Multiplexed Touch Sensor Antenna Layout for Bezel-Less Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
In bezel-less display devices, it is challenging to mount antennas and mechanical buttons due to the lack of space in the narrow or non-existent bezel area, which restricts the integration of essential components like antennas and pressure sensors within the display area.
Innovation Solution
The display device incorporates a multiplexer system with sensing cells and lines arranged in a specific configuration, allowing the multiplexer to connect sensing lines differently based on the function required, such as touch sensing or wireless communication, enabling the integration of antennas and pressure sensors within the display area without a bezel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the bezel area is decreased or eliminated to improve aesthetics, then the display area is increased, but there is no space left to mount antennas and mechanical buttons
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing cell is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a touch sensing element and an antenna for wireless communication. The sensing line connected to the sensing cell can be selectively connected to either the touch controller or wireless communication controller through a multiplexer, enabling the same hardware structure to fulfill different functions based on operational mode.
2Adaptability or versatility
If sensing cells are used for touch sensing only, then touch functionality is maintained, but wireless communication antenna function cannot be integrated
Solution Approach 1:
A multiplexer is introduced as an intermediary component that manages the connection between sensing lines and different controllers. The multiplexer receives control signals from both the touch controller and wireless communication controller, and selectively connects the sensing line to the appropriate controller based on the required function, thereby enabling flexible switching between touch sensing and wireless communication modes without direct complex interconnections.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensing lines are connected to the multiplexer simultaneously, then all sensing cells can be accessed, but the antenna function cannot be activated
Solution Approach 1:
The connection configuration is made dynamic through the multiplexer, which can change its connectivity state based on operational requirements. When wireless communication is needed, the multiplexer dynamically switches to connect the sensing line to the wireless communication controller, isolating it from the touch sensing pathway. This dynamic reconfiguration ensures that only the required function is active at any given time, preventing signal interference while maintaining access to sensing cells.
Data Source
AI summary
A display device includes a first sensing cell located in a display area; a first sensing line extending toward a non-display area from the first sensing cell; a second sensing cell most adjacent to the first sensing cell in a first direction in the display area; a second sensing line extending toward the non-display area from the second sensing cell; a multiplexer located in the non-display area, the multiplexer is connected to the first sensing line, the multiplexer is not connected to the second sensing line; a first pad connected to the multiplexer through a first multiplexer line; and a second pad connected to the second sensing line.