GOA Driver Circuit Transistor Reduction via Module Merging
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing gate driver on array (GOA) driver circuits in liquid crystal displays (LCDs) require a large number of transistors, which is inefficient and poses a challenge in reducing transistor usage without compromising functionality.
Innovation Solution
The proposed GOA driver circuit incorporates a plurality of cascaded GOA units with a pull-up module, pull-down holding module, transferring module, and bootstrap capacitor module, which share transistors to reduce the overall number of transistors used, allowing for efficient operation by time-sharing the work of specific transistors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional transistor LCD array process is used for GOA driver circuit, then the circuit can be formed in array substrate, but too many transistors are required which increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pull-down module and hold module into a single integrated circuit block that shares transistors between adjacent GOA units. Specifically, the fifth transistor's source is connected to the fourth transistor's drain, creating a shared pathway that allows transistors to serve dual purposes across different functional modules and adjacent stages, thereby reducing the total transistor count while maintaining the GOA driver circuit's functionality when formed in array substrate
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functionality by designing transistors that serve multiple roles. The fourth transistor acts as both a pull-down transistor and a hold transistor depending on the operational phase. Additionally, transistors in one GOA unit can function for adjacent units through shared connections, allowing a single transistor to perform duties that would traditionally require separate dedicated transistors, thus reducing overall device complexity
2Reliability
If more transistors are used in GOA driver circuit, then circuit functionality is maintained, but transistor usage efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action through time-multiplexed operation of shared transistors. The hold module operates during specific time periods to maintain gate signal levels, while the pull-down module operates in other periods. This periodic switching allows the same physical transistors to fulfill different functional requirements at different times, ensuring circuit reliability without requiring dedicated transistors for each function, thereby improving transistor usage efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated pull-down and hold module design allows the circuit to self-regulate and self-service. The shared transistors automatically switch between pull-down and hold functions based on the circuit's operational state and timing signals, eliminating the need for additional control transistors or complex control logic. This self-service mechanism maintains full circuit functionality while minimizing the transistor count, thus improving usage efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
A gate driver on array (GOA) driver circuit and a liquid crystal display are proposed. The GOA driver circuit includes cascaded GOA units. The Nth-stage GOA unit includes a pull-up module, a pull-up control module, a pull-down holding module, a transferring module, and a bootstrap capacitor module. The pull-up module, the pull-down holding module, and the bootstrap capacitor module are electrically connected to an Nth-stage gate signal node Qn and an Nth-stage horizontal scan line Gn, respectively. The pull-up control module and the transferring module are connected to the Nth-stage gate signal node Qn.