Gate Driver Circuit Reducing Size and Leakage Current
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gate driver circuits for display devices are limited by the size of the non-display area, leading to increased size of the edge area and reduced display area, and suffer from leakage current issues that deteriorate image quality due to the high number of transistors and lines in each stage circuit, affecting threshold voltage sensing and image compensation.
Innovation Solution
A gate driver circuit with reduced transistor count and line connections, featuring stage blocks with start and normal stage circuits, which output multiple gate signals and carry signals, allowing for faster threshold voltage sensing and reduced leakage current, thereby enhancing image quality and increasing display area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the number of transistors in each stage circuit is increased to improve gate signal generation capability, then the reliability of gate signal output is improved, but the size of the gate driver circuit increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple transistors into integrated stage circuit blocks where transistors are shared across multiple functions. Specifically, transistors in each stage circuit are configured to generate both gate signals and carry signals simultaneously, reducing the total transistor count while maintaining signal generation reliability through functional integration rather than proliferation of components.
Solution Approach 2:
Each stage circuit is designed with multi-functional transistors that can operate in different modes to generate various signal types. The same transistor structure serves multiple purposes: generating gate signals for pixel rows, producing carry signals for stage progression, and enabling threshold voltage sensing, thereby reducing the need for dedicated transistors for each function.
2Area of stationary object
If the number of transistors in each stage circuit is reduced to decrease gate driver circuit size, then the display area increases, but leakage current occurs due to transistor threshold voltage changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic threshold voltage compensation mechanisms within each stage circuit. Transistors are configured with feedback paths that detect threshold voltage shifts and dynamically adjust operating points to maintain complete turn-off states. This dynamic adaptation prevents leakage current even as transistor characteristics change during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Stage circuits incorporate feedback loops that monitor the off-state current of transistors and adjust gate voltages accordingly. When leakage is detected, the feedback mechanism modifies the threshold voltage compensation signals to ensure transistors remain fully turned off, preventing leakage current propagation through the gate driver circuit.
3Area of stationary object
If the number of transistors and lines is reduced to minimize gate driver circuit size, then the display area increases, but the output speed of gate signals for threshold voltage sensing decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The gate driver circuit is divided into multiple independent stage blocks, each capable of autonomous operation. This segmentation allows parallel processing of different gate signal generations, where each block can simultaneously generate gate signals and carry signals without interfering with other blocks, thereby maintaining high output speed despite reduced overall circuit complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Stage circuits are designed to pre-charge and pre-discharge nodes in preparation for signal output. Capacitors are pre-charged to required voltage levels before signal transitions, and transistors are pre-positioned in optimal states, enabling faster signal generation and output without requiring additional transistors or longer operation cycles.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a gate driver circuit having a reduced size, and a display device including the same. The gate driver circuit includes a plurality of stage blocks for outputting n gate signals (n is a positive integer). Each stage block includes each start stage circuit including a blank start circuit for receiving a block selection signal, and a signal output circuit for outputting a carry signal and a gate signal; and a plurality of normal stage circuits connected to each start stage circuit.