Integrated Source Driver Segmented Voltage Ranges

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The integration of conventional external reference voltage generators and source drivers in liquid crystal display devices results in high hardware costs due to the need for rail-to-rail adjustable voltage ranges, which are not optimized for reduced hardware requirements while maintaining high resolution.

Innovation Solution

An integrated source driver with a reference voltage generating circuit and a digital to analog converter (DAC) based reference voltage selecting circuit that generates progressively decreasing adjustable voltage ranges within a supply voltage and ground level, allowing for internal reference voltage generation and selection, thereby reducing the number of required reference voltages and hardware costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the conventional external reference voltage generator is directly integrated into the source driver with rail-to-rail adjustable ranges, then the reference voltages can be adjusted within the full supply voltage range, but the hardware cost increases significantly due to the large number of required reference voltages

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage adjustment rangeVSAvoidhardware cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the full rail-to-rail voltage adjustment range into multiple progressive smaller ranges. Instead of providing reference voltages across the entire supply voltage range, the system segments the range into distinct intervals, each with its own optimized reference voltage set. This segmentation reduces the total number of reference voltages needed while maintaining the ability to adjust across the full range by switching between segments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of voltage range from a continuous rail-to-rail adjustment to discrete progressive ranges. By modifying the voltage range parameters into smaller, optimized intervals, the system reduces hardware requirements while preserving functional capability. Each range is tailored to specific application needs, optimizing the reference voltage generation for each segment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If the adjustable voltage ranges are reduced to save hardware cost, then the hardware cost decreases, but the voltage adjustment resolution may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehardware costVSAvoidvoltage adjustment resolution

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the voltage adjustment range into multiple smaller intervals, where each segment provides high-resolution adjustment within its specific range. This segmentation allows each segment to be optimized for fine-grained control, thereby maintaining or even improving voltage adjustment resolution while reducing the overall hardware requirements compared to a single continuous wide-range system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by optimizing each voltage range segment with specific reference voltages tailored to that segment's requirements. Instead of using a uniform reference voltage system across the entire range, each local segment receives customized reference voltages that maximize resolution and performance for that specific voltage interval, thereby maintaining high precision throughout the full operating range.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

This approach reduces hardware costs while maintaining or improving voltage adjustment resolution by minimizing the adjustable voltage ranges, allowing for more efficient use of digital to analog converters and optimizing the generation of internal reference voltages for specific applications.

Implementation Method 1

a reference voltage selecting circuit, comprising a plurality of digital to analog converters (DACs), for selecting and generating a plurality of internal reference voltages from the plurality of adjustable voltage ranges according to a control signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDigital to Analog Conversion:

Data Source

PatentUS9299309B2Integrated source driver and liquid crystal display device using the same

Publication Date: 2016.03.29 NOVATEK MICROELECTRONICS CORP

AI summary

The present invention discloses an integrated source driver for a liquid crystal display device. The integrated source driver includes a reference voltage generating circuit, for providing a plurality of adjustable voltage ranges within a supply voltage and a ground level, and a reference voltage selecting circuit, including a plurality of digital to analog converters, for selecting and generating a plurality of internal reference voltages from the plurality of adjustable voltage ranges, respectively. The plurality of adjustable voltage ranges decrease progressively.