Display Device Input Sensing Pad Reduction via Multiplexer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display devices require a large number of input sensing pads, which can increase complexity and reduce efficiency in touch-based input methods.
Innovation Solution
A display device configuration that includes a shift register array and a multiplexer circuit to selectively connect signal lines to a reduced number of input sensing pads, allowing for efficient activation and connection of sensing electrodes, thereby reducing the number of necessary input sensing pads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large number of input sensing pads are used to connect to the input sensing unit, then the touch input functionality is complete and reliable, but the device complexity increases and manufacturing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing electrode connections into a single sensing pad through the multiplexer circuit. The multiplexer selectively connects multiple signal lines to one sensing pad, merging multiple connection paths into a single physical pad, thereby reducing the total number of pads while maintaining complete touch input functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The single sensing pad serves multiple functions by being selectively connected to different sensing electrodes through the multiplexer circuit. This one pad performs the role of multiple dedicated pads, achieving multi-functionality that reduces device complexity while preserving reliability.
2Reliability
If a large number of input sensing pads are used to connect to the input sensing unit, then all sensing electrodes can be directly connected, but the manufacturing efficiency and productivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensing electrode connections are merged into a single sensing pad through the multiplexer, reducing the number of pad connections required during manufacturing. This merging reduces manufacturing complexity and improves productivity while maintaining reliable sensing electrode connections through the selective switching mechanism.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple control signal pads are used to control the multiplexer circuit, then the connection flexibility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control function is segmented into two parts: a small number of control signal pads that generate control signals, and a shift register circuit that distributes these signals to multiple multiplexers. This segmentation allows high connection flexibility through the multiplexers while keeping the number of control pads low, thereby reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The shift register circuit acts as an intermediary between the control signal pads and the multiplexers. It receives control signals from a limited number of pads and generates the appropriate selection signals for multiple multiplexers, providing connection flexibility without requiring a proportional increase in control pads.
Data Source
AI summary
A display device includes a display panel, an input sensing unit, input sensing pads, a shift register, and a multiplexer circuit. The display panel includes a display area and a non-display area. The input sensing unit is disposed on the display panel. The input sensing unit includes sensing electrodes and signal lines respectively connected to the sensing electrodes. The input sensing pads are disposed in the non-display area. The input sensing pads include control signal pads and a sensing pad. The shift register array is configured to receive a start signal and at least one clock signal through some of the control signal pads, and to sequentially activate first selection signals. The multiplexer circuit is configured to selectively connect the signal lines to the sensing pad in response to the first selection signals.