Segmented Contact Pad Design for Corrosion Resistance in LCD Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Contact pads in liquid crystal display panels are prone to corrosion due to humidity, leading to non-uniform common voltage application and potential display failures, as they are compressed by the common electrode of the color filter substrate, causing impressions and subsequent corrosion.
Innovation Solution
A contact pad design featuring a first electrode pattern with an open portion, an insulation layer with contact vias, and a second electrode pattern spaced apart, which provides enhanced corrosion resistance and durability by allowing for electrical connections between the patterns while minimizing the progression of corrosion and external impacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a contact pad is compressed by the common electrode of the color filter substrate, then electrical connection is established, but corrosion spreads and durability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The contact pad is divided into a first electrode pattern and a second electrode pattern separated by an insulation layer. The first electrode pattern includes multiple openings that segment the structure, preventing continuous corrosion paths while maintaining electrical connection through the insulated second electrode pattern.
Solution Approach 2:
An insulation layer is introduced as an intermediary between the first and second electrode patterns. This insulation layer prevents direct contact and corrosion while allowing electrical connection through contact vias, thereby protecting the contact pad from humidity-induced corrosion.
2Reliability
If a contact pad is compressed by the common electrode, then connection is established, but an impression is left that leads to corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The first electrode pattern is segmented into multiple regions separated by openings, which prevents the formation of continuous impressions under compression. The segmented structure distributes mechanical stress while maintaining electrical connectivity through the insulated second electrode pattern.
3Ease of manufacture
If the contact pad structure is simplified, then manufacturing is easier, but corrosion resistance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The contact pad is segmented into two electrode patterns with an insulation layer, which can be formed using standard multi-layer fabrication processes. The openings in the first electrode pattern can be created through conventional photolithography and etching, making the segmented structure compatible with existing manufacturing workflows.
Solution Approach 2:
The first electrode pattern serves multiple functions: providing electrical connection, creating mechanical support, and defining the segmented structure for corrosion resistance. The openings simultaneously serve as corrosion barriers and stress relief features, reducing the need for additional specialized components.
Data Source
AI summary
A contact pad is disclosed including a first electrode pattern with an open portion inside, an insulation layer formed on the first electrode pattern and having a contact via portion formed therein, and a second electrode pattern formed on the insulation layer and electrically connected to the first electrode pattern through the contact via portion. The second electrode pattern comprises single electrode patterns spaced apart from one another. A thin film transistor substrate and a liquid crystal display panel having the contact pad are also disclosed.