Backlight Unit Sensing MUX for Defective Light Source Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing backlight units require replacing entire light source arrays even if only one light source is defective, leading to unnecessary replacement of normal light sources.
Innovation Solution
A backlight unit with a light source array and a light source driver circuit that includes a sensing multiplexer (MUX) circuit to detect defective light sources, allowing for the recycling of light source arrays with defective components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the entire light source array is replaced when a defect occurs in at least one light source, then the reliability of the backlight unit is improved, but the loss of normal light sources increases and manufacturing cost rises
Solution Approach 1:
The light source array is divided into multiple independently controllable light source groups, each driven by a separate driving circuit. This segmentation allows individual groups to be controlled and replaced independently, rather than replacing the entire array when one light source fails.
Solution Approach 2:
When a light source defect is detected in a specific light source group, only that particular group is replaced while the remaining functional groups are retained and reused. This selective replacement approach recovers and preserves normal light sources, reducing waste compared to replacing the entire array.
2Measurement precision
If a sensing circuit is added to detect defective light sources, then the precision of defect detection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing circuit is integrated into the existing light source driver circuit structure, allowing the driver circuit to perform both driving functions and sensing functions. This multi-functionality approach enables defect detection without adding completely separate sensing systems, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
A sensing multiplexer circuit is introduced as an intermediary component that selectively connects sensing circuits to different light source groups. This intermediary enables systematic detection across multiple groups while managing circuit complexity through controlled signal routing rather than requiring direct sensing connections to all light sources simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a backlight unit, a display device, and a driving method. A sensing MUX circuit senses a voltage of a first light emitting node and a voltage of a second light emitting node, and then, detects whether a first light source connected between the first light emitting node and the second light emitting node is defective, whereby it is possible to specify and detect a defective light source.