Pixel Driving Circuit Test Mode Activation for High-Resolution Displays

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge in the display industry is to effectively miniaturize pixel size for high-resolution displays while ensuring the functionality and defect detection of pixel driving circuits and luminous elements, which are critical for advanced display technologies.

Innovation Solution

A pixel driving circuit with a memory unit, driver, and test controller is implemented, allowing for a test mode activation signal to be generated based on first and second signals, enabling the detection of defects in the pixel driving circuit and luminous elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If pixel size is miniaturized for high-resolution implementation, then display resolution is improved, but pixel driving circuit inspection difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay resolutionVSAvoidpixel driving circuit inspection difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by enabling a test mode that can be activated before final product completion. The test controller allows inspection of pixel driving circuits at an early stage (during wafer fabrication or before module assembly) by generating test signals through existing data lines and scan lines, rather than waiting for complete assembly. This early detection capability addresses the inspection difficulty caused by miniaturization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If pixel size is miniaturized, then display resolution is improved, but defect detection capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay resolutionVSAvoiddefect detection capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by utilizing the existing data lines and scan lines that are already part of the miniaturized pixel structure to generate test signals. Instead of adding separate complex test infrastructure, the pixel driving circuit components themselves are used to perform self-inspection. The memory unit, driver, and other circuit elements generate test signals and receive test results through their own data and scan lines, enabling defect detection without external complex equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Area of moving object

If pixel driving circuit is miniaturized, then pixel size is reduced, but test signal generation capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepixel sizeVSAvoidtest signal generation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing the pixel driving circuit components (memory unit, driver, transistors) to serve dual purposes: normal display operation and test signal generation. The same data lines and scan lines used for driving display content are also utilized to input test signals and read test results. The memory unit and driver circuitry function both as display control elements and as test mode signal generators, eliminating the need for separate dedicated test structures in the miniaturized pixel.

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

Data Source

PatentUS12112667B2Pixel and display apparatus capable of controlling test function preliminary class
Publication Date: 2024.10.08 SAPIEN SEMICON INC
  • US12112667B2 patent drawing
  • US12112667B2 patent drawing
  • US12112667B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A pixel driving circuit includes a memory unit storing data based on a first signal and a second signal, a driver connected to a luminous element and supplying electric power to the luminous element based on the data stored in the memory unit, and a test controller controlling entry into a test mode in which it is tested whether the pixel driving circuit is defective, wherein the test controller generates a test mode activation signal based on the first signal and the second signal.