Flexible Circuit Board Segmentation for Non-Destructive Power Testing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for testing power consumption in display modules often result in damage to the circuit due to the need to cut off lines, leading to high operational difficulties and reduced yield, especially when measuring power consumption between the power management chip and the display panel.

Innovation Solution

A display module design incorporating a main flexible circuit board with first and second test points, allowing for direct connection of a test circuit without cutting lines, and an auxiliary flexible circuit board for impedance testing, enabling non-destructive power consumption and impedance measurements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a test line is cut off to test power consumption, then power consumption testing can be performed, but circuit damage occurs around the cutting point

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumption testingVSAvoidcircuit integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible circuit board is divided into a main flexible circuit board and an auxiliary flexible circuit board that can be separated. The auxiliary board contains the test lines that can be detached after testing, allowing power consumption measurement without permanently damaging the main circuit board's functional circuits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An auxiliary flexible circuit board is introduced as an intermediary component to perform the destructive cutting operation. This mediator absorbs the harm of line cutting, isolating it from the main circuit board and protecting the functional circuits from damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If line cutting is performed for testing, then power consumption measurement is enabled, but operational difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumption measurementVSAvoidtesting operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The test lines are pre-configured on the auxiliary flexible circuit board before the actual power consumption testing. This preliminary arrangement of test pathways simplifies the testing operation, as operators only need to connect test equipment to predefined test points rather than manually routing and cutting lines during the testing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If line cutting is performed for testing, then power consumption testing can be conducted, but product yield decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumption testing capabilityVSAvoidproduct yield

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the flexible circuit board into main and auxiliary parts, the destructive cutting operation is confined to the auxiliary board only. This ensures that the main circuit board remains intact and functional, allowing tested products to pass into production without being discarded due to test-induced damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Measurement precision

If an auxiliary flexible circuit board is added for impedance testing, then binding connection impedance can be tested, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpedance testing capabilityVSAvoidcircuit board structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The auxiliary flexible circuit board serves multiple functions: it provides test lines for power consumption testing, enables impedance testing of the binding connection between the main and auxiliary boards, and acts as a protective intermediary. By consolidating these multiple testing functions into a single auxiliary component, the overall system complexity is managed efficiently despite the added functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11812548B2Display module and method for forming same

Publication Date: 2023.11.07 XIAMEN TIANMA MICRO ELECTRONICS

AI summary

A display module and its formation method are provided in the present disclosure. The display module includes a main flexible circuit board, including a first binding terminal, a second binding terminal, a first test point and a second test point, where the first test point is electrically connected to the first binding terminal, and the second test point is electrically connected to the second binding terminal; and further includes an auxiliary flexible circuit board, including a third binding terminal and a fourth binding terminal, where the third binding terminal is electrically connected to the fourth binding terminal, the first binding terminal is disposed corresponding to the third binding terminal, and the second binding terminal is disposed corresponding to the fourth binding terminal.