Pixel Circuit Layout for Fast, Low-Power Display Emission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display devices face challenges in achieving improved display quality and simplifying circuit configurations while maintaining low power consumption and fast response speed.

Innovation Solution

The display device incorporates a pixel structure with a specific arrangement of transistors and capacitors, including an anode connected to a first power line, a cathode, and a series of transistors and capacitors configured to receive various scan and emission control signals, optimizing the display panel's operation through distinct phases like initialization, compensation, and data write periods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a conventional pixel circuit configuration is used, then the display device can maintain basic functionality, but the circuit configuration becomes complex and display quality cannot be sufficiently improved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecircuit configurationVSAvoiddisplay quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The pixel circuit is divided into multiple functional modules: a first transistor for main current control, a second transistor for emission control, a third transistor for reference voltage provision, and multiple capacitors for signal coupling and storage. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function efficiently, simplifying the overall circuit configuration while improving display quality through dedicated control paths for different operational phases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The circuit configuration dynamically adapts to different operational phases (initialization, compensation, data write, emission) by selectively activating different transistors and capacitors. The first transistor controls current during emission phase, while the second transistor provides emission control signals, and capacitors couple signals between phases. This dynamic operation simplifies the circuit by using the same components for multiple purposes at different times.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the pixel circuit includes multiple transistors and capacitors for optimized operation, then display quality improves, but the circuit configuration becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay qualityVSAvoidcircuit configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each transistor and capacitor in the pixel circuit is designed to serve multiple functions across different operational phases. For example, the first transistor controls current during emission phase and can be involved in initialization, while capacitors serve both signal coupling and voltage storage functions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each phase, thereby improving display quality without proportionally increasing circuit complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Capacitors act as intermediaries between different transistors and signal sources, coupling signals between initialization, compensation, and data write phases. The capacitors transfer charge and voltage levels between different circuit nodes, enabling coordinated operation of multiple transistors without requiring direct complex interconnections. This intermediary function simplifies the overall circuit architecture while maintaining optimized multi-phase operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Speed

If the pixel circuit is optimized for fast response speed, then the display device achieves faster response, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse speedVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The pixel circuit operates through periodic phases (initialization, compensation, data write, emission) where different transistors are activated in sequence. During emission phase, the first transistor provides fast current control for rapid response, while the second transistor provides emission control. The periodic activation pattern allows the circuit to achieve fast response during critical emission periods while reducing power consumption during transition and holding phases when fewer transistors are active.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The circuit dynamically changes operational parameters by switching between different transistor configurations based on the operational phase. During emission phase, the first transistor operates with specific gate voltages for fast response, while during initialization and compensation phases, different voltage levels are applied to capacitors and transistors to prepare the circuit state. This parameter switching enables fast response when needed while optimizing power consumption during preparation and holding periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 enhances display quality and simplifies the circuitry, enabling efficient power management and fast response times, thereby improving overall performance.

Implementation Method 1

a light-emitting display device displays an image by using a light-emitting diode that generates light through the recombination of electrons and holes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectroluminescence: Electroluminescence

Data Source

PatentEP4672215A1Display device and electronic device including the same
Publication Date: 2025.12.31 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • EP4672215A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4672215A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4672215A1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

Disclosed is a display device including a display panel including a pixel, the pixel including a light-emitting element including an anode connected to a first power line, and a cathode, a first transistor connected between the cathode and a second node, and configured to operate according to a potential of a first node, a first capacitor connected between the first node and a third node, a second transistor connected between the third node and a data line, and configured to receive a first scan signal, a third transistor connected between the first node and a reference voltage line, and configured to receive a second scan signal, a fourth transistor connected between the second node and the third node, and configured to receive a third scan signal, a first emission control transistor connected between the second node and a second power line, and configured to receive a first emission control signal through a fourth node, and a second capacitor connected between the second node and the fourth node.