Gate Driver Control Circuit for Pausing and Resuming Scan Operation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drive circuits cannot arbitrarily set whether to stop their operation due to the necessity of using a latch circuit, which results in involuntary operation cessation.

Innovation Solution

A drive circuit configuration with a plurality of stages, including unit circuits, a latch circuit connected in parallel, and connection circuits that allow for independent control of operation through control signals, enabling the circuit to be paused or resumed as needed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a latch circuit is used to control the drive circuit operation, then the operation can be stopped, but the operation cannot be arbitrarily controlled to resume or continue

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation control flexibilityVSAvoidarbitrary setting capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The drive circuit is divided into multiple independent stages (first stage, second stage, third stage), each with its own unit circuit. The latch circuit is segmented to control specific stages independently. The connection circuit includes a reset circuit that can reset the first unit circuit and a set circuit that can set the latch circuit output signal to the third unit circuit, enabling selective control of different stages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The drive circuit transitions from a static latch control mechanism to a dynamic control system where the operation state can be changed between stopped and resumed based on control signals. The connection circuit dynamically connects or disconnects the latch circuit output signal to different unit circuits based on the control signal state, allowing flexible operation management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the latch circuit is connected in series with unit circuits, then the operation stops necessarily, but the operation cannot be arbitrarily set to continue

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation state controlVSAvoidcircuit connection structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The circuit is segmented into multiple independent stages with the latch circuit connected in parallel rather than series. Each stage has its own unit circuit that can operate independently. The connection circuit includes a reset circuit for the first unit circuit and a set circuit for the third unit circuit, allowing selective control without forcing operation stop across the entire circuit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of connecting the latch circuit in series which forces operation stop, the latch circuit is connected in parallel. This inversion allows the latch circuit to control specific stages without blocking the entire drive circuit. The connection circuit can selectively connect the latch circuit output signal to different unit circuits, enabling arbitrary operation setting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Productivity

If the drive circuit operation is stopped by the latch circuit, then the scanning signal generation halts, but the touch panel cannot detect touch in the stopped period

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescanning signal generationVSAvoidtouch detection capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The drive circuit dynamically switches between operation and stop states based on control signals. When the operation is stopped, the latch circuit output signal is not connected to the unit circuits, allowing the touch panel to detect touch. When the operation is resumed, the connection circuit connects the latch circuit output signal, restoring scanning signal generation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The connection circuit acts as an intermediary between the latch circuit and the unit circuits. It selectively connects or disconnects the latch circuit output signal based on control signals, enabling the system to switch between drive mode and touch detection mode without permanent operation stop.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12535915B2Driver, display touch panel, and controller for stopping and resuming operation of a gate driver

Publication Date: 2026.01.27 FOUR DROBOTICS CORP

AI summary

A drive circuit includes a plurality of stages and configured to supply a drive signal to a scanning signal line group in response to input of a plurality of clock signals. The drive circuit includes a plurality of unit circuits respectively constituting the plurality of stages, the plurality of unit circuits being configured to output the drive signal, a latch circuit provided in parallel with the plurality of unit circuits, and a connection circuit connected to an output node of the latch circuit.