LCD PCB Line Reduction via Integrated TMIC Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high manufacturing cost and increased noise interference in LCD devices due to the large number of lines on the printed circuit board (PCB) and the use of multiple timing controller integrated circuits (TMICs) limit the cost-effectiveness and compactness of LCD devices.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves replacing the expensive build-up PCB with a multi-layer board (MLB) PCB and integrating a single TMIC with merged timing and data drivers, reducing the number of lines by converting image and control signals into packet data, and incorporating a gamma voltage generator within the data drivers to minimize the PCB area and manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple TMICs are used to supply data voltages to pixels, then the drivability and image quality are improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the timing controller and data driver functions into a single integrated circuit (TMIC), eliminating the need for multiple separate components. This integration maintains the drivability and image quality benefits while reducing the number of components that need to be mounted and wired, thereby lowering manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The TMIC is designed to perform multiple functions - both timing control and data driving - within a single device. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve the performance benefits of multiple specialized components while using fewer physical components, reducing assembly complexity and manufacturing cost.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lines are formed on PCB to supply LVDS signals to TMICs, then the signal transmission capability is improved, but the PCB area increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the timing controller and data driver into a single TMIC, the patent reduces the number of separate signal paths needed. Instead of multiple lines required for multiple TMICs, the integrated design requires fewer signal lines, thereby reducing PCB area while maintaining full signal transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a multi-drop configuration (requiring multiple parallel signal lines) to a more compact signal routing architecture. By changing the dimensional arrangement of signal paths and utilizing the integrated nature of the TMIC, the design achieves efficient signal transmission with reduced PCB footprint.
3Productivity
If multiple TMICs are mounted on PCB, then the data driving capability is improved, but the manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional blocks (timing controller, data driver, and related control logic) into a single integrated TMIC device. This merging reduces the overall device complexity by eliminating the need to manage multiple separate components, their individual mounting, and their interconnections, while preserving the data driving capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The TMIC is designed as a universal component that handles both timing control and data driving functions. This multi-functional design simplifies the overall system architecture, reducing device complexity while maintaining the productivity and data driving capability needed for high-quality display performance.
Data Source
AI summary
Discussed are an LCD device and a method of driving the same in which, by decreasing the number of lines of a PCB, the manufacturing cost is saved, and the influence of noise is reduced.