Single-Panel Display Electrode Integration via Vertical Insulating Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manufacturing process of display devices with pixel and common electrodes on one panel is complex due to the high number of photomasks required, which complicates the production and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
A display device design and manufacturing method that reduces the number of photomasks by using a specific configuration of signal electrodes, insulating layers, and contact holes, allowing for the integration of pixel and common electrodes on a single panel with simplified photolithography processes, including the use of halftone photomasks and etching techniques to define openings and contact holes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If pixel electrode and common electrode are provided on one display panel with switching element, then the display device can be manufactured with integrated electrodes, but the number of photomasks required increases making the manufacturing process complex
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel electrode is divided into multiple branch electrodes that are spatially separated and arranged in specific patterns. This segmentation allows each branch electrode to be formed through separate photomask processes, enabling precise control over electrode geometry and positioning while maintaining the integrated structure on a single panel
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces vertical layering with multiple insulating layers positioned between the pixel electrode and common electrode. By utilizing the vertical dimension with stacked insulating layers (first insulating layer, second insulating layer, third insulating layer), the design achieves complex three-dimensional electrode arrangements that can be manufactured through sequential photomask processes, resolving the contradiction between integration and manufacturing complexity
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple photomasks are used to define pixel electrode and common electrode, then precise electrode positioning is achieved, but manufacturing cost and process time increase
Solution Approach 1:
Insulating layers are deposited and patterned in advance before the electrode formation processes. The first insulating layer is formed with first contact holes, the second insulating layer with second contact holes, and the third insulating layer with third contact holes and openings. This preliminary structuring establishes precise reference frameworks that guide subsequent electrode photomask processes, ensuring accurate electrode positioning while reducing the number of photomasks needed for electrode-specific patterning
Data Source
AI summary
A display device includes a first signal electrode configured to transfer a signal, a first insulating layer positioned on the first signal electrode, a first electrode positioned on the first insulating layer, a second insulating layer positioned on the first electrode, and a second electrode positioned on the second insulating layer, where a first contact hole exposing the first signal electrode is defined in the first insulating layer and the second insulating layer, the second electrode is connected with the first signal electrode through the first contact hole, and an opening including an edge side surrounding the first contact hole in a plan view is defined in the first electrode.