Electrostatic Discharging Circuit with Segmented Transistors

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Display devices face signal leakage issues due to electrostatic discharging circuits using transistors with negative threshold voltages, which can lead to abnormal operation and ineffective electrostatic discharge.

Innovation Solution

The electrostatic discharging circuit includes a first transistor and a second transistor, both connected to a signal line and a node, with a capacitor receiving a voltage to compensate for threshold voltage variations, ensuring stable electrostatic discharge functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a transistor with negative threshold voltage is used in the electrostatic discharging circuit, then the circuit can discharge static electricity, but signal leakage occurs during normal operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrostatic discharge capabilityVSAvoidsignal leakage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The electrostatic discharging circuit is segmented into multiple transistors (first transistor, second transistor, third transistor) with different threshold voltage characteristics. Each transistor handles specific voltage ranges, allowing the circuit to discharge static electricity while preventing signal leakage during normal operation through coordinated operation of the segmented components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different transistors are assigned different threshold voltage characteristics (negative threshold voltage for the first transistor, positive threshold voltage for the second and third transistors) to perform different functions locally within the circuit. This local differentiation allows simultaneous achievement of electrostatic discharge capability and signal leakage prevention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Object-generated harmful factors

If a transistor with positive threshold voltage is used in the electrostatic discharging circuit, then signal leakage is reduced, but electrostatic discharge effectiveness decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal leakage reductionVSAvoidelectrostatic discharge effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The circuit segments the electrostatic discharge function across multiple transistors with different threshold characteristics. The first transistor with negative threshold voltage handles the initial high-voltage discharge, while the second and third transistors with positive threshold voltages manage subsequent discharge stages and prevent signal leakage, achieving both effectiveness and low leakage through segmentation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The circuit changes the threshold voltage parameter across different transistor components rather than using a single transistor type. This parameter variation allows the circuit to adapt to different voltage levels during the discharge process, maintaining effectiveness while reducing leakage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If additional transistors and capacitors are added to compensate for threshold voltage shifts, then discharge stability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedischarge stabilityVSAvoidcircuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electrostatic discharge and threshold voltage compensation functions are merged into a single integrated circuit structure. The first, second, and third transistors work together in a unified configuration where the compensation mechanism is built-in rather than added separately, reducing overall complexity while maintaining stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The multi-transistor configuration serves multiple functions simultaneously: the first transistor provides electrostatic discharge capability, while the second and third transistors provide threshold voltage compensation and signal leakage prevention. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate compensation circuits, managing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10839750B2Electrostatic discharging circuit and display device including the same
Publication Date: 2020.11.17 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • US10839750B2 patent drawing
  • US10839750B2 patent drawing
  • US10839750B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An electrostatic discharging circuit includes a first transistor including a first electrode electrically connected to a signal line, a second electrode receiving a first voltage, and a first gate electrode electrically connected to a first node. A second transistor includes a third electrode electrically connected to the signal line, a fourth electrode electrically connected to the first node, and a second gate electrode electrically connected to the first node. A first capacitor receives the first voltage and is electrically connected to the first node.