LED Display Drain Electrode Light Blocking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Light emitted from light emitting diode (LED) display devices can deteriorate the reliability of thin film transistors by being incident on their semiconductor material, leading to changes in transistor characteristics.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating slits in the interlayer insulating layer and using opaque metal material for the common voltage line, drain electrode, and driving voltage line to block light from reaching the semiconductor, and optionally using a light blocking material for the passivation and pixel defining layers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If light blocking material layers are added to prevent light from reaching the semiconductor, then reliability of thin film transistors is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of thin film transistorsVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The drain electrode, which is already required for transistor operation, is extended to cover the channel region and function as a light blocking structure. This self-service approach allows the same component to serve dual purposes: electrical conduction and light blocking, thereby improving reliability without adding extra light blocking material layers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The drain electrode is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the electrical drain terminal and a light blocking barrier. By making the drain electrode extend over the channel region, it blocks lateral light while maintaining its electrical function, eliminating the need for separate light blocking structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If light blocking material layers are added to prevent light from reaching the semiconductor, then reliability of thin film transistors is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of thin film transistorsVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The drain electrode structure is modified to serve dual purposes as both electrical terminal and light blocking barrier, eliminating the need for additional light blocking material layers and reducing manufacturing steps and costs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The light blocking function is merged with the drain electrode structure. By extending the drain electrode to cover the channel region, the patent combines the electrical function with the light blocking function into a single integrated structure, reducing material costs and simplifying manufacturing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If the drain electrode covers the channel region, then light blocking effectiveness is improved, but electrical performance may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight blocking effectivenessVSAvoidelectrical performance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The drain electrode is designed with spatially varying functions: it blocks light laterally over the channel region while maintaining proper electrical connections at the contact regions. The electrode extends horizontally to block light but maintains vertical connectivity through contact holes, achieving local optimization of both light blocking and electrical performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The drain electrode is designed to extend in the horizontal dimension to block lateral light while maintaining vertical electrical connectivity through contact holes. This dimensional approach allows the electrode to block light from the sides without interfering with the vertical current flow path through the semiconductor

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

Effectively prevents light from reaching the semiconductor, thereby improving the reliability of the thin film transistors by blocking light on both lateral and upper surfaces without the need for additional light blocking material layers.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight blocking: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS11574975B2Light emitting diode display device with channel region covered by drain electrode

Publication Date: 2023.02.07 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a light emitting diode display device, and a light emitting diode display device according to an exemplary embodiment includes: a substrate; a semiconductor disposed on the substrate; a gate electrode disposed on the semiconductor; an interlayer insulating layer disposed on the substrate and the gate electrode; source and drain electrodes disposed on the interlayer insulating layer and connected to the semiconductor; a first slit provided in the interlayer insulating layer; and a first wire disposed on the interlayer insulating layer and configured to overlap the first slit.