Display Panel Metal Layout for Low-Resistance Border Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing display panel technologies require a separate photomask for connecting lines, increasing production costs due to the need for a smaller sheet resistance compared to metal wiring in the display area, which cannot be shared.
Innovation Solution
A display panel design with a first and second metal layer separated by an insulating layer, where the second metal part and fourth metal part are electrically connected in the non-display area in parallel, reducing sheet resistance without adding additional photomasks by using the same layer and photomask for both metal parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an additional photomask is added to reduce sheet resistance of connecting lines, then the sheet resistance is reduced, but the production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the connecting line pattern with the metal wiring pattern by using the same photomask. The metal layer is designed to extend continuously from the display area connecting lines into the non-display area, allowing both to be formed in a single photomask exposure step. This integration eliminates the need for an additional photomask while maintaining low sheet resistance through the continuous metal structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The metal layer serves multiple functions: it acts as both the display area metal wiring and the non-display area connecting lines. By designing the metal layer to fulfill both roles simultaneously with a continuous structure, the patent achieves multi-functionality, reducing the need for separate processing steps and additional photomasks.
2Productivity
If the sheet resistance of connecting lines is reduced to achieve narrow borders and improved refresh rate, then the border width is reduced and refresh rate is improved, but the production cost increases due to additional photomask
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the forming of display area metal wiring and non-display area connecting lines into a single photomask process. The continuous metal layer structure allows both components to be created simultaneously, eliminating additional processing steps that would increase production cost while enabling the low sheet resistance needed for high refresh rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the metal layer, extending it continuously from the display area into the non-display area. This parameter modification allows the metal layer to serve dual purposes, achieving low sheet resistance for high refresh rate performance without requiring additional photomasks or processing steps.
3Reliability
If a continuous metal layer is used to reduce sheet resistance, then the sheet resistance is reduced, but the metal parts in display area and non-display area may overlap in projection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the projection overlap issue by utilizing the planar layout dimension strategically. The metal layer is configured to extend in a direction that allows continuous connectivity while maintaining proper spatial separation in the display area. The insulating layer beneath provides the necessary isolation, enabling the continuous metal structure to achieve low sheet resistance without creating unwanted electrical connections in the display region.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating layer serves as an intermediary that enables the continuous metal layer to extend from the display area to the non-display area without creating unwanted connections. The insulating layer provides electrical isolation where needed while allowing the metal layer to maintain continuity for low sheet resistance, effectively mediating between the conflicting requirements of continuous connectivity and spatial separation.
Data Source
AI summary
A display panel and a display terminal are disclosed. display panel. The display panel has a display area and a non-display area on at least one side of the display area. The display panel includes: a first substrate; a first metal layer on the first substrate, the first metal layer including a first metal part disposed in the display area and a second metal part disposed in the non-display area; and a second metal layer on a side of the first metal layer away from the first substrate, the second metal layer including a third metal part in the display area and a fourth metal part in the non-display area.