Monolithic LED Display Layout for High-Resolution Compact Pixels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display technologies, such as passive and active matrix systems, face challenges in achieving high resolution and compact display footprints due to the complexity and cost of integrating transistors and capacitors with LEDs on separate substrates.
Innovation Solution
A monolithic semiconductor LED display system is developed, where light emitting switch devices with integrated driver devices and LEDs are fabricated using a layered semiconductor material system on a common substrate, allowing for the integration of circuitry in unused areas of the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If transistors and capacitors are integrated with LEDs on separate substrates using dominant industry approaches, then display functionality is achieved, but fabrication time increases, cost increases, and space efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the LED elements, driver transistors, and storage capacitors onto a single common substrate, eliminating the need for separate substrate fabrication and assembly steps. This monolithic integration directly reduces fabrication time and cost while maintaining the required display functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The common substrate serves multiple functions simultaneously: it supports the LED elements, houses the driver transistors, and provides interconnection pathways. This multi-functional substrate design reduces the overall number of components and assembly steps required.
2Manufacturing precision
If transistors and capacitors are integrated with LEDs on separate substrates, then display functionality is achieved, but display footprint increases and resolution is limited
Solution Approach 1:
By combining all display elements (LEDs, transistors, capacitors) onto a single substrate, the patent eliminates the spacing and alignment margins required for multi-substrate assembly. This reduces the overall display footprint and enables higher pixel density for improved resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs vertical stacking of functional layers on the common substrate, utilizing the third dimension (depth) to accommodate multiple functional elements. This vertical integration allows horizontal space to be used more efficiently for pixel elements, increasing resolution without proportionally increasing footprint.
3Ease of manufacture
If different material systems are used for LEDs and transistor/capacitor elements, then functional requirements are met, but fabrication time increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the same semiconductor material system (e.g., GaN-based materials) for fabricating both the LED elements and the driver transistor/capacitor structures. This homogeneous material approach simplifies the fabrication process by using uniform growth and processing techniques throughout, reducing fabrication time and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The common semiconductor material system is designed to perform multiple functions: light emission when structured as LEDs, and electronic switching/storage when structured as transistors and capacitors. This universal material platform maintains adaptability while simplifying manufacturing.
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 enables higher resolution, more compact display designs with improved performance and reduced fabrication costs compared to traditional methods, while also eliminating the need for separate material systems and external connections.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of light emitting switch devices. Each of the light emitting switch devices extends along a different axis from a common substrate and comprises a driver device and a light emitting diode
Implementation Method 2
Each of the driver devices comprises, in adjacent order from the substrate and in series, a first type of doped region, a second type of doped region and another of the first type of doped region
Data Source
AI summary
A monolithic semiconductor LED display system comprising a layered semiconductor material system fabricated to form a plurality of light emitting switch devices. Each of the light emitting switch devices extends along a different axis from a common substrate and comprises a driver device and a light emitting diode. Each of the driver devices comprises, in adjacent order from the substrate and in series, a first type of doped region, a second type of doped region and another of the first type of doped region. Areas of the layered semiconductor material system not utilized for the LED elements are fabricated to form circuitry in two or more of the doped regions for each of the light emitting switch devices.