LED Display Module Driver IC Merging for Power Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Large LED display modules with numerous driver ICs result in complex structures, increased power consumption, and reduced yield, particularly on large screens, while maintaining image quality is a challenge.

Innovation Solution

The LED display module reduces the number of driver ICs by implementing a time division drive and spatial division method, where multiple LEDs are connected to a single driver IC, and switches are controlled to maintain constant current flow, thereby simplifying the structure and reducing power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a number of driver ICs corresponding to the number of LEDs is used, then each LED can be controlled individually, but the structure becomes complicated and power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveIndividual LED control capabilityVSAvoidStructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple driver ICs are merged into a single driver IC that can control multiple LEDs through time-division multiplexing. The patent combines the functions of multiple driver ICs into one unit that sequentially drives different groups of LEDs at different time periods, thereby reducing the total number of driver ICs while maintaining individual LED control capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The driver IC operates in a periodic manner by dividing the driving period into multiple sub-periods. During each sub-period, the driver IC controls a specific group of LEDs connected through switches. This periodic action allows a single driver IC to sequentially control multiple LEDs that would otherwise require separate driver ICs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Ease of operation

If a number of driver ICs corresponding to the number of LEDs is used, then each LED can be controlled individually, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveIndividual LED control capabilityVSAvoidPower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple power-consuming driver ICs into a single driver IC, thereby reducing the total power consumption. The single driver IC shares its power resources across multiple LEDs through time-division multiplexing, eliminating the redundant power consumption that would occur if each LED had its own dedicated driver IC.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

By operating periodically and sequentially controlling different LED groups, the driver IC ensures that only one group of LEDs is active at any given time. This reduces the simultaneous power demand compared to having multiple driver ICs operating concurrently, thereby lowering overall power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Ease of operation

If a number of driver ICs corresponding to the number of LEDs is used, then each LED can be controlled individually, but the volume increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveIndividual LED control capabilityVSAvoidDisplay module volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple driver ICs into a single unit, directly reducing the volume occupied by driver ICs in the display module. This consolidation eliminates the need for multiple separate driver IC components and their associated mounting spaces, thereby reducing the overall module volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Ease of operation

If a number of driver ICs corresponding to the number of LEDs is used, then each LED can be controlled individually, but the yield decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveIndividual LED control capabilityVSAvoidManufacturing yield
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

By reducing the number of driver ICs from one per LED to a single shared driver IC, the patent simplifies the assembly process and reduces the number of components that need to be sourced, tested, and mounted. This simplification directly improves manufacturing yield by reducing potential failure points and assembly complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 decreases power consumption and volume, enhances yield, and maintains image quality by using fewer driver ICs, resulting in a more cost-effective and efficient LED display module.

Implementation Method 1

A display apparatus including a light emitting diode (LED) display module including an organic LED (OLED) is being developed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emitting diode (LED): Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

a light emitting diode (LED) display module including an organic LED (OLED)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOrganic LED (OLED): Organic Light-emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentEP3494572B1LED display module and display apparatus
Publication Date: 2023.09.13 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3494572B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3494572B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3494572B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

An LED display module and a display apparatus are provided. The LED display module includes: an LED part including a plurality of first LEDs in a first row and a plurality of second LEDs in a second row; a first driver integrated circuit (IC) commonly connected to at least one of the plurality of first LEDs and at least one of the plurality of second LEDs, and a second driver IC commonly connected to another at least one of the plurality of first LEDs and another at least one of the plurality of second LEDs; a first switch connected to a plurality of the first LEDs disposed in odd-numbered columns of the first row, a second switch connected to a plurality of the second LEDs disposed in odd-numbered columns of the second row, a third switch connected to a plurality of the first LEDs disposed in even-numbered columns of the first row, and a fourth switch connected to a plurality of the second LEDs disposed in even-numbered columns of the second row; and a controller configured to control the first to fourth switches to be sequentially turned on.