Display Panel Conductive Stack for Low Contact Resistance

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display panel manufacturing methods face challenges in achieving optimal conductivity and reducing contact resistance between conductive layers, which can lead to voltage drop and display defects.

Innovation Solution

The method involves forming a third conductive layer with a specific structure, including a first metal layer, a natural oxidation layer with a higher oxygen content, and a crystalline layer formed by curing the oxidation layer in a nitrogen atmosphere, which reduces contact resistance when combined with a fourth conductive layer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional conductive layer structure is used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the contact resistance between conductive layers is high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontact resistanceVSAvoidconductive layer structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The conductive layer is constructed as a composite structure with multiple sub-layers (first sub-layer, second sub-layer, third sub-layer) having different material compositions and thicknesses. This composite structure optimizes electrical conductivity while managing contact resistance, resolving the contradiction between simple manufacturing and low contact resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The conductive layer is divided into multiple segmented sub-layers, each serving specific functions. The first sub-layer provides base conductivity, the second sub-layer optimizes interface contact, and the third sub-layer enhances overall conductive performance. This segmentation allows targeted optimization of contact resistance without overly complicating the overall manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the conductive layer thickness is increased, then the conductivity is improved, but the voltage drop increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveconductivityVSAvoidvoltage drop
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

Different sub-layers of the conductive structure have locally optimized properties. The first sub-layer has specific thickness and composition for base conductivity, while the second and third sub-layers have tailored properties to minimize contact resistance at interfaces. This local quality optimization ensures high conductivity without excessive voltage drop, as each layer contributes specifically to the overall performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The invention optimizes multiple parameters including the thickness, material composition, and stacking sequence of each sub-layer. By carefully adjusting these parameters, the conductive layer achieves high conductivity while minimizing voltage drop through reduced contact resistance at layer interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This approach significantly reduces contact resistance between conductive layers, preventing voltage drop and enhancing the reliability and performance of the display panel by ensuring stable signal transmission.

Implementation Method 1

a natural oxidation layer with a higher oxygen content, and a crystalline layer formed by curing the oxidation layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Implementation Method 2

curing the passivation layer in a nitrogen (N2) atmosphere and at a predetermined temperature to form a fifth layer that is crystalline and disposed on the fourth layer, the fourth layer being amorphous

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCrystallization: Crystallisation

Data Source

PatentEP3496148B1Display panel and manufacturing method thereof
Publication Date: 2025.02.19 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • EP3496148B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3496148B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3496148B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A display panel includes a first conductive layer including a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer sequentially stacked, and a second conductive layer on the first conductive layer and contacting the third layer. The first layer includes a first metal. The second layer includes the first metal and oxygen in a first composition ratio. The third layer includes the first metal and oxygen at a second composition ratio. The second composition ratio is smaller than the first composition ratio. Conductivity of the third layer is higher than conductivity of the second layer. The first composition ratio is a ratio of an atom percent of the first metal to an atom percent of oxygen in the second layer. The second composition ratio is a ratio of an atom percent of the first metal to an atom percent of oxygen in the third layer.