μLED Display IC Layout With Light-Guiding Pixel Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional μLED displays require a large carrier area and extensive electrical connections due to the use of integrated circuits (ICs) to drive multiple pixels, leading to increased costs and complexity, while existing thin film transistors (TFTs) are limited in frequency and cannot efficiently manage high pixel densities.
Innovation Solution
A multi-pixel display device where light-emitting semiconductor chips are mounted on an integrated circuit (IC) that serves both as a driver and carrier, with a light-directing element to distribute light to multiple pixels, reducing the number of required ICs and electrical connections, and allowing for a more compact and cost-effective design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple μLEDs are mounted on a large carrier area around driver ICs, then each pixel can be individually driven, but the cost and complexity increase due to extensive electrical connections and mounting requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the driver IC and light-emitting semiconductor chips into a single integrated structure. The driver IC directly carries multiple light-emitting chips on its surface, eliminating the need for separate carrier substrates and reducing the number of external connections required. This integration reduces device complexity while maintaining the ability to drive multiple pixels independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The driver IC serves multiple functions: it acts as both the control unit for driving multiple pixels and as the carrier substrate for mounting the light-emitting semiconductor chips. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components and simplifies the display device structure.
2Illumination intensity
If light-emitting semiconductor chips are placed in each pixel location, then direct light emission is achieved, but the IC area becomes too large and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a light-guiding element as an intermediary between the light-emitting semiconductor chips and the pixel locations. This element redirects light from chips positioned on the compact IC to the appropriate pixel locations on the display surface, enabling direct light emission without requiring chips at every pixel location.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent separates the positioning of light-emitting chips from the pixel locations by using optical redirection. Chips are positioned in a compact arrangement on the IC plane, while light is redirected to pixel locations on the display surface, effectively using the optical path as an additional dimension to resolve the spatial conflict.
3Ease of operation
If TFTs are used to drive μLEDs, then simple pixel control is achieved, but frequency limitations prevent efficient management of high pixel densities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses integrated circuit technology to replicate the driving functionality across multiple pixels simultaneously. Instead of using individual TFTs for each pixel, a single IC with multiple output channels provides high-frequency driving signals to multiple light-emitting chips, maintaining simple control while achieving the high speeds needed for high pixel density displays.
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 significantly reduces electrical wiring requirements and costs, minimizes the risk of damage to ICs and light-emitting semiconductor chips, and provides improved light mixing and contrast, enabling a more efficient and cost-effective display solution with reduced IC count and increased pixel density.
Implementation Method 1
A light-directing element is disposed between the plurality of light-emitting semiconductor chips and the display area, and adapted to direct light from each light-emitting semiconductor chip to the pixel associated therewith
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-pixel display device with an integrated circuit, a plurality of light-emitting semiconductor chips disposed on the integrated circuit, a display area having a plurality of pixels, each of the light-emitting semiconductor chips being associated with one of the pixels, a light-directing element disposed between the plurality of light-emitting semiconductor chips and the display area and adapted to direct the light of each light-emitting semiconductor chip from the plurality of light-emitting semiconductor chips to its associated pixel.