Micro LED Unit Pixel ESD Protection on Transparent Substrates

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Solution Overview

Problem

Micro LEDs in display apparatuses are prone to damage from external shocks and electrostatic discharge due to their small size, making handling and mounting challenging and increasing the risk of physical and electrical failures.

Innovation Solution

A unit pixel design incorporating a transparent substrate with light emitting devices and an electrostatic discharge (ESD) protector, such as a conductive line or Zener diode, to safeguard the micro LEDs from electrostatic discharge, facilitating easier handling and mounting while preventing damage from external impacts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If micro LEDs are used to achieve high-resolution displays, then display resolution is improved, but susceptibility to electrostatic discharge and external shock increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay resolutionVSAvoidsusceptibility to electrostatic discharge
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

An ESD protector is introduced as an intermediary component between the micro LED and the external environment. The protector includes a conductive line extending from a first electrode to a second electrode, where the first electrode is electrically connected to the micro LED and the second electrode is electrically connected to a reference potential. This intermediary structure provides a controlled path for electrostatic discharge, protecting the sensitive micro LED while maintaining its small size and high resolution capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Area of stationary object

If micro LEDs with very small area are used, then display pixel density is improved, but handling and mounting difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepixel areaVSAvoidhandling and mounting ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The unit pixel is segmented into distinct functional components: the micro LED, the ESD protector with separate electrodes, and connection layers. This segmentation allows the ESD protector to be designed with extended conductive lines that protrude from the pixel electrode, providing accessible connection points for mounting operations. The conductive line structure enables easier electrical connection and mechanical handling without increasing the overall pixel area, thus maintaining high pixel density while improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If ESD protection structure is added to unit pixel, then reliability against electrostatic discharge is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection from electrostatic dischargeVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The conductive line structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides ESD protection by creating a discharge path, acts as an electrical connection element between the micro LED and external circuitry, and functions as a mechanical feature for mounting and handling. The first electrode connects to the micro LED while the second electrode connects to reference potential, and the conductive line between them provides both electrical connectivity and ESD protection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated ESD protection components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining improved reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The unit pixel effectively protects micro LEDs from electrostatic discharge and external shocks, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the display apparatus by reducing the risk of physical and electrical failures during handling and operation.

Implementation Method 1

an electrostatic discharge (ESD) protector, such as a conductive line or Zener diode, to safeguard the micro LEDs from electrostatic discharge

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic Discharge: Electrostatic Discharge

Implementation Method 2

an electrostatic discharge (ESD) protector disposed on the transparent substrate, and protecting at least one of the light emitting devices from electrostatic discharge

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS20240258362A1Unit pixel having light emitting devices and display apparatus having the same
Publication Date: 2024.08.01 SEOUL VIOSYS CO LTD
  • US20240258362A1 patent drawing
  • US20240258362A1 patent drawing
  • US20240258362A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A unit pixel includes a transparent substrate, a plurality of light emitting devices disposed on the transparent substrate, and an electrostatic discharge (ESD) protector disposed on the transparent substrate and protecting at least one of the light emitting devices from electrostatic discharge.