LCD Pixel Array Data Line Sharing for Driver Cost Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost and complexity of data drivers in liquid crystal displays (LCDs) due to the large number of channels and circuits, making it difficult to mount them directly on glass substrates using amorphous silicon TFTs, and the need to reduce manufacturing costs while ensuring sufficient charging time for gate driver circuits.
Innovation Solution
The design of an LCD pixel array with a matrix configuration on a substrate, where adjacent pixels share common gate lines and data lines, reducing the number of data driver circuits and channels, and implementing a signal inversion scheme to optimize data line usage, allowing for efficient data voltage application and reduced manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of data driver circuits and channels is increased to improve display functionality, then the display performance is improved, but the manufacturing cost sharply increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple data lines into fewer physical conductors by implementing signal inversion schemes where adjacent pixels share common data lines. Specifically, even-numbered pixels share one data line while odd-numbered pixels share another data line, effectively reducing the total number of data driver circuits and channels required while maintaining full display functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies signal inversion by reversing the data signal polarity for adjacent pixels. Even pixels receive inverted signals compared to odd pixels, allowing the same physical data line to serve multiple pixels through differential signaling, thereby reducing the number of required data driver channels
2Extent of automation
If amorphous silicon TFTs are used to mount data driver directly on glass substrate, then integration is improved, but the complexity and cost of data driver mounting becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the data driver functionality from the glass substrate by reducing the number of data driver circuits and channels through signal inversion. This allows the data driver to be implemented externally rather than requiring complex on-substrate integration using amorphous silicon TFTs
3Ease of manufacture
If the number of data driver circuits is reduced to lower manufacturing cost, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but charging time for gate driver circuits may become insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic signal inversion where data lines are alternately assigned to even and odd pixels in successive rows. This periodic pattern allows sufficient charging time for gate driver circuits while maintaining reduced data driver circuit count, as the alternating pattern distributes the charging load across time periods
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 configuration reduces the number of data driver circuits and channels, lowers manufacturing costs, and provides adequate charging time for gate driver circuits, enhancing the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of LCD production.
Implementation Method 1
The orientation of liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer is determined and the polarization of incident light is controlled through the generated electric field to display an image
Implementation Method 2
A voltage is applied to the field generating electrodes to generate an electric field in the liquid crystal layer
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid crystal display is provided. The liquid crystal display includes a pixel array having a plurality of pixels in a matrix on a substrate. First and second pixels are adjacent to each other along a first direction. The first and second pixels each include first and second switching elements. A first common gate line extends in a second direction different from the first direction and is commonly connected to the first and second switching elements. First and second data lines extend in the first direction and are connected to the first and second switching elements, respectively.