Configurable LCD Driver Circuit for Common-Segment Routing Flexibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LCD driver circuits have dedicated common and segment drivers with fixed output drive capability, leading to inefficiencies and complex signal routing, as they are not easily configurable to adapt to different driving requirements.
Innovation Solution
A configurable LCD driver system that includes a reference voltage generator and a configuration block to dynamically configure each driver as either a common or segment driver, generating appropriate drive voltage waveforms and control signals based on parameters like multiplex ratio, drive bias, and drive mode, allowing for flexible operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated common and segment drivers with fixed output drive capability are used, then the driver circuit can provide stable drive signals, but the device complexity increases and resource utilization decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal driver circuit that can function as either a common driver or a segment driver through configuration control. The driver circuit includes configurable output stages that can be enabled or disabled based on the desired function, allowing a single circuit to replace multiple dedicated circuits and reduce overall system complexity while maintaining reliable drive signals for both common and segment electrodes.
2Reliability
If dedicated common and segment drivers are used, then each driver has fixed output drive capability, but resource utilization decreases due to wasted drivers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic configuration capability to the driver circuit through control logic that can change the driver's function based on operating conditions. The driver circuit includes configurable output stages with enable signals that allow the same hardware to adapt its behavior - acting as a common driver when needed, or as a segment driver when needed, thereby maximizing resource utilization while maintaining the reliability of fixed output drive capability when required.
3Adaptability or versatility
If configurable drivers are implemented, then resource utilization improves and signal routing simplifies, but the device complexity increases due to configuration control logic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the configuration control logic with the existing driver circuit architecture, integrating the adaptability functions into the same hardware block. The configuration control signals are generated by existing control logic in the display driver system, and the configurable outputs share the same physical infrastructure as traditional drivers. This merging approach enables driver adaptability while minimizing additional complexity by reusing existing control and signal routing resources.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention relate to a configurable LCD driver system having a plurality of configurable LCD drivers. Each LCD driver may be configured as a common or segment driver by selecting a drive voltage from an appropriate set of drive voltages associated with a common or segment driver in accordance with certain parameters, such as whether a user may configure the LCD driver as a common driver or segment driver, a multiplex ratio, and/or bias ratio of an LCD panel. The drive time and drive strength associated with the LCD driver may also be configurable. The selected drive voltage may be provided to a drive buffer to output an LCD drive voltage waveform for driving one or more segments or pixels in an LCD panel. A memory may store appropriate display data for both the segment and common drivers to control the output drive capability of the LCD driver.