Array Substrate Switch Unit Reduces Source Driver Component Count
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing resolution of LCD panels leads to a higher number of components in the source driver, resulting in increased manufacturing costs due to the fan-out amount of the source being reduced.
Innovation Solution
An array substrate with a switch unit that connects each pixel region to both a secondary data line and two scan lines, utilizing a plurality of selectors with control transistors to efficiently transmit data signals, reducing the number of primary data lines and source driver components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the resolution of LCD panel is increased, then the display quality is improved, but the component amount of source driver is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the data line system into two levels: primary data lines that carry data signals from the source driver, and secondary data lines that distribute signals to individual pixel regions. The switch unit segments the connection between these levels, allowing one primary data line to serve multiple secondary data lines through time-division multiplexing. This segmentation reduces the number of primary data lines needed, thereby reducing source driver component count while maintaining high resolution display capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a dynamic switching mechanism where the switch unit can dynamically connect one primary data line to different secondary data lines at different time periods. The switch unit responds to scan line signals and pixel electrode signals to dynamically route data signals, enabling a single primary data line to serve multiple pixel regions sequentially. This dynamic routing reduces the static number of required data lines and source driver components.
2Ease of manufacture
If the fan-out amount of source is reduced, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the resolution capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes primary data lines universal by enabling each primary data line to serve multiple secondary data lines and pixel regions through the switch unit. Instead of having dedicated data lines for each pixel column, the system uses time-division multiplexing where the same primary data line carries data for different pixel regions at different times. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of data lines needed, lowering manufacturing cost while maintaining the ability to drive high-resolution displays.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements periodic switching where the switch unit alternates between connecting one primary data line to different secondary data lines in different time periods. The switching operates in sync with the scan line scanning sequence, creating a periodic pattern of signal routing. This periodic action allows the system to multiplex a limited number of primary data lines across many more pixel columns than the physical number of lines, reducing component count while preserving resolution capability.
Data Source
AI summary
An array substrate and driving method thereof are described. The array substrate includes a gate driver, a source driver, a plurality of pixel regions and a switch unit. The pixel regions are composed of an array configuration in form of rows and columns wherein each of the pixel regions is connected to a secondary data line and two scan lines. The switch unit is coupled to the source driver via a plurality of primary data lines and coupled to the pixel regions via the secondary data lines wherein one of the primary data lines corresponds to one secondary data line in one pixel region and to another secondary data line in another pixel region adjacent to the one pixel region by the switch unit.