Active Device Array Substrate Repairing Structure With ESD Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Active device array substrates in flat panel displays are prone to open defects in scan and data lines, leading to malfunctioning pixels and display quality issues, with conventional repair methods vulnerable to electrostatic discharge (ESD) causing short circuits.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a repairing structure comprising a first repairing line, a second repairing line, an ESD releasing line, and an ESD protector, including diodes connected in series, which are electrically insulated and overlapped to prevent short circuits and protect against ESD, allowing for effective repair of open defects in signal lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If a repairing line is preserved on the active device array substrate to repair open defects, then the ease of repair is improved, but the risk of electrostatic discharge causing short circuits increases
Solution Approach 1:
An ESD protector is introduced as an intermediary component between the repairing line and the signal line. The ESD protector acts as a mediator that allows the repairing line to function while protecting against electrostatic discharge. When ESD occurs, the protector activates to divert the discharge away from the signal line, preventing short circuits while maintaining the repair capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The ESD protector is pre-installed on the repairing line before any potential electrostatic discharge events. This beforehand protection mechanism is always in place, cushioning the signal line against future ESD threats. The protector remains inactive during normal operation but is ready to activate immediately when ESD occurs, preventing damage before it can affect the signal line.
2Reliability
If the repairing line is electrically floated and insulated from signal lines, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of repair deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The repairing line transitions from a static, permanently insulated state to a dynamic configuration where the ESD protector enables conditional electrical connection. During normal operation, the line remains floated and insulated for reliability. When repair is needed, the ESD protector allows the line to be electrically connected to the signal line, providing the necessary flexibility for both reliability and ease of repair.
Solution Approach 2:
The repairing line with ESD protector serves multiple functions: it remains as a protected, floated line for normal operation (maintaining reliability), and can be activated for repair operations (providing ease of repair). The ESD protector enables the line to universally function in both protected and connected states, eliminating the need for separate repair structures.
3Productivity
If laser welding is used to connect repairing lines to signal lines, then the productivity is improved, but the risk of ESD damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ESD protector serves as an intermediary that decouples the laser welding process from the signal line. The welding is performed on the ESD protector rather than directly on the signal line, allowing high-speed laser welding to maintain productivity while the protector mediates against ESD damage during and after the welding process.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enhances the production yield and display quality of active device array substrates by preventing short circuits and ensuring proper operation of pixels, while effectively addressing ESD risks during manufacturing and usage.
Implementation Method 1
signal lines and the repairing line may be damaged by electrostatic discharge (ESD) and short circuited
Data Source
AI summary
An active device array substrate including a substrate, a plurality of pixels, a plurality of signal lines, and a repairing structure is provided. The substrate has a display region and a periphery region. The pixels are arranged on the display region of the substrate as an array. The signal lines are electrically connected to the pixels and are respectively extended from the display region to the periphery region. The repairing structure is disposed at the periphery region, and which includes a first repairing line, a second repairing line, an electrostatic discharge (ESD) releasing line, and an ESD protector. The first repairing line is intersected with one ends of the signal lines and is electrically floated. The ESD protector is connected between the second repairing line and the ESD releasing line, and the ESD protector is overlapped with and electrically insulated from the first repairing line.