ESD Protection Chip With LED Detection Module

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrostatic discharge protection chips in TFT-LCDs are undetectably worn off during shipment, leading to inefficiencies and high production costs due to low measurement efficiency and inability to detect abnormal conditions in normal inspection processes.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a detection module with a DC power source, first resistor, second resistor, reference resistor, and a light emitting diode (LED) detection element to determine the abnormality of equivalent resistors by detecting voltage differences, allowing for real-time detection of worn-off electrostatic discharge modules.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an electrostatic discharge protection chip is connected between the connector and driving chip, then the driving chip is protected from static electricity damage, but the abnormal condition of the protection chip cannot be detected during normal inspection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection functionVSAvoidabnormal condition detection
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a detection module as an intermediary component that includes a detection element (such as an LED), resistors, and a power source. This detection module is connected to the electrostatic discharge protection chip and enables indirect detection of the protection chip's status by monitoring parameters like voltage or current, thereby solving the detection difficulty without compromising the protection function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrostatic discharge protection chip is designed to enable self-detection through the detection module. The detection element can automatically monitor the resistance value or electrical characteristics of the protection chip and indicate abnormal conditions (such as when the protection chip wears off) without requiring external complex testing equipment, allowing the system to self-diagnose its protection status

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If measurement is performed using an avometer to detect worn-off electrostatic discharge protection chip, then the abnormal condition can be identified, but the measurement efficiency is low and lengthy training is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveabnormal condition identificationVSAvoidmeasurement efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical measurement system (avometer) with an optical detection system. The detection element (such as an LED) optically indicates the status of the electrostatic discharge protection chip, transforming the measurement process from complex electrical measurement to simple visual observation, thereby eliminating the need for specialized training and improving measurement efficiency while maintaining detection accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The detection module utilizes color changes or light emission from the detection element (e.g., LED) to indicate the operational status of the electrostatic discharge protection chip. When the protection chip is normal or abnormal, the detection element exhibits different optical characteristics, enabling quick visual identification without complex measurement procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color 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 solution enables efficient detection of abnormal electrostatic discharge modules, reducing production costs and improving production efficiency by providing a straightforward method to identify and address worn-off components.

Implementation Method 1

the detection element is a light emitting diode (LED), a negative electrode of the LED is connected between the equivalent resistor and the first resistor, and a positive electrode of the LED is connected between the reference resistor and the second resistor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight Emitting Diode: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentUS9847303B2Electrostatic discharge protection chip and driving circuit
Publication Date: 2017.12.19 TCL CHINA STAR OPTOELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO LTD
  • US9847303B2 patent drawing
  • US9847303B2 patent drawing
  • US9847303B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An electrostatic discharge protection chip is provided. The electrostatic discharge protection chip includes an electrostatic discharge module for discharging abnormal static electricity on the driver chip, and at least one detection module for detecting an equivalent resistor of the electrostatic discharge module in the driving circuit to determine whether the electrostatic discharge module is abnormal. The technical problems of the undetectable abnormal condition of the electrostatic discharge module, low functional efficiency, and high production cost are resolved.