Display Panel Test Circuit Switching Shorting Bars

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing manufacturing process for TFT-LCDs involves costly laser cutting of shorting bars for light detection during functional testing, leading to increased production costs.

Innovation Solution

A test circuit is introduced that includes a switch circuit between the shorting bars and signal lines, allowing for connection only during panel testing and disconnecting otherwise, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If laser cutting is used to remove shorting bars for light detection during functional testing, then light detection can be performed, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight detection capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the shorting bar material from the signal line at specific test points, creating open circuits that allow light to pass through for detection purposes without requiring laser cutting of the entire shorting bar structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The shorting bars are pre-configured in the circuit design at specific locations where light detection is needed, allowing the testing function to be built-in from the beginning rather than requiring post-manufacturing laser cutting

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If shorting bars are permanently connected to signal lines, then light detection is enabled, but the circuit cannot be reused for testing after production

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight detection capabilityVSAvoidtesting phase availability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic control of the shorting bar connections through switch circuits that can be turned on or off based on whether the device is in production mode or testing mode, allowing the same circuit to serve both purposes at different times

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The shorting bars are activated periodically or on-demand during testing phases and deactivated during normal operation, allowing the testing function to be available when needed without interfering with production functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP3657477B1Testing circuit for display panel and display device
Publication Date: 2025.02.12 SHENZHEN CHINA STAR OPTOELECTRONICS SEMICON DISPLAY TECH CO LTD
  • EP3657477B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3657477B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3657477B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided are a testing circuit (1000) for a display panel (2000) and a display device (1). The testing circuit (1000) for the display panel (2000) comprises: one or more shorting bars (100); multiple signal lines (200); and a switch module (300) connected to the one or more shorting bars (100) and the multiple signal lines (200). When the display panel (2000) is under test, the switch module (300) connects the multiple signal lines (200) to their corresponding shorting bars (100). Upon completion of testing of the display panel (2000), connection between the multiple signal lines (200) and the one or more shorting bars (100) is disconnected.