Liquid Crystal Module Driving Chip Pin Reduction via Time-Division Multiplexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The large number of pins required for mode selection signals in conventional liquid crystal modules limits the compactness and portability due to the need for a substantial non-display area for bonding the driving chip, which increases the size of the liquid crystal module.
Innovation Solution
A liquid crystal module with a driving chip that includes an interface circuit, a storing member, and a plurality of input ports, where the storing member receives mode selection signals via a common input port and outputs them to the interface circuit, allowing the interface to receive display data based on the determined working mode, reducing the number of pins needed from n+4 to n+1.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pins are used for mode selection signals in the driving chip, then the working mode can be precisely controlled, but the size of the liquid crystal module increases due to the need for substantial non-display area for bonding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the mode selection signal input function with the display data input function by making the input ports multiplexed. The same input ports that receive display data also receive mode selection signals at different time periods, eliminating the need for separate pins for mode selection. This reduces the number of pins from n+4 to n+1, thereby reducing the non-display area required for bonding the driving chip.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by sequentially inputting mode selection signals and display data through the same input ports at different time periods. The control circuit manages the timing to first input mode selection signals, then input display data based on the selected working mode. This time-division multiplexing allows a single port to serve multiple functions across different time intervals.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pins are allocated for mode selection signals, then the driving chip can support various working modes, but the compactness and portability of the liquid crystal module are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing input ports that can perform multiple functions: they can receive both mode selection signals and display data at different times. The control circuit enables the same physical port to be configured for different purposes dynamically, making the input ports universal rather than dedicated to a single function. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of pins needed, thereby reducing the module size and improving compactness.
3Ease of operation
If separate pins are used for mode selection signals and display data, then signal transmission is straightforward, but the number of pins increases from n to n+4
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamics by making the input ports configurable rather than static. The control circuit dynamically switches the function of input ports based on the current operational phase: first configuring them for mode selection signal reception, then reconfiguring them for display data reception. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the same physical ports to adapt to different signal types at different times, reducing the total pin count while maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary liquid crystal module (20) includes liquid crystal panel (200) and a driving chip (210). The driving chip includes an interface circuit (230), a storing member (260), and a plurality of input ports. The plurality of input ports are configured for receiving display data. The storing member and the interface circuit share at least one common input port of the plurality of input ports. The storing member receives at least one mode selection signal for controlling a working mode of the driving chip via the at least one common input port in a first period of time. The storing member outputs the at least one mode selection signal to the interface circuit, and then the interface circuit receives the display data via the plurality of input ports including the at least one common input port according to the working mode in a second period of time.