LCD Shift Register Clock Signal Driving Circuit

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In liquid crystal display (LCD) devices using gate driver on array (GOA) technology, the shift register units face cold-start issues in low-temperature environments due to reduced turn-on speed of thin film transistor switches, leading to inadequate forward driving current and potential image flicker from sudden voltage changes.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a driving circuit with two clock signals of different driving abilities, where a higher driving ability second clock signal is used initially to improve cold-start and then gradually reduced after activation to minimize power consumption and prevent image flicker.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single clock signal is used to drive all shift register units, then the device complexity is reduced, but cold-start performance deteriorates in low-temperature environments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclock signal configurationVSAvoidcold-start performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the clock signal driving into two distinct types: first clock signals for driving shift register units during normal operation, and second clock signals with higher driving ability for triggering next-stage shift register units. This segmentation allows each signal type to be optimized for its specific function, with second clock signals having enhanced amplitude or pulse width to ensure reliable triggering in cold-start conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different clock signal characteristics to different parts of the shift register system. Specifically, second clock signals are applied locally at the output ends of shift register units to trigger next-stage units, while first clock signals are used for normal operation. This local differentiation ensures that the triggering function receives enhanced signal strength where needed without affecting the overall system complexity excessively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If higher driving ability clock signals are used continuously, then cold-start performance is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecold-start performanceVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent dynamically switches between first and second clock signals based on operational requirements. During cold-start or when triggering next-stage shift register units, second clock signals with higher driving ability are applied. During normal operation, first clock signals are used to reduce power consumption. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize between cold-start performance and power consumption based on actual operational state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs periodic switching between different clock signal types. Second clock signals are applied periodically when needed for triggering next-stage units or during cold-start conditions, while first clock signals are used during normal operation. This periodic alternation ensures that enhanced driving ability is available when required without maintaining high power consumption continuously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Speed

If sudden voltage changes occur in clock signals, then the response speed is improved, but image flicker is generated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse speedVSAvoidimage flicker
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces intermediate signal conditioning circuits between the clock signal generation and the shift register units. These intermediate circuits include level shifters and pulse width modulators that gradually transition voltage levels and smooth signal changes. The intermediary circuits prevent sudden voltage jumps that would cause image flicker while still providing sufficient driving ability for reliable shift register triggering.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent carefully controls parameter changes in clock signals, specifically managing voltage amplitude and pulse width transitions. When switching between first and second clock signals, the system gradually adjusts voltage levels and pulse characteristics rather than making abrupt changes. This controlled parameter transition maintains response speed while preventing image flicker by avoiding sudden voltage changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS8711077B2LCD driving circuit in which shift register units are driven by a first clock signal of fixed duty/amplitude and a second clock signal of variable duty/amplitude
Publication Date: 2014.04.29 OPTRONIC SCIENCES LLC
  • US8711077B2 patent drawing
  • US8711077B2 patent drawing
  • US8711077B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An LCD device is configured to drive a plurality of shift register units using two clock signals having different driving abilities. Each shift register unit may thus generate a stronger signal for triggering a next-stage shift register unit, thereby improving cold-start. When the LCD device has been activated over a predetermined period of time, the driving ability of the clock signal having higher driving ability is gradually lowered, thereby reducing power consumption.