Display Panel Trunk Line Layout for ESD-Resistant Gate Drivers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The manufacturing yield of liquid crystal display panels using the gate driver monolithic (GDM) technique is hindered by electrostatic discharge (ESD) defects during the manufacturing process, which affects the reliability and efficiency of the display devices.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a specific configuration of trunk lines in the peripheral region of the display panel, including a first trunk line with a coupling portion and ESD sacrificial portions, which are strategically positioned to reduce the likelihood of ESD-induced defects by increasing the distance between the trunk lines and the display region, and utilizing a second trunk line with distinct portions to supply signals independently to stages of the shift register.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the gate driver circuit is integrally formed on the TFT substrate using GDM technique, then the frame width is narrowed and manufacturing cost is reduced, but the manufacturing yield is reduced due to ESD breakdown
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a ground line as an intermediary element positioned between the trunk line and the display region. This ground line acts as a mediator that provides a reference potential and reduces the electric field intensity, thereby preventing ESD breakdown while maintaining the compact GDM structure. The ground line serves as a protective buffer that allows the trunk line to be closer to the display region without causing ESD defects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary protective measures by pre-positioning the ground line and ESD protection structures during the manufacturing process. The ground line is formed in advance before final device assembly, creating a preemptive defense against ESD. Additionally, the design incorporates preliminary ESD protection circuits that are built into the trunk line structure, preventing ESD damage before it can occur during operation or handling.
2Area of stationary object
If the trunk line is positioned closer to the display region, then the peripheral region area is reduced, but ESD breakdown risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ground line serves as a protective intermediary between the trunk line and the display region. By positioning the ground line adjacent to the trunk line, it creates an electric field shield that reduces the potential difference and minimizes ESD risk. This allows the trunk line to be positioned closer to the display region without increasing ESD vulnerability, effectively decoupling the positional constraint from the ESD risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by incorporating ESD protection circuits and ground lines that are pre-configured to absorb or divert ESD energy before it can reach critical circuit elements. The ground line acts as a cushioning element that dissipates ESD energy safely, allowing the trunk line to maintain a compact position while still being protected against ESD breakdown.
3Device complexity
If the first trunk line supplies common signal to multiple stages, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision is affected due to ESD sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The ground line acts as an intermediary reference that stabilizes the electrical environment for the trunk line carrying common signals. By providing a stable ground reference, it reduces electromagnetic interference and minimizes the risk of ESD-induced manufacturing defects, allowing simplified signal distribution without compromising manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameters by introducing ground lines that modify the electric field distribution and potential gradients around the trunk line. This parameter modification reduces the electric field intensity that could cause ESD breakdown, thereby enabling simplified signal distribution architectures to be manufactured with higher precision and fewer ESD-related defects.
Data Source
AI summary
A display panel includes a display region and a peripheral region other than the display region. The display panel includes, in the peripheral region, a gate drive circuit and a first trunk line extending in a column direction. The first trunk line includes a first edge on a first side corresponding to the display region side in the row direction and a second edge on a second side corresponding to a side opposite to the display region in the row direction. The first trunk line includes a first portion and a second portion, each including the first edge and the second edge, and the first edge of the second portion is closer to the second side in the row direction than the first edge of the first portion. The first portion is not provided with an element, and the second portion includes a region provided with an element.