Source Driver Time-Division Multiplexing to Reduce Chip Size
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional source drivers require multiple input terminals and a larger chip size due to separate interfaces for setting data and image data, leading to increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A source driver and display controller that receive serial data signals including image data and setting data, using a single interface unit to reduce the number of input terminals and chip size by replacing setting data within a predetermined section of the serial data signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate interface units are provided for setting data and image data, then the source driver can reliably receive and process both types of data, but the number of input terminals increases and chip size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the setting data interface unit and image data interface unit into a single shared interface unit. This interface unit receives serial data signals that can carry both setting data and image data through time-division multiplexing, thereby reducing the number of input terminals and downsizing the chip while maintaining reliable data reception
Solution Approach 2:
The shared interface unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it can receive and process both setting data and image data through the same physical interface. The unit identifies the data type and routes it appropriately, making the interface universal rather than dedicated to a single data type
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate interface units are provided for setting data and image data, then each data type can be processed independently, but the number of input terminals increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the separate interface units into one shared unit, the patent reduces the total component count and interconnections required, directly lowering manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining the ability to handle both data types
3Ease of operation
If separate interface units are provided for setting data and image data, then simultaneous access can be handled, but the number of input terminals increases and chip size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements time-division multiplexing where the shared interface unit alternates between receiving setting data and image data in periodic time slots. This periodic action allows the single interface to handle both data types sequentially, effectively managing simultaneous access requirements without needing separate physical interfaces
Data Source
AI summary
A source driver that includes an interface unit that obtains the image data and the frame control signal from a plurality of serial data signals, and outputs the image data and frame control signal and a clock signal, a switch signal generation unit that generates a switch signal in a predetermined section among the image data based on the frame control signal, a selection unit that outputs the clock signal as a write enable signal and outputs a part of the image data as setting data for image data control and timing control in the predetermined section of the image data according to the switch signal, a timing control unit that generates a source timing signal based on the frame control signal, the second clock signal, and the setting data, and a source drive unit that generates drive signals in synchronization with the source timing signal.