than perpendicular to each other. The same applies to the first direction, the second direction, and / or the third direction.

[0069] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a" and "an" include plural forms as well, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, and the plural forms are intended to include the singular as well. It should also be understood that the terms "comprises," "comprising," "have," "having," "includes," and "including," when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0070] If one or more embodiments can be implemented differently, a particular process sequence may be performed in a different order than described. For example, two processes described in succession may be performed substantially simultaneously or in the reverse order from the described order.

[0071] As used herein, the terms "substantially," "about," "approximately," and similar terms are used as terms of approximation, not degrees, and are intended to take into account inherent variations in measurements or calculations that would be recognized by those skilled in the art. For example, "substantially" can include a range of + / - 5% of that value. As used herein, "about" or "approximately" is inclusive of the stated value and means within an acceptable range of variation for that particular value as determined by those skilled in the art, taking into account the errors associated with that measurement and the measurement of the particular quantity (i.e., limitations of the measurement system). For example, "about" can mean within one or more standard deviations, or within ± 30%, 20%, 10%, or 5% of the stated value. Additionally, the use of "may" when describing embodiments of the present disclosure refers to "one or more embodiments of the present disclosure." Furthermore, the expression "being the same" can mean "being substantially the same." In other words, the expression "being the same" can encompass a range acceptable to those skilled in the art. Other expressions may also omit the word "substantially."

[0072] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. Furthermore, it should be understood that terms defined in commonly used dictionaries, unless explicitly defined herein, should be interpreted consistently with their meaning in the relevant art and / or the context of this specification and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense. FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an electronic device (1000) according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 1B is a rear perspective view of an electronic device (1000) according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0073] Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B , the electronic device (1000) may be a device activated by an electrical signal. For example, the electronic device (1000) may display an image and sense externally applied inputs. The external input may be a user input. The user input may include various forms of external inputs, such as a part of the user's body, a pen (PN), light, heat, or pressure.

[0074] An electronic device (1000) may include a first display panel (DP1) and a second display panel (DP2). The first display panel (DP1) and the second display panel (DP2) may be separate panels. The first display panel (DP1) may be referred to as a main display panel, and the second display panel (DP2) may be referred to as an auxiliary display panel or an external display panel.

[0075] The first display panel (DP1) may include a first display portion (DA1-F), and the second display panel (DP2) may include a second display portion (DA2-F). The area of ​​the second display panel (DP2) may be smaller than the area of ​​the first display panel (DP1). Depending on the sizes of the first display panel (DP1) and the second display panel (DP2), the area of ​​the first display portion (DA1-F) may be larger than the area of ​​the second display portion (DA2-F).

[0076] When the electronic device (1000) is unfolded, the first display portion (DA1-F) may have a plane that is substantially parallel to the first direction (DR1) and the second direction (DR2). The thickness direction of the electronic device (1000) may be parallel to a third direction (DR3) that intersects the first direction (DR1) and the second direction (DR2). Accordingly, the front (or upper surface) and the back (or lower surface) of the components constituting the electronic device (1000) may be defined based on the third direction (DR3).

[0077] The first display panel (DP1) or the first display unit (DA1-F) may include a folding area (FA) that folds and unfolds, and a plurality of non-folding areas (NFA1, NFA2) spaced apart from the folding area (FA). The second display panel (DP2) may overlap any one of the plurality of non-folding areas (NFA1, NFA2). For example, the second display panel (DP2) may overlap the first non-folding area (NFA1).

[0078] The display direction of a first image (IM1a) displayed on a portion of a first display panel (DP1), for example, a first non-folding area (NFA1), and the display direction of a second image (IM2a) displayed on a second display panel (DP2) may be opposite directions. For example, the first image (IM1a) may be displayed in a third direction (DR3), and the second image (IM2a) may be displayed in a fourth direction (DR4) that is opposite to the third direction (DR3).

[0079] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the folding area (FA) can be bent about a folding axis extending in a direction parallel to a long side of the electronic device (1000), for example, in a direction parallel to the second direction (DR2). When the electronic device (1000) is folded, the folding area (FA) has a curvature (e.g., a predetermined curvature) and a radius of curvature (e.g., a predetermined radius of curvature). The first non-folding area (NFA1) and the second non-folding area (NFA2) face each other, and the electronic device (1000) can be inner-folded so that the first display unit (DA1-F) is not exposed to the outside.

[0080] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the electronic device (1000) may be outer-folded so that the first display portion (DA1-F) is exposed to the outside. In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the electronic device (1000) may be capable of both in-folding and out-folding in an unfolded state, but is not limited thereto.

[0081] Although FIG. 1A illustrates an example in which a single folding area (FA) is defined (provided or included) in the electronic device (1000), the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the electronic device (1000) may have a plurality of folding axes and a plurality of folding areas corresponding thereto defined, and the electronic device (1000) may be infolded or outfolded in an unfolded state in each of the plurality of folding areas.

[0082] According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, at least one of the first display panel (DP1) or the second display panel (DP2) can sense an input by a pen (PN) even if it does not include a digitizer. Accordingly, since the digitizer for sensing the pen (PN) is omitted, an increase in thickness, an increase in weight, and a decrease in flexibility of the electronic device (1000) due to the addition of a digitizer can be avoided. Accordingly, not only the first display panel (DP1) but also the second display panel (DP2) can be designed to sense the pen (PN).

[0083] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an electronic device (1000-1) according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an electronic device (1000-2) according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0084] In FIG. 2, the electronic device (1000-1) is illustrated as a portable electronic device (e.g., a mobile phone or a tablet), and the electronic device (1000-1) may include a display panel (DP). In FIG. 3, the electronic device (1000-2) is illustrated as a laptop, and the electronic device (1000-2) may include a display panel (DP). FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the electronic device (1000-2), but the coordinate axes included in FIG. 3 are indicated based on the display panel (DP) within the electronic device (1000-2).

[0085] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the display panel (DP) can sense externally applied inputs. The external inputs may be user inputs. The user inputs may include various forms of external inputs, such as a part of the user's body, a pen (PN, see FIG. 1A), light, heat, or pressure.

[0086] According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, the display panel (DP) can sense input by the pen (PN) even without including a digitizer. Accordingly, since the digitizer for sensing the pen (PN) is omitted, an increase in the thickness and weight of the electronic device (1000-1 or 1000-2) due to the addition of a digitizer can be avoided.

[0087] FIG. 1A illustrates a foldable type electronic device (1000), and FIG. 2 illustrates a bar type electronic device (1000-1). However, the present invention described below is not limited thereto. For example, the descriptions described below can be applied to various electronic devices, such as a rollable type electronic device, a slideable type electronic device, and a stretchable type electronic device.

[0088] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display panel (DP) according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0089] Referring to FIG. 4, the display panel (DP) may include a display layer (100) and a sensor layer (200).

[0090] The display layer (100) may be a configuration that actually generates an image. The display layer (100) may be a light-emitting display layer, and for example, the display layer (100) may be an organic light-emitting display layer, an inorganic light-emitting display layer, an organic-inorganic light-emitting display layer, a quantum dot display layer, a micro LED display layer, or a nano LED display layer. The display layer (100) may include a base layer (110), a circuit layer (120), a light-emitting element layer (130), and an encapsulation layer (140).

[0091] The base layer (110) may be a member that provides a base surface on which the circuit layer (120) is arranged. The base layer (110) may have a multilayer structure or a single-layer structure. The base layer (110) may be a glass substrate, a metal substrate, a silicon substrate, a polymer substrate, or the like, but is not limited to these examples.

[0092] The circuit layer (120) may be positioned on the base layer (110). (In this specification, “positioned on” may mean “is on.”) The circuit layer (120) may include an insulating layer, a semiconductor pattern, a conductive pattern, a signal line, and the like. The insulating layer, the semiconductor layer, and the conductive layer may be formed on the base layer (110) by a coating, deposition, or the like, and the insulating layer, the semiconductor layer, and the conductive layer may be selectively patterned through multiple photolithography processes.

[0093] The light-emitting element layer (130) may be disposed on the circuit layer (120). The light-emitting element layer (130) may include a light-emitting element. For example, the light-emitting element layer (130) may include an organic light-emitting material, an inorganic light-emitting material, an organic-inorganic light-emitting material, a quantum dot, a quantum rod, a micro LED, or a nano LED.

[0094] The encapsulating layer (140) can be placed on the light-emitting element layer (130). The encapsulating layer (140) can protect the light-emitting element layer (130) from foreign substances such as moisture, oxygen, and dust particles.

[0095] The sensor layer (200) may be disposed on the display layer (100). The sensor layer (200) may sense an external input applied from the outside. The sensor layer (200) may be an integrated sensor continuously formed during the manufacturing process of the display layer (100), or the sensor layer (200) may be an external sensor attached to the display layer (100). The sensor layer (200) may be referred to as a sensor, an input sensing layer, an input sensing panel, or an electronic device for sensing input coordinates.

[0096] According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, the sensor layer (200) can sense both inputs from a passive type input means, such as a user's body, and input devices that generate a magnetic field of a resonant frequency (e.g., a predetermined resonant frequency). The input devices may be referred to as pens, input pens, magnetic pens, stylus pens, or electromagnetic resonance pens.

[0097] FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining the operation of an electronic device (1000) according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0098] Referring to FIG. 5, the electronic device (1000) may include a display layer (100), a sensor layer (200), a display driver (100C), a sensor driver (200C), a main driver (1000C), and a power circuit (1000P).

[0099] The sensor layer (200) can sense a first input (2000) or a second input (3000) applied from the outside. Each of the first input (2000) and the second input (3000) can be an input means capable of providing a change in the capacitance of the sensor layer (200) or an input means capable of causing an induced current in the sensor layer (200). For example, the first input (2000) can be a passive type input means, such as a user's body. The second input (3000) can be an input by a pen (PN) or an input by an RFIC tag. For example, the pen (PN) can be a passive type pen or an active type pen.

[0100] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the pen (PN) may be a device that generates a magnetic field of a resonant frequency (e.g., a predetermined resonant frequency). The pen (PN) may be configured to transmit an output signal based on an electromagnetic resonance method. The pen (PN) may be referred to as an input device, an input pen, a magnetic pen, a stylus pen, or an electromagnetic resonance pen.

[0101] The pen (PN) may include an RLC resonant circuit, and the RLC resonant circuit may include an inductor (L) and a capacitor (C). In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the RLC resonant circuit may be a variable resonant circuit having a variable resonant frequency. In this case, the inductor (L) may be a variable inductor and / or the capacitor (C) may be a variable capacitor, but the present invention is not limited to these examples.

[0102] The inductor (L) generates a current by a magnetic field formed in the electronic device (1000), for example, the sensor layer (200). However, the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, when the pen (PN) operates in an active type, the pen (PN) may generate a current even if a magnetic field is not provided from the outside. The generated current is transmitted to the capacitor (C). The capacitor (C) charges the current input from the inductor (L) and discharges the charged current to the inductor (L). Thereafter, the inductor (L) can emit a magnetic field of a resonant frequency. An induced current may flow in the sensor layer (200) by the magnetic field emitted by the pen (PN), and the induced current may be transmitted to the sensor driving unit (200C) as a reception signal (or sensing signal, signal).

[0103] The main driving unit (1000C) can control the overall operation of the electronic device (1000). For example, the main driving unit (1000C) can control the operation of the display driving unit (100C) and the sensor driving unit (200C). The main driving unit (1000C) can include at least one microprocessor and can further include a graphics controller. The main driving unit (1000C) can be referred to as an application processor, a central processing unit, or a main processor.

[0104] The display driving unit (100C) can drive the display layer (100). The display driving unit (100C) can receive image data and control signals from the main driving unit (1000C). The control signal can include various signals. For example, the control signal can include an input vertical synchronization signal, an input horizontal synchronization signal, a main clock signal, and a data enable signal.

[0105] The sensor driving unit (200C) can drive the sensor layer (200). The sensor driving unit (200C) can receive a control signal from the main driving unit (1000C). The control signal can include a clock signal of the sensor driving unit (200C). In addition, the control signal can further include a mode determination signal that determines the driving mode of the sensor driving unit (200C) and the sensor layer (200).

[0106] The sensor driving unit (200C) may be implemented as an integrated circuit (IC) and electrically connected to the sensor layer (200). For example, the sensor driving unit (200C) may be directly mounted on an area of ​​the display panel (e.g., a predetermined area) or may be mounted on a separate printed circuit board in a chip on film (COF) manner and electrically connected to the sensor layer (200).

[0107] The sensor driving unit (200C) and the sensor layer (200) can selectively operate in a first mode or a second mode. For example, the first mode may be a mode for sensing a touch input, for example, a first input (2000). The second mode may be a mode for sensing a pen (PN) input, for example, a second input (3000). The first mode may be referred to as a touch sensing mode, and the second mode may be referred to as a pen sensing mode.

[0108] The switching between the first mode and the second mode can be accomplished in various ways. For example, the sensor driver (200C) and the sensor layer (200) can be time-divisionally driven in the first mode and the second mode and sense the first input (2000) and the second input (3000). Alternatively, the switching between the first mode and the second mode can occur by a user's selection or a corresponding user action (or input), or either of the first mode and the second mode can be activated or deactivated, or can be switched from one to the other, by the activation or deactivation of a corresponding application. Alternatively, the sensor driver (200C) and the sensor layer (200) can be alternately operated in the first mode or the second mode, and when the first input (2000) is sensed, the first mode can be maintained, or when the second input (3000) is sensed, the second mode can be maintained.

[0109] The sensor driving unit (200C) can calculate input coordinate information based on a signal received from the sensor layer (200) and provide a coordinate signal having the coordinate information to the main driving unit (1000C). The main driving unit (1000C) executes an operation corresponding to a user input based on the coordinate signal. For example, the main driving unit (1000C) can operate the display driving unit (100C) so that a new application image is displayed on the display layer (100).

[0110] The power circuit (1000P) may include a power management integrated circuit (PMIC). The power circuit (1000P) may generate a plurality of driving voltages for driving the display layer (100), the sensor layer (200), the display driver (100C), and the sensor driver (200C). For example, the plurality of driving voltages may include, but are not limited to, a gate high voltage, a gate low voltage, a first driving voltage (e.g., an ELVSS voltage), a second driving voltage (e.g., an ELVDD voltage), an initialization voltage, etc.

[0111] FIG. 6a is a cross-sectional view of a display panel (DP) according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0112] Referring to FIG. 6A, at least one buffer layer (BFL) is formed on the upper surface of the base layer (110). The buffer layer (BFL) can improve the bonding strength between the base layer (110) and the semiconductor pattern. The buffer layer (BFL) can be formed as a multilayer. Alternatively, the display layer (100) may further include a barrier layer. The buffer layer (BFL) can include at least one of silicon oxide, silicon nitride, or silicon oxynitride. For example, the buffer layer (BFL) can include a structure in which silicon oxide layers and silicon nitride layers are alternately laminated.

[0113] The semiconductor pattern (SC, AL, DR, SCL) may be disposed on a buffer layer (BFL). The semiconductor pattern (SC, AL, DR, SCL) may include polysilicon. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the semiconductor pattern (SC, AL, DR, SCL) may also include amorphous silicon, low-temperature polycrystalline silicon, or oxide semiconductor.

[0114] Fig. 6a only illustrates some semiconductor patterns (SC, AL, DR, SCL), and more semiconductor patterns may be arranged in other areas. The semiconductor patterns (SC, AL, DR, SCL) may be arranged in a specific rule across the pixels. The semiconductor patterns (SC, AL, DR, SCL) may have different electrical properties depending on doping. The semiconductor patterns (SC, AL, DR, SCL) may include a first region (SC, DR, SCL) with high conductivity and a second region (AL) with low conductivity. The first region (SC, DR, SCL) may be doped with an N-type dopant or a P-type dopant. A P-type transistor may include a doped region doped with a P-type dopant, and an N-type transistor may include a doped region doped with an N-type dopant. The second region (AL) may be an undoped region or a region doped at a lower concentration than the first region (SC, DR, SCL).

[0115] The conductivity of the first region (SC, DR, SCL) is greater than that of the second region (AL), and can substantially function as an electrode or a signal line. The second region (AL) may substantially correspond to an active region (AL) (or channel) of the transistor (100PC). In other words, a part (AL) of the semiconductor pattern (SC, AL, DR, SCL) may be the active region (AL) of the transistor (100PC), another part (SC, DR) may be the source region (SC) or drain region (DR) of the transistor (100PC), and another part (SCL) may be a connection electrode or a connection signal line (SCL).

[0116] Each pixel may have an equivalent circuit including a plurality of transistors, at least one capacitor, and at least one light-emitting element, and the equivalent circuit diagram of the pixel may be modified in various forms. FIG. 6A illustrates one transistor (100PC) and one light-emitting element (100PE) included in the pixel.

[0117] A source region (SC), an active region (AL), and a drain region (DR) of a transistor (100PC) may be formed from semiconductor patterns (SC, AL, DR, SCL). The source region (SC) and the drain region (DR) may extend in opposite directions from the active region (AL) in a cross-section. FIG. 6A illustrates a portion of a connection signal line (SCL) formed from the semiconductor patterns (SC, AL, DR, SCL). In one or more embodiments, the connection signal line (SCL) may be connected to the drain region (DR) of the transistor (100PC) in a plane.

[0118] The first insulating layer (10) may be disposed on a buffer layer (BFL). The first insulating layer (10) may overlap a plurality of pixels in common and cover semiconductor patterns (SC, AL, DR, SCL). The first insulating layer (10) may be an inorganic layer and / or an organic layer, and may have a single-layer or multi-layer structure. The first insulating layer (10) may include at least one of aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, zirconium oxide, or hafnium oxide. In one or more embodiments, the first insulating layer (10) may be a single-layer silicon oxide layer. Not only the first insulating layer (10), but also the insulating layer of the circuit layer (120) described below may be an inorganic layer and / or an organic layer, and may have a single-layer or multi-layer structure. The inorganic layer may include at least one of the above-described materials, but is not limited thereto.

[0119] The gate (GT) of the transistor (100PC) is positioned on the first insulating layer (10). The gate (GT) may be a part of a metal pattern. The gate (GT) overlaps the active area (AL). In a process of doping or reducing a semiconductor pattern (SC, AL, DR, SCL), the gate (GT) may function as a mask.

[0120] The second insulating layer (20) is disposed on the first insulating layer (10) and can cover the gate (GT). The second insulating layer (20) can be commonly overlapped with pixels. The second insulating layer (20) can be an inorganic layer and / or an organic layer, and can have a single-layer or multi-layer structure. The second insulating layer (20) can include at least one of silicon oxide, silicon nitride, and silicon oxynitride. In one or more embodiments, the second insulating layer (20) can have a multi-layer structure including a silicon oxide layer and a silicon nitride layer.

[0121] The third insulating layer (30) may be disposed on the second insulating layer (20). The third insulating layer (30) may have a single-layer or multi-layer structure. For example, the third insulating layer (30) may have a multi-layer structure including a silicon oxide layer and a silicon nitride layer.

[0122] The first connection electrode (CNE1) may be placed on the third insulating layer (30). The first connection electrode (CNE1) may be connected to the connection signal line (SCL) through a contact hole (CNT-1) penetrating the first, second, and third insulating layers (10, 20, 30).

[0123] The fourth insulating layer (40) may be disposed on the third insulating layer (30). The fourth insulating layer (40) may be a single-layer silicon oxide layer. The fifth insulating layer (50) may be disposed on the fourth insulating layer (40). The fifth insulating layer (50) may be an organic layer.

[0124] The second connection electrode (CNE2) may be placed on the fifth insulating layer (50). The second connection electrode (CNE2) may be connected to the first connection electrode (CNE1) through a contact hole (CNT-2) penetrating the fourth insulating layer (40) and the fifth insulating layer (50).

[0125] The sixth insulating layer (60) is placed on the fifth insulating layer (50) and can cover the second connection electrode (CNE2). The sixth insulating layer (60) may be an organic layer.

[0126] The light-emitting element layer (130) may be disposed on the circuit layer (120). The light-emitting element layer (130) may include a light-emitting element (100PE). For example, the light-emitting element layer (130) may include an organic light-emitting material, an inorganic light-emitting material, an organic-inorganic light-emitting material, a quantum dot, a quantum rod, a micro LED, or a nano LED. Hereinafter, the light-emitting element (100PE) is described as an example of an organic light-emitting element, but is not particularly limited thereto.

[0127] The light-emitting element (100PE) may include a first electrode (AE), a light-emitting layer (EL), and a second electrode (CE).

[0128] The first electrode (AE) may be placed on the sixth insulating layer (60). The first electrode (AE) may be connected to the second connection electrode (CNE2) through a contact hole (CNT-3) penetrating the sixth insulating layer (60).

[0129] The pixel defining film (70) is disposed on the sixth insulating layer (60) and can cover a portion of the first electrode (AE). An opening (70-OP) is defined in the pixel defining film (70). The opening (70-OP) of the pixel defining film (70) exposes at least a portion of the first electrode (AE).

[0130] The first display unit (DA1-F, see FIG. 1A) may include an emissive area (PXA) and a non-emissive area (NPXA) adjacent to the emissive area (PXA). The non-emissive area (NPXA) may surround the emissive area (PXA). In one or more embodiments, the emissive area (PXA) is defined to correspond to a portion of the first electrode (AE) exposed by the opening (70-OP).

[0131] The light-emitting layer (EL) may be disposed on the first electrode (AE). The light-emitting layer (EL) may be disposed in an area corresponding to the opening (70-OP). In FIG. 6A, the light-emitting layer (EL) is disposed within the opening (70-OP) as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, the light-emitting layer (EL) may extend to cover a portion of the side surface of the pixel defining film (70) defining the opening (70-OP) and the upper surface of the pixel defining film (70).

[0132] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the light-emitting layer (EL) may be formed separately for each pixel. When the light-emitting layer (EL) is formed separately for each pixel, each of the light-emitting layers (EL) may emit light of at least one color among blue, red, and green. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the light-emitting layer (EL) may have an integral shape and be commonly included in a plurality of pixels. In this case, the light-emitting layer (EL) may provide blue light or white light.

[0133] The second electrode (CE) may be disposed on the light-emitting layer (EL). The second electrode (CE) may have an integral shape and may be commonly included in a plurality of pixels.

[0134] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, a hole control layer may be disposed between the first electrode (AE) and the light emitting layer (EL). The hole control layer may be commonly disposed in the light emitting area (PXA) and the non-light emitting area (NPXA). The hole control layer may include a hole transport layer and may further include a hole injection layer. An electron control layer may be disposed between the light emitting layer (EL) and the second electrode (CE). The electron control layer may include an electron transport layer and may further include an electron injection layer. The hole control layer and the electron control layer may be commonly formed in a plurality of pixels using an open mask or inkjet process.

[0135] The encapsulating layer (140) may be disposed on the light-emitting element layer (130). The encapsulating layer (140) may include sequentially laminated inorganic layers, organic layers, and inorganic layers, but the layers constituting the encapsulating layer (140) are not limited thereto. The inorganic layers may protect the light-emitting element layer (130) from moisture and oxygen, and the organic layers may protect the light-emitting element layer (130) from foreign substances such as dust particles. The inorganic layers may include a silicon nitride layer, a silicon oxynitride layer, a silicon oxide layer, a titanium oxide layer, or an aluminum oxide layer. The organic layer may include an acrylic-based organic layer, but is not limited thereto.

[0136] The sensor layer (200) may include a base layer (201), a first conductive layer (202), an intermediate insulating layer (203), a second conductive layer (204), and a cover insulating layer (205).

[0137] The base layer (201) may be an inorganic layer including at least one of silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, or silicon oxide. Alternatively, the base layer (201) may be an organic layer including an epoxy resin, an acrylic resin, or an imide-based resin. The base layer (201) may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure laminated along the third direction (DR3). In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the sensor layer (200) may not include the base layer (201).

[0138] Each of the first conductive layer (202) and the second conductive layer (204) may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure laminated along the third direction (DR3).

[0139] Each of the first conductive layer (202) and the second conductive layer (204) of the single-layer structure may include a metal layer or a transparent conductive layer. The metal layer may include molybdenum, silver, titanium, copper, aluminum, or an alloy thereof. The transparent conductive layer may include a transparent conductive oxide such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), or indium zinc tin oxide (IZTO). In addition, the transparent conductive layer may include a conductive polymer such as poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), metal nanowires, graphene, or the like.

[0140] Each of the first conductive layer (202) and the second conductive layer (204) of the multilayer structure may include metal layers. The metal layers may have a three-layer structure of, for example, titanium / aluminum / titanium. The conductive layer of the multilayer structure may include at least one metal layer and at least one transparent conductive layer.

[0141] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the thickness of the first conductive layer (202) may be greater than or equal to the thickness of the second conductive layer (204). When the thickness of the first conductive layer (202) is greater than the thickness of the second conductive layer (204), the resistance of components (e.g., electrodes, patterns, bridge patterns, etc.) included in the first conductive layer (202) may be reduced. In addition, since the first conductive layer (202) is positioned below the second conductive layer (204), even if the thickness of the first conductive layer (202) is increased, the probability that the components included in the first conductive layer (202) will be visible due to external light reflection may be reduced.

[0142] At least one of the intermediate insulating layer (203) or the cover insulating layer (205) may include an inorganic film. The inorganic film may include at least one of aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, zirconium oxide, or hafnium oxide.

[0143] At least one of the intermediate insulating layer (203) or the cover insulating layer (205) may include an organic film. The organic film may include at least one of an acrylic resin, a methacrylic resin, a polyisoprene, a vinyl resin, an epoxy resin, a urethane resin, a cellulose resin, a siloxane resin, a polyimide resin, a polyamide resin, or a perylene resin.

[0144] As previously described, the sensor layer (200) includes a first conductive layer (202) and a second conductive layer (204), i.e., two conductive layers in total. However, this example is not limiting. For example, the sensor layer (200) may include three or more conductive layers.

[0145] FIG. 6b is a cross-sectional view illustrating a portion of a sensor layer (200, see FIG. 6a) according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0146] Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, the second width (204wt) of the second mesh line (MS2) included in the second conductive layer (204) may be greater than or equal to the first width (202wt) of the first mesh line (MS1) included in the first conductive layer (202). When the user (USR) views the first mesh line (MS1) and the second mesh line (MS2) from the side, the first mesh line (MS1) has a smaller width than the second mesh line (MS2), so the probability that the first mesh line (MS1) is visible to the user (USR) may be reduced.

[0147] Each of the first mesh line (MS1) and the second mesh line (MS2) may include first metal layers (M1) and a second metal layer (M2) disposed between the first metal layers (M1). For example, the first metal layers (M1) may include titanium (Ti), and the second metal layer (M2) may include aluminum (Al). However, this is merely an example and is not limited to this example.

[0148] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the first thickness (TK1) of the second metal layer (M2) of the first mesh line (MS1) and the second thickness (TK2) of the second metal layer (M2) of the second mesh line (MS2) may be substantially the same, but are not limited to this example. For example, the first thickness (TK1) may be thicker than the second thickness (TK2). Alternatively, the second thickness (TK2) may be thicker than the first thickness (TK1). In one or more embodiments of the present invention, each of the first thickness (TK1) and the second thickness (TK2) may be about 1000 angstroms or more, for example, about 6000 angstroms.

[0149] FIG. 7 is a plan view of a sensor layer (200) according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0150] Referring to FIG. 7, a sensor layer (200) may be defined with a sensing area (200A) and a peripheral area (200NA) adjacent to the sensing area (200A).

[0151] The sensor layer (200) may include a plurality of first electrodes (210), a plurality of second electrodes (220), a plurality of third electrodes (230), and a plurality of fourth electrodes (240) arranged in a sensing area (200A). In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the fourth electrodes (240) may be omitted.

[0152] Each of the first electrodes (210) may intersect with the second electrodes (220). Each of the first electrodes (210) may extend along the second direction (DR2), and the first electrodes (210) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the first direction (DR1). Each of the second electrodes (220) may extend along the first direction (DR1), and the second electrodes (220) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the second direction (DR2). A sensing unit (SU) of the sensor layer (200) may be an area where one first electrode (210) and one second electrode (220) intersect.

[0153] In Fig. 7, nine first electrodes (210) and six second electrodes (220) are illustrated, and 54 sensing units (SU) are illustrated, but the number of first electrodes (210) and the number of second electrodes (220) are not limited thereto.

[0154] Each of the third electrodes (230) may extend along the second direction (DR2), and the third electrodes (230) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the first direction (DR1). One third electrode (230) may overlap at least partially with one first electrode (210). According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, the capacitance (or coupling capacitance) between one first electrode (210) and one third electrode (230) may be adjusted by adjusting the overlapping area between one first electrode (210) and one third electrode (230).

[0155] The fourth electrodes (240) are arranged along the second direction (DR2), and the fourth electrodes (240) can extend along the first direction (DR1). One fourth electrode (240) can overlap at least partially with one second electrode (220). According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, the capacitance (or coupling capacitance) between one second electrode (220) and one fourth electrode (240) can be adjusted by adjusting the overlapping area of ​​one second electrode (220) and one fourth electrode (240).

[0156] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, at least some of the fourth electrodes (240) may be electrically connected to each other to form one electrode group (240pc). For example, in FIG. 7, three fourth electrodes (240) form one electrode group (240pc), and one electrode group (240pc) may be connected to one trace line, for example, the fourth trace line (240t). Accordingly, in FIG. 7, two electrode groups (240pc) are illustrated as being arranged along the second direction (DR2). However, the number of fourth electrodes (240) forming one electrode group (240pc) is not limited thereto. For example, the number of fourth electrodes (240) forming one electrode group (240pc) may be six, and in this case, the sensor layer (200) may include only one electrode group (240pc).

[0157] The sensor layer (200) may further include a plurality of first trace lines (210t) and a plurality of second trace lines (220t) arranged in a peripheral area (200NA). The first trace lines (210t) may be electrically connected to each of the first electrodes (210) in a one-to-one correspondence. The second trace lines (220t) may be electrically connected to each of the second electrodes (220) in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0158] The sensor layer (200) may further include a third trace line (230rt1), fourth trace lines (240t), and fifth trace lines (230rt2) arranged in the peripheral area (200NA).

[0159] The third trace line (230rt1) may be electrically connected to the third electrodes (230). In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the third trace line (230rt1) may be electrically connected to all of the third electrodes (230). The third trace line (230rt1) may include a first line portion (231t) extending along a first direction (DR1) and electrically connected to the third electrodes (230), a second line portion (232t) extending along a second direction (DR2) from a first end of the first line portion (231t), and a third line portion (233t) extending along the second direction (DR2) from a second end of the first line portion (231t).

[0160] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the resistance of the second line portion (232t) and the resistance of the third line portion (233t) may each be substantially the same as or lower than the resistance of a third electrode of one of the third electrodes (230). Accordingly, the second line portion (232t) and the third line portion (233t) may function as the third electrodes (230), and the same effect as if the third electrodes (230) were also disposed in the peripheral area (200NA) may be obtained. For example, a coil including at least one of the second line portion (232t) or the third line portion (233t) may be formed. Accordingly, a pen located in an area adjacent to the peripheral area (200NA) may also be sufficiently charged by a loop including the second line portion (232t) or the third line portion (233t).

[0161] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the width of each of the second line portion (232t) and the third line portion (233t) in the first direction (DR1) may be adjusted to adjust the resistance of the second line portion (232t) and the resistance of the third line portion (233t). However, this is merely an example, and the first to third line portions (231t, 232t, 233t) may have substantially the same width.

[0162] The fifth trace lines (230rt2) may be connected to the third electrodes (230) in a one-to-one correspondence, respectively. That is, the number of the fifth trace lines (230rt2) may correspond to the number of the third electrodes (230). In Fig. 7, nine fifth trace lines (230rt2) and nine third electrodes (230) are illustrated.

[0163] According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, the third electrodes (230), the second line portion (232t), and the third line portion (233t) may be referred to as charging electrodes. One end of each of the third electrodes (230), the second line portion (232t), and the third line portion (233t) is connected to the first line portion (231t), and the other ends of each of the third electrodes (230), the second line portion (232t), and the third line portion (233t) may be selectively connected by binder circuits to be described later. That is, the third electrodes (230), the second line portion (232t), and the third line portion (233t) constituting the charging loop may be variable. In this case, the charging operation can be segmented, and accordingly, the delicate position adjustment of the charging loop and the resistance of the charging loop can be appropriately adjusted. As a result, the charging efficiency and charging sensitivity of the pen (PN, see FIG. 5) charged by the magnetic field provided by the charging loop can be improved. In addition, as the charging efficiency and charging sensitivity of the pen (PN) are improved, the response speed between the pen (PN) and the sensor layer (200) can be improved.

[0164] The fourth trace lines (240t) may be spaced apart with a sensing area (200A) therebetween. The fourth trace lines (240t) may be electrically connected to the electrode groups (240pc) in a one-to-one correspondence. FIG. 7 illustrates an example where two electrode groups (240pc) are arranged. The fourth trace line (240t) connected to one electrode group (240pc) and the fourth trace line (240t) connected to another electrode group (240pc) may be spaced apart with a sensing area (200A) therebetween. However, the present invention is not limited to this example.

[0165] The sensor layer (200) may include a plurality of pads (PD) arranged in a peripheral area (200NA). The pads (PD) may be arranged spaced apart from each other along a first direction (DR1). In FIG. 7, the pads (PD) are arranged in a single row along the first direction (DR1), but this example is not limited thereto. For example, the pads (PD) may be arranged in multiple rows.

[0166] The pads (PD) can be electrically connected in one-to-one correspondence to the first trace lines (210t), the second trace lines (220t), one end of the second line portion (232t) of the third trace line (230rt1), one end of the third line portion (233t) of the third trace line (230rt1), the fourth trace lines (240t), and the fifth trace lines (230rt2) described above.

[0167] Fig. 8a is a plan view illustrating a first conductive layer (SU202) of a sensing unit (SU, see Fig. 7) according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. Fig. 8b is an enlarged plan view of the area XX' illustrated in Fig. 8a. Fig. 9a is a plan view illustrating a second conductive layer (SU204) of a sensing unit (SU, see Fig. 7) according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. Fig. 9b is an enlarged plan view of the area YY' illustrated in Fig. 9a.

[0168] In Figs. 8a and 9a, the shape of the mesh structure is not depicted, and the boundaries of each component are simply depicted as lines. That is, the lines depicted in Figs. 8a and 9a can be understood to correspond to the cutting lines that cut the mesh structure depicted in Figs. 8b and 9b, and the cutting lines are depicted as dotted lines in Figs. 8b and 9b.

[0169] The shapes of the sensing units (SU) illustrated in FIGS. 7, 8a, 8b, 9a, and 9b are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited thereto. The shapes of the sensing units (SU) may be modified in various ways.

[0170] Referring to FIGS. 7, 8A, 8B, 9A, and 9B, the first electrode (210) may include a plurality of first segmented electrodes (210-dp) spaced apart in a first direction (DR1). Each of the first segmented electrodes (210-dp) may include a plurality of first patterns (211) and a plurality of first bridge patterns (212) electrically connected to the first patterns (211). The first patterns (211) spaced apart in a second direction (DR2) may be electrically connected by the first bridge patterns (212). Accordingly, each of the first segmented electrodes (210-dp) may extend in the second direction (DR2), and the first segmented electrodes (210-dp) may be spaced apart in the first direction (DR1).

[0171] The third electrode (230) may include a plurality of second segmented electrodes (230-dp) spaced apart in the first direction (DR1). Each of the second segmented electrodes (230-dp) may extend along the second direction (DR2).

[0172] When viewed from the third direction (DR3), the second split electrodes (230-dp) can overlap the first split electrodes (210-dp) in a one-to-one correspondence. Overlapping also means that at least a portion of one first split electrode (210-dp) overlaps at least a portion of one second split electrode (230-dp).

[0173] In FIGS. 8A and 9A, three first split electrodes (210-dp) and three second split electrodes (230-dp) are illustrated in one sensing unit (SU), but the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, the number of the first split electrodes (210-dp) and the number of the second split electrodes (230-dp) included in one sensing unit (SU) may be one, two, or four or more. Each of the first split electrodes (210-dp) and the second split electrodes (230-dp) may correspond to a signal transmission path or a resistance path through which a signal is transmitted.

[0174] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8a together, one fifth trace line (230rt2) is electrically connected to one third electrode (230). In this case, one fifth trace line (230rt2) may be electrically connected to three second segmented electrodes (230-dp). In this case, the degree to which the number of pads within the sensor layer (200) increases may be reduced.

[0175] Compared to the case where the first electrode (210) within one sensing unit (SU) is not divided and has a single shape, when the first electrode (210) within one sensing unit (SU) includes first segmented electrodes (210-dp), the first segmented electrodes (210-dp) within one sensing unit (SU) can be arranged in a relatively even distribution. In this case, a signal can be evenly provided or a signal can be detected within one sensing unit (SU).

[0176] In addition, when the first electrode (210) within one sensing unit (SU) includes first segmented electrodes (210-dp), compared to the case where the first electrode (210) within one sensing unit (SU) is not segmented, the number of first bridge patterns (212) within one sensing unit (SU) may increase. In FIG. 8A, nine pairs of first bridge patterns (212) are arranged as an example when two first bridge patterns (212) connected to the same two first patterns (211) are viewed as a pair. That is, a total of 18 first bridge patterns (212) are illustrated.

[0177] For example, an increase in the number of first bridge patterns (212) arranged in a first direction (DR1) intersecting with a second direction (DR2), which is an extension direction of the first electrode (210), may correspond to an increase in signal paths. Accordingly, as the number of signal paths increases, the resistance of the first electrode (210) may decrease. As a result, the sensing sensitivity of the sensor layer (200) may be improved.

[0178] In addition, the shape of each of the first segmented electrodes (210-dp) may be close to a bar shape extending in the second direction (DR2), and the closer it is to a bar shape, the shorter the path of the resistance path may be. Accordingly, as the path of the resistance path becomes shorter and the number of resistance paths connected in parallel within one first electrode (210) increases, the resistance of the first electrode (210) may be reduced. As a result, the sensing sensitivity of the sensor layer (200) may be improved.

[0179] Additionally, as the shape of each of the first segmented electrodes (210-dp) approaches a shape extending in the second direction (DR2), the ratio of the area available for pattern design within the total area of ​​one sensing unit (SU) can increase. Accordingly, the degree of freedom in pattern design can be improved.

[0180] According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, the degree of freedom in pattern design of a sensing unit (SU) can be improved, and the resistance of electrodes included within the sensing unit (SU) can be reduced. In this case, securing a frequency range (e.g., bandwidth) applicable to the signal provided to the sensor layer (200) can be more advantageous. Accordingly, the degree of freedom in frequency selection can be improved.

[0181] According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, each of the first patterns (211) has a ring shape, and the portion of each of the second segmented electrodes (230-dp) overlapping with the first patterns (211) may be close to a bar shape. In this case, the overlapping area of ​​the first electrode (210) and the third electrode (230) can be easily adjusted by adjusting the inner diameter size of each of the first patterns (211) or the width of each of the second segmented electrodes (230-dp).

[0182] According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, the first split electrode (210-dp) includes first patterns (211) and first bridge patterns (212) arranged on different layers, and the first patterns (211) and the first bridge patterns (212) can be electrically connected through contacts. In this case, the resistance can be relatively increased compared to when the first patterns (211) and the first bridge patterns (212) are arranged on the same layer and provided as one body.

[0183] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the resistance of a portion of the second segmented electrode (230-dp) overlapping the first pattern (211) may be lower than the resistance of the first pattern (211). However, this is only an example, and the resistance relationship may change depending on the size of the width of the ring of the first pattern (211) or the width of a portion of the second segmented electrode (230-dp).

[0184] The second split electrode (230-dp) may extend in the second direction (DR2) within the same layer. Therefore, there may be no increase in resistance due to layer change within the second split electrode (230-dp). The second split electrode (230-dp) may be an electrode to which a signal is applied in the charge driving mode described below. Therefore, the lower the resistance of the second split electrode (230-dp), the stronger the current and magnetic field for charging the resonance circuit of the pen (PN, see FIG. 5) may be.

[0185] According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, since the portion of each of the second segmented electrodes (230-dp) overlapping with the first patterns (211) is close to a bar shape, the second segmented electrode (230-dp) may have a shape that is relatively narrower than the first segmented electrode (210-dp). In this case, the parasitic capacitance caused in each of the second segmented electrodes (230-dp) may be reduced. Accordingly, the performance of the sensor layer (200) may be improved.

[0186] Referring to FIG. 8B, the second segmented electrode (230-dp) may include a first portion having a first width (WT1) in a first direction (DR1) and a second portion having a second width (WT2) in the first direction (DR1). The first width (WT1) may be greater than the second width (WT2). For example, the first portion having the first width (WT1) may be closer to the first bridge patterns (212) than the second portion having the second width (WT2).

[0187] On a plane, a first portion having a first width (WT1) can overlap with the first patterns (211) to form a capacitance. In addition, a second portion having a second width (WT2) can overlap with a dummy pattern surrounded by the first patterns (211). By adjusting the second width (WT2), the overlapping area of ​​the first electrode (210) and the third electrode (230) can be easily adjusted.

[0188] An opening (230op) may be defined in the second split electrode (230-dp), and two first bridge patterns (212) may be arranged in the opening (230op). When the first bridge patterns (212) are surrounded by the second split electrode (230-dp), capacitances occurring in the first electrode (210) whose values ​​change depending on temperature may be reduced. Accordingly, the temperature characteristics of the sensor layer (200) may be improved.

[0189] The second electrode (220) may include a plurality of first branch portions (220b1) extending along a first direction (DR1), a plurality of second branch portions (220b2) extending along a second direction (DR2) intersecting the first direction (DR1), and a connecting portion (220b3) disposed between the first patterns (211). The first branch portions (220b1) may be spaced apart in the second direction (DR2), and the second branch portions (220b2) may be spaced apart in the first direction (DR1). The first branch portions (220b1), the second branch portions (220b2), and the connecting portion (220b3) may be connected to each other to have an integral shape.

[0190] The fourth electrode (240) may include a plurality of third segmented electrodes (240-dp) spaced apart in a second direction (DR2). Each of the third segmented electrodes (240-dp) may extend along the first direction (DR1). Each of the third segmented electrodes (240-dp) may include a plurality of second patterns (241) and a plurality of second bridge patterns (242) electrically connected to the second patterns (241). Each of the second patterns (241) may have a ring shape. The second patterns (241) and the second bridge patterns (242) may be electrically connected to each other through contact holes defined in the intermediate insulating layer (203, see FIG. 6A). Two adjacent second patterns (241) can be spaced apart with one second segmented electrode (230-dp) and two first bridge patterns (212) therebetween.

[0191] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the third width (WT3) of the first branch portions (220b1) in the second direction (DR2) may be greater than the fourth width (WT4) of the second branch portions (220b2) in the first direction (DR1). For example, the first branch portions (220b1) may overlap both the second patterns (241) and the dummy pattern surrounded by the second patterns (241). By adjusting the third width (WT3), the overlapping area of ​​the second electrode (220) and the fourth electrode (240) may be appropriately adjusted. Alternatively, the overlapping area of ​​the second electrode (220) and the fourth electrode (240) may be appropriately adjusted by adjusting the size of the inner diameter of the ring shape surrounding the dummy pattern of each of the second patterns (241).

[0192] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, each of the third segmented electrodes (240-dp) includes second patterns (241) and second bridge patterns (242) arranged on different layers, and the second patterns (241) and the second bridge patterns (242) can be electrically connected through contacts. In this case, the resistance can be relatively increased compared to when the second patterns (241) and the second bridge patterns (242) are arranged on the same layer and provided as one body.

[0193] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the third electrode (230) corresponds to a configuration that transmits a signal when the pen is detected, and the fourth electrode (240) corresponds to a configuration that forms a capacitance with the third electrode (230) when the pen is detected. Therefore, it is more appropriate to reduce the resistance of the third electrode (230) than to reduce the resistance of the fourth electrode (240). Accordingly, the third electrode (230) may be implemented as one identical layer, and the fourth electrode (240) may be implemented as two different layers.

[0194] Referring to FIGS. 8B and 9B, the second bridge pattern (242) may include only one line extending in the first crossing direction (CDR1) and / or the second crossing direction (CDR2) in some sections. In this case, the first bridge pattern (212) overlapping the second bridge pattern (242) in some sections may be insulated and crossed with the second bridge pattern (242). In this case, the capacitance between the first bridge pattern (212) and the second bridge pattern (242) may be reduced or minimized.

[0195] Referring to FIGS. 8B and 9B, each of the second segmented electrodes (230-dp), the second patterns (241), the first patterns (211), the second electrode (220), and the second bridge patterns (242) may have a mesh structure. Each of the mesh structures may include a plurality of mesh lines. Each of the plurality of mesh lines has a shape extending in a direction (e.g., a predetermined direction) and may be connected to each other. The shape may have various shapes such as a straight line, a line having protrusions, and / or a rough line. In each of the mesh structures, openings at least partially surrounded by the mesh lines may be defined (provided or formed). The openings may overlap with a light-emitting area (PXA, see FIG. 6A), and the mesh lines may overlap with a non-light-emitting area (NPXA, see FIG. 6A). However, the present invention is not limited to this example.

[0196] FIGS. 8B and 9B illustrate that the mesh structure includes mesh lines extending along a first cross direction (CDR1) intersecting the first direction (DR1) and the second direction (DR2) and mesh lines extending along a second cross direction (CDR2) intersecting the first cross direction (CDR1). However, the extension directions of the mesh lines constituting the mesh structure are not limited to those illustrated in FIGS. 8B and 9B. For example, the mesh structure may include only mesh lines extending in the first direction (DR1) and the second direction (DR2), or may include mesh lines extending in the first direction (DR1), the second direction (DR2), and the first cross direction (CDR1) and the second cross direction (CDR2). That is, the mesh structure may be changed into various forms.

[0197] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, a first capacitance may be defined between the first electrode (210) and the third electrode (230), and a second capacitance may be defined between the second electrode (220) and the fourth electrode (240). The magnitude of the first capacitance and the magnitude of the second capacitance may be controlled by the overlapping area between the first electrode (210) and the third electrode (230) and the overlapping area between the second electrode (220) and the fourth electrode (240).

[0198] As the first and second capacitances increase, the amount of induced current transferred from the third electrode (230) to the first electrode (210) may increase, and the amount of induced current transferred from the fourth electrode (240) to the second electrode (220) may increase. Accordingly, as the first and second capacitances increase, the pen detection performance of the sensor layer (200) may improve. In addition, the first and second capacitances may act as a load during touch sensing. Accordingly, as the first and second capacitances decrease, the touch detection performance may improve.

[0199] According to the present invention, the overlapping area of ​​the first electrode (210) and the third electrode (230) and the overlapping area of ​​the second electrode (220) and the fourth electrode (240) can be appropriately adjusted. Accordingly, a sensor layer (200) having an appropriate level of capacitance considering touch sensitivity and pen detection sensitivity can be provided. As a result, an electronic device (1000, see FIG. 1A) with improved pen sensitivity and touch sensitivity can be provided.

[0200] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the area occupied by the components included in the first electrode (210) and the second electrode (220) in the second conductive layer (SU204) within one sensing unit (SU) may be larger than the area occupied by the components included in the third electrode (230) and the fourth electrode (240). The change in capacitance due to the first input (2000, see FIG. 4) may be larger as the distance becomes closer. Accordingly, the components for detecting the first input (2000, see FIG. 4) may be arranged in a larger area in a layer relatively adjacent to the surface of the electronic device (1000, see FIG. 1A). As a result, touch performance may be improved.

[0201] FIG. 10 is a plan view illustrating some configurations of a sensing unit according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0202] Referring to FIG. 10, two first bridge patterns (212) overlapping one second bridge pattern (242) and one second bridge pattern (242) are shown.

[0203] Each of the first bridge patterns (212) may include a first main line (212m1) extending along a first crossing direction (CDR1) and a second main line (212m2) extending along a second crossing direction (CDR2). One end of the first main line (212m1) and one end of the second main line (212m2) may intersect each other. The first bridge pattern (212) may further include a plurality of first protrusion lines (212p1) intersecting the first main line (212m1) and a plurality of second protrusion lines (212p2) intersecting the second main line (212m2). Each of the first protrusion lines (212p1) may be spaced apart along the first crossing direction (CDR1), and each of the second protrusion lines (212p2) may be spaced apart along the second crossing direction (CDR2). In one or more other embodiments of the present invention, the first protrusion lines (212p1) and the second protrusion lines (212p2) may be omitted.

[0204] The second bridge pattern (242) may include first lines (242m1) extending along a first crossing direction (CDR1) and second lines (242m2) extending along a second crossing direction (CDR2). According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, the second bridge pattern (242) may include first portions (B-CA1) where two or more first lines (242m1) and two or more second lines (242m2) intersect, and second portions (B-CA2) where one first line (242m1) and one or more second lines (242m2) intersect or one or more first lines (242m1) and one or more second lines (242m2) intersect. The second portions (B-CA2) may intersect the first bridge patterns (212), respectively.

[0205] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, each of the first portions (B-CA1) includes at least two lines extending in a corresponding direction, and each of the second portions (B-CA2) includes only one line extending in the same direction. Accordingly, the first minimum width (WTB1) of the first portions (B-CA1) may be greater than the second minimum width (WTB2) of the second portions (B-CA2).

[0206] In the second portions (B-CA2), the first bridge patterns (212) overlapping the second bridge pattern (242) may be insulated and intersected with the second bridge pattern (242). In this case, the capacitance between the first bridge patterns (212) and the second bridge pattern (242) may be reduced. In addition, since the remaining portions of the second bridge pattern (242) that do not overlap the first bridge patterns (212) are provided in a form in which two or more first lines (242m1) and two or more second lines (242m2) intersect, the probability that the second bridge pattern (242) is recognized due to the difference in external light reflectance may be reduced.

[0207] FIG. 11 is a drawing showing the operation of a sensor driving unit (200C, see FIG. 5) according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0208] Referring to FIG. 5 and FIG. 11, the sensor driving unit (200C) can be configured to be selectively driven in any one of the first operation mode (DMD1), the second operation mode (DMD2), or the third operation mode (DMD3).

[0209] The first operation mode (DMD1) may be referred to as a touch and pen standby mode, the second operation mode (DMD2) may be referred to as a touch activation and pen standby mode, and the third operation mode (DMD3) may be referred to as a pen activation mode. The first operation mode (DMD1) may be a mode that stands by for a first input (2000) and a second input (3000). The second operation mode (DMD2) may be a mode that senses the first input (2000) and stands by for a second input (3000). The third operation mode (DMD3) may be a mode that senses the second input (3000).

[0210] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the sensor driving unit (200C) may first be driven in a first operation mode (DMD1). When the first input (2000) is sensed in the first operation mode (DMD1), the sensor driving unit (200C) may be switched (or changed) to a second operation mode (DMD2). Alternatively, when the second input (3000) is sensed in the first operation mode (DMD1), the sensor driving unit (200C) may be switched (or changed) to a third operation mode (DMD3).

[0211] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, when the second input (3000) is sensed in the second operation mode (DMD2), the sensor driving unit (200C) may switch to the third operation mode (DMD3). When the first input (2000) is released (or not sensed) in the second operation mode (DMD2), the sensor driving unit (200C) may switch to the first operation mode (DMD1). When the second input (3000) is released (or not sensed) in the third operation mode (DMD3), the sensor driving unit (200C) may switch to the first operation mode (DMD1).

[0212] FIG. 12 is a drawing showing the operation of a sensor driving unit (200C, see FIG. 5) according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0213] Referring to FIGS. 5, 11, and 12, the operations in the first to third operation modes (DMD1, DMD2, DMD3) are illustrated in time (t) order.

[0214] In the first operation mode (DMD1), the sensor driving unit (200C) can be repeatedly driven in the second mode (MD2-d) and the first mode (MD1-d). During the second mode (MD2-d), the sensor layer (200) can be scan-driven to detect the second input (3000). During the first mode (MD1-d), the sensor layer (200) can be scan-driven to detect the first input (2000). In Fig. 12, the sensor driving unit (200C) is illustrated as operating in the first mode (MD1-d) consecutively after the second mode (MD2-d), but the order is not limited thereto.

[0215] In the second operation mode (DMD2), the sensor driving unit (200C) can be repeatedly driven in the second mode (MD2-d) and the first mode (MD1). During the second mode (MD2-d), the sensor layer (200) can be scan-driven to detect the second input (3000). During the first mode (MD1), the sensor layer (200) can be scan-driven to detect the coordinates by the first input (2000).

[0216] In the third operation mode (DMD3), the sensor driving unit (200C) may be driven in the second mode (MD2). During the second mode (MD2), the sensor layer (200) may be scan-driven to detect coordinates by the second input (3000). In the third operation mode (DMD3), the sensor driving unit (200C) may not be driven in the first mode (MD1-d or MD1) until the second input (3000) is released (or not detected).

[0217] Referring to FIG. 7 together, in the first mode (MD1-d) and the first mode (MD1), the third electrodes (230) and the fourth electrodes (240) may both be grounded or a positive voltage may be applied. Alternatively, in the first mode (MD1-d) and the first mode (MD1), the third electrodes (230) and the fourth electrodes (240) may both be floated (or electrically floated). Alternatively, in the first mode (MD1-d) and the first mode (MD1), a signal in phase with the transmission signal provided to the first electrodes (210) may be applied to the third electrodes (230) and the fourth electrodes (240). In this case, touch noise introduced through the third electrodes (230) and the fourth electrodes (240) may be reduced or prevented.

[0218] In the second mode (MD2-d) and the second mode (MD2), one end of each of the third electrodes (230) and the fourth electrodes (240) can be floated. In addition, in the second mode (MD2-d) and the second mode (MD2), the other ends of each of the third electrodes (230) and the fourth electrodes (240) can be grounded or floated. Therefore, compensation of the sensing signal can be improved or maximized by the coupling between the first electrodes (210) and the third electrodes (230) and the coupling between the second electrodes (220) and the fourth electrodes (240).

[0219] FIG. 13 is a drawing for explaining a first mode according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0220] Referring to FIGS. 5, 12, and 13, the first mode (MD1-d) of the first operation mode (DMD1) and the first mode (MD1) of the second operation mode (DMD2) may include a mutual capacitance detection mode. FIG. 13 is a drawing for explaining the mutual capacitance detection mode in the first mode (MD1-d) of the first operation mode (DMD1) and the first mode (MD1) of the second operation mode (DMD2).

[0221] In the mutual capacitance detection mode, the sensor driving unit (200C) sequentially provides a transmission signal (TX) to the first electrodes (210) and can detect coordinates for the first input (2000) using a reception signal (RX) detected through the second electrodes (220). For example, the sensor driving unit (200C) can be configured to sense a change in mutual capacitance between the first electrodes (210) and the second electrodes (220) to calculate input coordinates.

[0222] In Fig. 13, it is illustrated that a transmission signal (TX) is provided to one first electrode (210) and a reception signal (RX) is output from second electrodes (220). The sensor driving unit (200C) can detect input coordinates for the first input (2000) by sensing a change in capacitance between each of the first electrode (210) and the second electrodes (220).

[0223] In one or more other embodiments of the present invention, at least one of the first mode (MD1-d) of the first operation mode (DMD1) or the first mode (MD1) of the second operation mode (DMD2) may further include a self-capacitance detection mode. The sensor driving unit (200C) may be configured to output driving signals to the first electrodes (210) and the second electrodes (220) in the self-capacitance detection mode, and sense a change in the capacitance of each of the first electrodes (210) and the second electrodes (220) to derive input coordinates.

[0224] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a second mode, for example, a charge driving mode, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 15a is a graph illustrating a waveform of a first signal (SG1) according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 15b is a graph illustrating a waveform of a second signal (SG2) according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0225] Referring to FIGS. 14, 15a, and 15b, the second mode (MD2) may include a charge driving mode. The charge driving mode may include various charge driving modes, and descriptions of the various charge driving modes will be provided below.

[0226] In the charge driving mode, the sensor driving unit (200C) can apply a first signal (SG1) to one of the second line portion (232t), the third line portion (233t), and the fifth trace lines (230rt2), and apply a second signal (SG2) to the other. The second signal (SG2) can be a reverse signal of the first signal (SG1). For example, the first signal (SG1) can be a sine wave signal.

[0227] According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, a first signal (SG1) may be provided to at least one first pad among a plurality of pads (PD), and a second signal (SG2) may be provided to at least one second pad among the pads (PD). The first pad and the second pad may be different pads. At least one pad connected to the fifth trace lines (230rt2) between the first pad and the second pad among the pads (PD) may be referred to as a "gap pad," and the first signal (SG1) and the second signal (SG2) may not be provided to the gap pad.

[0228] Since the first signal (SG1) is provided to the first pad and the second signal (SG2) is applied to the second pad, the current (RFS) can have a current path flowing through the first pad to the second pad. In addition, since the first signal (SG1) and the second signal (SG2) are sinusoidal signals with an antiphase relationship with respect to each other, the direction of the current (RFS) can change periodically. In one or more other embodiments of the present invention, the first signal (SG1) and the second signal (SG2) may be square wave signals with an antiphase relationship with respect to each other.

[0229] When the first signal (SG1) and the second signal (SG2) have an inverse phase relationship, noise caused by the first signal (SG1) in the display layer (100, see FIG. 4) can be offset by noise caused by the second signal (SG2). Accordingly, a flicker phenomenon may not occur in the display layer (100), and the display quality of the display layer (100) may be improved.

[0230] In one or more other embodiments of the present invention, the first signal (SG1) may be a sine wave signal. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the first signal (SG1) may be a square wave signal. In addition, the second signal (SG2) may have a constant voltage (e.g., a predetermined constant voltage). For example, the second signal (SG2) may be a ground voltage. That is, the pad to which the second signal (SG2) is applied may be considered to be grounded. In this case, a current (RFS) may flow from one pad to another pad. In addition, even if the other pad is grounded, the direction of the current (RFS) may change periodically because the first signal (SG1) is a sine wave signal or a square wave signal.

[0231] Although Fig. 14 illustrates that a first signal (SG1) is provided to two first pads and a second signal (SG2) is provided to four second pads, the number of each of the first and second pads to which the first signal (SG1) and the second signal (SG2) are provided is not limited thereto. For example, the number of the first pads and the number of the second pads may be the same or different from each other.

[0232] A current path having a coil shape can be formed by a first signal (SG1) provided by two first pads and a second signal (SG2) provided by four second pads. Accordingly, in the charge driving mode of the second mode, the resonant circuit of the pen (PN) can be charged by the current path.

[0233] According to the present invention, a current path of a loop coil pattern can be implemented by the components included in the sensor layer (200). Accordingly, the electronic device (1000, see FIG. 1A) can charge the pen (PN) using the sensor layer (200). Accordingly, since a separate component having a coil for charging the pen (PN) does not need to be added, an increase in the thickness, weight, and flexibility of the electronic device (1000) may not occur.

[0234] In addition, according to the present invention, the second line portion (232t), the third line portion (233t), and the fifth trace lines (230rt2) can be selectively connected by binder circuits to be described later. That is, the third electrodes (230), the second line portion (232t), and the third line portion (233t) constituting the charging loop can be varied. In this case, the charging operation can be segmented, and accordingly, the delicate position adjustment of the charging loop and the resistance adjustment of the charging loop can be appropriately performed. As a result, the charging efficiency and charging sensitivity of the pen (PN, see FIG. 5) charged by the magnetic field provided from the charging loop can be improved. In addition, when the charging efficiency and charging sensitivity of the pen (PN) being charged are improved, the response speed between the pen (PN) and the sensor layer (200) can be improved.

[0235] Additionally, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention, the second line portion (232t) and the third line portion (233t) may be omitted. In this case, the third electrodes (230) may be connected at one end only by the first line portion (231t). In this case, the fifth trace lines (230rt2) may be selectively connected by binder circuits to be described later.

[0236] In the charge driving mode, the first electrodes (210), the second electrodes (220), and the fourth electrodes (240) may be grounded, have a constant voltage applied to them, or may be electrically floated. For example, the first electrodes (210), the second electrodes (220), and the fourth electrodes (240) may be floated. In this case, the current (RFS) may not flow to the first electrodes (210), the second electrodes (220), and the fourth electrodes (240). In addition, in the charge driving mode, no signals may be provided to the remaining pads, except for the pads to which the first signal (SG1) and the second signal (SG2) are provided, among the pads connected to the fifth trace lines (230rt2), the second line portion (232t), and the third line portion (233t).

[0237] FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining a second mode, for example, a pen sensing driving mode, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining a second mode based on one sensing unit according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0238] Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, the second mode may include a charging driving mode and a pen sensing driving mode. FIGS. 16 and 17 are diagrams for explaining the pen sensing driving mode. Referring to FIG. 16, in the pen sensing driving mode, first reception signals (PRX1) may be output from first electrodes (210), and second reception signals (PRX2) may be output from second electrodes (220). FIG. 17 illustrates one sensing unit (SU) through which first to fourth induced currents (Ia, Ib, Ic, Id) generated by the pen (PN) flow.

[0239] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the routing directions of one electrode and another electrode of the overlapping sensor layer (200) may be different from each other. For example, the routing direction of the first electrode (210x) and the routing direction of the third electrode (230x) may be different from each other. In addition, the routing direction of the second electrode (220x) and the routing direction of the fourth electrode (240x) may be different from each other. For example, in FIG. 17, the first electrode (210x) and the first trace line (210t) may be connected at the bottom of the sensing unit (SU), and the third electrode (230x) and the third trace line (230rt1) may be connected at the top of the sensing unit (SU). The second electrode (220x) and the second trace line (220t) can be connected on the right side of the sensing unit (SU), and the fourth electrode (240x) and the fourth trace line (240t) can be connected on the left side of the sensing unit (SU).

[0240] The RLC resonant circuit of the pen (PN) can emit a magnetic field of a resonant frequency while discharging the charged charge. A first induced current (Ia) can be generated in the first electrode (210x) and a second induced current (Ib) can be generated in the second electrode (220x) by the magnetic field provided by the pen (PN). In addition, a third induced current (Ic) can be generated in the third electrode (230x) and a fourth induced current (Id) can be generated in the fourth electrode (240x).

[0241] A first coupling capacitor (Ccp1) may be formed between the third electrode (230x) and the first electrode (210x), and a second coupling capacitor (Ccp2) may be formed between the fourth electrode (240x) and the second electrode (220x). The third induced current (Ic) may be transmitted to the first electrode (210x) through the first coupling capacitor (Ccp1), and the fourth induced current (Id) may be transmitted to the second electrode (220x) through the second coupling capacitor (Ccp2).

[0242] The sensor driving unit (200C) can receive a first reception signal (PRX1a) based on a first induced current (Ia) and a third induced current (Ic) from the first electrode (210x). The sensor driving unit (200C) can also receive a second reception signal (PRX2a) based on a second induced current (Ib) and a fourth induced current (Id) from the second electrode (220x). The sensor driving unit (200C) can detect the input coordinates of the pen (PN) based on the first reception signal (PRX1a) and the second reception signal (PRX2a).

[0243] The sensor driving unit (200C) can receive a first reception signal (PRX1a) from the first electrode (210x) and a second reception signal (PRX2a) from the second electrode (220x). At this time, both ends of the third electrode (230x) and the fourth electrode (240x) can be floated. Therefore, compensation of the sensing signal can be improved or maximized by the coupling between the first electrode (210x) and the third electrode (230x) and the coupling between the second electrode (220x) and the fourth electrode (240x).

[0244] Additionally, the other ends of the third electrode (230x) and the fourth electrode (240x) may be grounded or floating. Therefore, the third induced current (Ic) and the fourth induced current (Id) can be sufficiently transmitted to the first electrode (210x) and the second electrode (220x) by the coupling between the first electrode (210x) and the third electrode (230x) and the coupling between the second electrode (220x) and the fourth electrode (240x).

[0245] FIG. 18 is a drawing for explaining a second mode, for example, a pen charging driving mode, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0246] Referring to FIG. 14, eighteen third electrodes (230-1, 230-2, 230-3, 230-4, 230-5, 230-6, 230-7, 230-8, 230-9, 230-10, 230-11, 230-12, 230-13, 230-14, 230-15, 230-16, 230-17, and 230-18, hereinafter, 230-1 to 230-18), a first line portion (231t), a second line portion (232t), and a third line portion (233t) are briefly illustrated in line form.

[0247] The third electrodes (230-1 to 230-18), the second line portion (232t), and the third line portion (233t) correspond to components forming a charging loop and may therefore be referred to as charging electrodes. Depending on the product size, product design specifications, etc., the number of the third electrodes (230-1 to 230-18) may be more than 18 or less than 18, and the second line portion (232t) and the third line portion (233t) may be omitted.

[0248] The electronic device (1000, see FIG. 1A) may further include a primary binder group (BDG1) and a secondary binder group (BDG2). Each of the primary binder group (BDG1) and the secondary binder group (BDG2) may be selectively connected to some of the third electrodes (230-1 to 230-18), the second line portion (232t), and the third line portion (233t) to form the charging loop.

[0249] Each of the first binder group (BDG1) and the second binder group (BDG2) may be implemented as an integrated circuit (IC) together with a sensor driver (200C, see FIG. 5) and included in a single chip. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, at least one of the first binder group (BDG1) and the second binder group (BDG2) may be included in a display panel (DP, see FIG. 4). Alternatively, the electronic device (1000, see FIG. 1A) may further include a printed circuit board electrically connected to the display panel (DP), and at least one of the first binder group (BDG1) and the second binder group (BDG2) may be included in the printed circuit board. When the primary binder group (BDG1) and the secondary binder group (BDG2) are included in a display panel (DP) or a printed circuit board, the size and manufacturing cost of the single chip can be reduced compared to when they are included in the single chip.

[0250] In addition, although FIG. 18 illustrates that the electronic device (1000) includes a primary binder group (BDG1) and a secondary binder group (BDG2), the electronic device (1000) may further include a tertiary binder group. In this case, the first signal or the second signal may be provided to up to eight channels among the third electrodes (230-1 to 230-18), the second line portion (232t), and the third line portion (233t).

[0251] The primary binder group (BDG1) may include a plurality of primary binder circuits (BC1), and the secondary binder group (BDG2) may include a plurality of secondary binder circuits (BC2). The primary binder circuits (BC1) may be controlled to be selectively connected to at least some of the third electrodes (230-1 to 230-18), the second line portion (232t), and / or the third line portion (233t). The secondary binder circuits (BC2) may be controlled to be selectively connected to at least some of the primary binder circuits (BC1).

[0252] Each of the primary binder circuits (BC1) may include a plurality of first switches (SW1) connected to a first node (BN1). Each of the secondary binder circuits (BC2) may include a plurality of second switches (SW2) connected to a second node (BN2). Each of the first switches (SW1) and the second switches (SW2) may include a transistor, but is not limited to this example.

[0253] FIG. 19 is a table showing signals provided to a sensor layer according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 19 is a table showing signals provided to a second line portion (232t), third electrodes (230-1 to 230-18), and a third line portion (233t).

[0254] Referring to FIGS. 18 and 19, the sensor driving unit (200C, see FIG. 5) may be configured to output a first signal (SG1) to at least one secondary binder circuit (hereinafter referred to as a first transmission circuit) among the secondary binder circuits (BC2) in a charge driving mode, and to output a second signal (SG2) to at least another secondary binder circuit (hereinafter referred to as a second transmission circuit) among the secondary binder circuits (BC2) so as to provide a charging loop.

[0255] A first signal (SG1) may be transmitted to Y first intermediate transmission circuits (Y is an integer greater than or equal to 1) electrically connected to the first transmission circuit among the first binder circuits (BC1), and a second signal (SG2) may be transmitted to Z second intermediate transmission circuits (Z is an integer greater than or equal to 1) electrically connected to the second transmission circuit among the first binder circuits (BC1). The Y and the Z may be variable values.

[0256] A first signal (SG1) may be transmitted to W third electrodes (hereinafter referred to as first loop electrodes) electrically connected to the first transmission circuit among the third electrodes (230-1 to 230-18), the second line portion (232t), and the third line portion (233t), (W is an integer greater than or equal to 1), and a second signal (SG2) may be transmitted to X third electrodes (hereinafter referred to as second loop electrodes) electrically connected to the Z second intermediate transmission circuits among the third electrodes (230-1 to 230-18), the second line portion (232t), and the third line portion (233t), (X is an integer greater than or equal to 0). The W and the X may be variable values.

[0257] FIG. 19 illustrates 15 charging cases (CT1, CT2, CT3, CT4, CT5, CT6, CT7, CT8, CT9, CT10, CT11, CT12, CT13, CT14, CT15, hereinafter referred to as CT1 to CT15) according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0258] Each of the second line portion (232t), the third electrodes (230-1 to 230-18), and the third line portion (233t) may correspond to one channel. The 15 charging cases (CT1 to CT15) have been described as an example in which the first signal (SG1) and the second signal (SG2) are provided by being moved by one channel, but are not limited to this example. In addition, the number of gap electrodes between the channel through which the first signal (SG1) is provided and the channel through which the second signal (SG2) is provided in the 15 charging cases (CT1 to CT15) has been described as 4, but are not limited to this example. For example, the number of gap electrodes may be less than or more than 4, and the number of gap electrodes may not be fixed but may be variable.

[0259] According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, the number of charging electrodes to which the first signal (SG1) or the second signal (SG2) is provided can be freely selected from 1 to 4 by the primary binder circuits (BC1) and the secondary binder circuits (BC2). Accordingly, the number of charging cases (CT1 to CT15) utilizing the third electrodes (230-1 to 230-18), the second line portion (232t), and the third line portion (233t) can be increased (e.g., increased to the maximum). As the number of available charging cases (CT1 to CT15) increases, the position of magnetic field formation can be precisely controlled. Accordingly, the charging efficiency and charging sensitivity of the pen (PN, see FIG. 5) charged by the magnetic field provided from the charging loop can be improved. Accordingly, the response speed between the pen (PN) and the sensor layer (200) can be improved.

[0260] Referring to FIGS. 7, 18, and 19 together, a first signal (SG1) may be provided to a second line portion (232t) in a first charging case (CT1), and a second signal (SG2) may be provided to the fifth to eighth third electrodes (230-5, 230-6, 230-7, 230-8). The third electrodes (230) may include U gap electrodes (U is an integer greater than or equal to 1) between the second line portion (232t) and the fifth to eighth third electrodes (230-5, 230-6, 230-7, 230-8), and FIG. 19 illustrates, as an example, that the first to fourth third electrodes (230-1, 230-2, 230-3, 230-4) are gap electrodes.

[0261] In one charging case, W first loop electrodes, U gap electrodes, and X second loop electrodes may be sequentially arranged in a continuous manner along the first direction (DR1). For example, in the first charging case (CT1), the second line portion (232t) may correspond to W first loop electrodes, the 1st to 4th third electrodes (230-1, 230-2, 230-3, 230-4) may correspond to U gap electrodes, and the 5th to 8th third electrodes (230-5, 230-6, 230-7, 230-8) may correspond to X second loop electrodes.

[0262] FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating a method of driving a sensor layer (200, see FIG. 5) according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0263] Referring to FIGS. 5, 18, and 20, the second mode (MD2-d or MD2, see FIG. 12) may include a charge driving mode.

[0264] The sensor driving unit (200C) can be operated in a first charging driving mode (S100). The first charging driving mode can be a searching charging driving mode (also referred to as a scan charging driving mode or a global charging driving mode) for detecting the presence of a pen (PN). Accordingly, it can be driven to quickly scan the entire area of ​​the sensor layer (200).

[0265] In the second mode (MD2-d or MD2), the sensor driving unit (200C) can be operated alternately and repeatedly in one time section of the first charging driving mode and the pen sensing driving mode described with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17.

[0266] The sensor driving unit (200C) can determine whether the pen (PN) has been detected (S200). If the pen (PN) has not been detected, the sensor driving unit (200C) can operate in the next time interval of the first charging driving mode. If the pen (PN) has been detected, the sensor driving unit (200C) can switch to the first local charging driving mode (S300).

[0267] The sensor driving unit (200C) may be configured to operate in the first local charging driving mode and then switch to the second charging driving mode (S400). Thereafter, the sensor driving unit (200C) may be configured to operate in the second charging driving mode and then switch to the second local charging driving mode (S500).

[0268] After detecting the pen, the operation of the sensor driving unit (200C) may be sequentially switched to the first local charging driving mode, the second charging driving mode, and the second local charging driving mode. This may be a process for increasing the charging efficiency and charging sensitivity of the pen (PN, see FIG. 5) through fine position adjustment of the charging loop.

[0269] Hereinafter, the first charging driving mode, the first local charging driving mode, the second charging driving mode, and the second local charging driving mode are specifically described.

[0270] FIG. 21 is a table showing signals provided to a sensor layer (200, see FIG. 5) in a first charge driving mode (CMD1) according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0271] Referring to FIG. 5, FIG. 18, and FIG. 21, in the first charge driving mode (CMD1), the sensor driving unit (200C) can be driven to quickly scan the entire area of ​​the sensor layer (200).

[0272] FIG. 21 illustrates an example in which the first signal (SG1) and the second signal (SG2) are provided to the third electrodes (230-1 to 230-18), the second line portion (232t), and the third line portion (233t) in the first to fourth time periods (TP1, TP2, TP3, TP4) of the first charge driving mode (CMD1).

[0273] In the first time interval (TP1), a first signal (SG1) may be provided to the second line portion (232t), and a second signal (SG2) may be provided to the fifth to eighth third electrodes (230-5, 230-6, 230-7, 230-8). Accordingly, the first charging loop in the first time interval (TP1) may include the second line portion (232t) and the fifth to eighth third electrodes (230-5, 230-6, 230-7, 230-8).

[0274] In a second time interval (TP2) temporally consecutive to a first time interval (TP1), a first signal (SG1) may be provided to the first to fourth third electrodes (230-1, 230-2, 230-3, 230-4), and a second signal (SG2) may be provided to the ninth to twelfth third electrodes (230-9, 230-10, 230-11, 230-12). Accordingly, the second charging loop in the second time interval (TP2) may include the first to fourth third electrodes (230-1, 230-2, 230-3, 230-4) and the ninth to twelfth third electrodes (230-9, 230-10, 230-11, 230-12).

[0275] In the first time interval (TP1), the second line portion (232t) may be referred to as W first loop electrode(s) of the first time interval (TP1), and the fifth to eighth third electrodes (230-5, 230-6, 230-7, 230-8) in the first time interval (TP1) may be referred to as X second loop electrodes of the first time interval (TP1). Additionally, the 1st to 4th third electrodes (230-1, 230-2, 230-3, 230-4) in the second time interval (TP2) may be referred to as W first loop electrodes of the second time interval (TP2), and the 9th to 12th third electrodes (230-9, 230-10, 230-11, 230-12) in the second time interval (TP2) may be referred to as X second loop electrodes of the second time interval (TP2).

[0276] In the first charge driving mode (CMD1), the W first loop electrodes (232t) of the first time interval (TP1) and the W first loop electrodes (230-1, 230-2, 230-3, 230-4) of the second time interval (TP2) may not overlap with each other. (For example, there may not be W first loop electrodes common to both the first time interval (TP1) and the second time interval (TP2).) In addition, in the first charge driving mode (CMD1), the X second loop electrodes (230-5, 230-6, 230-7, 230-8) of the first time interval (TP1) and the X second loop electrodes (230-9, 230-10, 230-11, 230-12) of the second time interval (TP2) may not overlap with each other.

[0277] According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, in the first charging driving mode (CMD1), the first time interval (TP1) may correspond to the first charging case (CT1) of FIG. 18, the second time interval (TP2) may correspond to the fifth charging case (CT5) of FIG. 18, the third time interval (TP3) may correspond to the ninth charging case (CT9) of FIG. 18, and the fourth time interval (TP4) may correspond to the thirteenth charging case (CT13) of FIG. 18. However, this is merely an example and is not limited to this example. For example, in the first charging driving mode (CMD1), the first time interval (TP1) may correspond to the second charging case (CT2) of FIG. 18, the second time interval (TP2) may correspond to the sixth charging case (CT6) of FIG. 18, the third time interval (TP3) may correspond to the tenth charging case (CT10) of FIG. 18, and the fourth time interval (TP4) may correspond to the fourteenth charging case (CT14) of FIG. 18.

[0278] FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a first local charging mode (LCMD1) according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0279] Referring to FIG. 5 and FIG. 22, when a pen (PN) is detected, the sensor driving unit (200C) can switch from the first charging mode (CMD1, see FIG. 21) to the first local charging driving mode (LCMD1) and operate. FIG. 22 illustrates the position (PP) of the detected pen (PN).

[0280] In the first local charge driving mode (LCMD1), W first loop electrodes and X second loop electrodes may be configured to be selected so that the charging loop (CRL) overlaps with an area where the input of the pen (PN) is detected. That is, the sensor driving unit (200C) may be driven to form one charging loop (CRL) among the charging loops in the first charge driving mode (CMD1), and this may be referred to as the first local charge driving mode (LCMD1).

[0281] The charging loop (CRL) illustrated in Fig. 22 may correspond to the charging loop of the third time interval (TP3) of Fig. 21. In Fig. 22, the W first loop electrodes may be the 5th to 8th third electrodes (230-5, 230-6, 230-7, 230-8), and the X second loop electrodes may be the 13th to 16th third electrodes (230-13, 230-14, 230-15, 230-16).

[0282] Referring to FIGS. 18 and 22, the primary binder circuits (BC1) may include first intermediate transfer circuits (BC1a, BC1b) and second intermediate transfer circuits (BC1c, BC1d) electrically connected to loop electrodes constituting the charge loop (CRL). The secondary binder circuits (BC2) may include a first transfer circuit (BC2a) and a second transfer circuit (BC2b) electrically connected to loop electrodes constituting the charge loop (CRL). FIG. 22 illustrates the first intermediate transfer circuits (BC1a, BC1b), the second intermediate transfer circuits (BC1c, BC1d), the first transfer circuit (BC2a), and the second transfer circuit (BC2b) electrically connected to the charge loop (CRL) among the primary binder circuits (BC1) and the secondary binder circuits (BC2).

[0283] The first signal (SG1) can be transmitted to the 5th to 8th third electrodes (230-5, 230-6, 230-7, 230-8) through the first transmission circuit (BC2a) and the first intermediate transmission circuits (BC1a, BC1b). The second signal (SG2) can be transmitted to the 13th to 16th third electrodes (230-13, 230-14, 230-15, 230-16) through the second transmission circuit (BC2b) and the second intermediate transmission circuits (BC1c, BC1d). Accordingly, the charging loop (CRL) may include a first transfer circuit (BC2a), first intermediate transfer circuits (BC1a, BC1b), fifth to eighth third electrodes (230-5, 230-6, 230-7, 230-8), a second transfer circuit (BC2b), second intermediate transfer circuits (BC1c, BC1d), and thirteenth to sixteenth third electrodes (230-13, 230-14, 230-15, 230-16).

[0284] According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, the channels through which the first signal (SG1) is provided are spatially contiguous and arranged adjacent to each other. In addition, the channels through which the second signal (SG2) is provided are spatially contiguous and arranged adjacent to each other. Accordingly, since each of the first signal (SG1) and the second signal (SG2) is provided through four channels, even if the current is distributed across the four channels, the spatial integration can be improved or maximized, thereby strengthening the magnetic field density provided on the upper portion of the sensor layer (200, see FIG. 7).

[0285] FIG. 23a is a diagram illustrating one charging loop (CRL) and pen positions (#1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, #7) according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 23b is a graph illustrating charge sensitivity according to the charging loop and pen positions illustrated in FIG. 23a.

[0286] Referring to FIG. 23a, one charging loop (CLR) and the positions (#1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, #7) of seven pens (PN) overlapping one charging loop (CLR) are illustrated.

[0287] Referring to FIGS. 23a and 23b, when the charge sensitivity of the pen (PN) at the first position (#1) is taken as 100%, the relative values ​​of the charge sensitivity according to the positions (#1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, #7) of the pen (PN) are displayed. Referring to the rough trajectory (SST) connecting the change in charge sensitivity, it can be confirmed that the charge sensitivity gradually increases as the position of the pen (PN) gets closer to the center of the charge loop (CLR), and gradually decreases as the position gets farther from the center.

[0288] That is, even if the position of the pen (PN) and the charging loop (CLR) overlap, it can be confirmed that the difference in charging sensitivity between the position with the lowest charging sensitivity and the position with the highest charging sensitivity is more than 68%. According to the present invention, the connection relationship of the primary binder circuits (BC1, see FIG. 18) and the secondary binder circuits (BC2, see FIG. 18) is controlled so that the position of the charging loop (CLR) can be changed more precisely. Therefore, the charging efficiency and charging sensitivity of the pen (PN) charged by the magnetic field provided by the charging loop whose position is more precisely controlled can be improved. Accordingly, the response speed between the pen (PN) and the sensor layer (200) can be improved.

[0289] FIG. 24 is a table showing signals provided to the sensor layer in a second charge driving mode (CMD2) according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0290] Referring to FIG. 24, in a second charging driving mode (CMD2) that is different from the first charging driving mode (CMD1, see FIG. 21), the sensor driving unit (200C) can be driven so that a portion of the sensor layer (200) is scanned.

[0291] If the first charging driving mode (CMD1) is to quickly scan the entire area of ​​the sensor layer (200) to detect the presence of the pen (PN), the second charging driving mode (CMD2) may be a mode to scan to find the position of the charging loop to provide improved (e.g., maximum) charging sensitivity after the position of the pen (PN) is detected. Accordingly, the second charging driving mode (CMD2) may be referred to as a fine scan charging driving mode or a local scan charging driving mode.

[0292] FIG. 24 illustrates an example in which the first signal (SG1) and the second signal (SG2) are provided to the third electrodes (230-1 to 230-18), the second line portion (232t), and the third line portion (233t) in the first to fourth time periods (TP1a, TP2a, TP3a, TP4a) of the second charge driving mode (CMD2).

[0293] A plurality of micro-charging loops may be formed in the first to fourth time intervals (TP1a, TP2a, TP3a, TP4a). A micro-charging loop formed in any one of the first to fourth time intervals (TP1a, TP2a, TP3a, TP4a) may correspond to one charging loop (CRL) illustrated in FIG. 23a.

[0294] In the first time interval (TP1a), a first signal (SG1) may be provided to the third to sixth third electrodes (230-3, 230-4, 230-5, 230-6), and a second signal (SG2) may be provided to the eleventh to fourteenth third electrodes (230-11, 230-12, 230-13, 230-14). Accordingly, the first micro-charging loop in the first time interval (TP1a) may include the third to sixth third electrodes (230-3, 230-4, 230-5, 230-6) and the eleventh to fourteenth third electrodes (230-11, 230-12, 230-13, 230-14).

[0295] In a second time interval (TP2a) temporally continuous with a first time interval (TP1a), a first signal (SG1) may be provided to the fourth to seventh third electrodes (230-4, 230-5, 230-6, 230-7), and a second signal (SG2) may be provided to the twelfth to fifteenth third electrodes (230-12, 230-13, 230-14, 230-15). Accordingly, the second micro-charging loop in the second time interval (TP2a) may include the fourth to seventh third electrodes (230-4, 230-5, 230-6, 230-7) and the twelfth to fifteenth third electrodes (230-12, 230-13, 230-14, 230-15).

[0296] The 3rd to 6th third electrodes (230-3, 230-4, 230-5, 230-6) in the first time interval (TP1a) may be referred to as W first loop electrodes of the first time interval (TP1a), and the 11th to 14th third electrodes (230-11, 230-12, 230-13, 230-14) in the first time interval (TP1a) may be referred to as X second loop electrodes of the first time interval (TP1a). Additionally, the 4th to 7th third electrodes (230-4, 230-5, 230-6, 230-7) in the second time section (TP2a) may be referred to as W first loop electrodes of the second time section (TP2a), and the 12th to 15th third electrodes (230-12, 230-13, 230-14, 230-15) in the second time section (TP2a) may be referred to as X second loop electrodes of the second time section (TP2a).

[0297] In the second charge driving mode (CMD2), at least some of the W first loop electrodes (230-3, 230-4, 230-5, 230-6) of the first time period (TP1a) and the W first loop electrodes (230-4, 230-5, 230-6, 230-7) of the second time period (TP2a) may overlap each other. (For example, at least one of the W first loop electrodes may be the same in the first time interval (TP1a) and the second time interval (TP2a).) In addition, in the second charge driving mode (CMD2), at least some of the X second loop electrodes (230-11, 230-12, 230-13, 230-14) of the first time interval (TP1a) and the X second loop electrodes (230-12, 230-13, 230-14, 230-152) of the second time interval (TP2a) may overlap each other.

[0298] According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, although four micro-charging loops are sequentially formed along the first to fourth time segments (TP1a, TP2a, TP3a, TP4a) in the second charging driving mode (CMD2), this example is not limited to this example. For example, two or more micro-charging loops may be sequentially formed.

[0299] The first to fourth time intervals (TP1a, TP2a, TP3a, TP4a) may correspond to four consecutive charging cases illustrated in FIG. 18. For example, FIG. 24 illustrates that the first to fourth time intervals (TP1a, TP2a, TP3a, TP4a) correspond to the seventh charging case (CT7) to the tenth charging case (CT10), but this may be varied depending on the position of the detected pen (PN).

[0300] Below, the first charge driving mode (CMD1) described in Fig. 21 and the second charge driving mode (CMD2) of Fig. 24 are compared and explained.

[0301] Referring to FIG. 21, a plurality of charging loops generated in the first to fourth time sections (TP1, TP2, TP3, TP4) in the first charge driving mode (CMD1) may be sequentially formed while moving along the first direction (DR1). In this case, the pitch between the first charging loop in the first time section (TP1) and the second charging loop in the second time section (TP2) may correspond to four channels. For example, the distance between the eighth third electrode (230-8), which is the last channel to which the second signal (SG2) of the first charging loop is provided, and the twelfth third electrode (230-12), which is the last channel to which the second signal (SG2) of the second charging loop is provided, may correspond to the pitch between adjacent charging loops.

[0302] Referring to FIG. 24, in the second charge driving mode (CMD2), a plurality of charge loops generated in the first to fourth time sections (TP1a, TP2a, TP3a, TP4a) may be sequentially formed while moving along the first direction (DR1). In this case, the pitch between the first charge loop in the first time section (TP1a) and the second charge loop in the second time section (TP2a) may correspond to one channel. For example, the distance between the 14th third electrode (230-14), which is the last channel to which the second signal (SG2) of the first charge loop is provided, and the 15th third electrode (230-15), which is the last channel to which the second signal (SG2) of the second charge loop is provided, may correspond to the pitch between adjacent charge loops. Therefore, the pitch between the plurality of charge loops in the first charge driving mode (CMD1) may be greater than the pitch between the plurality of charge loops in the second charge driving mode (CMD2).

[0303] FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating a second local charging mode (LCMD2) according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0304] Referring to FIGS. 5, 24, and 25, the sensor driving unit (200C) may operate in the second charging driving mode (CMD2) and then switch to the second local charging driving mode (LCMD2). FIG. 25 also illustrates the position (PP) of the detected pen (PN). In the second local charging driving mode (LCMD2), the sensor driving unit (200C) may be driven to form one charging loop (CRL-P) among the micro-charging loops in the second charging driving mode (CMD2, see FIG. 24).

[0305] Referring to Fig. 25, the position (PP) of the pen (PN) may be located at or adjacent to the center of the charging loop (CRL-P). The charging loop (CRL-P) illustrated in Fig. 25 may correspond to a micro charging loop in the fourth time period (TP4a) of the second charging driving mode (CMD2).

[0306] At least some of the primary binder circuits (BC1a, BC1b, BC1c, BC1d) may be controlled to be selectively connected to at least some of the third electrodes (230-1 to 230-18), the second line portion (232t), and / or the third line portion (233t). In addition, at least some of the secondary binder circuits (BC2a, and / or BC2b) may be controlled to be selectively connected to at least some of the primary binder circuits (BC1a, BC1b, BC1c, and / or BC1d).

[0307] The sensor driving unit (200C) can output a first signal (SG1) to a first transmission circuit (BC2a) and a second signal (SG2) to a second transmission circuit (BC2b). The primary binder circuits (BC1a, BC1b, BC1c, BC1d) can include first intermediate transmission circuits (BC1a, BC1b) connected to the first transmission circuit (BC2a) and second intermediate transmission circuits (BC1c, BC1d) connected to the second transmission circuit (BC2b).

[0308] The first signal (SG1) can be transmitted to the 6th to 9th third electrodes (230-6, 230-7, 230-8, 230-9) through the first transmission circuit (BC2a) and the first intermediate transmission circuits (BC1a, BC1b). The second signal (SG2) can be transmitted to the 14th to 17th third electrodes (230-14, 230-15, 230-16, 230-17) through the second transmission circuit (BC2b) and the second intermediate transmission circuits (BC1c, BC1d). Accordingly, the charging loop (CRL-P) may include a first transfer circuit (BC2a), first intermediate transfer circuits (BC1a, BC1b), 6th to 9th third electrodes (230-6, 230-7, 230-8, 230-9), a second transfer circuit (BC2b), second intermediate transfer circuits (BC1c, BC1d), and 14th to 17th third electrodes (230-14, 230-15, 230-16, 230-17).

[0309] According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, the position (PP) of the pen (PN) may be positioned at the center or in an area adjacent to the center in the first direction (DR1) of the charging loop (CRL-P). That is, by forming the charging electrodes that form the charging loop using the first binder circuits (BC1a, BC1b, BC1c, BC1d) and the second binder circuits (BC2a, BC2b), the delicate position adjustment of the charging loop and the resistance control of the charging loop may be appropriate. As a result, the charging efficiency and charging sensitivity of the pen (PN, see FIG. 5) charged by the magnetic field provided from the charging loop may be improved. Accordingly, the response speed between the pen (PN) and the sensor layer (200) may be improved.

[0310] As described above, the electronic device may include a plurality of charging electrodes and binder circuits selectively electrically connected to the plurality of charging electrodes. Various charging loops may be provided by the binder circuits connected to the plurality of charging electrodes in various combinations. Accordingly, precise positioning of the charging loops and resistance control of the charging loops may be facilitated. In this case, the charging efficiency and charging sensitivity of the pen may be improved. Furthermore, as the charging efficiency and charging sensitivity of the pen are improved, the response speed may be improved.

[0311] While the present disclosure has been described above with reference to one or more embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art or those with ordinary knowledge in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the present disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the claims below. Therefore, the technical scope of the present disclosure should not be limited to the detailed description in the specification, but should be defined by the appended claims and their functional equivalents.

[0312] An electronic device may include charging electrodes. The electronic device may use the charging electrodes to charge a pen and detect input from the charged pen. Inventions for electronic devices that improve pen charging sensitivity and efficiency, thereby improving the response speed of the pen and the electronic device, have high industrial applicability.

Claims

1. Charging electrodes arranged along the first direction; Primary binder circuits comprising first switches configured to be selectively connected to one or more of the above charging electrodes and connected to a first node; and An electronic device comprising secondary binder circuits configured to be selectively connected to one or more of the primary binder circuits and including second switches connected to a second node.

2. In paragraph 1, An electronic device wherein the secondary binder circuits include a first transmission circuit for receiving a first signal and a second transmission circuit for receiving a second signal different from the first signal.

3. In paragraph 2, The charging electrodes include W first loop electrodes (W is an integer greater than or equal to 1) electrically connected to the first transmission circuit and X second loop electrodes (X is an integer greater than or equal to 1) electrically connected to the second transmission circuit, An electronic device wherein the above W and the above X are variable values.

4. In paragraph 2, The above primary binder circuits include Y first intermediate transmission circuits (Y is an integer greater than or equal to 1) electrically connected to the first transmission circuit and Z second intermediate transmission circuits (Z is an integer greater than or equal to 1) electrically connected to the second transmission circuit, An electronic device wherein the above Y and the above Z are variable values.

5. In paragraph 4, The charging electrodes include W first loop electrodes (W is an integer greater than or equal to 1) electrically connected to the Y first intermediate transfer circuits and X second loop electrodes (X is an integer greater than or equal to 1) electrically connected to the Z second intermediate transfer circuits, An electronic device wherein the above W and the above X are variable values.

6. In paragraph 5, An electronic device in which a charging loop is defined, comprising the first transfer circuit, the Y first intermediate transfer circuits, the W first loop electrodes, the second transfer circuit, the Z second intermediate transfer circuits, and the X second loop electrodes.

7. In paragraph 6, Further comprising a sensor driving unit configured to output the first signal and the second signal, When the sensor driving unit operates in the first charging driving mode, the charging loop includes a first charging loop in a first time interval of the first charging driving mode, and a second charging loop in a second time interval that is temporally continuous with the first time interval. The W first loop electrodes in the first charging loop and the W first loop electrodes in the second charging loop do not overlap each other, An electronic device wherein the X second loop electrodes in the first charging loop and the X second loop electrodes in the second charging loop do not overlap each other.

8. In paragraph 7, When the sensor driving unit operates in a second charging driving mode different from the first charging driving mode, the charging loop includes a first micro-charging loop in a first time interval of the second charging driving mode, and a second micro-charging loop in a second time interval that is temporally continuous with the first time interval of the second charging driving mode. At least one of the W first loop electrodes included in the first micro-charging loop and at least one of the W first loop electrodes included in the second micro-charging loop overlap each other, An electronic device wherein at least one of the X second loop electrodes included in the first micro-charging loop and at least one of the X second loop electrodes included in the second micro-charging loop overlap each other.

9. In paragraph 8, When an input of the pen is detected in the first charging driving mode, the sensor driving unit is configured to switch from the first charging driving mode to the first local charging driving mode. An electronic device in which, in the first local charging driving mode, the sensor driving unit is configured to output the first signal to the W first loop electrodes so that the charging loop overlaps with an area where an input of the pen is detected, and is configured to output the second signal to the X second loop electrodes.

10. In paragraph 9, The sensor driving unit is configured to operate in the first local charging driving mode and then switch to the second charging driving mode. Each of the W first loop electrodes in the first micro-charging loop and the W first loop electrodes in the second micro-charging loop overlaps with at least one of the W first loop electrodes in the charging loop of the first local charging driving mode, Each of the X second loop electrodes in the first micro-charging loop and the X second loop electrodes in the second micro-charging loop overlaps with at least one of the X second loop electrodes in the charging loop of the first local charging driving mode, The sensor driving unit is configured to operate in the second charging driving mode and then switch to the second local charging driving mode. An electronic device wherein the charging loop in the second local charging driving mode is one of the first micro-charging loop or the second micro-charging loop in the second charging driving mode.

11. In paragraph 5, The charging electrodes include U (where U is an integer greater than or equal to 1) gap electrodes between the W first loop electrodes and the X second loop electrodes, An electronic device in which the W first loop electrodes, the U gap electrodes, and the X second loop electrodes are sequentially arranged along the first direction.

12. In paragraph 1, First electrodes overlapping in one-to-one correspondence with the above charging electrodes; and An electronic device further comprising second electrodes spaced apart in a second direction intersecting the first electrodes and intersecting the first direction.

13. First electrodes arranged along a first direction and extending along a second direction intersecting the first direction; Second electrodes arranged along the second direction and extending along the first direction; Third electrodes arranged along the first direction and extending along the second direction; Primary binder circuits configured to be selectively connected to one or more of the third electrodes; Secondary binder circuits configured to be selectively connected to one or more of the above primary binder circuits; and An electronic device comprising a sensor driving unit configured to output a first signal to at least one of the secondary binder circuits in a charge driving mode and to output a second signal different from the first signal to at least another of the secondary binder circuits so that a charging loop is provided.

14. In paragraph 13, Each of the above primary binder circuits includes first switches connected to a first node, An electronic device wherein each of the secondary binder circuits includes second switches connected to a second node.

15. In paragraph 13, The third electrodes include W first loop electrodes (W is an integer greater than or equal to 1) for receiving the first signal, X second loop electrodes (X is an integer greater than or equal to 1) for receiving the second signal, and U gap electrodes (U is an integer greater than or equal to 1) between the W first loop electrodes and the X second loop electrodes, The W first loop electrodes, the U gap electrodes, and the X second loop electrodes are sequentially arranged along the first direction, The charging loop comprises W first loop electrodes and X second loop electrodes, The above charging driving mode includes a first charging driving mode, a first local charging driving mode, a second charging driving mode, and a second local charging driving mode, An electronic device in which the sensor driving unit is configured to sequentially switch to the first local charging driving mode, the second charging driving mode, and the second local charging driving mode when an input of the pen is detected in the first charging driving mode.

16. In paragraph 15, An electronic device in which, in each of the first local charge driving mode and the second local charge driving mode, the connection of the primary binder circuits and the secondary binder circuits is controlled so that the charging loop overlaps an area where the input of the pen is detected.

17. In paragraph 15, In the first charging driving mode and the second charging driving mode, the charging loops are provided in plurality, and the charging loops are spaced apart along the first direction. An electronic device wherein the pitch between the charging loops in the first charging driving mode is greater than the pitch between the charging loops in the second charging driving mode.

18. A step of controlling the primary binder circuits to be selectively connected to one or more of the charging electrodes arranged along the first direction; A step of controlling secondary binder circuits to be selectively connected to one or more of the primary binder circuits; and A method for driving an electronic device, comprising the step of forming a charging loop including one or more of the charging electrodes by outputting a first signal to at least one of the secondary binder circuits and outputting a second signal different from the first signal to at least another of the secondary binder circuits.

19. In paragraph 18, An electronic device driving method further comprising a step of sequentially forming the charging loop while moving along the first direction in the first charging driving mode.

20. In paragraph 19, When an input of the pen is detected in the first charging driving mode, a step of switching from the first charging driving mode to the first local charging driving mode so that the charging loop overlaps the area where the input of the pen is detected; A step of switching from the first local charging driving mode to the second charging driving mode; and In the second charging driving mode, the charging loop further includes a step of being sequentially formed while moving along the first direction, An electronic device driving method wherein the pitch between adjacent charging loops in the first charging driving mode is greater than the pitch between adjacent charging loops in the second charging driving mode.

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