Source Driver Time-Division Switching for Display Panel Power Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increase in the number of data lines and decrease in spacing between them in display panels complicates the connection of external wirings to display panel drivers, leading to higher power consumption in switches due to the use of thin film transistors with large gate capacitance, which is undesirable for portable devices.
Innovation Solution
A method where one source output of a source driver is connected to multiple data lines through time-division switches, with the switches being kept on during specific periods to reduce the number of switchings and precharge the data lines with a predetermined voltage, thereby minimizing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the number of data lines is increased to improve resolution, then the display quality is improved, but the pitch for external wirings is reduced making connections difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from spatial connection (external wirings) to temporal connection (time-divisional switching). Instead of providing physical space for external wirings, the invention uses time-multiplexed switching within the panel to achieve the same data transmission function, effectively moving the problem from spatial dimension to temporal dimension.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces time-division switches as intermediary elements between the data lines and the external driver. These switches act as mediators that enable connection control through time-multiplexing rather than requiring direct physical connections for each data line, thus resolving the wiring pitch problem.
2Power
If the number of amplifiers is increased to drive more data lines, then the driving capability is improved, but the driver size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single amplifier serve multiple data lines through time-divisional switching. The amplifier is universally applied to drive different data lines at different time intervals, eliminating the need for dedicated amplifiers for each data line and thus reducing driver size and cost while maintaining driving capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic time-divisional switching to allocate a single amplifier to multiple data lines. The amplifier operates periodically, sequentially driving different data lines in time-sliced intervals, which allows one amplifier to fulfill the function of multiple amplifiers.
3Adaptability or versatility
If time-division switches are frequently switched to connect data lines to source outputs, then the data transmission flexibility is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary precharge action to data lines before actual data transmission. By precharging the data lines in advance, the need for frequent switching is reduced, as the lines are already prepared for data reception. This preliminary action decreases the number of switch operations and thus reduces power consumption while maintaining transmission flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous conduction mode for the amplifier, ensuring that the amplifier remains actively connected to the data lines throughout the horizontal period. This continuous connection eliminates the need for frequent switching on and off, reducing switch power consumption while maintaining data transmission flexibility through time-divisional control.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for operating a display apparatus in which one source output of a source driver is connected with first to N-th data lines through first to N-th time division switches, which method includes: driving a first pixel positioned in a first horizontal line and connected with one of the first to N-th data lines, by feeding a first drive voltage to the one of the first to N-th data lines from the one source output with associated one of the first to N-th time division switches; and driving a second pixel positioned in a second horizontal line next to the first horizontal line and connected with the one of the first to N-th data lines, by feeding a second drive voltage to the one of the first to N-th data lines from the source output with associated one of the first to N-th time division switches. The associated one time division switch is kept turned on during a time period from a start time of the driving the first pixel to a start time of the driving the second pixel.