Pixel Circuit Topology for Shared Emission Control in Micro LED Pixels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Micro LED pixel circuits require multiple transistors and signal lines for emission control, which negatively impact aperture ratio and light transmittance.

Innovation Solution

A pixel circuit design that includes a driving transistor, emission control transistor, and multiple light-emitting elements, sharing a common emission control signal and voltage terminals to reduce the number of transistors and signal lines, allowing time-sharing light emission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple transistors and signal lines are used for emission control in micro LED pixel circuits, then emission control capability is improved, but aperture ratio and light transmittance deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveemission control capabilityVSAvoidaperture ratio

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the emission control functions for multiple light-emitting elements into a single emission control transistor. Instead of having separate transistors for each light-emitting element, one emission control transistor is shared to control the current distribution among multiple light-emitting elements through voltage level adjustments, thereby reducing the number of transistors and improving aperture ratio while maintaining emission control capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The emission control transistor is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls emission for different light-emitting elements at different voltage levels, manages current distribution among multiple elements, and enables time-sharing light emission. This multi-functional design reduces the overall transistor count while preserving comprehensive emission control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple transistors and signal lines are used for emission control in micro LED pixel circuits, then emission control capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveemission control capabilityVSAvoidnumber of transistors and signal lines

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple emission control functions into a single emission control transistor, reducing the total number of transistors required in the pixel circuit. This merging approach simplifies the device structure while maintaining the ability to control multiple light-emitting elements through voltage level differentiation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The emission control transistor is designed as a universal control element that can manage multiple light-emitting elements through its gate terminal voltage levels. This multi-functional transistor replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate transistors, thereby reducing device complexity

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

Improves aperture ratio and light transmittance by reducing the number of transistors and signal lines, enabling efficient multi-pulse time-sharing light emission.

Implementation Method 1

The first light-emitting element is coupled between a second terminal of the driving transistor and a second system voltage terminal to emit light with a first color. The second light-emitting element is coupled between the second terminal of the driving transistor and a third system voltage terminal to emit light with a second color different from the first color.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emission from light-emitting elements: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentUS20260018117A1Pixel circuit and driving method thereof

Publication Date: 2026.01.15 AU OPTRONICS CORP

AI summary

A pixel circuit includes a driving transistor, an emission control transistor, a first light-emitting element and a second light-emitting element. The emission control transistor is between a first terminal of the driving transistor and a first system voltage terminal. The first light-emitting element is between a second terminal of the driving transistor and a second system voltage terminal. The second light-emitting element is between the second terminal of the driving transistor and a third system voltage terminal. The first light-emitting element is controlled by an emission control signal of a gate terminal of the emission control transistor and a voltage level of the second system voltage terminal. The second light-emitting element is controlled by the emission control signal and a voltage level of the third system voltage terminal. When the first or second light-emitting element emits light, the second and third system voltage terminals have different voltage levels.