Data Driver Channel Segmentation for Display Signal Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Display devices face inefficiencies due to unused channels in data drivers, leading to asymmetric resistance in fan-out wires and signal noise, resulting in increased power consumption and reduced performance.
Innovation Solution
A data driver system that includes a data controller and data driving IC, which selectively activates channels based on channel selection data, distinguishing between normal and dummy output channels to optimize signal transmission and reduce power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If all output channels of the data driving IC are used, then the channel utilization is maximized, but the resistance of fan-out wires becomes asymmetric and noise is introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the output channels into two distinct groups: normal output channels (first output channels) that are connected to data lines and transmit data signals, and dummy output channels (second output channels) that are not connected to data lines. This segmentation allows the system to selectively activate only the necessary channels, preventing the asymmetry and noise issues that arise when all channels are uniformly activated. The segmentation is implemented through separate switch units (first switch unit and second switch unit) that independently control each group of channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different functions and characteristics to different parts of the output channel system. Normal output channels are configured with specific resistance characteristics and are activated for data transmission, while dummy output channels are configured differently and remain inactive or are deactivated. This local differentiation ensures that only the channels with appropriate electrical characteristics contribute to signal transmission, maintaining signal quality while utilizing channels asymmetrically based on their specific properties.
2Productivity
If dummy output channels are activated, then more channels are available for output, but power consumption increases and noise is introduced to normal channels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of output channels through switch units that can selectively activate or deactivate channels based on operational requirements. The first switch unit controls normal output channels and the second switch unit controls dummy output channels independently. This dynamic switching capability allows the system to activate only the necessary normal channels for data transmission while keeping dummy channels deactivated, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining output channel availability when needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If asymmetric channel configuration is used, then channel flexibility is improved, but fan-out wire resistance becomes unequal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent deliberately applies asymmetry by configuring normal output channels and dummy output channels with different characteristics and connection states. The normal output channels are asymmetrically positioned and connected to specific data lines, while dummy channels are positioned differently and not connected to data lines. This controlled asymmetry provides configuration flexibility to match specific display panel requirements while preventing the harmful effects of random asymmetry, such as unequal fan-out wire resistance, by ensuring that only properly matched channels are activated.
Data Source
AI summary
A data driver according to an exemplary embodiment includes a plurality of first output channels, a plurality of second output channels, a data controller and a data driving integrated circuit IC. The plurality of first output channels are connected to a plurality of data lines. The data controller receives an image data signal and a data control signal. The data controller generates an image data of one frame unit according to the image data signal and the data control signal. The data controller generates an output channel on/off data based on channel selection data. The data driving IC generates a plurality of data signals and a plurality of dummy signals according to the image data of one frame unit. The data driving IC switches a plurality of first switches transmitting the plurality of data signals to the plurality of first output channels and a plurality of second switches transmitting the plurality of dummy signals to the plurality of second output channels. The image data signal includes the channel selection data, the plurality of first output channels and the plurality of second output channels.