Shift Register Circuit Topology for Noise-Resistant Display Scanning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional shift register circuits in semiconductor devices suffer from malfunctions due to noise, high power consumption, and characteristic variations, particularly in unipolar transistor-based designs, which affect the stability and reliability of display devices.

Innovation Solution

A semiconductor device with a shift register circuit configuration that includes specific transistor and rectifying element arrangements to stabilize electric potentials, reduce noise susceptibility, and minimize power consumption, featuring transistors that can be turned ON/OFF to manage signal transmission and reset operations effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a unipolar transistor-based shift register circuit is used, then manufacturing complexity is reduced and cost decreases, but the circuit becomes susceptible to noise and experiences characteristic variations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing complexityVSAvoidcircuit stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The shift register circuit is divided into multiple stages, with each stage independently controlled by clock signals. This segmentation allows the circuit to process signals sequentially while maintaining stability through controlled timing, reducing the impact of noise and characteristic variations on the overall circuit performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The circuit employs periodic clock signals to control the operation of transistors at each stage. By using periodic timing control, the circuit maintains synchronized operation across stages, which enhances reliability and reduces susceptibility to noise while keeping the manufacturing process simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Reliability

If conventional shift register circuits are used, then signal transmission is achieved, but power consumption is high and malfunctions occur due to noise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal transmission stabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The circuit uses periodic clock signals with specific timing to control transistor switching. This periodic control ensures that signal transmission occurs only when needed, reducing continuous power consumption while maintaining reliable signal transmission through synchronized operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The circuit design allows transistors to automatically switch states based on the clock signal timing and signal levels, reducing the need for additional control circuits. This self-service operation minimizes power consumption while maintaining transmission stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If unipolar transistors are used in shift register circuits, then manufacturing steps are omitted, but the circuits experience characteristic variations and noise susceptibility

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecircuit structureVSAvoidoperational stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The circuit is segmented into multiple stages with independent transistor control. This segmentation allows each stage to operate independently with precise timing control, reducing the propagation of characteristic variations and noise while maintaining a relatively simple unipolar transistor structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The circuit employs parameter changes in the form of clock signal timing and voltage levels to control transistor operation. By carefully adjusting these parameters, the circuit achieves stable operation and reduces susceptibility to characteristic variations while maintaining structural simplicity.

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

The proposed solution enables a stable shift register circuit with reduced malfunctions due to noise, lower power consumption, and minimal characteristic variations, enhancing the reliability and performance of semiconductor and display devices.

Implementation Method 1

a rectifying element which turns ON the first transistor in accordance with electric potential of an input terminal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRectification: Diode

Implementation Method 2

a first transistor for transmitting electric potential of the first terminal to the output terminal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 3

a second transistor which fixes electric potential of the output terminal by conducting electricity the output terminal and the second terminal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 4

a third transistor which fixes electric potential of the third terminal by conducting electricity the third terminal and the second terminal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS8643400B2Semiconductor device, display device, and electronic device
Publication Date: 2014.02.04 SEMICON ENERGY LAB CO LTD
  • US8643400B2 patent drawing
  • US8643400B2 patent drawing
  • US8643400B2 patent drawing

AI summary

To provide a semiconductor device which operates stably with few malfunctions due to noise, with low power consumption, and little variation in characteristics; a display device including the semiconductor device; and an electronic device including the display device. An output terminal is connected to a power supply line, thereby reducing variation in electric potential of the output terminal. In addition, a gate electrode potential which turns ON a transistor is maintained due to the capacitance of the transistor. Further, change in characteristics of the transistor is reduced by a signal line for reverse bias.