OLED TFT Dummy Electrode Layout for ESD-Safe Emission Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In organic EL display devices, electrostatic discharge (ESD) occurs between the conduction electrode of a thin film transistor (TFT) and the control wiring line due to peeling electrification between the film-forming mask and the mask spacer, leading to line defects and drive circuit failures during manufacturing.
Innovation Solution
A display device with a dummy electrode overlapping the first electrode, contact hole, and conduction electrode of the light emission control transistor, covered by an interlayer insulating film, to redirect electrostatic discharge away from the control wiring line.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the mask spacer is covered by the common function layer to maintain manufacturing precision, then the distance between the film-forming mask and substrate is maintained, but electrostatic discharge occurs between the conduction electrode and control wiring line causing reliability issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dummy electrode as an intermediary element positioned between the conduction electrode and the control wiring line. This dummy electrode serves as a mediator that intercepts and redirects the electrostatic discharge path, preventing direct discharge between the conduction electrode and control wiring line while maintaining the necessary mask spacer coverage by the function layer
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful electrostatic discharge phenomenon into a beneficial protective mechanism by deliberately providing a dummy electrode that attracts and redirects the electrostatic discharge away from critical components. The electrostatic discharge that would otherwise damage the control wiring line is instead channeled through the dummy electrode to a safe discharge path
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 configuration suppresses electrostatic discharge between the TFT's conduction electrode and control wiring line, preventing line defects and ensuring normal operation of the drive circuit.
Implementation Method 1
electrostatic discharge (ESD) occurs between the conduction electrode of a thin film transistor (TFT) and the control wiring line
Data Source
AI summary
An organic EL display device includes a TFT layer, and a light-emitting element layer provided on the TFT layer. A light emission control transistor of the TFT layer includes a conduction electrode connected to a first electrode of the light-emitting element layer through a contact hole of a flattening film. The TFT layer includes an emission control wiring line connected to the light emission control transistor, an interlayer insulating film provided between the emission control wiring line and the conduction electrode, and a dummy electrode covered with the interlayer insulating film and having an island shape. The dummy electrode overlaps the first electrode, the contact hole, and the conduction electrode in a plan view.