Discontinuous Fixed Electrode Layer for Higher Aperture Ratio
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electro-optical devices face challenges in achieving a higher pixel pitch and aperture ratio due to the need for space occupied by matrix-shaped fixed electrode layers and relay electrode layers, which complicates the manufacturing process and reduces image quality.
Innovation Solution
The electro-optical device features a discontinuous fixed electrode layer between adjacent data lines, with a first relay electrode layer formed at the discontinuous portion, allowing for reduced layout area and simplified manufacturing without increasing the number of relay electrode layers, thereby enabling a higher pixel pitch and aperture ratio.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a continuous fixed electrode layer is formed across the entire substrate, then electrical connection is simplified, but the layout area increases and pixel pitch cannot be increased
Solution Approach 1:
The fixed electrode layer is divided into multiple discontinuous segments positioned between adjacent data lines rather than forming a continuous layer across the substrate. This segmentation reduces the total layout area occupied by the fixed electrode layer, enabling increased pixel pitch and aperture ratio while maintaining electrical connection functionality through the relay electrode layer
2Reliability
If relay electrode layers are added to connect pixel electrodes and fixed electrode layer, then electrical connection is improved, but the number of layers and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The relay electrode layer is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it connects the pixel electrode to the semiconductor layer, connects to the discontinuous fixed electrode layer segments, and provides light shielding. By merging these functions into a single integrated structure, the patent reduces the number of separate electrode layers needed while maintaining reliable electrical connections
3Ease of manufacture
If more space is allocated for relay electrode layers and contact holes, then manufacturing is simplified, but aperture ratio decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixed electrode layer is positioned only in specific regions between adjacent data lines where it is needed for electrical connection, rather than covering the entire substrate. This localized placement minimizes the area occupied by the fixed electrode layer and relay electrode structures, thereby increasing the aperture ratio while maintaining manufacturability in those critical connection regions
Data Source
AI summary
An electro-optical device includes: a pair of substrates facing one another across an electro-optical substance layer; and a layered structure formed on one of the substrates, including scanning lines formed in a first direction, data lines formed in a second direction intersecting the first direction, pixel electrodes formed corresponding to the intersections, transistors for controlling switching of the pixel electrodes, storage capacitors electrically connected to the pixel electrodes, and a fixed electrode layer for supplying fixed potential to one electrode of the storage capacitors, the scanning lines, data lines, transistors, and storage capacitors being arrayed within a light shielding region around the pixel electrodes; wherein the pixel electrodes, and a semiconductor layer where the transistors are formed, are electrically connected via an relay electrode layer at the same layer as the fixed electrode layer; and wherein the fixed electrode layer is discontinuous between adjacent data lines in the first direction.