Pixel Capacitor Undercut Structure for High-Resolution Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Display devices face challenges in maintaining sufficient capacitor capacitance without increasing the area occupied by the capacitor in a pixel, particularly for high-resolution displays where space is limited.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an undercut structure for capacitor electrodes, with overlapping portions forming a multi-layered capacitor configuration, utilizing a first and second insulating layer as a dielectric, and conductive layers connected to transistors to enhance capacitance without increasing the pixel's area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the area of the capacitor is increased to secure sufficient capacitance, then the capacitor capacity is improved, but the pixel area is exceeded which prevents high-resolution display implementation
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitor structure transitions from a planar two-dimensional configuration to a three-dimensional configuration by forming electrode patterns that extend in multiple layers. The first electrode pattern is formed on the substrate, followed by a first insulating layer, then a second electrode pattern is formed on top. This vertical stacking creates overlapping regions that provide additional capacitance without increasing the horizontal pixel area, effectively utilizing the third dimension (depth/height) to resolve the contradiction between capacitor capacity and pixel area.
2Quantity of substance
If a multi-layer capacitor structure is formed to increase capacitance, then the capacitor capacity is improved, but the manufacturing process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitor manufacturing process is segmented into distinct stages: first, a conductive layer is formed and patterned to create the first electrode pattern; second, a first insulating layer is formed as the dielectric; third, another conductive layer is formed and patterned to create the second electrode pattern. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized and controlled independently, making the multi-layer structure manufacturable despite the increased complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive layers and insulating layers formed for the capacitor structure serve multiple functions. The same conductive material layers can be used for both transistor electrodes and capacitor electrodes, and the insulating layers serve as both structural support and dielectric material. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized materials and processes, thereby managing manufacturing complexity while achieving the desired capacitor capacity.
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 solution secures sufficient capacitor capacity within the limited area of a pixel, facilitating the creation of high-resolution display devices by optimizing the capacitor design and layout.
Implementation Method 1
a second insulating layer including a portion formed in the undercut structure and positioned between the first capacitor electrode and the second capacitor electrode to function as a dielectric of the capacitor
Data Source
AI summary
A display device is disclosed that includes: a substrate; a first conductive layer disposed on the substrate; a first insulating layer positioned on the first conductive layer and having an undercut structure forming an opening; a first capacitor electrode including a portion formed in the undercut structure; a second capacitor electrode including a portion formed in the undercut structure and overlapping the second capacitor electrode to form a capacitor; and a second insulating layer including a portion formed in the undercut structure and positioned between the first capacitor electrode and the second capacitor electrode to function as a dielectric of the capacitor.