Electrostatic Discharge Protection Circuit for Display Substrates

The patent introduces electrostatic discharge portions as intermediary elements between metal lines. These portions act as mediators that provide a controlled path for electrostatic discharge, preventing direct discharge between adjacent metal lines. The electrostatic discharge portions are positioned between the metal lines and include conductive structures that can safely dissipate accumulated electrostatic charges, thus resolving the contradiction by enabling close spacing while maintaining reliability.

The patent merges the electrostatic discharge portions with existing conductive structures on the substrate. The electrostatic discharge portions are integrated into the metal line network, sharing conductive paths and structural elements with the functional circuitry. This merging approach allows electrostatic protection to be implemented without adding completely separate protective structures, thus improving reliability while minimizing the increase in device complexity.

The patent utilizes the vertical dimension by arranging electrostatic discharge units at different levels or heights on the substrate surface. By stacking electrostatic discharge structures in multiple layers or at different vertical positions, the patent enhances electrostatic discharge capability in three-dimensional space. This dimensional approach allows multiple discharge paths to be created without proportionally increasing lateral spacing requirements, thereby improving protection capability while controlling manufacturing complexity through vertical integration rather than horizontal expansion.