Micro-LED Backplane Layout for High-Frequency Pixel Modulation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Micro-LED displays face limitations in reducing physical footprint and achieving high-frequency modulation due to peripheral arrangement of logic hardware, which restricts frequency modulation and display performance.

Innovation Solution

The display device features a backplane substrate with pixel logic hardware modules aligned behind the micro-LED array, reducing physical footprint and enabling high-frequency modulation by storing multi-bit pixel intensity values locally, allowing for reduced drive signal propagation distance and improved display resolution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If logic hardware is arranged peripherally around the micro-LED array, then device layout is simplified, but physical footprint increases and frequency modulation is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephysical footprintVSAvoidlogic hardware arrangement

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a planar peripheral arrangement to a three-dimensional stacked architecture. Logic hardware modules are positioned on a backplane substrate that is bonded to the backside of the display substrate, placing logic hardware in the vertical dimension behind the micro-LED array rather than around its periphery. This dimensional change reduces the two-dimensional footprint while maintaining functional connectivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent embeds logic hardware modules within the vertical structure of the display device. Each pixel logic hardware module is physically aligned behind its corresponding micro-LED, creating a nested configuration where control logic is integrated into the display stack rather than occupying peripheral space. This nesting reduces overall device area while maintaining functional separation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Speed

If logic hardware is positioned far from micro-LEDs, then manufacturing is easier, but drive signal propagation distance increases limiting frequency modulation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency modulationVSAvoiddrive signal propagation distance

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements local pairing between pixel logic hardware modules and micro-LEDs. Each logic module is physically aligned behind and electrically connected to its corresponding micro-LED, creating localized control units. This local quality ensures minimal propagation distance for each pixel's drive signals while maintaining ease of manufacturing through standardized module replication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Speed

If local memory elements are integrated near micro-LEDs, then frequency modulation capability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency modulation capabilityVSAvoidpixel logic hardware module integration

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the display device into discrete pixel logic hardware modules, each containing local memory elements and control logic for a specific micro-LED or group of micro-LEDs. This segmentation allows high-frequency modulation capability through localized memory integration while managing complexity through modular design that can be replicated across the display array.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pixel logic hardware modules serve multiple functions: storing pixel intensity values in local memory, generating drive signals for corresponding micro-LEDs, and enabling high-frequency modulation. This multi-functionality within each module reduces overall device complexity by consolidating control functions rather than requiring separate dedicated components for each function.

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

This configuration enhances display resolution, reduces blur, and eliminates flicker effects by enabling high-frequency modulation, while allowing for non-linear encoding of pixel information, thereby improving the overall display quality.

Implementation Method 1

an array of micro-LEDs forming individual pixels

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectroluminescence: Electroluminescence

Data Source

PatentUS12118926B2Micro-LED display

Publication Date: 2024.10.15 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

A display device includes a display substrate and a backplane substrate. The display substrate includes an array of micro-LEDs forming individual pixels. The backplane substrate includes a plurality of pixel logic hardware modules. Each pixel logic hardware module includes a local memory element configured to store a multi-bit pixel intensity value of a corresponding micro-LED for an image frame. The backplane substrate is bonded to a backside of the display substrate such that the pixel logic hardware modules are physically aligned behind the array of micro-LEDs and each pixel logic hardware module is electrically connected to a micro-LED of the corresponding pixel.