Display Data Driver Buffer Control for Low-Power High-Resolution Panels

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Solution Overview

Problem

As the resolution of display panels increases, the 1H time shortens, leading to an increase in bias current for the buffer, which in turn raises power consumption in display apparatuses, compromising both power efficiency and display quality.

Innovation Solution

A data driver is designed with a buffer controller that compares previous and present line data to adjust buffer parameters, specifically the bias current, allowing for reduced power consumption while maintaining high display quality by optimizing the buffer's slew rate.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the resolution of the display panel is increased, then the display quality is improved, but the 1H time is shortened and the bias current of the buffer increases, leading to increased power consumption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay qualityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the buffer's operating parameters variable rather than fixed. The buffer controller dynamically adjusts the bias current based on the actual data transmission requirements by comparing previous line data with present line data. This allows the buffer to operate at high performance when needed (high resolution modes) and at low power consumption when data changes are minimal, resolving the contradiction between display quality and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operating parameters of the buffer based on data activity levels. By monitoring the difference between previous and present line data, the system adjusts the bias current parameter to match the actual demand. This parameter adaptation allows the system to maintain high display quality when necessary while reducing power consumption during periods of low data change, directly addressing the technical contradiction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Speed

If the bias current of the buffer is increased to transmit data voltage within the shortened 1H time, then the data transmission speed is improved, but the power consumption of the display apparatus increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission speedVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The buffer's bias current is made dynamic rather than static. The buffer controller continuously monitors data changes and adjusts the bias current in real-time. When data changes are significant, the bias current increases to maintain fast transmission. When data changes are minimal, the bias current decreases to save power. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between transmission speed and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs periodic comparison of previous line data with present line data to determine the appropriate bias current level. This periodic assessment allows the buffer to adapt its transmission speed and power consumption in a rhythmic manner, matching the actual data update requirements of the display panel, thereby resolving the speed-power consumption trade-off.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Use of energy by moving object

If a buffer controller is added to compare previous line data and present line data, then power consumption is reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The buffer controller is designed to perform multiple functions: it compares previous and present line data, determines data change magnitude, controls buffer bias current, and manages power consumption. By consolidating these related control functions into a single multi-functional component, the patent reduces the overall device complexity while achieving power savings, rather than adding separate dedicated circuits for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the data comparison function, bias current control function, and power management function into a single integrated buffer controller. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components and interconnections needed, thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity while still achieving the goal of reduced power consumption through intelligent data change detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3905232A1Data driver, display apparatus including the same
Publication Date: 2021.11.03 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • EP3905232A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3905232A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3905232A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A data driver includes a digital to analog converter, a buffer and a buffer controller. The digital to analog converter is configured to receive a data signal having a digital type and to convert the data signal into a data voltage having an analog type. The buffer is configured to buffer the data voltage and to output the data voltage. The buffer controller is configured to determine a parameter of the buffer based on previous line data of the data signal and present line data of the data signal.