OLED Subpixel Circuit With Shared Switch Transistors for Higher Pixel Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
The miniaturization of display devices is hindered by the increased density of pixels and subpixels, which results in smaller transistor sizes and lower yields due to the reduced size of circuit components.
Innovation Solution
A display device design where multiple subpixels share a switch transistor, including a first subpixel with a reset transistor, select transistor, switch transistor, and driving transistor, allowing for efficient operation and reduced pixel size while maintaining high pixel density.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the density of pixels or subpixels is increased to display high resolution images, then the resolution and image quality are improved, but the size of circuit components such as transistors must be reduced which lowers the yield and is difficult to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple subpixels share a common switch transistor, reducing the total number of transistors required. Specifically, four subpixels share one switch transistor, which decreases the component count and allows for larger individual transistor sizes, thereby improving manufacturing yield while maintaining high pixel density
Solution Approach 2:
The switch transistor serves multiple subpixels simultaneously, performing the switching function for four different subpixels. This multi-functional design reduces the overall transistor count and enables better manufacturing outcomes while preserving the high-resolution display capability
2Measurement precision
If the density of pixels or subpixels is increased to display high resolution images, then the resolution and image quality are improved, but the feature sizes of components become smaller which inhibits further miniaturization
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the switch transistor function across four subpixels, the patent reduces the total number of transistors. This allows each transistor to be larger in size while still achieving high pixel density, thus overcoming the limitation of miniaturization
3Productivity
If the number of pixels or subpixels is increased to display high resolution images at higher frame rates, then the display performance is improved, but the complexity of the display device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the switch transistor across multiple subpixels, reducing the total transistor count. This reduction in component count simplifies the circuit architecture while enabling high pixel density and frame rate operation, thus improving display performance without proportionally increasing complexity
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 design enhances pixel density and reduces component size, improving the yield and miniaturization potential of display devices while maintaining high-resolution image display capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The first subpixel includes a first organic light emitting diode (OLED)
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments relate to a display device with subpixels that share switch transistors that selectively connect sources of driving transistors to a high voltage source. Further, part of reset transistors or part of a select transistor may be shared across multiple subpixels. The reset transistor selectively connects an anode of an organic light emitting diode (OLED) to a low voltage source. The select transistor selectively passes through pixel data from a data line when a gate signal is received via a gate line. Driver transistors and capacitors of the subpixels are independent and not shared. In this way, the dimensions of the subpixels may be reduced and enable increase in the density of the pixels.