Display Panel Dummy Electrode Layout for Transistor Light Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Transistors in display panels are deteriorated due to light exposure, leading to reliability issues.
Innovation Solution
A display panel design featuring a base layer with distinct areas for display and transmission, incorporating first and second pixels with sub-pixels and a dummy electrode that blocks light and protects the transistors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If light is allowed to pass through the display panel for transmission, then light transmission efficiency is improved, but transistor reliability deteriorates due to photo-degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The display panel is divided into a display area and a transmission area, with further segmentation into pixel circuits and dummy electrode regions. This segmentation allows light to pass through the transmission area while blocking light from reaching transistor components in the display area, resolving the contradiction between light transmission and transistor protection
Solution Approach 2:
A dummy electrode is introduced as an intermediary element in the transmission area. This dummy electrode blocks light paths that would otherwise reach the transistor components while maintaining the overall light transmission function of the panel. The dummy electrode acts as a mediator that prevents photo-degradation without completely blocking light transmission
2Reliability
If a light blocking structure is added to protect transistors, then transistor reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dummy electrode is merged with the existing electrode structure of the display panel. By combining the light-blocking function with the existing electrode design, the patent avoids adding separate complex blocking structures, thus protecting transistors while minimizing increases in device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The dummy electrode serves multiple functions: it acts as both an electrical component of the display panel and a light-blocking structure for transistor protection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated blocking components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving reliability improvement
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
The solution effectively prevents photo-degradation of transistors, enhancing the reliability of the display panel while allowing for efficient light transmission.
Implementation Method 1
The dummy electrode is spaced from the semiconductor pattern unit in a plan view... At least a portion of the semiconductor pattern unit is blocked by the dummy electrode when viewed in a direction from the transmission area to the pixel circuit
Implementation Method 2
The second insulating layer has a refractive index greater than a refractive index of the first insulating layer and a refractive index of the third insulating layer
Data Source
AI summary
A display panel includes a base layer including a first area including a display area and a transmission area and a second area around at least a portion of the first area and having a light transmittance lower than the first area, and first pixels, each of the first pixels including sub-pixels in the display area; and a dummy electrode in the display area. Each of the sub-pixels of the first pixel includes a pixel circuit including first transistors and a light emitting element connected to the first transistors, each of the first transistors includes a semiconductor pattern unit and a gate electrode overlapping the semiconductor pattern unit, and the dummy electrode is spaced from the semiconductor pattern unit in a plan view.