Display Pad Layout With Via Connection to Prevent Pad Damage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display devices face issues with damage to pads due to overlapping structures and inadequate protection, which can lead to functional failures.
Innovation Solution
The display device design includes electrodes and pad electrodes on the same layer with an insulating layer having an opening to expose the pad electrode, and a via layer connecting the signal line to the pad electrode, ensuring they do not overlap, and a circuit board connected through conductive particles, providing electrical connection without overlap.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the signal line and pad electrode are disposed on the same layer and overlap, then the device complexity is reduced, but the pad electrode is damaged due to inadequate protection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the contradiction by transitioning from a two-dimensional planar arrangement to a three-dimensional stacked structure. The signal line and pad electrode are disposed on the same layer without overlapping in plan view, while a via layer is introduced in the vertical dimension to provide electrical connection. This dimensional change eliminates pad damage from overlapping while maintaining electrical connectivity through the via structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The via layer acts as an intermediary element between the signal line and pad electrode. Instead of direct overlapping contact, the via layer provides a protected intermediate connection path, shielding the pad electrode from direct exposure and damage while enabling electrical connectivity. This intermediary structure resolves the conflict between simplicity and protection.
2Ease of operation
If the insulating layer has an opening to expose the pad electrode for circuit board connection, then the electrical connection is enabled, but the pad electrode becomes vulnerable to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating layer is designed with selective local quality: it has an opening in the region where circuit board connection is needed to enable electrical connectivity, while maintaining coverage in other regions to protect the pad electrode. This localized differentiation allows the insulating layer to simultaneously provide both connection access and protection where required.
Solution Approach 2:
The pad electrode is functionally segmented into two regions: a first region that is exposed through the insulating layer opening for circuit board connection, and a second region that remains covered by the insulating layer for protection. This segmentation allows different portions of the same component to serve different functions - connection and protection simultaneously.
3Reliability
If the via layer is used to connect signal line and pad electrode without overlap, then the pad protection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The via layer is merged with the insulating layer structure, where the insulating layer covers the via layer in regions where protection is needed. This merging allows the two layers to work together as an integrated protection and connection system, reducing the need for completely separate protective structures and mitigating the increase in device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A display device includes electrodes spaced apart from each other in a display area, an insulating layer disposed on the electrodes, light emitting elements disposed between the electrodes on the insulating layer, a signal line electrically connected to the light emitting elements, and a pad electrode electrically connected to the signal line, the pad electrode and the electrodes being disposed on a same layer in a non-display area. The insulating layer includes an opening exposing the pad electrode, and the signal line does not overlap the opening of the insulating layer in plan view.