OLED Pad Terminal Transparent Metal Layer Corrosion Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In organic light emitting displays (OLEDs), the Ag layer at the wiring line terminal is prone to corrosion due to voids and exposure to external contaminants, leading to wiring defects, especially when the third transparent metal layer is too thin and not sufficiently planar.
Innovation Solution
A transparent metal layer is formed on a metal terminal to function as a wiring line terminal, preventing an oxide layer from forming and protecting the Ag layer from corrosion by exposing a predetermined region of the wiring line terminal with a specific shape, which can be bonded to external modules without compromising conductivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the third transparent metal layer is formed with a thickness of about 50 Å on a wiring line terminal, then the planarization is improved, but the layer becomes too thin in certain areas causing insufficient planarity and voids at the interface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by forming a pad contact hole exposing the wiring line terminal before forming the transparent metal layers. This allows the terminal to be properly prepared and positioned in advance, ensuring that subsequent layers can be formed with adequate thickness and planarity without creating voids at the interface.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the Ag layer is exposed to external contaminants through voids and pad contact holes, then the wiring line terminal can be bonded to external modules, but the Ag layer becomes prone to corrosion leading to wiring defects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary protective layer configuration where the pad contact hole is formed to expose the wiring line terminal, but the terminal itself acts as a protective barrier. The terminal's metal material provides corrosion resistance while still allowing electrical connection and bonding to external modules, thus protecting the Ag layer without compromising adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The wiring line terminal structure uses composite materials by combining different metal layers with distinct properties. The terminal layer provides corrosion resistance and structural integrity, while the Ag layer provides electrical conductivity. This composite structure protects the Ag layer from corrosion while maintaining bonding capability to external modules.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the wiring line terminal is exposed to the environment for bonding, then external modules can be connected, but oxide layers form on the terminal surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by forming the pad contact hole and exposing the wiring line terminal before subsequent processing steps. This timing ensures the terminal surface is prepared in advance and can be properly protected or treated before exposure to environment, preventing oxide layer formation while maintaining bonding capability.
Data Source
AI summary
An organic light emitting display (OLED) and a method of manufacturing the OLED is disclosed. The OLED, which has a transparent metal layer substantially preventing an oxide layer from forming on a pad metal, and a method of manufacturing the OLED are disclosed. The OLED includes a substrate, a display unit formed on the substrate including gate and source/drain electrodes, and a pad unit formed on the substrate configured to transmit electrical signals to the display unit. The pad unit includes a wiring line terminal in which a transparent metal layer is formed in a predetermined shape and a predetermined region.