Shared Pixel Circuit Layout for Fine-Pitch Display Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display devices, particularly head-mounted displays, face challenges in achieving high-resolution images due to the need for a large number of transistors per pixel, which hinders the implementation of fine pixels.
Innovation Solution
A display device design where multiple pixels share a common circuit, reducing the number of transistors required per pixel, including a common circuit connected to the drain electrode of the driving transistor and the cathode electrode of the light-emitting element, with power switching and initialization transistors, and capacitors to manage voltage levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If each pixel has its own separate circuit, then the pixel can operate independently and reliably, but the pixel size increases and fine pixel implementation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges circuit functionality by implementing a shared reference voltage generation circuit that serves multiple pixels. Instead of each pixel having its own independent reference voltage circuit, the reference voltage is generated once and shared across multiple pixels, thereby reducing the overall circuit area while maintaining operational reliability through proper signal sequencing and timing control.
Solution Approach 2:
The reference voltage generation circuit is designed with multi-functionality to serve multiple pixels simultaneously. The circuit can provide reference voltages to different pixels in sequence, enabling a single circuit structure to perform the function that would traditionally require multiple separate circuits, thus reducing pixel size while maintaining reliability.
2Area of moving object
If the number of transistors per pixel is reduced, then pixel size decreases enabling fine pixels, but circuit complexity increases due to shared circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple transistor functions into shared circuit structures. The reference voltage generation circuit uses transistors that can be reused across multiple pixels through time-division or signal-division multiplexing, reducing the total transistor count per pixel while the overall circuit architecture becomes slightly more complex due to the sharing mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared circuit employs dynamic control through timing signals that activate different portions of the shared circuit for different pixels at different times. This dynamic operation allows the same physical circuit to serve multiple functions, reducing static circuit complexity per pixel while introducing temporal complexity in the control signals.
3Area of moving object
If a shared common circuit is implemented, then pixel size is reduced for fine pixel display, but signal interference between pixels may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The shared reference voltage generation circuit operates periodically, providing reference voltages to different pixels in sequential time slots. This periodic operation with proper timing control ensures that only one pixel receives the reference voltage at a time, preventing signal interference while maintaining the benefits of circuit sharing for reduced pixel size.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit employs preliminary timing control and signal sequencing to prepare the shared circuit for the next pixel operation before the current pixel finishes reading. This preliminary action prevents overlapping signals and potential interference by ensuring the circuit is ready for the next operation in advance, maintaining signal integrity while enabling pixel size reduction.
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 design allows for the reduction in pixel size, enabling the implementation of fine pixels with reduced transistor count, thereby enhancing the resolution and efficiency of the display device.
Implementation Method 1
Each pixel may include a light emitting element ED emitting light in response to application of a driving current
Data Source
AI summary
A display device includes a display panel having a display area and a non-display area; a plurality of pixels disposed in the display area; a light emitting element disposed in each of the plurality of pixels; a driving transistor disposed in each of the plurality of pixels and connected to the light emitting element; and a common circuit disposed in the non-display area and connected to at least one of the driving transistor and the light emitting element of each of the plurality of pixels.