Composite Level Shifter for Source Driver Data Latching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing source driver circuits require additional circuitry and layout area for data latching, which increases complexity and space requirements, especially as display resolution increases, due to the need to register data in advance for the next scan period.
Innovation Solution
A source driver design that includes a data buffer circuit coupled with level shifters and driving circuits, where pixel data is registered and voltage levels converted in real-time during the driving period, eliminating the need for a separate data latch and reducing circuit complexity and layout area by not requiring advance data registration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data is registered in advance in a separate data latch circuit, then data buffering for the next scan period is achieved, but circuit complexity and layout area increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the data latch function with the level shifter circuit by using the same circuit nodes (first and second nodes) to perform both voltage level conversion and data latching operations. The level shifter simultaneously converts voltage levels and stores data in its internal nodes, eliminating the need for a separate data latch circuit and reducing overall circuit complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The level shifter is designed to perform multiple functions: voltage level conversion and data latching. By making the level shifter a multi-functional component that can both convert voltage levels and store data during the scan period, the patent eliminates the need for dedicated separate circuits for each function, thereby reducing device complexity.
2Reliability
If a separate data latch circuit is used to store pixel data, then data registration for next scan period is enabled, but layout area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the data latching function within the level shifter circuit itself, using the existing first and second nodes of the level shifter to store pixel data. This integration eliminates the need for a separate data latch circuit and its associated layout area, achieving data registration without increasing overall circuit area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the data latching function from a separate dedicated circuit and integrates it into the existing level shifter circuit. By taking out the standalone data latch requirement and incorporating its functionality into the level shifter's internal nodes, the layout area is reduced while maintaining data registration capability.
3Quantity of substance
If data latch circuit is implemented to handle increased resolution data, then data buffering capacity increases, but circuit and layout area further increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions (voltage level conversion and data latching for multiple data bits) into a single level shifter circuit. The first and second nodes of the level shifter can simultaneously handle and store multiple pixel data bits corresponding to different sub-pixels, providing increased data buffering capacity without proportionally increasing layout area.
Solution Approach 2:
The level shifter is designed as a universal circuit that can handle data for multiple sub-pixels (red, green, blue) simultaneously. By making the level shifter multi-functional and capable of buffering data for multiple sub-pixels within its internal nodes, the patent increases data buffering capacity while minimizing the increase in layout area.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a source driver and a composite level shifter. The source driver comprises a data buffer circuit, a plurality of level shifters and a plurality of driving circuits. The data buffer circuit receives and registers a plurality of pixel data during a driving period. The level shifters convert the voltage levels of the pixel data registered in the data buffer circuit during the driving period. The driving circuits generate a plurality of source signals according to the converted pixel data during driving period. The data buffer circuit may comprise a plurality of composite level shifters for converting the voltage levels of the pixel data, and latching the converted pixel data.