Clocked Charge Pump Circuit for Linear Sweep Signal Generation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional charge pump circuits are not suitable for generating sweep signals due to their non-linear output, which limits their application in display devices where low impedance and low parasitic capacitance are required for efficient signal transmission to pixels.

Innovation Solution

A charge pump circuit design incorporating transistors and capacitors that allows for the generation of linear output signals by applying input signals in a specific manner, enabling the implementation of an in-pixel sweep signal generator with a simple structure suitable for integration on a substrate.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a charge pump circuit is used in a voltage regulator, then voltage regulation is achieved, but the output is non-linear making it unsuitable for signal generation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage regulationVSAvoidsignal generation suitability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the charge pump circuit dynamic by using switching transistors (first and second transistors) that are controlled by clock signals to transfer charges at different phases. This dynamic switching mechanism transforms the static charge pumping action into a controllable, linear output signal suitable for sweep signal generation while maintaining voltage regulation functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs periodic clock signals to control the switching of transistors in the charge pump circuit. The first clock signal controls the first transistor during a first phase, and the second clock signal controls the second transistor during a second phase. This periodic action creates a linear ramp output voltage that is suitable for sweep signal generation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Area of stationary object

If the sweep signal is provided from driving integrated circuit to display panel, then area overhead is optimized, but low impedance transmission requirements create limitations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvearea overheadVSAvoidsignal transmission quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the sweep signal generation function from the external driving integrated circuit and places it directly within the pixel circuit. By taking out this function and implementing it locally using the charge pump circuit with transistors and capacitors, the patent eliminates the need for long transmission lines, thereby reducing area overhead while maintaining signal transmission quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary charge pump circuit structure that generates the sweep signal locally within the pixel. This intermediary circuit uses transistors and capacitors to create the sweep signal on-site, avoiding the transmission issues that would occur if the signal were sent from an external driving circuit through long transmission lines.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Area of stationary object

If a simple structure is used for the charge pump circuit, then area overhead is reduced, but the ability to generate linear output signals may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvearea overheadVSAvoidoutput linearity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the charge pump circuit into distinct functional components: a first transistor for first-phase charge transfer, a second transistor for second-phase charge transfer, and associated capacitors. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, achieving linear output with a simple overall structure that minimizes area overhead.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent achieves linear output by changing the operational parameters of the transistors through controlled switching. By using clock signals to control the timing and duration of transistor conduction, the circuit produces a linear ramp output voltage despite the simple transistor-capacitor structure, thereby maintaining manufacturing precision without increasing area overhead.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The circuit effectively generates linear output signals, enabling efficient sweep signal generation for display devices by optimizing signal transmission and reducing area overhead, thus addressing the limitations of conventional charge pump circuits.

Implementation Method 1

a first capacitor C1 and a second capacitor C2. The second end of the first capacitor C1 is electrically connected to the second end of the first transistor T1. The first end of the second transistor T2 is electrically connected to the second of the first transistor T1. The first end of the second capacitor C2 is electrically connected to the second end of the second transistor T2

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS11757354B2Charge pump circuit
Publication Date: 2023.09.12 INNOLUX CORP
  • US11757354B2 patent drawing
  • US11757354B2 patent drawing
  • US11757354B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A charge pump circuit is provided. The charge pump circuit includes a first transistor, a first capacitor, a second transistor, and a second capacitor. The first transistor has a first end and a second end. The first capacitor has a first end and a second end. The second end of the first capacitor is electrically connected to the second end of the first transistor. The second transistor has a first end and a second end. The first end of the second transistor is electrically connected to the second of the first transistor. The second capacitor has a first end and a second end. The first end of the second capacitor is electrically connected to the second end of the second transistor.