Display Pad Side-Wire Layout to Prevent Data Pad Shorting

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing display devices face issues with short-circuit failures between adjacent data pads due to side wires, which affect the reliability and performance of the display devices, especially in tiled configurations where the quality of the image is sensitive to the connectivity and alignment of these pads.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves a specific structure where front data pads on the surface of the display device are electrically connected to rear data pads through side wires, with a residue of the same material and layer as the side wire, positioned in a way that reduces the risk of short-circuit defects by minimizing overlap with inspection openings and using a passivation layer to isolate potential residues, thereby enhancing the connectivity and reducing defects between neighboring pads.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If side wires are used to electrically connect front data pads to rear data pads, then electrical connectivity is achieved, but short-circuit failures occur between adjacent data pads

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connectivityVSAvoidshort-circuit failures
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A passivation layer is introduced as an intermediary insulating structure between adjacent side wires and data pads. This passivation layer prevents direct electrical contact that would cause short-circuits, while still allowing the side wires to maintain their electrical connectivity function through designated openings in the passivation layer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The solution adds a vertical dimension by stacking multiple insulating layers (first insulating layer, second insulating layer, and passivation layer) above and below the substrate plane. This multi-layer insulation structure isolates adjacent side wires in the vertical dimension, preventing lateral short-circuits while maintaining electrical connectivity through controlled openings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If data pads are positioned in peripheral areas connected through side wires, then device integration is achieved, but manufacturing precision is compromised due to alignment sensitivity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice integrationVSAvoidalignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The passivation layer and insulating layers are formed beforehand with predetermined patterns and positions before the final assembly. These pre-formed insulating structures provide fixed reference points that guide the precise positioning of side wires and data pads, reducing alignment sensitivity during manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the device have different structural characteristics - the passivation layer provides insulation in areas where short-circuits are possible, while openings are strategically placed only where electrical connectivity is needed. This localized differentiation of insulating and conductive regions enables precise control over electrical pathways.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4471859A1Display device and manufacturing method thereof
Publication Date: 2024.12.04 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • EP4471859A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4471859A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4471859A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A display device includes a substrate having first and second surfaces, transistors, data lines, and light-emitting diodes above the first surface, front data pads above the first surface, electrically connected to the data lines, and arranged in a first direction along a first side of the substrate, a first insulating layer above the front data pads, rear data pads under the second surface, and arranged in the first direction, a second insulating layer under the rear data pads, and defining first and second openings overlapping one of the rear data pads, a first virtual line extending from the first opening in the first direction not overlapping the second opening, and a side wire connecting a front data pad to a rear data pad, and electrically connected to and overlapping the first rear data pad through the first opening.