Bezel-Free Display Panel with Embedded Gate Driver
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional display devices require a large bezel area to connect the active display area with the driving circuit, limiting design flexibility and increasing the size of the device.
Innovation Solution
A bezel-free display panel structure is achieved by embedding a gate driving circuit within the display panel, using a layered stack configuration with transistors of different types (low temperature polysilicon and oxide transistors) and a hydrogen-blocking plate to protect vulnerable transistors, allowing for compact integration of the driving circuit within the active area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the driving circuit is mounted on or electrically connected to the bezel area of the display panel, then the circuit connection is achieved, but the bezel area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gate driver circuit is moved from the horizontal bezel area to the vertical space between the first and second plates. The circuit is embedded within the panel structure by utilizing the thickness dimension, with transistors disposed between the plates and electrical connections made through side routing lines along the edges, transforming a 2D bezel-mounted configuration into a 3D embedded configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The gate driver circuit is nested within the display panel structure itself. The first and second transistors are disposed between the first and second plates, with the circuit layers integrated into the panel's internal architecture rather than being external components mounted on the bezel, achieving a compact nested arrangement.
2Reliability
If oxide transistors are used in the display panel, then the transistor characteristics are improved, but the transistors become vulnerable to hydrogen damage
Solution Approach 1:
A hydrogen blocking layer is introduced as an intermediary between the oxide transistor and the hydrogen-containing low temperature polysilicon transistor. This blocking layer acts as a protective barrier that prevents hydrogen generated during LTPS transistor operation from migrating to and damaging the oxide transistor, thereby preserving the oxide transistor's electrical characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydrogen blocking layer is positioned in advance to prevent hydrogen damage before it occurs. By placing the blocking layer between the hydrogen-generating LTPS transistor and the hydrogen-sensitive oxide transistor, the structure proactively cushions against hydrogen migration and protects the oxide transistor from degradation.
3Reliability
If a hydrogen blocking layer is added to protect oxide transistors, then the transistor protection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrogen blocking layer is integrated into the existing inorganic insulating film stack of the display panel. Rather than being a separate additional layer, the blocking function is achieved by selecting specific inorganic materials (such as silicon oxide or silicon nitride) from the existing encapsulation and insulation layers, allowing these layers to serve both their original insulation/encapsulation functions and the additional hydrogen blocking function.
Data Source
AI summary
A display panel can include a first plate; a second plate disposed on the first plate; a first layer stack disposed between the first plate and the second plate; a first transistor disposed within the first layer stack; a second layer stack disposed on the second plate; and a second transistor disposed within the second layer stack, in which the first transistor is disposed in a location overlapping with an active area corresponding to an image display area.