Multi-Layer Data Line Link Area Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Display devices face challenges in minimizing the area occupied by link areas, leading to wide bezels and potential failures due to exposure differences during the pattern step, which affect production yield.
Innovation Solution
The display device employs data lines that overlap in groups of at least three, with each line on different layers, reducing the link area and minimizing the risk of disconnection and etching failures by using a light shielding metal layer, source/drain metal layers, and varying line widths to ensure vertical symmetry and efficient electrical connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If data lines are arranged in a conventional single-layer configuration, then the link area occupies a larger area leading to wider bezels, but the structure is simpler and easier to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-layer planar arrangement to a multi-layer three-dimensional configuration. Data lines are arranged across three different layers (first, second, and third layers) with overlapping projections, effectively utilizing the vertical dimension to reduce the horizontal footprint of the link area, thereby enabling narrower bezels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where data lines on upper layers are positioned within the projection boundaries of data lines on lower layers. Specifically, the projection of the second data line overlaps with the first data line, and the third data line overlaps with both first and second data lines, creating a compact nested arrangement that minimizes the overall link area.
2Area of moving object
If data lines are arranged in overlapping multi-layer groups, then the link area is reduced enabling narrow bezels, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase due to exposure differences at pattern steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different line widths to data lines on different layers to compensate for exposure differences. Specifically, the first data line on the lower layer has a greater line width than the second and third data lines on upper layers. This local variation in geometric properties ensures that all data lines maintain adequate width and electrical connectivity despite variations in exposure conditions during the patterning process.
3Area of moving object
If data lines are arranged in overlapping multi-layer groups, then the link area is reduced enabling narrow bezels, but the risk of data line disconnection and etching failures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the line width parameter of data lines based on their layer position. Data lines on lower layers have greater line widths compared to those on upper layers. This parameter adjustment compensates for the increased vulnerability of overlapping structures to disconnection and etching failures, ensuring adequate mechanical strength and electrical connectivity throughout the multi-layer configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A display device is provided. The display device includes a substrate, and data lines disposed to extend from a pad area to an active area defined on the substrate. The data lines are disposed to overlap in groups of at least three data lines in a link area defined between the pad area and the active area. The at least three data lines are disposed on different layers, respectively.