Column Driver Power Reduction via Timing Controller Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The display subsystem in portable computing systems consumes a significant portion of power due to the continuous operation of column drivers, which is power-consuming and troublesome in mobile, battery-dependent situations.
Innovation Solution
A point-to-point intra-panel interface is used to enable a timing controller to individually control column drivers, allowing for the reduction of power consumption by temporarily powering off drivers during periods of low refresh rates, thereby reducing the time they actively drive output and consume power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If column drivers continuously drive signals during both active video period and vertical blanking period, then display functionality is maintained, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by enabling column drivers only during active video periods and disabling them during vertical blanking periods. This creates a periodic on/off pattern that matches the display refresh cycle, reducing power consumption while maintaining display functionality. The timing controller coordinates driver activation with the video signal timing to ensure displays are driven only when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the column driver operation state variable rather than static. The drivers dynamically transition between active and inactive states based on the video signal timing, allowing the system to adapt power consumption to actual display needs. This dynamic control is managed through timing signals from the timing controller.
2Use of energy by moving object
If column drivers are powered off during vertical blanking periods, then power consumption is reduced, but display refresh capability must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-synchronizing column driver activation with the upcoming active video period. The timing controller prepares and sends enable signals to column drivers before the active video period begins, ensuring drivers are ready to immediately drive display data when needed. This preliminary coordination maintains display refresh capability without requiring continuous driver operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback through the timing controller to coordinate column driver operation with the video signal timing. The timing controller receives video timing information and uses this feedback to precisely control when column drivers should be activated, ensuring synchronization between driver operation and display refresh requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are disclosed to control the power consumption of column drivers in a display system. A video input signal is received which has an active video period and a vertical blanking period between frames. A timing controller transmits a first video frame to a column driver. The timing controller transmits a column driver disable command during a vertical blanking period. Prior to the subsequent active video period, the timing controller transmits a column driver enable command. The timing controller proceeds to transmit a second video frame to the column driver. In one embodiment, the timing controller determines whether to disable and enable the column driver based on a refresh rate, the refresh rate calculated by the timing controller from the video input signal.