Display Driver Capacitance Equalization for Voltage Accuracy

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display drivers face challenges in achieving high definition displays due to fluctuations in parasitic capacitances between data lines, leading to display unevenness and increased power consumption as they attempt to correct voltage errors without feedback control.

Innovation Solution

A display driver with a capacitance circuit that adjusts the capacitance values between adjacent output terminals, using a variable capacitance circuit and switch groups to equalize parasitic capacitances across data lines, allowing for accurate voltage output without feedback control and reducing power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the drive capability of the amplification circuit is increased to reduce settling time, then the drive capability improves, but the accuracy of the output voltage decreases and power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesettling timeVSAvoidoutput voltage accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-charging data lines to a reference voltage level before actual data writing. This preliminary charging action reduces the voltage swing required during normal operation, allowing the amplification circuit to settle faster while maintaining voltage accuracy and reducing power consumption. The capacitor circuit stores charge in advance, so when data needs to be written, only a small correction current is needed rather than charging from zero.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If feedback control is used to correct voltage errors caused by capacitance fluctuations, then output voltage accuracy improves, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata voltage accuracyVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback control through the amplification circuit that continuously monitors the actual data voltage on each data line and compares it with the target voltage. When deviations are detected caused by parasitic capacitance fluctuations, the amplification circuit automatically adjusts the output to correct the voltage error. This feedback mechanism maintains high voltage accuracy while the patent optimizes power consumption by using the capacitor circuit to reduce the magnitude of correction required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If the drive time per pixel is shortened to achieve high definition, then display resolution improves, but the drive capability requirement increases and power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay resolutionVSAvoiddrive capability and power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables shorter drive times for high definition displays by pre-charging data lines to the reference voltage level before data writing. This preliminary action reduces the time required for voltage settling during the actual data transfer, allowing faster pixel driving while maintaining voltage accuracy. The capacitor circuit provides the necessary charge in advance, so the amplification circuit only needs to make small adjustments during the shortened drive time, reducing power consumption despite the increased drive capability requirements for high definition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution effectively reduces display unevenness and power consumption by ensuring uniform voltage variation across data lines, improving display quality and efficiency across various electro-optical panels.

Implementation Method 1

a variable capacitance circuit that is provided between the first output terminal and the second output terminal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS10147359B2Display driver, electro-optical device, and electronic apparatus
Publication Date: 2018.12.04 SEIKO EPSON CORP
  • US10147359B2 patent drawing
  • US10147359B2 patent drawing
  • US10147359B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A display driver includes a plurality of output terminals that output a plurality of data signals which are output to an electro-optical panel, a plurality of capacitance circuits that are respectively provided between adjacent output terminals of the plurality of output terminals, and a control circuit that sets capacitance values of each capacitance circuit.