Pixel Circuit Self-Compensates LED Degradation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display devices face challenges in self-compensating for light emitting diode (LED) degradation, improving black expression, implementing low-frequency driving, and reducing power consumption due to leakage currents.

Innovation Solution

A pixel and driving method that incorporate specific transistor and capacitor configurations to self-compensate for LED degradation, reduce leakage currents, and enhance black expression and power efficiency through optimized scan and emission signal control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional pixel structures are used, then the device can operate, but it cannot self-compensate for LED degradation

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveLED degradation compensationVSAvoidpixel structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pixel circuit incorporates a feedback mechanism where the driving transistor's gate voltage is adjusted based on the actual current flowing through the LED. The capacitor stores the gate voltage that corresponds to the desired current, and as the LED degrades and requires more voltage for the same current, the feedback network automatically adjusts the gate voltage to maintain constant current,从而实现 self-compensation without external intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The pixel circuit is designed to automatically compensate for LED degradation using only its internal components (transistors and capacitors). The circuit monitors its own operating conditions and self-adjusts the driving parameters without requiring external sensing or control systems, making the pixel self-sufficient in maintaining performance despite component aging

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If conventional driving methods are used, then the pixel can operate, but leakage current prevents low-frequency driving and poor black expression

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelow-frequency driving capabilityVSAvoidleakage current
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The pixel employs periodic scanning signals to control the transistors, with carefully timed pulse widths that allow the circuit to reach stable operating states even at low frequencies. The emission period is synchronized with the scanning period, ensuring that current is properly established during each frame cycle while minimizing residual current between frames, enabling reliable low-frequency operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The circuit design extracts and separates the leakage current paths from the main signal paths using dedicated control transistors and capacitors. By isolating the leakage components and providing separate discharge paths, the harmful leakage current is removed from the light emission control, enabling both low-frequency driving and improved black level performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional pixel designs are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but black expression and power efficiency are poor due to leakage current

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepixel fabricationVSAvoidblack expression and power efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The pixel circuit uses a standardized set of transistors and capacitors that perform multiple functions: the driving transistor controls current, the capacitor stores voltage, control transistors manage timing, and the same components also serve to block leakage currents. This multi-functional design achieves improved black expression and power efficiency without requiring additional specialized components, maintaining ease of manufacture while enhancing performance

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

Data Source

PatentEP3971876B1Pixel and method for driving pixel
Publication Date: 2025.06.18 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • EP3971876B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3971876B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3971876B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A pixel according to the present disclosure includes a light emitting diode including an anode coupled to a first node; a first capacitor including a first electrode coupled to the first node, and a second electrode coupled to a second node; a first transistor including a gate electrode coupled to the second node, a first electrode coupled to a third node, and a second electrode coupled to a fourth node; and a second transistor including a gate electrode coupled to a first scan line, a first electrode coupled to a data line, and a second electrode coupled to the third node.