Display ESD Protection Circuit Layout for Crossed Voltage Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Display devices are susceptible to electrostatic discharge (ESD) that can cause failures in the electrostatic discharge protection circuit, leading to potential damage to pixels and other components.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of an electrostatic discharge protection circuit with a first and second voltage line crossing, where one line includes a bridge electrode under the line portion, and transistors diode-connected between these lines to manage ESD, along with a connection electrode on the same layer as the gate, providing enhanced protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If voltage lines cross each other in the non-display area, then space utilization is improved, but electrostatic discharge protection circuit reliability deteriorates due to increased ESD vulnerability
Solution Approach 1:
A bridge electrode is introduced as an intermediary element between the first and second voltage lines at their crossing point. This bridge electrode acts as a mediator that provides a controlled discharge path for electrostatic charges, preventing direct ESD damage to the protection circuit while maintaining the compact crossed layout of the voltage lines.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrostatic discharge protection circuit is designed with diode-connected transistors and bridge electrodes positioned before the sensitive circuit elements. This beforehand cushioning structure provides pre-established discharge paths that cushion against incoming ESD events, protecting the circuit from voltage spikes before they can cause damage.
2Reliability
If diode-connected transistors are used in the ESD protection circuit, then ESD protection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transistors in the ESD protection circuit are configured as diode-connected elements, making them serve dual functions: as switching elements for normal circuit operation and as protection elements for ESD events. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate protection components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The ESD protection function is merged with the existing voltage line structure by integrating diode-connected transistors directly into the circuit path. The protection circuit shares components with the signal path, combining multiple functions into a unified structure that provides both signal transmission and ESD protection without requiring completely separate circuitry.
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
The solution effectively reduces ESD-induced failures by directing positive and negative static electricity away from data lines, thereby protecting the display device components and enhancing reliability.
Implementation Method 1
Display devices are susceptible to electrostatic discharge (ESD) that can cause failures in the electrostatic discharge protection circuit
Implementation Method 2
at least one first diode transistor diode-connected between the first voltage line and the data line, and at least one second diode transistor diode-connected between the data line and the second voltage line
Data Source
AI summary
A display device includes data line electrically connected to respective pixels, scan line, a scan driver electrically connected to the scan line, electrostatic discharge protection circuit electrically connected to the data line, and a first line configured to receive a first voltage and electrically connected to the scan line and the electrostatic discharge protection circuit. The first line crosses with a second line, the first line includes a bridge electrode, the bridge electrode is under an uppermost electrode constituting the electrostatic discharge protection circuit, and the line portion is on a same layer as or under the uppermost electrode constituting the electrostatic discharge protection circuit.