Display Panel Power Layer Layout for ESD-Safe Tiling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Display devices, such as OLEDs and LEDs, are susceptible to electrostatic discharge (ESD) which can cause insulation breakdown or short circuits, necessitating effective ESD protection to prevent overcurrent and overvoltage.
Innovation Solution
A display panel design incorporating a low-potential power supply layer with an extension portion and ESD protection circuit, connected via side lines, to discharge ESD effectively, enhancing durability and seam invisibility in tiling displays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional power supply layer design is used, then the device structure is simple, but the ESD protection probability is low
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply layer is segmented into multiple independent regions (first power supply region, second power supply region, third power supply region) with different configurations. Each region has its own extension portions connecting to side lines, allowing distributed ESD discharge paths throughout the device, thereby increasing overall ESD protection probability without requiring a complete redesign of the entire power supply system.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply layer design extends from a two-dimensional planar structure into the third dimension by adding extension portions that protrude toward side lines. This dimensional extension creates additional discharge pathways and increases the effective surface area for ESD protection, transforming a flat power supply layer into a multi-level structure with enhanced protective capabilities.
2Reliability
If the low-potential power supply layer is extended to increase ESD discharge probability, then ESD protection improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The extension portions of the low-potential power supply layer are merged with the side lines that connect to pad electrodes. By integrating these structures, the patent creates a unified conductive network that serves dual purposes: power supply distribution and ESD discharge pathways. This merging reduces the number of separate manufacturing steps and simplifies the overall fabrication process while maintaining enhanced ESD protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The extended power supply layer structures serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide low-potential power supply to pixel circuits, create ESD discharge paths to side lines and pad electrodes, and establish electrical connections between different device regions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated ESD protection structures, thereby simplifying manufacturing while achieving improved reliability.
3Reliability
If side lines are used to connect pad electrodes, then electrical connection is established, but visible seams may appear in tiling displays
Solution Approach 1:
The side lines are positioned and configured with specific local characteristics: they are disposed along the edges of the display panel and connect to pad electrodes located at the periphery. This localized positioning ensures that the conductive structures are concentrated at the boundaries rather than across the entire display surface, minimizing their visual impact while maintaining electrical connectivity for ESD protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The side lines act as intermediary conductive structures that bridge the gap between internal pad electrodes and external ESD discharge paths. By using these intermediate side lines as mediators, the patent routes ESD currents through peripheral pathways rather than across the visible display area, thereby protecting the display from ESD damage while keeping the protection mechanisms invisible to users.
Data Source
AI summary
A display panel and a tiling display device including the same are discussed. The display panel can include a first side part and a second side part facing each other, a third side part and a fourth side part facing each other, a pixel area in which one or more pixels are disposed, and a low-potential power supply layer configured to supply low-potential power to the one or more pixels. The first side part can include a side line, and the low-potential power supply layer can include an extension portion disposed on the third side part. According to the display panel, it is possible to increase the probability of electrostatic discharge (ESD) applied to a combination part or a rear surface of a display device being discharged through an ESD protection circuit.